Thursday Randoms

So, it's been quite the week at the Hall house. Ryan was gone for four days to a conference in Birmingham, leaving the B man and I to fend for ourselves. We had a great time together, just playing and doing what we do, with the exception of one minor unwanted friend - vomit. Yuck.

Due to some nasty drainage, the little guy's tummy was a little wacky, so we enjoyed four fun-filled days of yucky. Needless to say, Ryan and I had the most un-romantic Valentine's day ever. I took Barrett to the doctor to figure out the culprit, which was just a little acid reflux due to the combination of penicillin, drainage, and a little tummy irritation. Ryan got back into town just in time to meet us at the doctor's office, where we picked up a quick prescription for some generic Pepcid and were on our merry way.

We spent the rest of our Valentine's Day cooking a little dinner and watching a movie together before crashing. Romance? Maybe next year. All I had for my sweet Valentine was a card I picked up a few weeks ago. So sad. Barrett and I were going to make some little lovies for our favorite people, but that will need to wait until next year too. Sorry folks.

Anywho, we've got big exciting plans for the weekend - the GRANDPARENTS are coming!! Woohoo!! Grammy, Pops, Aunt Nance and Dustin will be joining us for a few days and a fun visit. The crazy folks are making the 16 hour drive to come and spend their free weekend with us - let the spoiling begin! We don't have many big plans, but I'm sure we can come up with something.

Anyone heard of The Color Run? My BFF Abbey mentioned this on Facebook earlier this week and it piqued my interest, so today, while I was supposed to be doing other things, I looked up The Color Run.

What is the Color Run?
The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. Our events, are all about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a VERY long time.
How does it work?
The Color Run pretty much has 2 SIMPLE rules. 1. White shirts (any mostly white T will work great) mandatory at the start line and 2. Color plastered EVERYTHING at the finish!  Runner/walkers begin the 5k at the start line like a brand new pristine coloring book, they end looking like they fell into a Willy Wonka… tye died… vat of colored goodness.

http://thecolorrun.com/about/

So, I'm thinking this sounds like a must-do in my book. These are the next two. Who's with me??

TENNESSEE/ October 20 **REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

NORTH CAROLINA / October 27 *REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

That's all the randomness for today folks. Happy Thursday.

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Exactly thirty years ago today, something wonderful happened. A sweet baby boy was born in Sherman, Texas. Today, I want you all to know just how wonderful this Oklahoma boy is. I know that I am a little biased because he is my husband, but he truly is one of the kindest, most gentle people I have ever met. Loved by everyone, his bright smile and those cute dimples seem to have a way with people...especially me and the old ladies who are his patients.

Ryan loves his Jesus, his family, and his Sooners - which even this Cowboy fan has grown to love (or at least cheer for.) His care for other people makes him an excellent doctor and an even better husband and friend. He works hard, plays hard, and loves even harder. Even though his job carries a workload and stress level most of us cannot imagine, he always leaves it at the front door. With little time for rest and relaxation, he makes the best of the circumstances and has as much fun as he can on a limited schedule.

He is the true definition of a friend.  

   

Always up for an adventure, he is one of the most fun guys I know. Whether it is learning to do a backflip off of a boat, taking ballroom dance classes, or running a race - this guy knows how to have a good time!

He is the BEST husband I could have ever asked for. When I prayed for a husband, I had a "checklist." Ryan met every single one of those criteria and more. I remember our first date and knowing I would marry him from the time he rang the doorbell! My oh my, how far we've come!

I learn something about life from him each and every day. His patience and grace are something to be admired - especially with all of my crazy hare-brained ideas. He always agrees to my "bright ideas" without complaint, even if some of them aren't so bright. We have had more fun and great adventures together than I can count and I know there are many more to come.

Ryan is the most thoughtful man I have ever met. Ever the romantic, any gift from him is sure to be just the thing to knock your socks off! He makes me laugh constantly and appreciates my sense of humor, no matter how warped it may be. His strength makes him the person I can count on and he is the voice of reason when I need one. He is the one I want to come home to every night and the hand that I want to hold. He truly is my best friend.

Not only is Ryan a fantastic husband, but he is the BEST Dad ever!! Barrett is his pride and joy. From day one, Ryan has been my right hand man, never leaving me to go it alone. I truly don't know what I would do without him. Whether changing dirty diapers, helping with bath time, or taking bedtime duty, he is always there. No matter how little sleep he has had, he never tires of being the Dad that any child would love to have.

Barrett loves his Daddy so much and is a true Daddy's boy!

There are so many things to love about my sweet husband and words alone cannot express just how wonderful you are to me and how much you mean to us. So today, honey, on your 30th birthday, I want you to know just how much I love you. I am so proud to be your wife. Here's to 100 more birthdays together!

Happy Birthday Nancy!!

You know those people in your life who know all about you and love you anyway? Those who are so close that you don't have to say a word to know what the other one is thinking? Who can make you laugh and make you cry and make you laugh again with just a look? Well TODAY - yes, today - is the day we celebrate the birth of just one of those gals!

Today is Nancy's (also known as Aunt Nance, Nanny, or Na-Na) BIRTHDAY!!! From the time I was two years old, Nancy has been my very best friend. We were always in it together - playing house, school, or beauty shop - and making huge messes! Today, we are still in it together - sharing fashion advice, beauty tips, and everyday life even though we live hundreds of miles apart. We spend our extra money on plane tickets  to visit each other and STILL cry every time we have to say goodbye!

Nancy is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out. She has a gift with children and was born to be a teacher. Her bright eyes and smile are contagious and can brighten any room. Nancy's heart is as big as Texas! She always goes the extra mile to make you feel special. Nancy is a wonderful gift-giver and always knows just the right touch to help you feel loved.

Nancy is the most wonderful "Auntie" and loves with her whole heart. Barrett loves his "Aunt Nance" and she adores him too. Whether it was rocking him in the middle of the night as a newborn, teaching his Mama the "baby bounce" or reading Barrett stories, she has always known just what to do. Aunt Nance spoils Barrett with lots of wonderful goodies - books, fun toys, and darling clothes - and that is just so special to us! 

I wanted to take the time today to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little sister and best friend. I am so proud of the woman that you have become. Thank you for making a difference and walking through life with me. Thanks for plucking my eyebrows, making me laugh, and helping me get it together in those times that I have needed it most. I admire you for your strength, perserverance and kind heart.

While we don't see each other more than a few times a year, you are always on my mind and in my heart. I am so grateful that God blessed me with you for a sister. My wish for you today is that you know just how special you are as you celebrate your day.

Happy Birthday Nancy!!!

We LOVE you!!

Sesame Street LIVE!!

We kicked off the New Year with a bang! Not really, it was more like - Daddy's on call, Mommy's asleep on the couch, and Barrett is sleeping (hopefully) soundly until (possibly) 7:00 a.m. on New Year's Day! However, it was still fun to see the arrival of a New Year, and get ready for another year of fun!

Our first activity of the New Year was going to our very first live performance. Sesame Street LIVE came to town with their show 1-2-3 Imagine! Our resident family girls decided that we would take the little ones to see the show. They had discount tickets for a Friday afternoon, so with some special permission from my boss, I cut out a few hours early for some fun!

Barrett has a new fondness for Elmo (thanks to the lifesaving YouTube videos on my phone), so I thought we would give it a shot! It was a HUGE success! He and his little friends loved the music, bright lights, happy characters and lots of activity. It was a very cute show and so much fun! If you are thinking of taking your little one, please GO!! Arm yourself with plenty of snacks and sit away from the stairs, but just GO!

Barrett had to enjoy a pre-show snack of graham crackers and water

Our Mommy and Barrett shot

Watching closely for Elmo

There they are!

This is the whole gang, with the little gals munching on some popcorn

More characters and "Big Duck" as Ellie calls him...

So pretty Mom!

He loved clapping along and dancing to all of the great music!

After the show, we tried to get some shots of the kids with an Elmo cutout near the merchandise, but this was as good as we could get. They were all worn out, but had a great day together! I hope we can make this one of our "family traditions!"

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? 

Meeting Santa

With Christmas time comes a tradition that most mothers and children remember fondly - meeting Santa. I had no idea it would turn into such an event for us! We enjoyed our first meeting with Santa, but it was a little more "exciting" than this Mama had hoped for.

We took Barrett to Disney World in early October and he LOVED all of the characters, so I just assumed he would have the same fondness for the man in red. Little did I know that we would have a grand adventure just trying to meet the man!

Our first attempt (which was supposed to be our only attempt) was at the Carnegie hotel. They have a Santa come in and you can take your own pictures instead of paying big bucks for the package at the mall. Perfect, right? WRONG! This was on a Sunday afternoon, after we went to church and had a wonderful lunch at Cracker Barrel. Barrett was right on the verge of naptime, so I really should have known better.

We arrived with a few minutes to spare before B got really tired, but...we didn't quite make it. As you can see from the pictures below, Barrett was obviously not interested in meeting Santa on this day. We were there at the same time as our friends - the Moss' and the McDonalds, but none of us had a successful visit with this particular Santa.

Playing with Ellie just a few minutes before...happy as a little clam...

AND...MELTDOWN!!!

Don't get one step closer there, Santa, you hear me?

Our second attempt followed naptime, so I truly thought we were safe. WRONG again! Santa and Mrs. Claus sit outside on Saturdays downtown. You can go meet them and drop off your letter, so we thought we could take Barrett for another quick shot. He liked Mrs. Claus just fine, but still wasn't too fond of Santa.

Lady, don't you put me close to that Santa man!

and...MELTDOWN!!

With two unsuccessful attempts, I was discouraged, but undeterred. I needed a picture of Barrett with Santa! We gave it one last shot at the mall on Christmas Eve. The packages are expensive, but you are not required to pay unless you are satisfied with the picture. We put Barrett in his Christmas gear, loaded up, and we were off to the mall! After a brief wait and some careful maneuvers by Mom and Dad (yeah for teamwork!), we got the MONEY shot!! So, was it successful? I'll let you be the judge. ;)



December activities

Now that I have shared our Christmas post, I thought I should recap the December activities for memory's sake. We had so many fun outings that I couldn't help myself! Our little town is the oldest town in our state, and hosts many cute little Christmas celebrations. From a traditional tree lighting to a Santa and Mrs. Claus who sit on a sleigh on Main Street, no activity is left uncovered. We tried to enjoy as many of these as we could (and as Barrett would allow.) Making memories together is just so much fun!

In early December, we visited the downtown tree lighting. After rushing through our afternoon errands, we made it just in time! Barrett was almost ready to walk alone, so he had more fun running up and down the street than anything else, but it was so sweet to be able to watch him love the lights on the tree!

Hanging with Daddy

And, he's off!

My smiley boy

Beautiful tree

The rest of the month was a bit crazy. With call schedules and normal life, we didn't have time for much else. We did try to keep up with everyone as much as possible. Here you can see a few shots of Barrett doing what he does best - entertaining! He loves to talk on the phone and really had a great time "decking the Hall's."

MUAH!  

Mom, these are soooo cool!

Okay, that's it, I'm busting out of this joint

Daddy and Barrett helping to make things a little festive 

WOW... his favorite phrase when it came to the Christmas tree. Every morning when we went into the living room, he would insist that we turn on the lights first thing. I just love it that my boy already loves Christmas as much as I do!

Walking in Daddy's shoes

Enjoying some yummy dinner

Precious

Visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus in downtown Jonesborough - he loved Mrs. Claus, but wasn't too sure about Mr. Santa.

Okay, not sure at all about Santa...

Maybe I'll just send him a letter instead.

We also have the most WONDERFUL group of friends. They are really more like our little Resident Family. We get together to celebrate all sorts of special occasions and help each other out any way that we can through this five years of crazy. These are a few shots from our "Resident Family Christmas."

Barrett entertaining all of us with a song...

Maddie, B, and Ellie

These last few are especially for Grandma. I just thought she might like to see how much Barrett loves the rocking chair she brought for him this summer. He loves to climb up in the chair and just rock away. I still have a hard time believing that he is old enough to do this, but I guess time flies when you are having fun!

Just rocking away and looking so cute!

Another of his favorite activities is carrying things around. This is a Christmas box that we used to wrap a gift, but Barrett found it the PERFECT size for toting around the house!

 

Exchanging a few gifts with Maddie and Jon Michael - so precious!



WHEW! December was super busy and super fun. I think I will plan a little better next year so I remember to get things going early!