Monday, August 15, 2016

Walker's First Birthday Texas Trip

Turning one is just a right of passage in one's life. They might not understand it at the time, but it's a pretty big deal. So we packed up and headed to Texas to celebrate Walker in Texas fashion. The most important part was our family and friends got to celebrate with him. My parents drove in, Granny and our good friends from Houston came in just for Walker! So special that he has people that love him that much.

As parents many of us buy the expensive little smash cake outfits. I did lots of research into what I wanted it to look like and how these pics were going to go. He ripped off the hat and tie without a thought. Guess that's out of the question. Up next was the thought of smashing the cake. My friend, Karen made this perfect cake. She was even going to make one for his party as well. Walker didn't really want any part of smashing it. Who doesn't want sugar smashed in their face?! He just played with the candle and stared at us. I was sad. We got some bubbles and balloons going as props to keep him entertained during photos. Nick's dad had a really cool little set up and Walker enjoyed knocking some of it down. We then went outside just for fun so he could play in the tiny pool GiGi and Big Jim got him. Those pictures might have been the best because we just let him go wild! He thinks water hoses are the best toys ever made.

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We all worked really hard on the party fun. Katie and Karen did so much to prepare with all of the creative things.

Some of the decor.. I owe all of this to Katie and Karen! Thank you to our wonderful friend, Shanna for buying the amazing golf cake!




My brainchild was the photo area set up outside... I didn't think about the Texas heat when I set this up so I was really the only one who used it! Some of the kids played outside on the bouncy slide thing and playhouse, but most stayed inside away from the crazy heat of the day!








Walker had some many loved ones at his party. I don't know how they all fit into the house! We all had a great time. Most of the kids played in the playroom while the adults mingled. It was so wonderful to get a chance to just hang out and for Dubs to play with the kiddos! 



Abby, Stephanie, Julie, Melissa, Georgia


Libby, Granny, Carol & Teresa


Aubree



Mike, Jann, Ruth, John, Dad & Brenda


GiGi Dianne


W & Colby
 A few of my best girlfriends were unable to come to the party so we decided to all meet up at Jana's dad's house to swim. Walker got his pick of two young ladies, Kayla and Ava. He wasn't very friendly that day and didn't want to swim with the big girls so I held him for most of it! We had a really good time just chilling out and enjoying the sunshine.

Brittney, Jordan, Kayla, Walker, Andrea, Jana & Ava

We love patios. One of our favorite places in Plano is Katy Trail Ice House. The Sznajders and McDaniels met us there with the kids for a bit of fun. Now, it took us 1.5 hours in Dallas traffic to get there, but we finally arrived! The kids ran amuck and played cornhole and were crazy while the adults sipped on sangria... or I did anyway.




Colby, Walker, Karen
Guinnie & Walkie

Walker had way too much fun playing in this fort at Big Jim & GiGi's!!!






Wednesday we made our way to Austin. Nick wouldn't allow me to stop at Buccees since I go a little crazy there. I could buy the entire store. We did stop for some West kolaches!


We stayed with John and Tami in the city house then went out to the country house. Tami just made judge in Austin and they are getting married in September so they are very busy people right now! It was so nice for all of us to slow down and get to hang out in the country. It was so peaceful. Tami took us on a short hike, and wow, the humidity is insane. One day Nick and I walked up to their neighborhood playground and were pretty much dripping! Good exercise? 





Eating cheerios off the porch...
Nick headed off to the river and I headed out to hang out with Sarah's family. We've been friends since we were 18 and sorority sisters so I was very excited to meet Baby Sloane! We had a really great time just hanging out and catching up! The kids were cute together!