Our Zoo Adventures...

It was a hot, sunny day as we excitedly loaded up our van and headed to the zoo to introduce Vienna to wildlife...yes, her daddy is determined that she will have wildlife appreciation. We were supposed to meet up with my mom, brothers and sisters but it proved to be much more of a challenge than we expected. After searching high and low for about 30 minutes, the "lost" crew was found! Vienna instantly became the #1 attraction leading us all to wonder why we had chosen the zoo for a meeting place if all the kids wanted to see was their niece. LOL.

Vince gave Vienna a little tour...she seemed pretty interested in the large fish tank that was also the home for a hippo, but when it came time to get her interested in a tiger, we realized that she was much more entertained by the kids running and playing all around! Ah well, when she gets bigger daddy, she will love the animals just like you :)

Did I mention it was hot? Oh my goodness...that Texas sun just zaps the life out of you! After a couple hours, I was ready for a large pool, an unlimited supply of water bottles and a change of clothes! LOL. Brenton, Benjamin, Christian and Justin got to come home with us while the girls went to a harp lesson and shopping. We had some pizza and played a game and our fun day ended all too soon. I think we were all ready for bed once the sun went down though :)

The Alamo!

A last minute call from Kristalyn yesterday, had us heading down to the Alamo for some family time with a few of my siblings and my Great Uncle Jim (in town from IL). It was pretty hot, but we had a blast walking the grounds of the Alamo and exploring around the River Walk. We always cherish time with those we love. God has truly blessed us with the most awesome brothers and sisters in the world!







P.S. I somehow didn't get a picture of my Great Uncle! Argh! Don't know how that happened! Anyways, he's such a sweetie, and though the time was short, we enjoyed every minute.

A Day to Remember...

Yesterday, both Vince and I had off work for the ENTIRE day! This doesn't happen often (except for Sundays and those can be quite busy) so we wanted to make the most of it and head out for some adventure and fun :)

Place of choice: Enchanted Rock in Fredricksburg. I climbed the rock several years ago but Vince had never been. We hadn't yet done an outdoor activity like this together and were excited to enjoy God's creation for an afternoon.

With Vienna in a pack on Vince's back, we started to climb. I didn't remember having any trouble the first time, years ago, but the combination of heat and climbing in the middle of the afternoon had me feeling nauseated...a common feeling for me during pregnancy :) With a patient Hubby waiting for me as I often took rests, we finally made it to the top...what a beautiful sight!














Vienna loved it! She "talked" and giggled the whole way up...mostly due to playing with the back of daddy's hair. haha. Once at the top, we found a cave and rested in it's cool shelter. Upon heading back down, Vienna fell fast asleep, in spite of bouncing up and down with each of her daddy's steps.






It was a long day for our baby girl!




The day will not soon be forgotten. Such sweet memories will ever be held dear. Being with the ones I love most, sharing the beauty of God's creation, talking, laughing, enjoying my best friends. We needed that day away...a chance to let go of the endless "to do lists", the pressure that often comes with life, the rush of every day. Remember to slow down and drink in the moments with the ones God has given you. Time is so short...too short not too!

7 months!

Our little princess is 7 months old today! What a delight she has been in every way. God's blessings fill us to overflowing.

"New discoveries" in the life of our baby:

She hugs mommy
she wipes tears from her cheeks
she loves playing in the garbage and the toilet

Short and sweet post today. Adios!

Catching you up...

My goodness, time just gets away from me! I just realized that I really need to do a new post on here. Sorry to any readers out there who have searched this blog in vain for new pictures in the past couple weeks.

A late Mother's Day update...Vienna gave me a card, pink roses & breakfast in bed. I'm amazed at how much she can make a day special at such a young age. Haha. Her loving father has made the past two Mother's Days a total treat for me. He daily makes me feel like a princess but it's fun to get extra spoiled sometimes too :) Thanks Honey, you're amazing!




Today we will also talk about some of Vienna's "firsts".

~ She has learned how to whistle...no joke, all on her own. It's absolutely adorable!




~ She went swimming with Daddy at the apartment pool and loved it once getting over the shock of the cool water temperature.







~ She is getting pretty good at listening when we tell her "no"...has been nice not to focus so much and "child proofing" our house but more on "house proofing" our child. Still have a long way to go...but we've got to start somewhere.

~ She had her first walker experience in the parking lot. Absolutely loved it!






~ Is starting to make it known if she wants to come to you or not by either diving towards you or turning the other way! haha. Daddy and I are having fun with this one. Let the competition begin..."Do you want Daddy or Mommy?" haha.

Vienna has also been more into cuddling of late which makes us all happy around here. Yesterday, Uncle Anthony put her to sleep, Daddy and Mommy love the chance to do that too...it's just so precious.




As far as other happenings outside of "Vienna news"...
My pregnancy is going well so far. I'm 6 1/2 weeks right now. Some morning sickness, but not bad at all. Very, very tired all the time. Guess that just comes with the territory.

I'm still teaching music in the evenings, Vince's job has him pretty busy too...which makes me need to focus on being grateful instead of complaining about extra hours sometimes :) I'm learning...growing up isn't easy. haha.

May your day be filled with little miracles as you spend time with the ones you love...