blog swap.

I recently participated in my very first blog swap. I have always noticed the swaps that Meredith T. host from the blogging side lines and wanted to participate. When I saw that she would be hosting another one I decided to give it a go. It is such a cute idea and I LOVE getting packages in the mail, who doesn't? I was paired up with Kathryn, an adorable new mommy, who sent me a great package!

Here is what I received...

Something Orange: Nicole for O.P.I orange nail polish.

Something Funny: A little slimy critter that lights up.

Something that cost $1: Pink and gray argyle socks.
Something that she loves: Pink and orange note cards and a notebook. (I love making list's so this was perfect!)

Something Sweet: A BIG salted caramel chocolate bar. Yum!

She did such a great job, you would think we knew each other! I love to keep a notebook in my purse and car for grocery and to do list and I love to have stationary. I am not the best at getting notes out to people but I love to collect beautiful and fun stationary. Thank you so much!!

Now, here is what I sent her. Kathryn said that she loves orange, pink, and turquoise so that became my theme. Something Orange: A necklace with big orange balls.Something Funny: Cocktail napkins that read "Eat now, for tomorrow we diet!" and candy.Something that cost $1: E.L.F lip gloss, it is great stuff!Something I love: A BIG coffee mug with hot tea, I suggest using this right after a bath and right before bed!Something Sweet: I did not want to send her anything that might melt in the package so instead I sent her Peach flavored bubble bath. It can be used before the above item. :)I hope you enjoy, congrats on your precious new baby!

to Julia with love.

Last year when our dear friend Jessica was preggo with baby June we knew we wanted to do something special. Me, Julia, Abby, and Tamara started planning a wonderful weekend full of rest and relaxation instead of a baby shower. We were all so sad about Jessica's recent move to Fort Worth and knew it was the perfect excuse to be together.
I started brainstorming of the perfect way to treat Julia and baby Perry the second I knew she was to be a mom. We wanted to do something similar but with a new spin. After several months of discussion we decided to surprise Julia with a trip to Fredericksburg. It is one of the most relaxing places in Texas and a favorite of hers. I was so pleased when she told me that she was "craving a trip to Fredericksburg." She had no idea that her wish was our command and already booked. It took a lot of sneaky planning and help from Mr. B but it went off {almost} without a hitch.
On Friday Jessica, Tamara, and I surprised Julia at her house. She is such a good sport. All we said was "pack your bag with comfortable clothes...we are going on a trip." If you know Julia you could see that she was slightly overwhelmed but mostly excited. After she packed her bags and more importantly, her body pillow, we hit the road. Our first stop was not very glamorous but defiantly necessary.
We were literally pulling into Fredericksburg before Julia figured out where we were going, we were in deep conversation for the entire 2 1/2 hour drive. I am convinced that we had the most adorable house in the entire town, I will never stay in another again. It was right in the heart of town and came complete with a fresh peach pie. We had to do a little stalling before dinner because, without Julia's knowledge, Abby was in route from Austin. We enjoyed the local brewery and talked until I got the "I'm here" text. That is when the trip could really start! We had the most amazing time eating, drinking {San Peligrino for J} , getting massages, shopping, and talking in our house for hours at a time. We spent a lot of time trying to decide what the perfect gift for Julia and baby Perry would be. We knew it had to be practical but could not settle for something that wasn't equally special. We found the perfect combination of the two if I do say so myself. It was a beautiful white bassinet and pink quilt. I cant wait to see the sweet little thing sleeping peacefully in it. I adore these girls and am so thankful for our accidental tradition! Now we just have to ask...who will be next??

Viva Las Vegas!

This past week Sam and I took a trip to Las Vegas. This was my first time to see the bright lights of Las Vegas Blvd and it did not disappoint! Sam and I like to pretend we are foodies and knew we would have a lot of great meals while on vacation, our first one being Mesa Grill. It is chef Bobby Flay's restaurant and is known for its take on south of the border cuisine. I had the Rabbit and it was delicious! We took advantage of all that Las Vegas has to offer but my favorite part had to be seeing "O" by Cirque du Soleil. It was an amazing show to see and comes highly recommended from the Vinson's!
We took time out to fulfill my father-in-laws wish to see the Hoover Dam. I was a little unenthused about seeing the Dam but quickly realized what an amazing sight it really is. I could have done without the tour down below, a chlosterphobic persons nightmare, but I survived!
Sam and I also got to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary while in Las Vegas. I can not believe we have been married for 5 years and together for 10! It feels like I have known him forever and like the last 10 years have gone by in a blink all at once. We had dinner at Il Milano, an amazing Italian restaurant in Cesar's Palace. Within 2 minutes of sitting down we had San Pellegrino, a hunk of Parmesan cheese, bruschetta, prosciutto, bread, and steamed mussels. All of which were compliments of the very generous chef! We had a wonderful dinner and even better dessert, it was the perfect way to celebrate each other and our marriage. I am so sad because it is the one night we did not take a picture!

After dinner I was so excited and surprised when Sam took me here to pick our my anniversary gift!

I was even more surprised when I walked away...EMPTY HANDED!! One of my dearest friends, Julia, has been trying to knock some sense into me via text since that night. I have a feeling Abby and Jessica will be doing the same. I walked through the store a minimum of 3 times looking for the perfect bag but nothing was jumping out at me. I always carry big bags and even my large never full is always full. I found a few promising things but nothing that I felt was just right. I will keep my eyes open and still appreciate the magic of the night, thanks Sam! Lucky for me it was not a one time offer...more like a gift card.

Here are some other pictures from the trip...

The above pictures is especially for my mom, Julia, and Jessica. The Bellagio fountains (behind us) will forever be a symbolic place for us. ;)
We had a wonderful time and even learned I am pretty good at black jack!

Dosado, a basic dance step.

Last night we got to celebrate Connor in a very unusual way, square dancing! I can assure you that is one thing I never thought I would do. Now I have...twice. It actually makes for a very fun and laughable evening.

Here is everyone getting their square dance on!

Bow to your corner...Promenade...Now Dosado!
Logan must really have some square dancing skills because she was lucky enough to dance with one of our fine instructors. He spotted her from across the room and knew that she was going be his partner for the night.After 2 hours of dancing they fell in love.

According to his belt, his name is Don.
And just because he is cute, here is my date for the night.

A Fredericksburg Family Weekend

A couple of weekends ago, before I was a blogger, our family of 10 loaded up and headed to Fredericksburg, Tx. There is nothing I love more than spending time with my family, we are always laughing, dancing, or eating. Actually, we are usually doing all three...at the same time. We had such a wonderful time celebrating Blaire and JR and really took advantage of all Fredericksburg has to offer.

Friday night all the wedding guest climbed onto buses and headed to Lukenbach, Tx for a private concert and dinner. We were all anticipating the surprise performer and very excited to find out it was Gary P. Nunn. Although I am not very familiar with Mr. Nunn, or Texas country in general, we had a blast dancing to all the vaguely familiar songs. It was a beautiful night under the stars and it gave me an excuse to wear my boots which I always love.

The crew, minus Logan and Taylor, who came later.

Also, a BIG shout out to my littlest sis Chloe for making her dress

After a late night of dancing we were thankful to have a lot of time for R&R on Saturday. We enjoyed an amazing brunch at the Sunset Grill and then spent the day shopping. We all revert back to 5 years olds asking "Dad, can I get this?" or "Sam, can I get this?" over and over again. So thankful to have patient and GENEROUS men in our family.

The real party began on Saturday night at the wedding. We were all anxious to get to the ceremony and see Chloe in action as the Acolyte. We were very curious to see her in her white robe, gloves, and hat. She was cool as a cucumber and did a wonderful job escorting the ministers down the aisle. A very important job in my opinion! Kyley also looked great coming down the aisle with the rest of the bridesmaids. It was an amazing wedding with wonderful food, drinks, and most importantly an amazing band. We took cards so maybe you can experience them at the next Braaten wedding, hint hint Logan and Taylor!

The only thing that could have made this weekend better would have been if this little girl was there.

Two post in as many days...does that make me a pro?

A Blogging Faux Pas.

I am starting off my blog with a faux pas. I owe a big apology to Mrs. Jessica Jeffrey, one of my dearest friends, for unknowingly copying her blog design. I guess we share the same desire for a bright, cheery, and more importantly inexpensive blog.

Is it bad that this is my first blog post and I am already suffering from a terrible case of writers block? I have noticed that writing a blog is fairly simple if you are a mom, crafty, or a genius in the kitchen. Although I am none of the above, here are a few things that I am.

Wife of 5 years to this handsome guy

Sister to these beautiful girls

(One of which is a mother, crafty, and a genius in the kitchen. Follow her blog at www.bootsbowsandmerlots.blogspot.com)

Aunt to the most amazing kids in the world

And luckiest daughter in the world

That is all for now, this will get better...I promise!