11.30.2016: Texas Olive Oil, Wine and Kiddos

Today, Alisa, Olivia and I (and Barrett) went to the Texas Olive Oil Mill to check it our and have some wine and taste some Olive Oil.  And of course mixed in there was some kiddos fun!  Lazy day otherwise and just enjoying spending time with the family.

 

11.29.2016: TX Bound

So, time to get my baby fill!!  I'm off to TX for a few days to visit with the Durbin kiddos there and hang with Brent and Alisa for a few days.  Vince is meeting me out here later in the week, but I came out a little early to get to hang out with the family. 

 

Glad to see not much has changed...Bear is still the happiest baby ever, and sooo cute!!  The tree had just gone up so it was feeling Christmasy here in TX too!  I was bummed leaving AZ because we just decorated and I didn't really get a chance to enjoy it for long...but am glad I am here!

 

11.27.2016: 'Tis the Season!!!

As is our tradition, we like to put up our Christmas décor together, and enjoy a holiday beverage to celebrate the season.  Well, Vince puts up the tree and I décor it!!  It's a process....

 

Sometimes we have a little Christmas champagne toast, sometimes we have our favorite Peppermint Mochas from Sbucks.  This year was an Sbucks year.  We usually have to crank up the AC to really get in the spirit!

 

My favorite Christmas décor....Gramma & Papa's lights in mason jar.  This time of year is not complete with them! But we make due with their memory.

Cheers!!

Vince picked up this treasure at Home Goods today

11.25.2016: Beautiful Tucson

This morning Vince and Drake went over to Aunt Mary Jo & Uncle Edwards house for a leftover Thanksgiving lunch with them.  Drake is STILL talking about all the food there.  He swears there were at least 10 different desserts.  I'm sure he will still remember that meal about 10 years from now!

 

We stayed another night in Tucson and got treated to a beautiful sunset!!

 

11.24.2016: Thanksgiving in Oro Valley

Ken & Marianne invited us down to their home in Oro Valley to have Thanksgiving dinner with them all.  First of all, their home is gorgeous!!  Beautiful views! And the weather was perfect! Mom and Dad drove out yesterday from CA and stayed with us in Scottsdale, so we all carpooled down there together.  They had a feast prepared for us all!  Kelsea's grandparents from CA came out, her Dad Gary was there, and a friend of Ken & Marianne...and of course her brothers.  We had so much fun, and ate soooo much!!! The food was amazing.

 

After dinner, there was a little bocci ball competition going on.  I'm not sure who ended up winning but I think Cash was in the lead the last time I checked.  He liked running up & down the court haha!

 



 

11.13.2016: The Morning After

The next day, Brent, Alisa, and family all left.  Kenny and Kelsea had the Cardinal game to go to.  Cards were playing the 49ers and Erik and Steph got tickets to go too.  Brad, Leonor, Mom & Dad, Vince and I all hung out at the house and watched Aubrey and Bradley.  It was nice just chilling and doing nothing but enjoying the house!

Sums up the weekend ;)

11.12.2016: Ohhh, But There Is MORE

So, Mom had planned a surprise party for me tonight at the house!  I kinda figured it out yesterday when I got to the house and saw the massive amounts of food and alcohol.  I know the 13 of us like to party, but that was just a little much!  So, I knew there was something going on!  Also when Alisa and I came back from the store, the kids were all decorating for a party.  Sooooo.....

Anyways, I didn't know who was coming, and everyone started showing up, it was so fun to see them all!  It was a surprise to see who came :)  While I absolutely hate surprises, which is basically the only way to throw a party for me since I don't like parties about me either, it was a VERY fun night!   The group of people there was truly my family and I was honored they all came to celebrate ME. :)

I got a LOT of wine as gifts from people (hmmmm???), and the little kids all made me jewelry earlier in the night (which was really cute!).  My favorite gift was a book from everyone, that everyone contributed to where they all wrote little letters to me in it.  It was a great idea and super cute.  I loved it!  It was Moms idea, and Alisa compiled it.  Such a great idea :)

While I wasn't too happy having a party where I was the center of attention, it was a lot of fun having everyone together!  We had a great time!!

 

 

This is 40!!

Nora beat me to the candles & blew them out for me!