Dallas Trip

This weekend we had a trip to Dallas planned. We were going to leave on Fri night after work. Out of the blue, Gaby got some crazy stomach virus on Thurs night and had a horrible night of vomiting. She was really not herself on Friday. You could tell she wasn't feeling well at all. We decided to play it by ear whether we'd go to Dallas or not. Luckily, she seemed much better on Saturday morning and we thought she might like a change of scenery. So we loaded up the car and went to visit our very dear friends, The Davis', in Southlake. They just built the most beautiful house EVER and we were so excited to see it for the first time and get to visit them.
Gaby and her pal, Drew, swinging...

Our good friends, The Bratchers, joined us for dinner at Brad & Tracie's house. Here is their cutie son, Brayden, getting hugs from Drew...

Gaby was so awesome, even though you could tell she wasn't 100%. By Sunday morning, she was back to her old self, so we headed to the Dallas Aquarium...

It's like a rainforest inside- very cool!!

Cool flower, huh?

The penguins...

Stingrays... This was like being in a bubble w/the fish...
The whole gang (minus one photographer)... This shark was just laying on top of the tank... Gaby "going night-night" like the jaguar.. Flamingos!!! These two had alot of fun together... We always have such a wonderful time catching up w/the Davis'. Next month, they'll be joined by a new baby sister! Can't wait to meet her. Thanks, Brad, Tracie & Drew!

Swim Update

Our little swimmer has still faithfully been taking her swim lessons every week. Like last year, we'll take the summer off and just try to swim as often as we can. Her current semester ends in June. Gaby's newest swim buddy is Gertie. Her mom took these recent pictures so I thought I'd share them.

Here are Cole, Gaby & Gertie patiently waiting their turn. Notice the cute little flippers they get to wear.

They swim to the island and do their exercises from there. Gaby loooves the island!

Gaby's turn floating on her back...
Our little prankster- filling her mouth up w/water...
And splashing Gertie w/ it!!

Time to float on the duck!

Gaby still really loves her lessons and has so much fun w/Coach Carla. I'm so proud of what a good swimmer she is :) Can't wait to get in alot of pool time this summer!

Easter 2009

Easter 2009

Byron was on call this past weekend so we had to stay put for Easter. We couldn't go visit our families, plus my parents were out of the country. Luckily for us, our good friends, The Rileys, invited us over for Easter brunch. Gaby always has so much fun with her friend, Tripp! Let's start from the top...

The Easter bunny left Gaby a little basket full of goodies...

And a princess scooter- yipee!!

Elizabeth and I made a pretty great brunch spread, if I do say so, myself :)

Then it was on to hunt some more eggs...
"Here let me help you w/ those." Baby Tate getting in on the action... The egg motherload... Our little cuties... There was a little T-ball practice... And finally, some egg dyeing... It started off stormy and rainy that morning. But as you can see we were blessed with a BEAUTIFUL day! We had such a wonderful Easter :) Thank you, Rileys!!

An Easter Party

Gaby's good friend, Isabel, had an Easter party on Saturday. Even though it was a little chilly and it had rained it was still a bunch of fun. Of course, you can't go wrong when there is a bouncy house involved :)

Gaby perfected the two-finger-egg-hold due to wet grass...

Yummy chocolate!!

Cupcake time...
Just chillin w/Isabel...

Sweet Baby Sage- isn't she beautiful ?

An Easter Package

A box arrived yesterday for our little miss. It was an Easter package from her Mimi & Papa. She was very excited!! Inside there was some Easter bunny jewelry...

A pink Longhorns cap- Daddy was very excited about that!
And a sweet little bunny...
There were also a few cute clothes. Mimi & Papa were smart enough to know that there was no need to include any c.a.n.d.y. We'll be getting plenty of it this weekend :)Thanks, Mimi & Papa!! Love you!

Play Doh !

Another one of those "Messy Activities" that we've been enjoying more often, now that Gaby isn't trying to always put it in her mouth, hair, etc etc. Now we just have to work on not mixing the colors. I know, I know.... I can't help being a little OCD!

What a masterpiece!!

Bluebonnets !!

The Painter

I'm getting a lot more relaxed w/ what I call- The Messy Activities. Now that Gaby has so much more coordination and can understand what she can and can't touch while she's doing them, I can chill a bit. One of those so-called Messy Activities is painting. Lately, we have been doing much more painting inside...

See how happy that makes her??

What an artiste!!

Miss Independent

"NOOOOOO! Gaby dooooo it!!"

That's the newest phrase around the Holt household. Our independent minded, stubborn, two year old prefers to do everything for herself- putting her socks & shoes on and off, buckling her seatbelt, opening & closing doors taking off her diaper, etc, etc.

And, please, don't try to force the subject unless you are prepared for a MAJOR meltdown. *sigh*