Labor Day Weekend 2013

   Having a three day weekend made it rough to get out of bed this morning. I miss my summer vacation, and I want it back! My sister, Claire and her husband Cameron came into town with one of my favorite people, my 2 year old niece, Riley. We spent quality time together at the pool, and then celebrating my Dad's birthday. Both of my nieces were together and I was able to capture some cute pictures. It is such a blessing to have all of my family live so close and I think it's very cool that my brothers and sisters also just happen to be my best friends. I wouldn't have it any other way.
   I am now hoping this four day work week goes by quickly because I can't get enough of my weekends! No big plans other than relaxing and maybe going to the river.

OH, meet my first nephew, Nathan. He's Anna's little brother!

Riley is the blonde, and Anna is in pigtail braids!

Sweetest picture ever!



5 on Friday 8/30/2013

 

 

1. College football begins tomorrow with A&M playing Rice. Blake is the most excited for this event, while I have come a long way.

 

2. I survived my first week back at school, 182 more days to go until sweet summertime.

 

3. My sister, niece, and brother in law are coming to visit tomorrow which means the whole family will be getting together to celebrate! Yay, I love family time!

 

4. Labor day means a three day weekend, and nothing could be sweeter.

 

5. After several months off, I am back to blogging, hopefully. I've been in a funk about sharing my life with the blog world lately. I want to get back into it, and possibly just keep some stuff private, we'll see.

 

 

Weekend Shenanigans: Boerne Fest 2013

Boerne Fest 2013

The bubble pool was a big hit with these two.

Riley was captured in this photo, to bad mom and I weren't!

Anna, the free spirit and her daddy.

Cousins, Riley & Anna.

Anna enjoyed the chalk... alot.

I love spending time with these two, I'm blessed.

My sister Elizabeth, and her precious Anna.

   We had a family fun filled weekend! Saturday we spent the day at the kid friendly Boerne Fest, it's a festival of arts, local food, and music. It was a really hot day but that didn't stop the little ones from enjoying themselves. After leaving the festival Blake and I decided to set up the doggy pool out back and cool off in the water. Boy oh boy did I get burned! Then Saturday night Elizabeth had us over for dinner. It was really nice to visit with everyone, and I realized we all lead such busy lives that we rarely see eachother despite the fact that we live within a thirty mile radius. The girls are growing up and developing the most adorable personalities. Each moment spent with them is the best!  On Sunday we went to lunch before Claire, Cameron, and Riley headed back to Austin. We went to Cheesy Jane's and it was terrible service. I don't recommend going there if you are in Boerne. It brings me joy to tell you that I have eleven days of school left. Eleven. I can see the end, it's a wonderful feeling!

Easter Weekend 2013

   We had a fantastic weekend full of sun, fun, and family. Blake, my best friend Linzie, and I drove down to Port Aransas early Friday morning to meet my parents at their beachfront place. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. We enjoyed boogie boarding, quality time with one another, and good food! Thank you again, Mom and Dad, ya'll are so generous! On Sunday morning we left super early to get back home to see my niece Riley, and her parents (of course).

  Poor Anna was sick all weekend and didn't want any visitors so she missed out on the egg hunt. It's only ok because the weekend prior I went to the city lake egg hunt with her! Feel better quick, Anna!

Spring Break 2013

Texas sun for 45 minutes. Yikes!

I traveled to Austin to visit this cutie.

I may or may not have put some lipstick on her.

Gymboree with this adorable one!

Meal preps, duh. Not pictured is the yummy watermelon. I can't explain how happy I am for it to be back in season.

She loves her bubbles and I love her giggles.

one night in austin

Riley is 19 months!

Blake was really digging the music

  On Saturday we traveled up to Austin to stay with my sister, Claire. Blake and my brother-in-law planned to attend a concert on Saturday night so we all went to dinner before. It was quite the family affair as my sister Caroline and her husband Robbie also joined us dinner at Moonshine. My niece, Riley was hilarious and surprisingly clingy which I of course enjoyed. Before leaving on Sunday Riley and I had a mini photo shoot for her 19 month picture. My personal favorite is the one with Riley wearing my sunglasses. Adorable.

   Now I have four days left until spring break...bring it.

My InstaLife

FaceTime with Anna banana!

Lunch with my little brother, James. Mmm, Bums is the best.

A little throwback action for you. That's James, again, pictured in front, smiling even though we are all crying because our oldest sister, Elizabeth, was leaving for college in Virginia.

My little frups (minus Daisy) with whom I cuddled with while sick.

I finally got to meet sweet little Baby H.

Sweet Riley during one of our FaceTime sessions.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I am. I scheduled this post so hopefully I am still asleep.

Instagram's of the Week

My sister sent me this hilarious video of my niece, Anna. It's too good not to share.

imadeface is probably my new favorite pasttime.

Sheer excitement when Birdie decided to FaceTime with Riley.

it looks like me, right?

back at the gym after taking a week off because I had strep. (boo)

   We have company coming in the weekend and I have a holiday on Monday so I am pumped for my three day weekend! Do you have any big plans this weekend?

Christmas 2012

Being able to FaceTime with my niece, Riley is one of my most favorite things about 2012. The way that she lights up when she sees me could melt even the iciest of hearts. Even though it's doubtful that she will remember our chats which consist mainly of me just making funny faces and speaking in a language only recognizable by Riley I still treasure these moments. I spent most of this week entertaining both of my nieces so my heart is content. I was sick the week before, I mean laryngitis, bronchitis, diagnosed with walking pneumonia sick, and was worried I wouldn't get the quality time I desperately wanted with little Anna and precious Riley; but God is so good all of the time and helped heal me right on Christmas Eve, just in time for church. Wonderful how He works that way. 

We did send out a Christmas card, it didn't include any of the above photos, so the best way to share these is on this blog and my instagram of course! (follow me @hohodryden)

My beautiful sisters, both older and one younger. 

One last FaceTime capture with Riley, well a picture of Riley, but I did talk to her, Claire was just showing me her school picture and I thought it was adorable.

My wish tonight is that you had a magical Christmas and are preparing for a blessed New Year.