Christmas in July

Your calendar might say that Christmas is a week away, but indulge me as I attempt to catch up on the blog with our Summer recap.

Kate celebrated the Fourth of July with the annual NW Hills Parade. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate had her fill of the parade and with the temperature steadily climbing, it was time to head home to cool off.

A few weeks later we were all moved into our new house.  Grandma and Papa were our first visitors.  It wasn't long before the presents came out and the cameras starting clicking.

 

 

 

 

Papa even got to try his hand at BBQ Texas style!

 

Since the heat of summer was in full swing, we stayed cool in Mia's pool.

 

We even managed to brave the heat one morning with a ride on the Zilker Train.

Wasn't long before someone's cheeks were pink!

The Austin Children's Museum provided some nice indoor entertainment.  Here Kate tries to convince Grandma she really needs a shot.

 

No trip to Texas would be complete without some Tex-Mex.  Kate decided she really liked the salsa.

And proceeded to wear it all over herself!

She even picked up some new skills while Grandma entertained her with videos of their puppy dog on the iPhone.  She's got that finger swipe down pat!

We even convinced Grandma and Papa to come to our weekly music class.

Kate shows Grandma the proper way to wear her lei for Hawaiian day.

Kate gives Papa a few hair styling tips.

One last stop on the Austin tour - Amy's Ice Cream.

Kate was in no mood for any more photos so this was the best we got!

Without Grandma and Papa, Kate was back to making her own fun.  

 

We visited the fire station with our play group.  Kate was less than impressed to sit in the fire truck!

But she makes sure to always accessorize when going out.

Wow, can't believe you've actually stuck with me through this never ending post.  Kind of like how our summer felt!!  On to cooler weather and fall fun!

Kate's Back - Spring Catch Up!

Guess who's back blogging again.  After the public outcry that I was keeping photos of Kate from her beloved fans, we are back!  So that you don't feel slighted I am going to post pictures from right where we left off.  That would be May!  Yikes, it has been a long time.  I won't even begin to give you my string of excuses, but instead let's get right to it.

May brought Mother's Day and Kate and I had a cute photo shoot before she went to bed for a nap and Daddy fixed lunch for me, Mia, and Nana.

 

 

 

Thinking she was up to no good one morning, I went in search of Kate.  Here's what I found her doing.  Wish this were the case every time it got quiet and she disappears. 

Sunday morning coffee and newspaper by the pool.

One Sunday in May, Kate and crew took a day trip to Eagle Lake for cousin Cody's first communion.  While I didn't seem to get any pictures of the man of honor, I do have a few of Kate and cousin Skylar.  

 

Kate definitely takes after me in more ways than one.  At parties she can usually be found around the food table eating chips and dip.  The Texas heat turns us both red!  These pictures are from friend Kaki's second birthday party.    

 

Who can cram more into their mouth?

We'll take a brief break from Kate photos to share a few from our annual Shrimpfest weekend in St. Augustine, Florida.  While Kate enjoyed fun times with Mia, her parents soaked up non-kid time on the beach with good friends and LOTS of shrimp.

Just as a scary side note, these guys are all now fathers!  Congrats to Dave & Brynne and Kalley & Paul on their new little ones. 

Where the weekend gets its name.

 

 

The whole gang

Now back to Kate.  We visited the Austin Children's Museum for the first time with friend Samantha.  The girls had a blast.

 

 

 

 

In June, Kate and I took our first solo road trip to College Station to visit the Wilke family in their new house.  It was a quick trip and I didn't get many pictures of the kiddos - probably  because they wouldn't sit still long enough!  Did manage this group shot (minus baby Jake) and a cute brotherly hug between Austin and Graham.

 

I'll close out this post with a few pictures from Father's Day.  Next up...Summertime!