Texas.

Two months ago we packed everything we could fit in the back of the car and headed south to sell pest control for the summer.





Since it was such a long trip, we let the kids take turns behind the wheel so Jeff and I could get
some rest...



(just kidding)



We arrived in Texas 2 days later and settled in to our new little apartment in Austin.







The pool is our favorite part of the complex. We are without a car and there isn't much to do within walking distance. So, we spend our days at the pool. The kids love to swim!





cutest picture ever.






We have tried quite a few BBQ places since we've been here and, by far, my favorite is a place called "Rudy's" (even better than "Salt Lick" in my opinion). It is a little place on the side of a Shell gas station, claiming to be "The Worst BBQ in Texas" that serves AMAZING meat on sheets of wax paper. The "Extra Moist Brisket" is to die for, but my favorite thing on the menu is the "Spicy Chopped". I am not much of a meat fan, but my chances of ever becoming a vegetarian were shot the day I discovered this item. It is sold by the half pound and a little goes a long way (served with sliced white bread, I eat it sandwich-style with coleslaw piled on top). Whenever we order I end up eating this for breakfast lunch and dinner until it's gone. YUM!









We love it here. Jeff is doing well in sales. It's not an easy job, but we have been so blessed. Our plan is to stay until October with this job and stay if another offer comes up. We shall see. For now we are enjoying the heat, humidity, insane amounts of bugs, lush green landscapes, and the southern hospitality. Texas is a beautiful place. It feels like home. We're hoping to get the chance to call it home for a little while longer (at least for the winter).

xo

p.s. all this talk of bugs since we've been here, it must really be going to Branden's head. This was one of the first pictures he drew when we got here.



and here are a few more random photos you might enjoy. These little guys are some work, but they sure can be fun!

6 months.

Still Grumpy.

but so cute!

I can't believe Darren will be 4 months old next week. So many people try to guess his age and are literally in disbelief when we correct them down to a much younger age. Everyone thinks he's 6-9 months old. He is in the 85 percentile for his height and weight. BIG BOY!

enjoy a few of my recent favorites!

:)

Water boy.

This one's going on the wall.

click image to enlarge.

Partners in Crime.

More mischief than crime, actually.. but these two little buggers are a hand-FUL! We found them with a marker that they obviously thought was lipstick and were covered from head to toe in red marks.

How do you punish kids who look this cute when you catch them???

The Grumpy Sumo.

Say hello to my grumpy little man. Seeing a smile on these chubby cheeks is a rare occasion.. I'm learning to love all the frowns and scowls rather than the coos and giggles of most babies at this age. Hopefully he'll grow out of it (Colic is most likely playing a huge part in this kids mood) but for now.. enjoy his serious little stare.




I promise I change my kids clothes from time to time :) Branden just happens to be wearing the same shirt he was wearing in the hospital pictures.. (if you didn't notice.. I'm glad I pointed it out for you!)
And Darren's screaming definitely does not cause any discouragement to Branden lovin' on him. He's oblivious.
I like it that way.
He loves his "little" brother.

Lately..

WOW! I can't believe its been 2 months since our little (HA!) Darren was born. Time is seriously flyin' by. We've been staying busy doing as much together as a family as we can squeeze in. Campfires in the backyard are becoming a regular thing. Branden loves sitting outside with his daddy making S'mores or roasting hot dogs.






Such good buddies. I'm a lucky, lucky gal!