Arizona Awesomeness & Brushwood Bash 2015 Friday & Saturday

This past weekend, Ray, Auby, and I made a 2100 mile trip to Tucson, Arizona to visit our sweet Brushwood friends and their two adorable kiddos. This trip was filled with a lot of laughs, a lot of love, a lot of miles, and a lot of fun. Join me for a long and crazy ride.

Our trip began at 4PM Friday afternoon as I turned my classroom light off and gathered my materials for the day. Thursday was an unexpected snow day which allowed for our little family to enjoy a day at home and some early packing and organizing of materials. With bags packed, travel snacks ready, and babe picked up from school, we were ready to go and officially welcome our Spring Break family vacation to Tucson. Our planned stop would be El Paso, TX which would be10 hours of driving. So with the ipad switched to Mickey, toys and books by her side, and plenty of squeeze pouches, we were on our way. I have to be honest, I was beyond worried of how Auby would travel this trip. Our girl while so sweet can be a difficult travel buddy and knowing that 15 hours stood between us and our final destination, I have to say I was definitely uneasy. But I couldn't have been more wrong. Auby was an absolute champ and our drive, while very long, was excellent. So here we go! Enjoy the details of our trip!

Friday

We left at 4PM and stopped for dinner at 6 in the small town of Ranger, TX. The DQ was all we could find but Auby didn't seem to mind play driving in the front seat to stretch her legs.

 {My travel buddy}

 

Friday night was a bit of a blur. I loved watching the land go from flat to hilly. I loved the great conversation Ray and I had as baby girl napped in the back. I am very thankful for my husband as he made the drive until 2AM (1AM mountain time) when we arrived in El Paso. The lights from the border were pretty amazing and the town was hopping.

Our hotel was actually pretty great. It had a great bar and grill as well as a night club. But all we could do was catch some Zzzzzs. We knew we had another long trip and a few more states to drive through in the morning. Another great bonus was that it stood right next to a Starbucks. Yep, perfection! 

Saturday

Saturday morning arrived. We were tired but excited. Auby let us sleep in until about 7:30AM. After getting dressed the alarm went off in the hotel. This was not the way I had envisioned our wake up; however, after a few minutes we were back in the room and ready to go. We should have picked up on the fact that no one from the hotel was outside so this must have just been a simple test. Oh well. With bags packed, we were up, and ready to go. We did make a few extra stops on our way to Arizona. Here's one and I can't get enough of this face.

 

As a native Houstonian, I have to say, I get pretty giddy about nature and God's amazing beauty. The land was gorgeous. Please forgive my phone photos from the car window. You'll soon come to figure out my camera actually broke this trip and the majority of my pictures are all iphone creations. I guess it's better than nothing. Here are a few of my favorites along the way.

 

 

And then, we were there.Our next stop would be to Hops and Vines winery in the Sonoita region of Arizona where we would meet our Brushwood friends for some wine and a picnic lunch. 

 

 {Family Photo}

Aubrey loved playing in the rocks. It is definitely a different experience for her and she absolutely loved it.  It was also so fun to see her amongst the mountainous terrain and winery vines. After a few minutes of exploration, we met up with our Brushwood friends for a picnic lunch at Hops and Vines.

I absolutely adore Kaylan, my new mama friend. She is fabulous and I honestly can't say enough about her. It was such a special trip. A trip to celebrate new adventures for their family of four, to welcome the new babe, visit with their older, as well as catch up with some amazing best friends that live a little more than a hop, skip, and a jump away. So this time was precious and so truly memorable.

 

I mean seriously can you get a better view than this? (please excuse the random smudges on my camera lens... again you'll learn that my camera broke this trip- my heart is still getting over this fact)

With a delicious lunch eaten, we played with some of the wineries ducks. Quack Quacks! Auby was so excited.

 

From delicious eats, games, and many fun photo opts, it was time to go in and sample some wine. Hops and Vines winery was such a great place. Perfect for picnics and family fun. I loved their pairing with potato chips. Pretty genius in my opinion.

 {Our Brushwoods and Zellners sampling the wine & chips}

They also had this perfect door that I thought would make for Auby's month-iversary series. Happy 17 months big girl. What a perfect place to celebrate.

After our first winery, we decided to go to another. When in Rome right? Same thing. When in the Sonoita wine region... you get the picture.

After our time at the winery, we made our way to Tucson. We enjoyed a pizza dinner and much needed catch up time with our dear friends. I would say it was a perfect ending to an absolutely perfect day! Thank you to our Brushwood bunch for hosting our visit. We truly are thankful for your family and our friendship.

Auby's Month-iversary Series: 17 Months

Dear Auby, 

Happy 17 months sweet girl. Mommy and daddy absolutely adore you. While I can tell you how we love each little newness or how you make our hearts melt each day as you totally do, I kind of am drawn to write you a different little letter this month. You have changed me sweet baby. You have changed us really. You have taught us confidence, patience, and of more joy and love than we could ever have imagined. We have laughed together, cried, and celebrated together. You have opened our eyes to so many different things as parents and as a family. We've learned. We've grown. And somehow each day we are still learning. But I couldn't imagine our lives without you and without all of the joy and amazement you bring. You have become this big girl this month and I don't even know when that started. I found myself this week even saying what a big girl you are. It's so strange in conversation how both your daddy and I somehow came to this decision together without even talking about it. We say, "What a big girl and drink from our big girl cup" or refer to baby toys as just that, "baby" toys. It was so odd as we've never discussed that somehow this month that you are a big girl and while you will always be our baby have moved to a different label or category. I am honestly so excited about what this means baby. I'm excited for you moving up in rooms next month at daycare and for knowing that within the month you will be a year and a half. I think I'm still in shock that time has flown by this quickly. Cliche I know as everyone tells you it does, but I guess you don't realize it until you are actually in the moment and it's happening to you. While there is a sadness and gladness to it all, I am so eager for those moments still to come. So happy month ahead sweet angel.

Date: 3/7/2015
Age: 17 months
Measurements: Measurements will be updated.
Clothing: You are in 18-24 month clothing. At the end of 16 months you started to dislike undressing in the morning. You would say "no" and play a bit of a hide and seek game with me. It may have been because our days have been cold. In the last few days, you are so good. You enjoy playing with your "Elmo" (that's what you call your diapers as it has a picture of Sesame Street characters on them). You also enjoy pretending to put on your socks and shoes.
Eating: You are an amazing eater. You will eat almost anything. Your favorites are broccoli, beans, carrots, corn, waffles, yogurt, tacos, apples, blueberries, goldfish, and cookies. You want anything that mommy or daddy has and will demand your fair share. We are still working on food staying on the plate as you enjoy dumping it, throwing it on the floor, and completely full on wiping it with both hands off your tray.
Teeth: You have 8 teeth, 4 top and 4 bottom. You have your left bottom molar and your right bottom is making an appearance. We haven't seen too bad of teething this month which I am so thankful for. Teeth are the worst I've decided.
Sleeping: You love your sleep and you are so good at it. I am always afraid to write this as I'm internally terrified that maybe it will jinx everything. But so far so great! Your new bedtime is 6:30 so that waking you up in the mornings will be a bit easier. You go down for a nap around 11 and will sleep about 1 hr and a half at daycare and 2 or 3 at home on weekends. My assumption is that you are making up for your long days on the weekends. Regardless sleep is something we do well in this house. I do hope this doesn't change for a while please.

New Activities and Random Tidbits:

You are my spunky monkey and your attitude can be larger than life and at times shy and quiet. It may take you a few minutes in a new situation and then you can rule the room. You love your words and I think you love hearing yourself talk. You enjoy pointing to pictures in your books (mainly animals) and making the sounds on your own. You love waving and saying hi to anyone that's around you, but at times will become shy when they say it back. You give the best hugs and kisses. You know what you want and go for it. You are determined and you are devoted (usually this is to food, a toy, or something you really shouldn't have). I hope this passion never changes. Here is a list of your new activities and random tidbits. Enjoy!

- You will repeat anything. Your new words this month: yellow, taco, stuck (you forget the t), papa, school (cool), snow, Elmo, Ocars (Oscar from Sesame Street)
- You recognize yourself and call yourself by name. You can identify yourself in a mirror. You can point to mommy, daddy, and Auby in a mirror and call us by name.
- say I stuck (when referring to your hands or feet getting caught in your clothes)
- We like to practice our friends' names. This month we added Elliott (Eteot) and Luis (wees) to our name list. 
- You will blow on things that are too hot. It is adorable.
- We are still working on naming our body parts, colors, and counting to 3 
- You love Mickey Mouse and Elmo and friends. Elmo was a new thing that you started on your own. There is a little Elmo book at school that you love. 
- You enjoy when we sing Row Row Row Your Boat, ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Wheels on the Bus, and your Aubrey name song. 
- We traveled over 2100 miles round trip in the car to Tucson, AZ to celebrate with friends and their two kiddos this past week. You were a fantastic travel buddy. You absolutely rocked it. We played games, watched Mickey and Elmo, and sang songs. You rarely fussed and were easily calmed. 
- You saw your first cactus, mountain range, and desert zoo on our trip.
- We enjoyed fun snow/ice days at home this month.
- You are all about our pup, Mattie. You give her big hugs, feed her breakfast and dinner, and cry for her when you are sad. You are learning to be gentle and will even attempt to throw her toys to play with. We will occasionally catch you giving her directions. You will tell her to sit down, or even tell her Mattie no.
- One of my favorite activities with you over the past two months is "cooking" in the kitchen. We love telling you all about the cooking process. What utensils we are using, the food, and the steps we take to cook. You are a fabulous cooking cutie in the kitchen. You love to stir and to throw the wooden spoon as well. Pancake Saturdays are definitely a family favorite.
- Oh how you love to go through every drawer. You love pulling out the glass pot covers. I will say that you are really good at cleaning up and putting things back-ee. 
- You are really good at following directions when you chose to of course. You can also be a little defiant as your new favorite word is "no."
- You have also gotten a little sneaky side. You like to climb up on kitchen chairs and watch us to tell  you to sit down. You will listen and then stand right back up with the biggest smile.
- We are still working on you not hitting mommy. You will smile at me when you do it. I think my new words will be gentle hands as no hit tends to getting a hitting reaction.
- I love watching you interact with other children. 
- You must have all of your loveys out of your bed with you as we get ready in the morning.
- You love splashing in the tub and playing with toys. 
 

Likes: Elmo, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, waffles and snacks in general, playing at park, friends, mommy, daddy hugs,
Dislikes: being changed, waiting on food, wanting down when you are being held, being told no.

Watch Auby Grow!

No Day Like a Snow Day!

 {6AM Story Time with Auby}

With over 5 inches of beautiful power white snowfall on the ground here in North Dallas and temperatures below freezing, we are all smiles in the Zellner house. With school closed and daddy working from home, we had so much fun at home enjoying an extra day with our loves. There is No Day Like a Snow Day!

While our morning began early, I was so excited to join my little girl upstairs as we looked out the window to look at the beautiful snow. I couldn't believe how much had fallen the night before. Our morning was filled with jammies, bunty watching, and making a pancake breakfast for the family. 

I am sure thankful for my little baking buddy. She loves stirring and of course taste testing. After breakfast, we bundled our babes and made our way outside for some fun snow play. I think after a few days, Auby is really starting to enjoy or at least tolerate her mommy and daddy's love for snow.

 

With 5 inches of snow on the ground, it made it a little difficult for our little lady to walk and in turn quickly fell to the ground. She was a champ in the snow. We enjoyed our snow play in the front and the back. She loved the snow on our bushes. She would say, "no" for snow. It was pretty adorable.

We decided to take a small walk around the neighborhood. It was so fun to see all the snow covering the yards, cars, and park down the street. Oh how I love my snow angels.

While the babe was asleep and away, the husband and I enjoyed some fun backyard snow play. I loved my time with Ray today. For half an hour we enjoyed making this cute little snow lady, threw snowballs, and enjoyed the melting of this fun snowy afternoon. Thanks Auby for letting us borrow your sun glasses, head band, and plastic french fry.

Seconds after these pictures were taken, our little masterpiece fell over. Our afternoon was all in good fun and was pretty cool getting to spend it with this guy.

Snow exploration must have made this little girl super tired. She took a three hour nap and woke up in the best little mood. While daddy worked, my little mini and I enjoyed some play upstairs. I adore her smile and little personality.

After a bit of play, we made our way downstairs for an afternoon snack and a family movie. Ok there must be something magical about Frozen. Little girl enjoyed over a half hour undistracted and completely focused. Wow! I'm amazed and can't wait for the day that we can curl up on the couch for a full movie, but until that time comes, I am thankful for all these sweet little moments. There is No Day Like a Snow Day for sure!

March 2015 Week 1

Only God is able to deliver us into our better futures. Thankful for our morning prayer and time spent at the Heights Baptist.

My little lady loves her Sonic drinks and enjoys playing with mommy's straw. Pinkies up is preferred.

While tonight we may be a bit defiant, I have to say that this moment melt my mama heart!

Getting ready to see some super special friends this Spring Break!

 

Auby's Valentine present to daddy finally came in. Dad YOU will always BE the FIRST MAN I ever LOVED -Aubrey

 Waiting for the upcoming snow. A little bit hangs on.

Our firstie's Dr. Seuss themed Open House was scheduled for Thursday. It was later cancelled due to snow. I still think the doors leading to our hallway look super spectacular. More pictures of Open House to come.

{The Lorax}

Happy 1st week of March 2015!

Sweet Saturday Snow

Saturday morning, we woke up to another powdery white winter in North Dallas. After a yummy breakfast with my loves, we dressed the babe in warm winter wear, and enjoyed a few minutes in our sweet Saturday snow. I think Auby is starting to get used to this cold, wet winter or at least is tolerating mommy and daddy's love for it. I will have to be honest and say that we had a small yet epic parent fail when we forgot her winter coat at school. She didn't seem to mind too much as she was probably focused on the fact that she only had one mitten, another fail but all good.  

But after a cold morning and a little bit of afternoon play, we spent the rest of the day in our jammies loving on the family and Mattie too. Oh how she loves her Mattie pup. We are thankful for a sweet dog that puts up with the babe.

The twins' birthday was set for Saturday night, but was quickly rescheduled as the roads were still covered with ice that afternoon. But by the evening, the roads were starting to clear. After a good nap and a bit of afternoon play both outdoors and in, we went to visit our Fantlet friends.
Before our visit, we made this cute little video for the kids.

I love you!

I sure do love these little faces. With celebratory pizza, slices of Minnie Mouse cake, a few Sophia inspired gifts for the girls, and a fun night with friends, our night was pretty amazing. We sure loved our Sweet Saturday Snow!