Favorite Moment of 2013

Looking back on the highlights from 2013, this was definitely one of my favorite moments (summer vacations were a close second). Tad was sworn in as an attorney in November and it was the best day. This was about a week after he passed the bar and we were still on cloud nine. I am so proud of this man and his accomplishments. 2014 is looking pretty bright.

How good does Tad look in a court room? I mean. What a stud. He was born for this attorney business.

Siesta Key

What a gorgeous beach! In a nutshell, I spent the week collecting seashells, falling in love with Hadley Hemingway's story and soaking up the sun. I think I may have brought home over 200 seashells. I had some help collecting only the finest. Tad asked me what I'm going to do with all of my mermaid money (he would). That's a great question. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share.

Such a great week with those sweet in-laws of mine. I was so happy to be a part of the matching tops tradition this year. Thinking we should include the boys in that tradition next year. I'm already looking forward to putting my toes in the sand again. I mean, is there really anything better than the beach in the summer? Didn't think so.

Check out more Florida vacation here and here.

Shrimp & Sunsets

My favorite night of vacation involved shrimp and a beautiful sunset. Tad's sweet granddad treated us to dinner at Lobster Pot and it was so delicious. I have never had a lobster roll and had my heart set on ordering one. That is until I saw it was made with mayonnaise. I just couldn't do it. It didn't take me long to get over it when I saw stuffed shrimp on the menu. Yes, please. 

These lovebirds. So sweet! After dinner, we had to check out the sunset on the beach. Such a sucker for that cliche. Who isn't?

The only thing that could have made that sunset more perfect was Tad. Next year!

The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

When in Sarasota, visit the Mote Marine Laboratory. I was so excited for this. I absolutely love the aquatic life. I was this close to switching my major to marine biology after freshman year. The staff there is living the dream. We had so much fun exploring the aquarium. If I'm ever in this neck of the woods again, I'll be back.

Can't believe I mustered the courage to touch a stingray. How does swimming with a whale not frighten me, but touching a stingray does? I'm a mystery.

 Carter's face. Is that not the cutest sea turtle you ever did see? She is just too darling.

Happy Fourth of July!

Started this amazing holiday off with a bang. I visited my grandparents and that was quite the treat. As you already know, my grandpa just lives for pictures. I asked him to take a patriotic photo and next thing I know he is pulling out the props. He walked outside with a pistol. I didn't even know how or why this was happening, but I went with it. Right before the picture he yelled, "Cinco de Mayo!" I was in stitches. That man. Still not sure if he knew what we were celebrating today, but I do like his style. Oh, and Klifford was also visiting. There really is nothing cuter than those two.

The Zoo Crew

Went on a fun trip to the zoo with the Pershall family a.k.a. zoo crew this week! Carter loves the zoo so they are regulars. Glad we got to tag along this time!

These leopards. Me oh my. They put on quite a show. See the one on the left? He was on the prowl. I'd love to post the next picture Tad snapped, but it might get reported. Such an animal that leopard! 

How I love these beautiful nocturnal creatures.

Leaving the jungle. Until next time, Cameron Park Zoo!

The Graduate

My little sister graduated on Saturday and we couldn't be more proud of her! Now for a ridiculous amount of family pictures celebrating this lady.

Uncle Fernando and mom proudly sporting that maroon and gold.

Kandee joined the December Graduate Club with me and Tad. Best time of year for graduations, let me tell ya. The ceremony was short and sweet. After graduation, the gang went out to eat at Shady Grove in Austin to wrap up this perfect day. We are so blessed with the most amazing friends and family. ConGRADulations, Kandee. You did it. You're going to change the world. I just know it.

Halloween Night

We had the Pershall family over for dinner on Halloween night. We wanted to cook something a little festive so Tad whipped up some delicious chili and I cut out Halloween shaped cheese. I know, a lot of hard work on my part. I joked with Tad that I am basically the real life version of Cher's character, Mrs. Flax, from the movie Mermaids. She had a thing for hors d'oeuvres. She only made finger foods like marshmallow kebabs and even chopped her sandwiches into stars. My kind of lady.

Back to dinner. Chelsea and JR dressed as Bert and Ernie. Tad and I were hippies. I think? I'm not really sure what Tad was looking back at these pictures. The cutest costume award went to Carter. Look at those darling tights! There was really no competition.

What better way to end Halloween than to watch the movie Halloween? It's a tradition every Halloween night so Tad and I popped this move in after our company left. Long story short, Tad went to bed about 10 minutes into the movie and I chickened out watching it alone. All in all, it was a pretty great night. Hope everyone had as much fun on Halloween as we did.