An Arkansas wedding, meeting lots of litte ones, and playdates- covering 2 weeks

I can't believe little guy is 8 months old! Seriously...we love you so much!!
The end of March me made the trip to NWA for one of my besties wedding. **Total side note and really just for me..but on the way we had to stop in McAlester OK, and we put the kiddo in the seat part of the cart. He loved it, couldn't stop laughing, and talking to everyone. I had been waiting to do this when Daniel was with us plus I knew he would eat it up. I will say that this makes it much harder to get through a store quickly! He smiles at everyone and then they all want to talk to him. HA! Makes me heart happy to have such a happy little guy!**

We stayed with Rebecca and Rob whom we hadn't been able to see in a few months. Thank so much letting us crash at your place on our way through. Wyatt also stayed in his PeaPod for the first time it was a success! I highly suggest if you travel a lot to get a PeaPod instead of having to take the Pack n Play. We travel so much the Pod is just much easier and takes up hardly any space!
Ok now back to the real story! Kerryanne and I met in college and were sorority sisters. She married a great guy who I also knew in college, although the two of them didn't meet for several years later. The bride looked gorgeous!

I am extremely happy for them and wish the cute couple much happiness. We had a great time at the wedding, as we got to see Cassie, Adam, and little Miss Maye. Little girl is a cutie pie. Wyatt and Maye were adorable together and we got some cute pictures. Sue also few in from FL and I always love reminiscing with her. I love having friends that we don't see often and pick up just like it was yesterday! After the wedding we walked around campus because, I had to show Wyatt where he could be attending college! HA! (Love ya Daniel!)


Something I have dreamed of.. playing with my family on Old Main Lawn! I remember doing this as a kid and wanted to someday do this with my family!

We were lucky enough to be able to stay with Andrea, Marshall, Ashlynn, and Jaxton. My parents came up to watch the kiddos so we could go to dinner. I think they were excited to see our friends also! AW-We had so much fun staying at your gorgeous new house! Thank you for having us and we feel very special to have been your first house guests. Although..you know I totally think you did above and beyond for us! DG twls are fine! HA!
Sunday morning we had a crew for lunch. We met Shannon, Jason and Baby Bryce at Common Grounds on Dickson. My parents, the Watson's and Sue joined us as well. It was quite the change to be on Dickson with kids! HA! Wyatt got to sit in an highchair in a restaurant for the first time...a fun milestone! We had a great brunch catching up. Shani-Bryce is adorable and I can't wait for the two boys to get into some "fun" aka Big pimpin in the Trooper! I am so sad I didn't snap a picture of you and Bryce! We did have a lot going on at that table! HA!
Daniel left to drive back to TX on Sunday and I stayed with my parents for a week and a half longer. This way they could get in some playtime with Wyatt and we would be able to see a few more people while in town. Wyatt got to see lots of my parents land, animals, play with Elmo the monkey, celebrate my mama's birthday, and swing, swing, swing.





We were able to see my parents neighbors Connie, Darrell. Connie I am still dreaming of that yummy lunch and Wyatt got to nap with Mouser! One evening we stopped in to see Tammy and George as well as Patrick and Kayci and I got to meet little Miss Charlotte. Charlotte is few months younger than Wyatt, but I have a feeling and hope that one day they can be friends just many years just like Patrick and I. We were also able to have a Saturday afternoon play-date with Jennifer, Rusty, MacKenzie, Katie, and Malachi. Wyatt loved Malachi's toys and is really starting to play with other kiddos. Jennifer's mom stopped by while I was visiting and it was nice to see her. Jennifer and I talked about how we used to spend as many nights together as we could get away with! Fun memories!My dad and I took little guy to see my Aunt Phil and Uncle Johnny. My aunt isn't doing great, so we really wanted her to be able to see Wyatt again. We stopped at my cousin's restaurant for lunch before heading to my aunts and Shawn and Lafonda got to see the little guy for a few minutes. Wyatt and I met my mom at her school for lunch one day so she could show him off. She loved introducing him to everyone again. Its so funny to me that I know almost all the teachers that my mom works with..either they taught at Altus, were teaching while I was in school, or are close to my age. Actually I think it is kinda neat! They always know where we live and what we are up too! They all ask about us..I guess our lives are pretty different from most! **Whew we were busy!**

Monday evening before I left my mom and I had a girls night with one of her students. We took a sweet girl out to dinner and to shop for clothing. In this girls 15 years she had not been shopping for herself. Between Daniel and I, my parents, and my moms art club we were able to get her several new outfits, shoes, essentials, a bathing suite, and a a few girlie things. It warmed my heart so much to actually see how much she appreciated the things we got her. Daniel and I give often either money to students and families at my moms school or clothing items however, this time I saw first hand the impact we had and look of excitement and joy it brings. Make me happy we are able to help in some little way and give back to the community in which I was raised.

Wyatt and I flew back to TX last Wed. The flight went smoothly and Wyatt did great. He has flown before, but I was a little nervous because you just never know with kiddos. I can't get over how many people want to help you when you are flying alone with a baby. It can be nice as they want to help in anyway they can. The flight attendants kept gushing over him and they told me a million times he should be a baby model. Well sure...:)
Daniel's sister was nice enough to have us over for dinner. Michelle - I really appreciated this as it was nice to not have to come in and cook!
We had a great visit and I know my parents are really missing us. They loved having us, spoiled Wyatt, and probably didn't mind the fact that I made dinner every night! HA! Miss you guys!
Let us know how you are all doing!

The post you have been waiting on....

Ok get ready...we have been keeping the roads warm!

In August, we made the drive over to Oklahoma, to jump Hershey in the Claremore 2010 Dog Expo. My parents came up to cheer on their grand-dog and watch her win! Hershey placed 1^st and 2^nd in the Dock Dogs Big Air Junior Division with an ultimate best jump of 14,5”. She moved up this competition from the Novice to the Junior Division based on her distance. We are proud parents! We also met Melisse and her dog Yaska (both are amazing) a Malamute, the breed that won overall at the CynoSport World Championship last year. Team Yaska went all the way to win 1st place at the Dock Dogs Nationals. I know we will be seeing more of them at dock diving events in the future. We had a great weekend, are so glad we were able to see my parents, and get another win!! A summer of dock practice at the lake paid off!

The next week we dropped off our babies with R and R and headed to the airport to begin our vacation in Cabo! Jill and Jason were there to greet us at the resort when we arrived. We had an amazing week with a lot of relaxing on the beach, by the pool, making new friends, and catching up . The guys went deep sea fishing and caught 2 huge Marlins. They had a great time and still talk about it.

The resort, friends, and the fishing trip

Jill and Jay

The resort had an amazing view however, up close the landscape was outstanding. We all rented jet skis and went over to Lovers Beach, the Arch to see the sea lions, Lands End, and to view the Pacific Ocean side.

Jet ski's, Sea Lion up close, Lands End

Daniel and I also went zip lining at Wild Canyon and had a blast! It was quite intense with a lot of hiking and was totally different than any other zip lining I had done. I would totally do it again, but this place was the real deal!
We had an amazing trip and already want to go back. Jill and Jason thank you so much for asking us to take a trip with you...we loved every second of it!!! We are so lucky to have friends like you!

After a relaxing week we headed back on Saturday to pick up our babies from R and R’s. We stayed the rest of the weekend to hang out because we had not seen them in a while.

The babies "look" so sweet...

Before we left we decided to make our vacation a combo Anniversary and Daniel's birthday trip..but I couldn't let his birthday go by without a little celebration. A few days after we got home it was time to celebrate. Dinner was low key with chicken and dumpling followed by a fabulous cheesecake. It was the perfect end to an amazing trip! Happy Birthday D I love you!

We made another trip out the lake for one last fun weekend however,it was so cold and rainy we didn't even get in the water! So, we enjoyed it by visiting with the neighbors, catching up on some reading, and watching movies.

The next weekend packed up for Dallas to dog sit for R and R. We were also able to see my parents, Ben, Ann, and Connor as well as my grandparents. It was a busy visit but we had a blast!

Daniel and I were finally able to make it to the Texas Sate Fair! We have been talking about going for 5 years and have been out of state the last few. I do have to say its much bigger than any other state fair I have attended. We had a great time, but were exhausted within a few short hours. We went on a Baylor game weekend and it was packed! I still don't know how all the parents with little kids do it and last all day. I think that might be too much for me! HA! I am so glad we went and we want to try and make it back next year..just not on a game weekend!

Big Tex, Ferris Wheel, and the strip

Early October we headed to Austin for Aaron and Gretchen’s baby shower. Both of us were excited to be close enough that we were able to drive down for the weekend. We were pleasantly surprised as we got to see many friends that went to school with Daniel and most we had not seen since we started traveling. We used to see them all time when we lived in Austin. We are so happy for Gretchen and Aaron. They had little Leo a few weeks ago and from what Aaron tells Daniel having a newborn in the house is easy! While in town, were also able to see Daniel's family as well as Ben, Ann, and Connor. Daniel's mom had everyone over for a barbecue and we got in some good family time. Michelle also had little Jacob a few weeks ago and from the pictures he is a cutie! We stopped by Ben and Ann's house to hug on Connor and make a video for my parents. We enjoyed our trip and are happy we decided to head to Austin for the weekend.

The next weekend we headed back to Dallas for a memorial service for my grandfather. He had been sick for a while and as sad as loosing a family member is, we all know he had a good full life. The memorial service was very nice, my mother did a great job giving the eulogy, as well as my brother saying words. The house was packed for a reception at my grandmothers and that is exactly what she needed. We all know she has a great group of friends to surround her with love and support.

My dad and KoKo got some fun play time outside with Connor. Daniel also has a new buddy, Connor was helping him write a paper for school.

November 3 was our 3rd Anniversary (you know when I was supposed to blog HA!) Well this year was leather and apparently..two great minds think alike! ;) I again ordered the cake topper and as every year something happens. This year they made our chocolate chocolate cake, vanilla. The lady came out and said "How does this look, dear?" My response laughing" Um..well I think its supposed to be chocolate." She nearly died and ran into the back and 15 minutes later came out with the perfect topper! I thought it was funny and came home to get ready for dinner. So long story short blah, blah, blah, we come home from dinner and the precious babies had eaten the entire thing!!!!!!!!!! They were so excited to see us! I bet all jacked up on sugar..silly dogs! We could not believe they did not make a mess and we almost did not notice the cake box on the floor. Needless to say we were not happy! We still love them but geesh! Happy Anniversary Daniel here is to 57 more.. we'll be a young 88 and 94 ;)Lets see what else...I flew to AR to visit with the family before Thanksgiving. While in town I was able to attend little Jaxton's first birthday party and visit with several dear friends. Andrea did amazing job on the decorations, food, everything! Thank you guys for inviting me! Jaxton and Ashlynn are so cute and enjoyed visiting with everyone at the party!

Trips to AR are always packed and there are so many people we want to see. I was able to get together with Andrea, Shannon, Jennifer as well as, many family friends. Love you ladies and hope we can make it back soon so we can do it again!

Ben and Ann came in early in the week while the rest of the family arrived on Wednesday. Poor Daniel worked, drove in, and then had school work to do that night. We had a great Thanksgiving with both my dad and mom's family. This was the first year to have both sides together and we enjoyed getting to see everyone at once.

While in town, we helped my parents put up a few Christmas decorations as ours are in storage.(Daniel was just certain we would be back to Austin before the holidays..silly D) My dad and Daniel also made a trip to the preserve to quail hunt. They had a great time and I am glad they were able to go before we left town. This year Christmas shopping has been a task as I started out on behind the 8 ball. I have been frantically trying to get all the shopping done and at this moment I am 99.9% finished. That makes me happy! The Christmas cards are coming as well...I am waiting for them to arrive so I can send them out. Wowza someone needs to get on the ball! HA!

We also recently nailed down our next rotation. We are traveling to Oregon! From what I can tell the town is in a valley so it doesn't get super cold or super hot! We shall see! One big plus..lots of snowboarding resorts within an hour drive! ;) Daniel starts his rotation on January 19 so we will be heading out early on the 15th. Its a 3 day drive and obviously we have no room for issues...Please keep your fingers crossed!

Finally I guess I need to add the reason I have been neglecting the blog, shopping, etc. I have been a little "under the weather." Right around Thanksgiving my migraines came back full force and have been present almost every other day. Guess what?!? We are having little nugget in July! Yesterday (12-21-10) we had our first doctors appointment, everything is going great, and baby is growing on track. I will say I was not prepared for the migraine increase nor the actual unknown by doctors as far as migraines go with expectant mothers. I am actually further along than we previously thought and currently almost 11 weeks! So as my mom said today "Wow you are almost a third of the way done!" I responded "Wow, um... well yea I guess I am!" I don't know what I expected yesterday, but I really wasn't expecting to see a little baby on the screen or hear a heartbeat. So yes we are adding a little nugget to our full-time lifestyle of traveling on the road craziness! I think we are going to have many many stories of raising a baby on the road but its an adventure we are ready to tackle. We could not be more excited to share this news! I also have to add, I was overwhelmed with joy by all the comments and nice words we have heard from everyone! Thank you so much!!
I hope this post finds all of our friends and family in good health, good spirits, and living life to the fullest. Please leave a comment to let us know how you are doing. We miss talking to everyone!!!

We hope each of you has a safe and Merry Christmas!
Many Many Hugs!!!

Daniel and Melissa