TexiCali Girls Weekend 2011

I've been blessed to have many amazing friends in my life. When we moved to Bakersfield, I made some wonderful friends that I know will forever be apart of my life. A few months ago, these lovely ladies asked if they could visit after Peyton was born. Marissa has made several trips to Texas, but it would be a first for the rest of the ladies. I've been counting down the days until they arrived a few weeks ago.

Since this was the first time for three of the girls to visit Texas, I wanted to make sure they left with a lasting impression. Besides, I've been bragging about the great state of Texas for a very long time, so their expectations were high.

The weather couldn't have been better. The sun was shining and fall has settled into North Texas. Is it bad that most of our weekend revolved around food and shopping?

 

 Marissa, Me with Peyton, Sarah, & Jayme after we devoured 12 cupcakes from my favorite cupcake spot. Don't worry, we shared all the different flavors, but I didn't get a chance to take a picture because we were hungry. I'm assuming Rachel was in a food coma and that is why she didn't make it in this picture.

 The California girls outside of Billy Bob's. I haven't been since college, but they wanted to go out and experience everything Texas. What is better than visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards.

 For lunch one day, we ate at Cooper's BBQ. The girls were able to experience Brisket at it's finest. We also had Pappasito's that weekend. BBQ and TexMex are a must when visiting Texas.

 Obviously I didn't get the memo to wear black. 

 One afternoon we all had spa pedicures. It relaxed Jayme so much that she fell asleep waiting for her nails to dry.

 Aunt Rissa holding Peyton for the first time.

Sarah working it. 

It was a much needed weekend and I'm so thankful that Adam didn't mind having all of this estrogen in the house. We had two babies that were 4 months old and younger, two toddlers, 5 women and Adam under one roof. I love these girls and can't wait to visit Bakersfield next.

How I spent my Memorial Day Weekend

The hardest part about leaving Bakersfield, was saying goodbye to some of the best people and friends I have ever known. I knew that I couldn't wait too long before going back for a visit. Adam was kind enough to give the okay to plan a solo trip out to see my girls. It worked out perfectly with our friend Rachel's baby shower. The only people that knew I was coming were Marissa & Jayme.

 I seriously couldn't get enough cuddle time with the Mooney kids. They are family and I miss them so much. Here I am with Braden right before his last wrestling tournament of the season.

 Madison & I before she went to cheer that afternoon. I got really sunburned watching her, but it was worth it to see her so happy and doing her thing.

 With the Luke, aka "birthday boy!" He warmed my heart so much and kept talking about his wife, Taylor, and how he couldn't wait to come to Mason's house this summer.

 Besties and of course Luke had to be in the picture. It was his birthday after all.

 Celebrating 4 years!

 Marissa did a great job planning Rachel's shower.

 Our friend Jamie P. made these yummy chocolate covered strawberries.

 With Rachel. She had no idea I would be there until I surprised her at church that morning. All of our kids are the same age and we have been pregnant at the same time with each pregnancy (except I was still in Houston while pregnant with Mason)

Rachel being showered with love. We can't wait to meet Abigail in July.

 With two of my favorite people Marissa & Jayme. This was after Jayme and I sat on the couch having an ugly cry over how much we missed each other and the direction our lives have taken us this past year.

 The group. These are the girls that made it so hard to say goodbye to Bakersfield. A piece of my heart will forever be in Bakersfield due to them.

Right before Marissa & Jayme drove me to the airport. Adam asked if we were wearing sunglasses because we had been crying and I laughed and said that would have been a good reason. Instead we just figured it would make for a better picture. We're cool like that.



Kern County Fair

Last week while Grandma was in town, we decided to take a few hours and head out to the Kern County Fair. We knew seeing some animals and getting out of the house would do Mason some good. Mason was such a trooper and even though he didn't feel great, he still managed to have a good time.

Checking out the Cows

Grandma & Daddy with Mason & Taylor

We were front and center for the parade. Mason loved seeing all the old cars and firetrucks.

Checking out the baby goats.

We were VERY limited on what Mason could eat that night, so of course he asked for Ice Cream. (We loaded up on ice cream before the surgery and of course this was the only ice cream he ate all week)

Such a good big brother, sharing his ice cream with Taylor.

The Family