30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 6 - { Childhood Memory }

:: Today's Photo Challenge :: { Childhood Memory } 
I was very fortunate to have a wonderful father growing up. He was in the military, but home most of the time. On rare occasions that he would have to travel, I would miss him terribly, but always looked forward to the surprises he would bring home for my Mom, sister, and I. :)
He traveled to Singapore once, and brought home these beautiful handmade coin purses for my sister and I. I still have it after all these years. I wonder if my sister still has hers?
:: Today's Gratitudes :: My Dad, and how he cherishes the women in his life, my own husband who is just as an amazing father to our children, for bright sunshine, my children's laughter and the way they play together despite the 8 year age difference.

// Flashback Friday // Peppermint Patties

Me: 1981 My Girl: 2004

My Girl and I both shared a love for York Peppermint Patties when we were toddlers. When My Girl was little, I used to always have a bag in the house, and so did Grahamcracker. I think I might just have to pick some up soon! :)

the hat

We were recently at Old Navy, just browsing, and found this adorable fedora for Baby Boy. I snapped a photo with my phone and posted it on Facebook, but put it back as it was kind of pricey!
Well, Nana saw the picture and heard we had put it back. She demanded we return and buy it for him. She would send some money ASAP.
She said it was too adorable to pass up...I have to agree!
Thank you NANA! :)

Salado, Texas - The Cabin

Around the cabin...

The rustic interior...

The loft where My Girl slept...she was completely enamored with the idea of a loft and expressed that when she had a house of her own there would most definitely be a loft in it!

We were all pretty taken with it's charm and size. I want to live in a house just this size. So cozy and manageable. :)

Salado, Texas

Memorial Day weekend, we were blessed to spend a wonderful 24 hours with my husband's Dad and his lovely wife.
We stayed at the Rose Mansion in Salado, Texas in one of their very quaint cabins on the grounds.
Fortunately, the low 100 degree temps that we have been experiencing lately had not arrived then. We enjoyed relaxing in the sun room, on the terrace, and on the patio of our cabin. Sipping wine and enjoying each other’s company.
Dreamy isn't it?

Exploring the grounds...

Lovely souls...

This image is definitely a treasure. My Girl and her Pop Pop.

A few images around the mansion... I loved the "viewfinder." It actually worked!

Our cabin...(I plan to share some images of the interior tomorrow.)

Snuggling in bed watching Blue's Clues on my iPhone. (trying to buy more time in bed...it was EARLY ;)

And a few images taken with my iPhone...

::weekend road-trip::

Last weekend we headed south to spend the time with family. We always enjoy these mini road-trips. We love to explore together as a family. Baby Boy doesn't do so well after two hours or so. These mini road-trips are perfect. It was also nice to be with family. We always enjoy getting together when we can. This trip was a little clouded by medical issues and concerns, so we weren't able to see some family. My Girl got a stomach virus the day we were supposed to leave, so we ended up staying an extra day.

Baby Boy went right to Pop Pop when he saw him.

It's become somewhat of a "tradition" for David and I to make breakfast one morning while we visit. Love family meals!

The kids had fun with a cheap bubble toy we picked up at the grocery store.

 A long-standing tradition with Pop Pop... Checking the mail.
The mailbox is around the corner from his house and they enjoy the short walk.
They have since toddler-hood. :)

I just love these images of Baby Boy on Pop Pop's patio that I snapped with my iPhone.
He is such a sweetie! Be-Be says she supposes he should never wear any other color but blue.

Be-Be and I stole away for a bit and explored Restoration Hardware. Such beautiful stuff that's way out of my league!

And a trip would not be complete without a meal at the Whole Foods salad bar!

my sis came to visit! :)

♥small town farmers market ♥coffee shop ♥joyful laughter ♥crazy antics ♥mud buddies ♥IKEA ♥water park fun ♥Chipotle ♥playing in the hose ♥making hula hoops ♥sitting on the porch ♥making chocolate chip cookies ♥and peanut butter too!☺♥slip n' slide ♥sidewalk chalk ♥homemade lattes ♥iPods/iPhone fun ♥Lego Indiana Jones ♥popcorn ♥donuts ♥Littlest Pet Shop ♥deep conversation ♥hugs ♥sunshine


It was a fast 6 nights, but some of the best yet this Summer! I am so glad my sister made the 3,306 mile road trip to my house to visit us! And I'm also SO glad she brought along my youngest niece (my brother's daughter) and her sweet Mama! It was the first time I had met this little sweetie, and she's TWO! I see a lot of my brother in her, but she is a lot like her Mama, and just as beautiful!
My sister was my first best friend, and I admire her so much!
She is ♥REAL ♥FUNNY ♥HONEST ♥STRONG ♥CONFIDENT ♥LOYAL ♥GENEROUS
Anyone that meets her can't help but fall in love with her. She has amazing kiddos as well, and they had me in stitches with their antics many times! Love this crazy bunch and miss them already!

She's Here!