Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Oh, happy day!

Sweet Makenna Grace finally decided to make her presence yesterday,
9/29/09 at 7:40 pm.

Congrats Krista & Casey!
Paul & I can't wait to meet her :)

From the garden

Farewell & goodbye

I just found out yesterday that Patrick Swayze died on Monday. How could I have missed that news?? (probably because I don't watch TV). I was a HUGE fan of him when I was younger. My cousin Angela and I had Dirty Dancing memorized-- word for word. We would watch that movie two & three times a day during our Burleson summer visits! You couldn't peel us away from the TV during any dancing scenes of that movie. I'm certain Patrick Swayze is the reason why any young girl in the late 80's wanted to be a dancer. hmm.... and I bet she's already gotten to dance with him...... I think I'm a little jealous ;)

One year ago...

Exactly one year ago, Paul, Stretch, & I were evacuating this island-home of ours as Hurricane Ike approached Galveston. With both cars packed, filled only with the essential items from my newly edited "P&K's Hurricane Evacution List", and suitcases to accommodate just a long weekend --(I specifically remember telling Paul: 'We'll just be gone for a long weekend. We don't need to pack up everything like we did when we evacuted for Rita.' (!)-- we said goodbye to our boarded-up home and thus began our very own Evacution Escapades across Texas.



Two months later, after traveling from Ft. Worth, to San Antonio, to Houston-- we were finally able to move back home. The term "Home Sweet Home" now has a whole new meaning. We will forever be grateful for all of our family & friends who helped us out & let us stay a while!

Happy Anniversary, Kelley & Ross!

Paul & I were just reminiscing about our fabulous Colorado vacation one year ago. I can't believe it's been a year since you guys got married!! The vacation, your wedding, & all of the pre-wedding festivities will forever be a part of my most favorite memories. Thanks for showing us how great your city is! Enjoy today & all the anniversaries to come! Cheers to you two :)

Love,
Kara

The Big 3-0!

For Paul's 30th birthday we took the week off work & celebrated with family. We spent last weekend in Bastrop State Park in several of their cabins. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for this time of year in Texas! We spent our time playing at the pool, taking walks throughout the park, and of course- eating excellent food! This was the first time that our nieces from Paul's side of the family got to meet our nephews from my side of the family. The kids had a great time playing together! Ben, especially, had a wonderful time playing with his "gulls"!



After the Bastrop weekend, we stationed ourselves in San Antonio for the remainder of the week. Paul treated himself by going mountain biking or road riding everyday on some of his favorite trails & roads. Other than riding, the days entailed plenty of delicious meals, a trip to our favorite hill country winery, & lots of play time with Ben & Logan! It's been a great birthday celebration week!

The birthday boy-- ready to ride.

All cleaned up & ready for a delicious birthday dinner!

I think Ben was more excited about Uncle Paul's presents than the real birthday boy.

Silly boys

Pool time with Logan

This is how Logan celebrated Uncle Paul's birthday!

August in review

By now, all of you reading this know that I'm truly the worst blogger ever. With that said, here's what's been going on....from last month :)

A reason to miss Ft. Worth: my best friend, Krista & soon-to-be Baby Girl Makenna!
Here we are at the FW baby shower.

"...and they all fall down." The trees, that is.
Via chainsaws & tractors. Our tree on the far left is no more.
Galveston currently has a big tree replanting initiative going on now that they have removed all of the dead ones.

But have no pity because there are wonderful little things growing here! Our garden is doing great!

Back in mid June, I planted some butternut squash seeds without really expecting much.
To my surprise, they have done so well & have totally taken over!
Mmmm.....butternut squash soup, roasted butternut squash ravioli...coming up!
Delish.

And last, but certainly not least: my basil on steroids!
This stuff grows so easy here on the island--and with little effort. I love it when Stretch goes snooping around the garden and then comes inside smelling like basil!