Why Waco?

As you know our family just moved back to Texas after living in Ohio for 2 years, and then Georgia for 1.5 years.  Before our state to state adventure we made our home in a north Fort Worth suburb. We bought our first home in Haslet.  Layla and Hayden were both born in Fort Worth just like their daddy.  I am the only non Fort Worth baby.  I was born in a little town in Texas near Waco.  I attended Clifton schools my entire school career.  Go Cubs!!

Since our recent move I've had several people ask why we decided to move to Waco.

Waco is home for us.  Waco is where our story began.  Gary moved to Waco in 4th grade and he graduated from high school at Midway.  I grew up in Clifton which is located about 30 minutes from Waco.  

I remember as a kid we traveled to Waco for everything.  Groceries, clothes and restaurants were all better in Waco, so essentially I grew up in Waco too.  I remember sitting under the shopping cart when I was a little girl.  I would ride around HEB (the best grocery store ever!) while my mom tossed groceries into the top part before checking out and loading the car to drive back to Clifton.  All the coolest clothes were in Waco.  Clifton had stores, but nothing as cool as Waco.

Gary and I met while he was attending Baylor and I was attending McLennan Community College and working at a local optical shop.  We dated for 4 years and all those years were here in Waco.   We loved Waco, but I have to say it is much cooler today than it was back when we first met.  There are tons of stores and attractions that just weren't here back in 2000.  Waco has blossomed and grown into a beautiful city with so much to offer.  

Now you know ... 

That is why Gary and I picked Waco.  We met and fell in love in Waco.  We got married on a Texas beach, but we made our first home in Waco before we decided to chase the money and move to the DFW area in 2001.  

When we found our rental home (built in the 50's and could totally be a Fixer Upper.) in Waco a few months ago we realized we have been gone from Waco for almost 16 years.  We are so excited to see this town now.  It is amazing!  We have plans to buy a 'forever' home in a year or two.  We are excited to plant roots and the kids are excited to stay in the same schools from now on.

Just so you know, since I am a foodie, my plan is to try every single fun restaurant and maybe open my own. ;)  I'll be able to give you the scoop when you plan your trip to visit our fun booming town!  

Swedish MidSummer party

Gary and I are truly blessed by all the friends we have made here in Ohio.  We are surrounded by many many amazing people.  Some people are neighbors, some are friends we've met at work, some we met while working out, and others we've met through the kids schools.  We are so happy to know so many different people from so many different groups here in town.  I want to know as many people as I can, and in my opinion, you can never have too many friends!

We had so much fun last night when we attended my friend Annika's Swedish summer party last night.  We learned about Swedish traditions.  Annika made a pretty awesome Maypole and I didn't even know Maypoles existed before last night.  It was a fun party and I am so thankful I got a peek into Annika's life in Sweden.

We ate Swedish foods and we all wore flower head pieces.

We played games in the backyard.  The games were so fun and it was really fun to play boys against girls!  Some of us actually got paired against our husbands.  Oh it was so much fun!

Someone captured this fun picture of me in a relay race.  I'm carrying an egg on a spoon.  The girls won all the games!!  Look at the cute dog Gunner.  He's looking at me like I've lost my mind.  Ha! He might be onto something! ;)

Gary and I enjoyed our time out as adults.  The summer is fun, but momma is always ready for a fun date night.  I'm around the kids non-stop all summer, so I really enjoy getting some kid free time!  Thanks for a fun night Annika!  Love ya!!

KennyWood park adventure weekend

We got a weekend away and decided to hit Pittsburgh for a fun day at KennyWood amusement park!

Layla and I rode the bumper cars as our first ride!

I photographed the roller coaster I'd never get on.  Gary, Jeff and Brandy rode on it while I stayed with the kids.  Gary said it was a bit scary, so I'm glad I skipped it!

Hayden was almost tall enough for all the rides, but some he was just under the arrow!  Poor guy, and then Layla was too tall for some rides in the kiddie section.  Both kids are right in the middle!

Layla was a bit skeptical of all the rides.  She is just like me!  We finally got her to ride the turtle ride.  That pretty much explains itself though...a turtle is pretty slow. 

The kids loved the race car ride.  They both felt like they were driving in a real race!

We loved eating delicious sugary treats!

Funnel caaaakkkeee!

Layla and Hayden loved playing all the silly games they could play.

Hayden won many games and he's really good at playing them.  Layla struggled a little and was so determined to win.  Finally after many attempts she won this huge giraffe!  She was so proud!

Hayden loved winning this turtle.  He also won a wolf a monkey and several sea horses.

We are thankful for amazing weather and fun friends.  The kids first trip to an amusement park was a success!

snail obsessed

The kids are loving their pet snails.  Hayden is showing me what the snail does with his eyes.  "His eyes go in and out mom!"

Hayden caught a snail and we kept it in a plastic storage container covered with press n seal wrap. I think we threw away all our fun bug containers when we moved.  The kids were thrilled when I brought home these fun critter keepers.  I decided to get Layla and Hayden each their own container and I'm glad I did. We currently have 5 snail friends!

Hayden is the master of the largest snail and Layla is owns the smaller slimy friends.

It really is cute to see the kids clean the cages, replace the grass and water the snails.

Every single day is an adventure in our house...I love it!

I found these awesome containers at Toys R Us!

A day for Target

Gary had to work for a bit today, so the kids and I decided to road trip to Target.  The closest Target to us is about 90 miles away.  Yep...I really like Target and I really miss it.

We had a fun adventure.  The kids each got to pick out a toy, so they were all over riding in the car for 3 hours!  We also got shoes and a few necessities.  It was a fun day and we ended the day hanging out with friends at their house.  The kids had fun playing a few Wii games they have never played before.  Mmmmm...maybe some Christmas gift ideas! :)

We're moving....

Yep, you read that right! 

Our family is moving!

{whew, i'm so glad to get that off my chest. i feel like i've been hiding it from you.}

SEE---our house is for sale.

Our house has been on the market since August 2nd.  We've had 1 showing.  

 Soooooo.....that is another blog post!

But we are so happy with our decision.  It has been a long process of thinking and planning and praying.  I am so glad I don't have to be secretive any longer.  I can use this blog as the outlet it has always been for me. 

We weren't sure for several months if this would work out or not.  We weren't sure if this is what we wanted.  BUT we now know what we want.  This is what we are doing and we are more than thrilled!  We can't wait to start our new adventure in 

OHIO!!

We are moving to Ohio!

I can't believe I am saying this!!  

Yes, yes I know...I am a Texas girl born and raised here in the Lone Star State.

I am on board with moving miles and miles away.  I'm so excited and ready to move, but we really can't do too much until our house sells.   The kids are both starting school here in Texas and we are getting into the back to school groove right here for now.  Gary is already working for his new company, and he will be here and there and everywhere, back and forth, to and fro.  We're good with this plan for a bit, but I know shortly the kids and I too will be ready to get acquainted with our new city!

This is excited and scary all at the same time.  I'm a bundle of nerves half the time....

I'll keep you posted!