Wrapping up the Summer

As we finished up the last few weekends of summer, we soaked up every last minute. We played outside, grilled out and just enjoyed the, dare I say it...nice weather!

A few weekends ago, the girls and I met Honey in Dallas for a Back-To-School Shopping weekend. Since all of the girls started school and they are getting easy to travel with, we decided that would be a great way to end the summer. 

So, Friday afternoon, we hopped in the car and drove to the Westin in the Galleria. Of course, all the little Williamson girls love a good hotel stay! Honey was already there and we snuggled in bed and watched TV until we fell asleep.

Saturday morning, we woke up. Catherine did a dance party and pointed out the "river" (there is no river) from the window seat while we all got ready. Then, we shopped until we dropped! We had so much fun and laughed a lot that weekend. We all can't wait to do it again!

Last weekend, we spent the very last weekend of summer just having a good time! Friday, Travis and I took the day off work to spend an extra long weekend with the girls. Friday, we lunched, shopped and laughed together. We grilled out, ate ice cream and enjoyed the weather. We jammed out to the Dixie Chicks, taught Travis about why girls need pedicures and made good on the promise of no social media (or pictures) all day! We just soaked it all in.

Saturday, it was back to pictures! When I got up, I found Emma and Catherine snuggled in bed together. Hannah was still sleeping, so I decided to make muffins for breakfast.

Mid-day, Travis went to tie up a few things at work, so the girls and I went to lunch and for haircuts. I just love these little people and how much fun we can have together. I am not saying there are not times that I absolutely relish a work trip and hotel stay with no one to care for but myself. (just keeping it real!). But, as they get older, they get easier and more fun. Our wrap up of the summer was a time that I realized that and loved every minute.

Sunday was a regular Williamson Family Sunday. Church, Susan's and getting ready for the week!

Catherine turns FIVE!

For a long time now, probably at least since she had any concept of being a certain age, Catherine has wanted to turn 5. To her, that was THE number...THE age of being a big girl (and the age of no more sucking her thumb).

On July 24th, my youngest and last baby turned 5. I guess to me, this also indicated the end of having a "baby" (I know...4 isn't a baby, but 5 is kindergarten *tear*). So, we celebrated her birthday in style.

Catherine requested Mexican food at our favorite hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, cake and presents. We did just that.

We went at ate at the restaurant. We are there so often that the manager knows us (literally once a week we eat there). So, when we told him it was Catherine's birthday, she got serenaded by the live band and the entire restaurant and LOVED it! Even on our way out, the singer quit singing and started singing "There goes the birthday girl, Catherine" to the tune of the song they were playing. :)

Then, we got home and had cake and gifts. This little girls asked for only one thing: A hide-away pet (google it...she saw it on an infomercial!). So, that is what she got! One thing about Catherine is she isn't lacking for enthusiasm. She was so happy with her gifts and loved her big day!

Catherine,
You are the wild and crazy that completes our wild and crazy family! Life with you is always an adventure and (most of the time) that adventure is full of giggles and crazy songs. We are so proud of you and cannot believe that you are a big FIVE year old. You are growing into such a big girl, but just know you will ALWAYS be my baby. We love you so much and can't wait to see what God has in store for you...He is going to use that big personality in a big way!
Love,
Mommy, Daddy & "the sisters"

Sea Grove Beach 2014

Two weeks ago, it was FINALLY time for us to head to the beach.

Friday morning, we got up early and went for breakfast at Susan's. Of course, it was the 4th of July, so we all rocked our red, white and blue! We love America!

We met up with Jon and Nicole about Alma. Then, met Mom and Dad for lunch at Chic-Fil-A and caravanned to our stop for the night. During the long drive, we snacked, listened to my old school iPod and just tried hard to stay sane until time to get out of the car.

Saturday, we finally got to the beach. The water was clear and the weather was perfect! We spent all of our days laying on the beach, playing in the sand, boogie boarding, fishing and enjoying each others company.  Travis and Hannah caught two huge crabs. Hannah was so proud!

The best thing to me about our vacations is the lack of a plan. I spend all of our at home time, making sure we have a plan and stick to it. So, for vacation, when someone wants to eat, they eat. When we want to sleep, we nap. No plan works for me.

This is the part where you realize what I said about Travis and I being complete opposites is so true. He is a NON planner at home; the guy literally flies by the seat of his pants at.all.times. (drive me CRAZY) But, we get on vacation and he wants to know each morning what the plan is for the day. I always answer with a "I don't know...whatever." (drives HIM crazy!)

But, we did go out to eat at our favorite places. Travis and I even got a date night with Jon and Nicole while my parents had a SkipBo tournament with the girls. It was a nice break for us.

I also snapped some pics of the girls. Then, while we were waiting for dinner, I took some of all of us.

I love our week away with all of our most favorite people. I know everyone agrees that we are ready for next year! :)