Keeping Austin Weird

Celebrated Tootie's birthday a few days early with the family foursome. It was an old fashioned slumber party, thanks to Schuyler and Kelley, who let us stay in their wonderful Austin home.
There was lots of snacking, pj wearing, fingernail painting, pool lounging, redecorating, story telling, and laughing. And a yummy, yummy dinner out on Saturday evening.One of the neatest parts for me was being amongst the gallery of artwork from my grandfather's own hands.It brought back so many memories, including the wide open arms that this family always welcomed me with. The artwork stirred many emotions inside me. Although seemingly stoic to me at the time, my grandfather's feelings clearly poured out of him into his work. I specifically remember watching him with a sense of awe in his back room while he quietly, without distraction, worked on a sculpture.

There is a lot of creativity in this family, including our foursome: my mom the art teacher, Gayla the interior designer, Janica the modern artist, and me.I realized that Janica and I share some of the same mannerisms and sense of humor. It was hilarious watching her and her mother interact, as if a mirror reflection to the kind of banter mom and I have.

I did miss the little guy, but got home on Sunday to see him before bed. It was quality time for he and his dada and good time for mommy as well.

Who I am seemed to make more sense to me this weekend, amongst family, creativity, and the outdoors. More than just Austin, this weekend helped keep Sundee weird.

Nothin' but Net

Audrey

Audrey.
Lives right across the street. Even at 93, that lady has it much more together than I do. She's smart and beautiful, and I hope to muster up the courage to ask her for a close-up shot sometime.

She is generous too. She always seems to find a toy to give Reece, as if she has a magical stash somewhere that never depletes. Today, we took a short walk, stopping for a little rest on her bench. Reece is climbing more and more and wanted to sit up there. I asked for a smile.Very soon after, Audrey came out to visit, with toy in hand."It's a penguin, darlin'.", she says.
(She always calls him darlin' and I love it.)
He still thinks it's a bird. ; )She and I have connected so much more now that I am home during the day. She gets out often lot to walk her dog (I can't remember how old he is, but he's almost as amazing as she is.) And during football season, she's all about the Cowboys. My kind of woman!

Slip and Slide

Slip and slide fun Monday evening next door thanks to Aidan and his willingness to share.That's the only shot I'm including of Bailey, but my favorite image of the evening and VERY representative of that kiddo's love of water. Love this shot of Aidan. I didn't quite get his full eyes, but the angle and mosquito in mid air is pretty cool. Olivia is a little fishy. ; ) Julia. A thoughtful, sweet-hearted, beautiful girl. She subtly turns away from the camera when she sees me with it. Ah yes, humble too. Back home with her momma, hand-in-hand.Phoebe was taking it all in. She and Reece have something in common where shooting water is concerned.I think this sums up Reece's feelings about this whole slip and slide thing.

Lunch with Sandy

Brunch with Cousin Sandy yesterday at Cafe Brazil, just before Tootie left.
It was a really nice visit.Tootie teaching some art to the man.Quick shot before we left...
Reece is blowing a kiss to the waitress behind the camera.
He's such a flirt!

Dada's Day

Reece giving Dada his card, pointing and telling him who is on the cover. REECE!One of D's best gifts...
flip flops with bottle openers on the bottom.Had a movie date this afternoon while Tootie stayed with Reece.
Except for the wedding, it had been 3 months since our last date (anniversary). Tooo long!
Daddy showcased a few of his talents...

Angelina Sundee

House of Blues

Not sure I ever thought that my first trip to the House of Blues in Dallas would be at 10am for a children's concert...but, indeed it was.No blues here. It was the most fun I have had in a while. And, my boy, ABSOLUTELY L-O-V-E-D it. I cannot express that enough. Seriously, he clapped, danced, sang, jumped, and cheered all during the concert. It brought tears to my eyes a few times (I tried to hide it), seeing him so happy. Ok, I'm tearing up now...how weird is that?I love that he loves music and seems to be so positively affected by it.
The concert was truly great, and I definitely will be there with bells on the next time Ralph's World is in town.
It even felt like a rock-n-roll concert, and I'm a rock-n-roll kind of gal.
With the last song, Ralph invited everyone on stage. We got to go behind stage to get on stage, and then sat right under the guitar player, while Tootie played Mamarazzi.Lunch at Texadelphia's afterward. Grayson shared his grilled cheese with Reece, but I have a feeling he would have been a bit more reluctant with the chocolate pudding.Reece after a Tootie wearing red lipstick got hold of him.

I can't get it

Fascinated with things up high, Reece has been saying "I can't get it" when something is out of reach. He says it over and over. I get it! : )

School's Out

School's out for summer. Tootie's here!Kissy in the Chick-Fil-A play area.Lounging in the IKEA restroomTuckered outSprinkler park after Soccer Tots.We are having fun together this week.
Reece yells for people and things when they aren't here or in the same room, like Mommy, Dada, and Lucy. This week, Tootie and Annie have been added to the list. He's been saying so much more these days, I don't think I could make a list of it if I wanted to. Hot and cold are among the favorites when he eats. He says 'brrrr' and shakes his hands for cold. And says 'hot' and blows for other things. He's a little comedian and we are having a ball.