Happy Mothers Day!

Stephen and I had to go to Mississippi Mother's Day weekend for his cousin, Kelly's, funeral...  It was such a sad weekend for us.... he was way too young!  We drove back to Houston on Sunday and normally when someone offers to take the babies for an extra night, I jump on it, but I really wanted to see them.  There is nothing like death to remind you to be thankful for what you have.  

So even though I was greasy and tired, here is my Mother's day pic with the special little people...

that thoroughly drive me crazy... 

that I adore beyond words ...

that each own my entire heart!!

Sidney, Mitchell, Ivy and Brie and Me!

(My little toot, Luke, wouldn't take the pic with us, but snuck in anyways!)

HUGE thank you to my fam who watched everyone last minute!!)

She's Here!!!!

I can't believe it's been a year since my brother was married in Bali (You can read about my trip here!)  I really can't believe it's been a year since I've been on a true vacation.  I've decided that in the future 4 small long weekend vacations are better than one long 2 week vacation because no matter how long you are gone, things are always CRAY-ZAY when you get back and you MUST have something to look forward to in order to stay sane!!   Well, in a perfect world you could have one big one and the 4 little ones to tide you over, but in my world I don't get both.... 

But I digress...  We fell in love with Alit when went to Bali last year and were beyond excited that Neal married her!  We were ready for her to come to Texas right away, but Neal had to finish his project and then it took FOR-EVAH to get Alit's visa.  Who knew it was so tough to get to live in America especially married to an American!?!  When all was said and done, Neal had to come home only a month earlier than Alit!  Of course, he flew back to get her... Now that is true love, people, considering that flight is 24 hours!!

My mom and sisters and me went to get them from the airport...  We made signs, bought some bubbly, used Margaret's driver so we didn't have to deal with Houston traffic and made a night of it!  We were so excited it felt like Christmas! 

Amy and Marg

 Marg and Gwladys

Welcome Home Alit

First Hug

Everyone

Finally Here!!!

The babies ADORE Alit... They call her Bibi (Balinese for aunt!)  You would have thought they had know her their entire life!

Bibi over for a Play Date

Swimming

Our family in FINALLY complete!  All of the siblings have found their soul mates and we feel complete!!!

Here come the 40's....

Welcome to the season of 40th celebrations!  Woo-Hoo!  They say that the 40's are the new 30's, right?? Although I am a few years away, some of those near and dear to me are starting to lead the way.  I can't say I am thrilled about turning 40, but any reason to all get together and do something fun, I guess I'm all for!


This past weekend the lucky man was our b/f/f Robert John aka Aaaaarrrrrgg!!  When I tell you we have been through some stuff with this boy, I mean STUFF!  Seriously, I could write a book!  You name it... crisis, calm, fun, crazy... we've been in it together!  LOVE. HIM.


We decided on a staycation for the big event...  Believe it or not staycation is in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary!  :a vacation spent at home or nearby.  Susan, RJ's wife, chose an adorable hotel AVIA in The Woodlands (about 40 minutes away from Houston.)  It's on an adorable little street with tons of cute shops and restaurants!  (Market Street)  So we had the feel of being on vacation without any of the traveling misery...


As with any good vacation, it all starts at the pool! 

Birthday Boy and Sooze

Me and Stephen

Sisters

Everybody!

Boys: Chris, Damon, Stephen & RJ

Girls: Dana, Elle, Aim, Sooze

RJ and Me

With the Ladies.... 

Smoking hot for 40, RJ!

The Farleys

Stephen and Dana

The Girls

We probably could have stayed by the pool all night, we were having so much fun, but we had dinner reservations and a celebration to get on with!

Us again...

(Not a huge fan of Cajun Shrimp on the fingernails.)

Waiting for the Zimmers to come down...

Dinner was at Uni Sushi and was AWEsome!  If you live close by you have to try it!

Dana and Aim

The Zimmers

The Guys Celebrating with Cold Sake (ick!)

So when 8 incredibly close, incredibly silly friends who don't get to spend enough time with each other get together without kids, things can get cray-cray!  

Happy 40th!

Bed Jumps

Planking

Kicks!

We had big plans to be out all night closing down the clubs but with the sun and drinks by the pool all day topped with a huge dinner, after a great attempt to party, we were back at the hotel in bed by 1!  I guess we are getting old after all.... HA!!


Thank you to Nonna for watching the babies!!!!