The Riviera Maya

My handsome husband and I got away for our first real vacation post-Kit back in October. We spent seven days in the Riviera Maya. I was really excited for the vacation and the one-on-one time with Ryan, but I was anxious about leaving Kit. My anxiety only worsened when I learned, on the second day, that we were in the direct path of Hurricane Rina. With weak cell phone service and only two computers for the entire resort, I was freaking out a bit. My worst fear was getting stuck in Mexico and spending extra days in a shelter. Fortunately, the resort was well-prepared and we ended up not having to go to the shelter because the hurricane weakened into a tropical storm. Thank goodness! Otherwise, the trip was really great. We had good weather, for the most part, and the food was outstanding. But most of all, Ryan and I were able to spend time together.

the park in December

The last day of 2011 brought beautiful weather so we went to the park.
Kit loved going down the slide and watching the ducks.

Potpourri

A selection of random photos...

Kit's fall photos taken by the great Ansley Reese Photography.

I love my job, in case it isn't obvious.

pistols firing!

future cowgirl (not if her daddy has anything to say about it)

All the cousins, me and Chris, Malinda, mom and Grams on Thanksgiving

my little chubby gymnast who still manages to say "cheese" while hanging.

Kit and my sweet friend, Julie's little girl named Tatum had a playdate!

me and my girl

all bundled up (1/2/12)

Kit and Madge together again

They loved the stairs. Mommies did not.

They also loved clapping.

They loved jumping.

They love each other.

Margaret's going to be a big sister!

Carter and Kit

My best friend and her husband came over a few weeks ago and brought Kit's betrothed, Carter. At first, she wasn't too sure about him, but as you'll see below, she warmed up quite quickly.

Boy, you have the wrong idea about me. -Kit

Actually, you're quite cute. -Kit

Girl, I'm too young for this. -Carter

Maybe if I show you my belly button, you'll change your mind. -Kit
You crazy. -Carter

Oh, you saw all that? -Kit & Carter

Christmas 2011

This year we spent the week before Christmas with Ryan's folks in Texas. We came home the day before Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, we went to church and then my dad, Casey, Cassidy (step-brother), Chris (brother), his girlfriend Malinda and my beautiful nieces came over for dinner. I made chicken enchiladas and cream corn casserole. We had a great evening!

my niece Rylee

my niece Kennedy

Malinda and Chris

On Christmas morning, Kit woke up to the Cozy Coupe that Santa brought. When she came around the corner to see the car, she immediately ran to it and hoped inside! I'd say we've already put about 3 miles on the ol' Cozy Coupe. Unfortunately, Kit started throwing up shortly thereafter. She had a 24-hour stomach bug which means we stayed home in our pajamas. It's not a bad way to spend Christmas. I just missed my family and of course, the food!

Merry Christmas (a few days late)

I had big plans to take Kit to North Pole City to meet the best Santa this side of the North Pole. Well, things didn't go according to plan once she saw Santa. She lost it and there was no way she was going to sit on his lap. This is what we came up with...