Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Hartfield Staycation 2011
We've been home for 5 hours now but I'm still in vacation mood/mindset.
I can not recommend Great Wolf Lodge enough to anyone thinking of a nice little getaway. We went last year for a family reunion and were iffy about a indoor water park with a 1 1/2 year old but Avery had a BLAST. This year...was 10x's better! Any and everything they had to offer for kids 5 and under, Avery did and enjoyed. We never left the resort, we ate, shopped, explored and relaxed and it was amazing. Evan is wanting to try the Kansas City location for our anniversary now without Avery and as much as we joke about being little kids, it's true....we'd totally go without Avery.
There was one little hitch in our weekend vacay but truth be told, I'm no longer furious about the situation because now that I've had a day to reflect on it I think the staff of the waterpark handled the situation the best they could and as much as I wanted to check back and see what happened to the disgusting man we reported....I have to just shrug it off and know we did the right thing and we protected our child first and foremost because, sadly, there are too many dangers to our sweet children lurking EVERYWHERE.
We ended our trip with a visit to this Awesome Aquarium at the Grapevine Mills Mall. Avery loved it but she is all about all things water and "Nemo" related. She even got to touch all the different corals and several starfish as a sweet employee explained to her some cool facts about them. She was hesitant about walking in the water tunnel....the concept of walking on see-through glass freaked her out but was hilarious to watch.
*sigh* I wish we could have stayed longer than the weekend. It was so much fun being disconnected from reality and having fun with Avery and Evans parents. I love those two so much and mom (Nan) and I had so much fun laying by the pool getting tans and talking about nothing at all.
12 weeks until Avery turns 3 and our next vacation starts. 2 glorious weeks in New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri and Kansas!!!
Enjoy some pics from this weekend and say Hello below.
-Brittnye
I can not recommend Great Wolf Lodge enough to anyone thinking of a nice little getaway. We went last year for a family reunion and were iffy about a indoor water park with a 1 1/2 year old but Avery had a BLAST. This year...was 10x's better! Any and everything they had to offer for kids 5 and under, Avery did and enjoyed. We never left the resort, we ate, shopped, explored and relaxed and it was amazing. Evan is wanting to try the Kansas City location for our anniversary now without Avery and as much as we joke about being little kids, it's true....we'd totally go without Avery.
There was one little hitch in our weekend vacay but truth be told, I'm no longer furious about the situation because now that I've had a day to reflect on it I think the staff of the waterpark handled the situation the best they could and as much as I wanted to check back and see what happened to the disgusting man we reported....I have to just shrug it off and know we did the right thing and we protected our child first and foremost because, sadly, there are too many dangers to our sweet children lurking EVERYWHERE.
We ended our trip with a visit to this Awesome Aquarium at the Grapevine Mills Mall. Avery loved it but she is all about all things water and "Nemo" related. She even got to touch all the different corals and several starfish as a sweet employee explained to her some cool facts about them. She was hesitant about walking in the water tunnel....the concept of walking on see-through glass freaked her out but was hilarious to watch.
*sigh* I wish we could have stayed longer than the weekend. It was so much fun being disconnected from reality and having fun with Avery and Evans parents. I love those two so much and mom (Nan) and I had so much fun laying by the pool getting tans and talking about nothing at all.
12 weeks until Avery turns 3 and our next vacation starts. 2 glorious weeks in New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri and Kansas!!!
Enjoy some pics from this weekend and say Hello below.
-Brittnye
Me & My Cuppycake
She's such a Daddy's Girl.
Pawpa reading bedtime stories. (same one he read to daddy when he was small)
Sporting the wolf ears.
Junk Food on vacation? Of course!
Playing MagiQuest. (Geek Love!)
The sweet shop. Best Smore's ever.
That's my sweet girl. She needs to stop growing up on me.
&
This was her last year at the Lodge :'(
She's still so cute.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Stupid Portland being 2,000 miles away *mumble*
I'm really missing this guy right here. Just wanted to show him off a bit when he's all "GQ". :)
Love you Jarrod, your the bestest brother ever.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
My latest entry from Healthy Living Chick, I love this idea from a fellow blogger so much I had to share it here as well. Enjoy.
I came across a fellow blogger today and am LOVING her method of sharing life's joy. So...I'm going to go with it. I'm going to post a weekly "Life Well Lived" post, sharing a few things I have done in my life that make my life....well lived.
Check out her blog, spread the word and the love....
http://www.kelseytoney.com/
I'll start with the basics....
I'm a MOMMY:
This is A. She is by far my GREATEST accomplishment in life (so far). She came into the world 5 weeks early 12-19-08, tiny as could be and with no instructions whatsoever! She'll be 3 this December. They say parenthood changes you in a thousand little ways and it is the absolute truth. She has made me a better person and has made me think of how I do things in ways I never saw coming. I could not ask for more. It's the best job ever! E and I are pretty cool parents...if I may say so....
You got a LWL list you wanna share? Send it my way or to Kelseys blog. I'm also going to pass this over to my family blog. Have you checked that one out yet? It's more personal and me being me in all my mommy/wifey glory. :)
Enjoy your Sunday,
HLC
I came across a fellow blogger today and am LOVING her method of sharing life's joy. So...I'm going to go with it. I'm going to post a weekly "Life Well Lived" post, sharing a few things I have done in my life that make my life....well lived.
Check out her blog, spread the word and the love....
http://www.kelseytoney.com/
I'll start with the basics....
I married my high school sweetheart:
Truth be told, E and I didn't start dating until after we were both out of high school. However, we met on the first day of my Sophomore year and his Junior year. We had Chemistry together *ba dum dum*. I had the HUGEST crush on him for years but he acted like a boy and played dumb until 4 years later when he found me on campus at UNT and learned I was there to meet a guy I had just started dating the week before. (funny how that worked out) We were very good friends for those 4 years and people wondered if we were dating so to me I think of him as my High School sweetheart. We've been married almost 6 years, together for 8 and friends for 11!
I'm a MOMMY:
A @ 5months old.
A @ 2.5 years old.
I'm a Runner:
If you had met me or known me almost 2 years ago and told me I would be running in fun runs and training for 5ks and loving it, I would have laughed in your face! But thanks to my sweet friend, Therese http://thereseandross.blogspot.com/ got me into running and then moved off to Mission, Ks shortly after. Leaving me with no running buddy or mentor to show me the ropes. :P (haha, just teasing Therese, I love you). Since we recently moved back to our hometown I live in walking distance to North lakes park which has a great running trail and my neighborhood is perfect for my early morning runs! Love it. If you read my blog, you already know my running goals and ambition to do more 5ks.
You got a LWL list you wanna share? Send it my way or to Kelseys blog. I'm also going to pass this over to my family blog. Have you checked that one out yet? It's more personal and me being me in all my mommy/wifey glory. :)
Enjoy your Sunday,
HLC
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Daddy Rules.
(Grab your tissues.)
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say "Yes".
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive the car.
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.
28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
29. Buy her flowers.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.
50 Rules for all Dads to follow for their Daughters.
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.
3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive the car.
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.
29. Buy her flowers.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Get your planners out...
1 week until Great Wolf Lodge Stay-cation
3 weeks before a big event for me takes place.
4 weeks until the TEXAS state fair where I'll eat more fried foods than legal.
6 weeks until I head to North Carolina for a week with my sister and my soon to be born niece.
8 weeks until BREAKING DAWN! (Yeah, I'm one of THOSE women)
14 weeks until Avery turns 3! Plus, Christmas, and a vacation for 2 weeks involving a cabin, out of state, possible snow, Missouri, Family, Best friend, NYE and our 6th Anniversary....
Just incase you were curious what I have going on.
3 weeks before a big event for me takes place.
4 weeks until the TEXAS state fair where I'll eat more fried foods than legal.
6 weeks until I head to North Carolina for a week with my sister and my soon to be born niece.
8 weeks until BREAKING DAWN! (Yeah, I'm one of THOSE women)
14 weeks until Avery turns 3! Plus, Christmas, and a vacation for 2 weeks involving a cabin, out of state, possible snow, Missouri, Family, Best friend, NYE and our 6th Anniversary....
Just incase you were curious what I have going on.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I KNEW IT!
*Nerd Alert*
I totally just had the biggest nerd moment as I looked to my right and in the first visitor block I saw it....yes....
Scranton, Pennsylvania visited me.
Is it wrong of me to say I had a little fantasy that Jim Halbert visited my blog and is now in love with me and thinking of leaving Pam to come be my lover? I can see it now with our memory cameras and quick wit digs and oh-so-adorable kids with his goofy smirk and height. Not to mention the pranks we could pull on Dwight.... *content sigh*
(I'm aware it's a fictional character, but let a girl dream!)
I totally just had the biggest nerd moment as I looked to my right and in the first visitor block I saw it....yes....
Scranton, Pennsylvania visited me.
Is it wrong of me to say I had a little fantasy that Jim Halbert visited my blog and is now in love with me and thinking of leaving Pam to come be my lover? I can see it now with our memory cameras and quick wit digs and oh-so-adorable kids with his goofy smirk and height. Not to mention the pranks we could pull on Dwight.... *content sigh*
(I'm aware it's a fictional character, but let a girl dream!)
Monday, September 5, 2011
What was I thinking?
I almost forgot to update everyone with some Avery pics and videos! Here's a few latest, can you tell someone is in a ridiculous growth spurt? I can barely keep up with her sizes, in the last month we went from a 3T to now wearing 4T/5T and she completly skipped a shoe size and is now sporting a size 8! People do not believe us when we say she's 2 and a half and not 4!
Avery and Bailey playing "Wedding Day".
We finally parted ways with the crib and are now in a "Big Girl" bed. She's doing so good with it.
We had a huge boo-boo on Wed. Bailey slammed Averys head in the door. :( 3 huge knots, a small cut and a bruised eyelid. Poor thing, luckily her bangs covered up 90% of it.
She loves IKEA and loved getting into every bed and testing it out...it was funny.
Avery and Nickel, Baileys dog. Avery loves making him howl, she cracks up when he barks.
And finally, I'll end with a cute video of Avery dancing with Stacy after we spent the day together being girls. Avery loves Foster the People and Loves to dance so it was funny.
Wait, it's actually...cool outside?
Say it ain't so! Today was absolutely WONDERFUL. High in the mid 80's, strong breeze blowing. Seriously, if you didn't go outside today in North Texas you missed out big! Evan and I took Avery on a long walk after dinner tonight and it was even a bit chilly on occasion around the path by North Lakes. LOVE IT. This means fall is soon on it's way and after the brutal summer of temps over 103* on a daily basis....I think I can say we all are ready for it.
Tomorrow also starts the beginning of my favorite treat. Pumpkin flavored frappes and coffee at Starbucks! Yum yum, although since I'm now watching what I put into my body and trying to exercise more, I may only enjoy it once a month, if that. :(
Life has been going good for the Hartfield clan. We paid for a stay-cation at Great Wolf Lodge come end of September, we're getting ready for the Holiday season. I'm looking to start decorating the house for the Fall thanks to so many amazing ideas via Pinterest. We're slowly taking care of debt we accumulated from last year and that's a wonderful feeling as well. We're still looking for a new home church which has been a bit hard for us to agree on something and also to not conform to a church simply because so many others do but we also know it's not something you pick out of the blue. God has the best new home church waiting for us and we know he'll lead us there soon.
I promise I will not be lessening my blogs here with my new blog up now. Yes, it'll take more of my time but since it's pretty much all about what we as a family are now pursuing as a lifestyle, I like that I can come here and not go into it but just keep this blog as it's always meant to be about for the past 3 years. :)
What are you looking forward to most of all this September?
-Brittnye & Co.
Tomorrow also starts the beginning of my favorite treat. Pumpkin flavored frappes and coffee at Starbucks! Yum yum, although since I'm now watching what I put into my body and trying to exercise more, I may only enjoy it once a month, if that. :(
Life has been going good for the Hartfield clan. We paid for a stay-cation at Great Wolf Lodge come end of September, we're getting ready for the Holiday season. I'm looking to start decorating the house for the Fall thanks to so many amazing ideas via Pinterest. We're slowly taking care of debt we accumulated from last year and that's a wonderful feeling as well. We're still looking for a new home church which has been a bit hard for us to agree on something and also to not conform to a church simply because so many others do but we also know it's not something you pick out of the blue. God has the best new home church waiting for us and we know he'll lead us there soon.
I promise I will not be lessening my blogs here with my new blog up now. Yes, it'll take more of my time but since it's pretty much all about what we as a family are now pursuing as a lifestyle, I like that I can come here and not go into it but just keep this blog as it's always meant to be about for the past 3 years. :)
What are you looking forward to most of all this September?
-Brittnye & Co.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Not gonna lie, I'm kinda excited.
New Blog has officially been titled and started!!
Check it out, give me thoughts and feedback.
Saturday it'll be up and running.
Tell me what you THINK OF THIS?!
-Brittnye
Check it out, give me thoughts and feedback.
Saturday it'll be up and running.
Tell me what you THINK OF THIS?!
-Brittnye
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