Play Date Fun

Yesterday Lena Kate and I had such a fun afternoon. Our friends Heidi and her daughter Mariella came over for a afternoon of chicken tortilla soup and cookie baking fun. It was so nice to spend the afternoon chatting and getting to know each other better. Sweet little Mariella didn't want Mommy to put her down so I did most of the baking and decorating while Lena Kate made herself at home and got into every drawer and cabinet she possibly could. She also likes to pat Mariella on the head. She does it so sweetly:) I think she will be a good big sister one day. Here are a few pictures from our afternoon. By the way, I STILL can't stop eating those cookies! They are soooo good.

My helpers

fun and tasty! Notice I'm not all about perfection...as long as it tastes good, I'm happy!

Notice how Mariella is almost as big as Lena Kate and she is only 6 months old....LK is just a small fry. These are two cuties for sure...watch out boys!

Playing around

Mariella is not sure about Lena Kate taking her for a ride.

This little monkey was pulling all the towels out of the drawer and next thing we knew she was IN the drawer herself!

Happy Halloween weekend and stay tuned for fun pictures of our little Casper.

San Angelo Roping

It takes too long to move the pictures below the text and my cut and paste doesn't work on blogger???? Anywho...here are a few pics to start...then a fun description of our weekend and more pictures!

See my horsie hanging out of my pocket..he wouldn't stay in, I was too busy. Also, check out the big paci I found!

Peek-a-boo

Thanks alot Uncle Chip! Sooo not nice.

Daddy entertaining the stinker.

Deep thoughts

Not so sure about the new mascot...hmnmm.

Sweet Uncle Chili getting some Lena Kate lovin.

Watching the action with Mr. Rick.

This past weekend we made it to the annual San Angelo Roping Fiesta. We've been trying to go for several years and just had not been able to get there, but this year we finally made it-little one in tow. We spent all afternoon Saturday and Sunday at the Roping. It was lots of fun and tons of work for Mama who spent lots of time trying to entertain a 10 month old that was missing her nap. Lena Kate managed to play with rocks and grass and shotgun shells like a little country girl should. Overall she was a good girl especially since she was still recovering from a stomach bug:) I'm proud to say that although I shopped a little at the booths in the Coliseum I only bought a coke and some peanut M&M's. That's it! Can you believe I didn't get any cute rodeo gear? I was proud of myself. I did have trouble passing up a t-shirt for Lena Kate that said, "Yes...I was raised in a barn." on the front. It was too cute, but I withstood the temptation. Lane was shocked.

By the end of the first day I retired my boots. They tend to rub blisters on my big toes. Lane says I just need to wear them more, but I'm not so sure they won't always do that...which makes me sad because I really like them. Lane got them for me a few years ago. Hopefully, Lane is right.

On a brighter note, the weather was great. Lena Kate did get rosy cheeks and nose since I didn't put sunscreen on her. I know, I know- BAD MAMA. It wasn't too bad though. I lathered her up on Sunday. It was a little cool in the mornings but the weather was perfect for Lena Kate to sport her cute moccasins that Leelee got her. They match almost every fall outfit she has. I wish I had some as comfortable as hers seemed to be. She will be getting boots for her birthday! Won't my little cowgirl be cute?!

We really enjoyed visiting and hanging out with Lena Kate's Uncle Chili (Lane's bff and cousin)and Aunt Carla. They are so sweet to Lena Kate and I can't wait for their first little cowboy or cowgirl to come along....in a few years;) I don't want to rush them, I know the future grandparents are doing a great job of that already. Saturday night we went over to Chip (Chili's Dad) and Kelley's for a steak dinner. It was super yummy and followed with some excellent bread pudding with a hard sauce. I DID go back for a second helping and I'm sure my love handles thank me for it. Lena Kate also had fun playing with the dog toys (she found the huge pacifier first...big shocker) and a beer box before she went to bed after such a long day. She even chased their doggie Channel but the little doggie was too scared and fast. We are so fortunate that she will go to bed anywhere. We took the pack and play and I just put her down in Annabelle's room and she conked out, no problem:) We missed Great Kelley and Leelee and Grandpa this weekend since they were all out of town. Lena Kate was sad to not get to see them too:) Mama took some picture to make sure they got to "see" her there.

I'm so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family and group of friends. Thanks and praises to God for blessing our family over and over again.

Lil Pumpkin

This morning I took Lena Kate to the pumpkin patch just to get out of the house for a bit...hopefully we didnt' spread any germs! Here are a few of my favorite shots. Cousin Charles and Aunt Amy came too. Which is your favorite?

Henderson Family Vacation

Howdy folks, we've been on a wonderful family vacation the last few days. We stayed at Toad Hall One on the Guadalupe river in Hunt, Texas. I'd highly recommend it to anybody. It was soooo much fun. We did all kinds of things...fished, roasted marshmallows and hotdogs over firepit, canoed, turned over a canoe (haha-I wasn't in it at the time, and only funny because they hadn't even gotten fully off the bank yet!), carved a pumpkin, ate TONS of yummy food, went on walks, played cards, watched babies, and much, much more! I could write for days about all the fun, but here are a few pics to get you started. I'll post a slide show when I get a chance. Unfortunately I came home with a sick baby this morning. Poor Lena Kate has a sick tummy and has been listless, pukey, sleepy and sad all day! It just breaks my heart. I'm hoping she'll wake up happy in the morning with no stomach bug or whatever this is that found her this morning. Please send up some prayers for my baby girl.

Mimi loved the canoe ride with Lane and me.

Aren't we cute?!

Mimi and Papa trying to get a cute shot with the grandkids...good luck with that!

Tada! Catch me Mama.

We finally got some new family photos, too bad I wasn't wearing something other than a Nike T-shirt and NO make-up...I hate putting it on while on vacation..but it doesn't make for the best pictures!

Just a walkin....

Mmmmm, pumpkin is yummy

The cousins had fun playing together

More to come!

10 months!

Dearest Lena Kate,

My how this year has flown by. You are so busy these days. It amazes me how grown up you are before my eyes. This has been a big month! You are now walking all over the place and I don't think you will ever stop now. Before you were born, Daddy called you his little goat (derived from the scientific term zygote). Well, you are living up to your name. I now call you my little goat too since you are wanting to climb on anything and everything-fireplace, dishwasher, rocking chair, bookshelves...the list goes on. You are fearless and like Mommy to swing you up in the air holding onto your hands. You laugh and giggle so sweetly!

check out the face I get when telling her no and to get down....right before I rushed over to get her down(after snapping a quick pic)

You and your little friends are starting to play together and want what each other has. It is good that we all like to get together so all of you first borns can learn to share:) The other day we had a playdate at Chik-fil-a and you and Catalina were all over the place together.

Your hair is growing in and you have somewhat of a little baby mullet. Daddy says it doesn't count since you aren't one. I think it is cute:)

You are experimenting with table food now but don't seem to eat enough to fill you up. You have tried alot but you like peaches, pears, turkey, chicken, black beans, rice, cheese..and several other things. You LOVE bread and tortillas. You prefer to feed Missy the cheerios rather than eat them yourself. Your sippy cup is your friend and you love to gulp down the water. You love to have a spoon in your hand whether you are eating or not. This sometimes makes meals difficult if Mommy is trying to feed you with a spoon and you decide you want it. Your grip is quite strong.

Anytime a catchy tune comes on the radio you will dance (bounce up and down), you may be on your knees but you are still bouncing away to the music. We always love to watch you dance.

You have much to say, but I don't think you know what you are saying quite yet, nor do we. Pat-a-cake is a favorite game and you
"roll it" and everything. When we say "Yea!" after something you've done you will clap for yourself.

You are fast becoming your Daddy's girl. Since you are an early riser, usually around 6 am, you like to spend time in Daddy's arms before he has to leave for work. You also get very excited when he gets home from work and plays with you. Second to Daddy, Missy is also your friend. You like to give her pats and use her as a support to stand up. She is very tolerant of you especially when you drop food in her direction.

Two teeth is still the count, but Mommy thinks you might have a top tooth working its way through.

I don't want to fail to mention that you already know how to throw a little fit when you don't get your way. You will flail you arms and cry if we stop you from something you shouldn't be doing and you will drop down to the ground. Oh girl, I think we have our hands full already! You are easily distracted so they don't last long:)

Two weeks ago you were 17 lbs and 28.5 inches long. You are long, but a petite little girl. Clothes sizes range from 9-12 months and you are already a tomboy....by this I mean you enjoy playing rough with the boys and tackling them and you also like to pull your bows out of your hair as if there is no need for them.

During MOPS meetings you will stay in the nursery for about an hour until it is your nap time and then you start crying and not just a little whimper. So you are usually with the mommies for the remainder of the time. Your friend Catalina is usually your partner in crime during those times as well!

You are a very smart girl and we are enjoying watching you learn as you grow. Right now, you are very interested in taking things out and sometimes putting things back. Open and close is funn too, but sometimes you forget to remove your other hand before closing. This is when you sometimes get fustrated.

I'm sure I've missed so many thing since you are doing something new every day now it seems. We love you more and more everyday if that is possible. What a precious sweetheart you are. Mommy and Daddy love you with all our hearts and look forward to each and every moment with you.

Love always,

Mama

This weekend we decided to pack up the car and head to San Angelo to spend some quality time with Lena Kate's Leelee and Grandpa. Daddy was going to work cattle in Ozona so we were on our own and decided the road trip was in order. We drove through the rain and drizzle on Friday morning and came home in the drizzle this morning. Despite the bleak weather, we had a delightful weekend. It was a bit chilly but a good opportunity for Lena Kate to sport some of her newly acquired fall outfits. For us South Texas gals if it gets below 70 it is COLD.

Lena Kate showed off her walking skills to all the family that came to visit. We also got to see Lane's grandparents since the drove down on Friday to get to see Lena Kate and have lunch with us. Pa pa got down on the floor and played with Lena Kate like a young cat...and he popped back up without a hitch. I think we were all a little impressed.

Saturday afternoon cousins Megan, Bill, and their boys Charles and Corley came over for a visit and early dinner before the ASU Rams football game. Corley had been looking forward to playing with Lena Kate. She loves playing with little boys and was ready to tackle Corley...I don't think he was expecting it. She's a rough and tumble little gal as you can see it the pictures. We all loaded up and headed to Chili's for dinner and successfully made it through with only one spilled drink compliments of LK's quick hands. Fortunately nobody got wet. Then we headed to Lena Kate's first ASU football game. She snuggled up with Grandpa for awhile before becoming restless and tired. We headed home after just over a quarter of play to warm up and get ready for bed. We spent Sunday in out of the dreary weather just playing and enjoying family time. The only thing that would've made it better would've been if Lane had been there to enjoy it as well. Although I've come to realize that Lane is alot like his father. There were several times this weekend when LK's Grandpa made a comment that sounded exactly like words out of her Daddy's mouth...in a way, I guess he was there, ha! All in all it was a super fun weekend and I think everyone enjoyed it....including Missy. I think Lena Kate fed her as many Cheerios as she ate...not to mention the bites that Leelee "sneaks" her. big thanks to Gary and Leslee for having us. We can't wait for our next visit. Lena Kate loves leaving a disaster trail in your very neat and clean house-ha! We came home and she just took off walking everywhere taking toys with her everywhere. Next time she'll be running around your home, I'm sure.

The only downside is that Lena Kate came home with a very drippy nose. I had to chase her with a diaper rag all day to keep the snot at bay. Lena Kate does NOT like this part. She was very whiny. Please say a little prayer that she wakes up in the morning feeling better and not worse. I'm hoping it was just the weather changes causing a runny nose and nothing worse. We have a busy rest of the week, so hopefully she will stay healthy. Here are a few pictures I took over the weekend.

Always paying attention to her doggie

Sweet pets

A little ragamuffin after a long day

Leelee and LK having a tickle/play session

Petting session with Pa pa, LK, and Missy. If you look closely poor Missy is a bit scared. Pa pa doesn't know how to pet softly. We like to call them Pa Pa pets and her head goes up and down violently with the rough hand...hehe, poor girl.

Playing with the cousins Corley and Charles. Lena Kate had this face quite often the whole weekend, not sure what that was about, silly girl!

Snuggled up with Grandpa at the football game

Go Rams

Corly thinks this makes a nice hat for LK

Corley wanted to play, but I don't think he knew what he was in for. Lena Kate was ready to tackle the sweet little(big) guy.

Everybody wore this "necklace" including Missy.

Yea- playing with coasters

Can you see the head of her little horsey that sit in the pocket of her coveralls? Too cute!

Leelee showing off LK's limberness

Playing on Pa Pa's knee.

Have a good week and we'll be back soon!