Grapefest Trip 2015

The weekend of September 18th, we traveled to Texas to meet up with the Pike's (our friends from MN).

We arrived on Thursday night and stayed at the Hilton hotel by the airport.

Friday morning, Tom met with clients and the kids and I ordered room service. After that, we went to Grapevine Mills to kill some time before meeting up with the Pike's at Chuy's for lunch. It was just as yummy as I remember it!

After lunch, we all checked in to the Gaylord, freshened up and then headed to Grapefest.

The kids checking out the hotel

Michelle and I did the first wine tasting, while the guys hung out with the kiddos.

Madison got a couple shots of the kids :)

Cooling off in front of the fan - it was pretty hot!

The guys trying to keep the kids cool with shaved ice

Tommy & Madison re-creating a moment from an earlier Grapefest

Once our wine tasting time was up; we switched with the guys and took the kids to the carnival rides. They sure know how to get all your money! I bet we spent $30 or more on the rides. Geez!!

Tommy drove the ladies around

The girls on the balloon

Grace had to ride the tea cups (twice)

Before we left, the kids all wanted to get their faces painted.

Spiderman

Spider-fly

Grace wanted me to wear Tom's sweaty hat

Saturday was a little rainy, so we all decided to go get manicures/pedicures (or a toeicure as Grace would say). Tommy opted for a manicure..

First mani/pedi for all the girls

Tommy liked the manicure and his shiny nails at the end

Grace really enjoyed it

Tom and Byron also got pedicures

The sun came out in the afternoon, so we all headed to the pool.

Tommy was a little dare devil

Grace taking a break from swimming with mommy

We stayed in the room that night and the kids had a dance party and watched a little American Ninja Warrior.

It was a fun trip and we really enjoyed hanging out with Michelle, Byron and the girls. We can't wait to plan the next trip!

Weekend Project

Ever since we moved into our house in 2012, we been thinking of what we could do with this little nook right outside our bedroom.

Tom came up with the perfect idea at the end of August. He had the great idea to turn it into the "school zone."  For the past couple years, we have been hanging jackets/school bags on these hooks in our laundry room (which isn't the biggest room in the first place). We hated how crowded it was, but didn't have another solution...until now.

The nook before (we did have a wedding picture in there)

Tom painted it the same color as our basement (a lighter brown color), built a cute storage bench, hung a shelf and nice hooks. The finished product is great! I love being able to hang the kids stuff here.

I think this area looks perfect.

A touch of fall + cute wicker baskets for the kids stuff

Magnetic Frame with pictures of the cuties

Heavy duty hooks for bags and winter items

Tom did a great job with everything. I'm glad we have a use for this space (and that our laundry room isn't as crowded anymore.

1st Day of Kindergarten

Tommy started Kindergarten on August 27th. I was worried that he would be nervous, since he was the day before when we went to meet his teacher. I shouldn't have worried..

He woke up extra early and came down dressed with his teeth brushed ready to go. :)

Excited for school

Grace wanted a picture with her Tommy

Tom was sad

I was only a little sad - but only because he was so happy

Grace took a nice photo of us

He was unbuckled and ready to hop out as soon as we pulled up!

Tom picked him up after school and he told us how great it was. Good job Tommy!

Beach Vacation

The week of August 10th, we headed to Sea Grove Beach, FL for our annual beach vacation.

Tom picked me up from work on Friday (the 7th) and we stayed the night in Knoxville, TN. On Saturday, we were all excited to have lunch at Whataburger.

What-A-Man

What-A-Girl

We pretty much spent the entire week on the beach or in the pool. Tom and Tim played golf twice, we all went to dinner once, and Tom and I took the kids for lunch and shaved ice one day.

Grace relaxing eating her Oreo's

Tommy being silly

Evelyn & Grace making a "cake"

All that digging wore her out

So cute!

Tim & Diana having some alone time

Tom ordered Camp Rennie shirts for everyone

The kids liked going to the "little ocean" (a lake close to the house)

Family photo after dinner

Both kids chose to sleep on the bottom bunk

The water was perfect on Thursday (so calm) that Grace let me take her out.

We ate lunch at Bud & Alley's right beside the ocean - look at that awesome view.

Tommy tried his hand at fishing

The girls

The boys

It was another fun beach week!