Neal's 30th

I want to start this post by saying that I really do have the best husband in the world. He is such a support to me and this family and I don't know how I would do this life without him. That being said I really wanted to make his 30th birthday the best I could.

On Thursday December 9th I took a day of vacation all while Neal thought that I was at work. In reality I was running around like my hair was on fire getting everthing together for his suprise party that evening. He knew that his parents were coming in for the weekend to take him out to dinner for his birthday. He kept suggesting places he would like to eat but I kept telling him that there was a place that I really wanted to go as a suprise to him. I sent out an e-vite to everyone asking them to be at the Back 9 Golf Academy in Bentonville by 6:15 and that we would arrive at 6:30. Early in the day I put together a spread of food and picked up the cake and dropped it all off at the party location. I also did some decorating. My wonderful friends and sister (Ashley, Erin, Chelsea and Brandon) got there a little before 6 to set out all of the food and cake that I had made and dropped off there earlier in the day.

Neal's parents, Neal, Reese and I all got in the car to head to dinner. About the time when we were going to exit 540 we made him put a blindfold on and at that point he knew something fishy was going on. Once we exited the freeway I made a lot of extra turns to confuse him and I think it worked because he says he was very suprised by where we ended up and was so happy with it all. We all had a fun time.

The real reason that Neal's parents came in was to take care of Reese while we ran off to Miami for the weekend to celebrate his birthday in the sun. I have never laid out and swam in December before but I do think I will plan to do it again one day. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. We did a lot of eating, some shopping, some laying by the pool and swimming and even got a massage by the ocean. It was a great weekend!

For his actual birthday, the 14th, Reese and I brought him breakfast in bed. We also cooked him his typical birthday dinner, hamburger steak, sauteed mushrooms and fingerling potatoes. It was Reese's Christmas party at school that night as well so we took her to see Santa, which was a fun thing to do on his birthday as well.

All in all I think he had a good birthday week. I am so thankful for him and hope that I spoiled him enough for his 30th celebration.

Cutest spider ever!

I am a little late posting this but I couldn't skip getting such cute photos of the cutest spider I have ever seen. She didn't love her costume as it was a bit hot but she looked so darn cute.

Fall

I love Fall! There are so many things about it that I love...soup and chili, the cool air, the gorgeous foliage, putting out a mum, carving or paining pumpkins and the thought of Christmas being just around the corner.

A group of friends and us took a trip to Branson last weekend with 3 babies. All of the babies did so well. We took one trip to the outlet mall with the 3 babies and the moms. I had a realization that shopping is not the same by myself with a baby. Neal is so much help and I appreciate him so much. I was worn out Saturday evening after running around all day with Reese and without his help. Overall it was a fun trip!

Tonight we sat outside with Reese and painted pumpkins. Enjoy the cute pictures, we are so happy with the way they turned out.

Neal's Precious Grandparents

Last weekend Neal's sweet Meme and Papa came to Northwest Arkansas to visit. This was such a special visit for Neal. They had never been to NWA before. Neal deep cleaned the house and cars in preparation for the visit and so wanted everything to be just perfect.

On Friday night we cooked dinner for them and hung out at the house. Everyone had fun just hanging out with Reese. Saturday we rented a car that everyone could fit into and we took them on a tour of the area. We drove by the UofA and showed them Neal's name in the sidewalk (mine was too far of a walk). We stopped for a lunch break at Panera, took them to see Walmart headquarters (I know so exciting) and stopped by a couple of other places. Saturday evening we ate at Monte Ne Chicken, which is always good.

The visit was so much fun for everyone. Who knows if they will get up here again but I am so glad that we were able to do it and that we got some great photos:

Her new found voice

So this video is really long but Reese has discovered that she has a voice to use and boy is she using it often the last few days. She is SO cute!

Sorry that the blog no longer has a cute background. For some reason my background was deleted and I cannot figure out how to add another one. If anyone has suggestions let me know.

Back to work

Going back to work has been easier than I thought it would be. While it is very sad to miss all that I will I am kind of glad to be back to a routine. Reese did contract a rash the second day of daycare, which was nerve racking, but things could be a lot worse. She seems to be fine with day care and her teachers really seem to love her. I get to go see her at lunch every day and spend about 40 minutes with her and feed her. I think this makes it a lot more tolerable. I love her so much and miss her every moment but for now I know we are doing what is best for our family. I love my job but hate that I have to spend so much time away from Reese. Maybe in the future I will find something that requires less hours but for now this is where we are at.

Cutest Smiler Ever!

While I was in the restroom at a restaurant the other day Neal took the time to video Reese smiling. Keep in mind this video was taken on his phone so the quality is not the best but it is still the most precious thing. I love her!