We're Off to See the Wizard!

It was very fun last night to share in Preston's first live theater experience!! His great Aunt Kristy (my Dad's siter, we favor, don't you think?) called and got our opening night, second row, aisle seat tickets the day they went on sale I think :) We me up with her at Chick-fil-A Cow for a quick bite before the show, and then settled in. They did not allow photography, so I could only sneak a couple of shots of the players getting their accolades...but I will have to say I was very impressed with the show. Preston watched the entire performace with the utmost attention being paid to every detail and the absolute best behavior I have seen him exibit in a theater to this date. So glad to have arrived at this milestone! I also am VERY happy to say we made our first out-of-town trip in undies last night and Preston continues to go without accident!!! He also just woke up from his first no-pullup nap and is dry as he can be--YIPPEE!! Now, I am by no means an expert at parenting, but all of that they say about kids will potty train when they are good and ready, it's TRUE! I digress. Going to make it an early night around here so we can leave bright and early for Canton in the morning...Happy Weekend!

Kendal's Meat Pie

Y'all know I don't post recipes all of the time, but I pulled out this oldie but goodie from Kendal's 4-H Beef Cookery days (if my memory serves me correctly this recipe went all the way to state!) to make for a new baby and decided to whip up a batch for my family today. I tell you, this is not gourmet, but it is the very definition of quick and easy, and your husband WILL like it! (Don't know about your kids...mine probably won't touch it...but I'm picking my battles!)

1 1/2 lbs ground round (I never buy ground round, I buy lean beef-your choice!)
1 c chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1 can cream of chicken (low-fat, low sodium at our house)
1/2 t. garlic (or more if you are like me and get a little garlic happy!)
red and black pepper to taste
2 refrigerated pie shells

1. Brown meat with onions and bell pepper. Drain.
2. Add soup and seasonings. Mix well.
3. Pour mixture into pie shell. Top with other pie shell. Flute edges. Cut 4 slits in top.
4. Bake at 400 degress for 20 minutes until brown. VOILA!

I'm going to round out our meal with some fresh black-eyed peas (THANKS MOM!) and maybe a tomato. Let me know what you think-hope you enjoy!

Professional Photography: Worth Every Penny!

It was a spur of the moment decision to have the EXTREMELY talented Crystal Garcia take Preston's picture this morning. I guess I am still a little bummed out we didn't get any really great beach pics, so I went for it! I am normally a fan of the posed, formal shot but I just LOVE Crystal's work because I feel like she really captures the child's personality :) She just put this one on facebook...can't wait for the ones to come...

Happy Weekend!

The best I could do...

Life's a BEACH!

There are some things that are most definitely NOT more fun when taking a toddler on vacation--for instance, you do NOT sleep in :) With that being said, there is nothing better than witnessing the childlike wonder and amazement of something as simple as the waves of the ocean crashing onto the sand. I will trade my beauty sleep for those memories any day...

We had a great vacation this past week to Orange Beach with my parents and K-K and Kevin. We did take a family beach picture all in white...but I have some editing to do and will post that later. For now--some pics and a snipit of our week!

Saturday-leave early to drive down; HORRIBLE traffic; quick trip to beach before dinner with Preston; dinner in condo
Sunday-beach pool day! Jeff and I took Preston on a Dolpin cruise in the late afternoon and it was SPECTACULAR! So glad we did it--the dolpins were so close!! Dinner in condo.
Monday-JULY 4th!! Full beach/pool day. Clean up early to go out to The Hangout for dinner (see P doing the "chicken dance!); Trip to Scoops followed by a great fireworks show at the Gulf State Park!
Tuesday-Preston goes to the Train Museum with Nana, Pop and Uncle Kevin. He has said this was his favorite part of the trip. Mommy and Daddy went shopping and to lunch, had a nap, then we spent some time on the beach then had dinner in the condo.
Wednesday-Jeff and Pop go play Craft Farms in the morning. Mommy and Nana spend time at the Pool with P. We get cleaned up and all took P to The Track in the later afternoon. He LOVED the go karts, bumper boats, airplane, mini ferris wheel, and OF COURSE he wanted to ride the choo-choo! Dinner at the condo.
Thursday-Girls head to Destin to shop while boys head to Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Guys nap and play at pool in the evening...Jeff and I went on a date to Grazie that night. YUMMY!
Friday-Last day on the beach. Cloudy morning lets us spend a lot of time by the ocean. Lunch, nap, clean up for family pics, and pizza at Franco's. Can you tell that I am pregnant because I am so worried about the food?
Saturday-up early to head home. Laundry ALOMOST DONE! Hope to enjoy tommorrow with my guys!

I am grateful for such a wonderful trip, and for my family to share it with. LOVE YOU GUYS! It sure is hot back here in Ruston-hope you are all staying cool! Family beach pic to come later...