Meeting Mr. Brooks

As usual, Cody and I had an eventful Valentine's week full of lots of work and not so much play. We have gotten pretty used to being apart for the day of love thanks to Bayer's yearly meeting in Austin at this time every year, so I was excited to meet Cody in San Antonio to spend some time with him and my family once the weekend rolled around. We did the usual eating too much, shopping a little, playing games and relaxing and it was absolutely wonderful. I just hate that the visits seem to go by more and more quickly every time we go. This time it was especially sad since we won't be back to SA until the end of June, but I'm sure that will be here before we know it.

To begin the photo montage for this post, I must share a picture of the cutest niece in all the land sporting her Valentine's Day onesie that Aunt Britt made for her. She's just a doll and I want everyone to know it.

While in SA, we also happened to be lucky enough to meet my good friend Morgan's sweet little bundle, Brooks, who is just over a week old. Morgan and I have been friends since  our Churchill cheerleading days, and it was wonderful to see her in all her mommy glory. She and her husband Nathan are already fantastic parents, and their little man was so handsome and such a good baby. When we got to the house, the dog barked and Brooks just slept peacefully without a peep. Talk about one chill dude! Morgan said that he prefers a little noise when he's asleep, and will often get upset if it's totally silent in the room. We had a blast visiting with Morgan and Nathan and meeting their sweet angel. It's still so hard to believe that we are old enough to be parents- seems like just yesterday Morgan and I were competing at Disney World for cheer nationals!

Brooks Richard Tondre

Morgan, Brooks and me. Love this sweet family!

30 and Fabulous

Last weekend, Cody and I were so excited to be able to join his family in Houston to celebrate his sister Katie's 30th birthday. Katie and I agreed that 30 sounds like such a "legit adult" and it's hard to believe that she's reached that milestone! Hopefully she had as much fun as we did celebrating her birthday and spending time together.

Cody headed to Houston on his way to a week-long conference in Austin this week, and I just happened to get lucky and have the best in-laws who flew me in at the last minute so that I could be part of the fun. The whole family was together for the first time since Thanksgiving, and we enjoyed lots of good food, visiting and relaxation. It's still like an out-of-body experience to be back in Houston, and I must admit, I miss it at times. Perhaps it's the green landscape, bodies of water, or the amazing shopping... oh well, guess it makes the visits that much more exciting since Las Cruces has a bit of a shortage on those things. :) We had lots of fun hanging out with the fam, seeing some old friends and spending some quality time with our sweet niece, Addison. She continues to grow so fast and it's so fun to see her change. I even tagged along on her 6 month photo shoot and got to get my clown on in the middle of downtown Houston. The things we do for those little ones! I wouldn't have traded it for anything, and turns out I'm pretty good at that clown act. (Surprise, surprise!) Excuse the dark quality of some of the pics- clearly I forgot how to use a flash.

The birthday girl! 

The Ginger trio

Uncle Cody and Princess Addie

Sweet angel!

So fab in her spring attire, ready to strike a pose.

Papaw and his princess

Too cute for words!

6 months old and the brainwashing is done. Whoop!

We can't wait for the next time we all get together. Once again, we're reminded of just how blessed we are to have not one, but two amazing families so full of love. Until next time!