Mr. Max Is Here!

My sister, Shannon, had her 3rd baby two weeks ago. I was beyond frustrated and disappointed that I wasn't able to be at the hospital immediately after he was born. I've done that for every one of my nieces and my nephew so far. Life with my own two kids got in the way unfortunately.

But I finally got to meet this super sweet baby in person and spent the day in Temple holding him every chance I could. He is adorable, and it's so fun to see my sister with a son. :)

Welcome to the family, Max!

Dad's Retirement

Yes that says retirement. I'm still in shock that in just a few days, my Dad will be retired. If you know my Dad, he doesn't seem like the retired type. At all. But after 35+ years in the real estate tax industry, I think he had finally had his fill.

So last week, the boys and I were able to go to one of the many retirement parties being held in his honor. This one was at the local office in Texas where I got to see many people I have known since I was a kid. Kind of surreal going with my own two kids to my Dad's RETIREMENT party.

I won't be able to go to the Corporate Office parties next week, so it was a treat to hear from many that have worked with him 10-20+ years. Several went around the room and offered thoughts on Dad.

Of course some of the comments were pretty funny (and so true) about his redundancy and directness. ("At any rate.") Some were about his love of music and many were about his work ethic and success. He was described as "a legend in the industry" and someone who led the way in many areas. And it was great to hear so many say how they have enjoyed seeing a new side of Rick come out since he has had grandchildren. Several of the staff came up to me and said it was obvious how much he loves his family.

Surely that's the achievement that means the most.

Kind of crazy that this career of his started back in 1975 when he had just graduated from UC Berkeley but couldn't find a job in California with his Social Work degree. So he packed up everything he had and moved to Houston for an entry-level job at a mortgage company. Who would've guessed he'd be where he is now in 2011?

So now the big question is what will he do? Not sure if he even knows the answer yet (although I can NOT imagine him just sitting around for very long). But I'm pretty sure if you're anywhere in the area this summer, there is a particular pool in Hurst that will have a permanent resident.

Congratulations, Dad! We are all proud of you and excited for this next chapter in your life!

Will's 1st Birthday Party

Welcome to my 1st Birthday Party!

It's true that he won't even remember this day, but just as we did for Tate, I wanted to make sure and have a special celebration for our 1 year old. The day included some yummy food and adorable decorations I found on Etsy.

Did someone say food? We are learning that one of Will's favorite things to do is eat. He has not found a food he doesn't like yet.

So thankful to be surrounded by so many family and friends that already love our little boy so much. Great Aunt Audy, Aunt Tisha, Cousins Mary Tish & Trip.

These two are quite a pair. I think the cousin bond is pretty mutual. I can't believe how big they both look in this picture. And it cracks be up that clearly they have the same Strzinek hair.

Our family was obviously on the guest list, and then we also included a few of the babies that were all born within a few months of Will. They have already spent time together...maybe not fully aware of each other yet. But I love looking back at Tate's 1st birthday party and seeing that the babies his age that celebrated with him then are still in his life. I hope the same for Will.

Starting with Spencer. He & Will are already destined to be roommates at ACU about 17 years from now. :)

Pretty little Addison

Adorable Brynlee, who was born just 6 weeks before Will.

And the youngest of the bunch, cutie pie, Judah.

Our entertainment of the party was parachute time and bubbles. The camera was on the wrong setting, so the pictures didn't turn out great. But you can see from Will's face, he LOVES the big parachute.

And then it was time for cake.

I try to make a point not to compare the boys too much. They are each unique individuals in their own way. Point proven completely when it came to birthday cake. Tate was not a fan of eating the cake or everyone watching him.

This little sly little pose was glimpse into how different the experience would be for the little brother.

Hmmm...what is this stuff?

Tastes pretty good.

And how fun that they're letting me just grab it with both hands and make a complete mess.

Will didn't just eat his birthday cake. He devoured it. I know I'm biased, but it may have been one of the funniest 1st birthday cake sites I've seen. Hilarious. I finally took it away as I was getting worried that he might make himself sick.

Then after a major clean-up job, it was on to presents. And of course, the tissue paper was the most fun part.

Trying out some of his new shoes with Poppy.

And we probably should have attempted a family picture at the beginning of the party rather than at the end. Both Tate & Will were very tired and stopping to pose for pictures wasn't high on their list.

But we at least got in some pics with the grandparents.

By this point, the friends had left and we had one very full, happy, and sleepy 1-year-old on our hands.

What a special day for our Baby Will. He was surrounded by family and friends who we love and who love him. What more could you ask for? Thank you everyone for making it such a special day!

Bluebonnets, Lovely Bluebonnets

If you live in Texas and have small children, it seems there is an unwritten rule that you must photograph them each Spring in the bluebonnets. In our years of parenting, we've got an every other year pattern going. There was Tate in 2007 and 2009 (seriously how did he get so big so fast?).

For the 2011 shots, we had two attempts. The first included insane winds (hence the hilarious crazy hair), so we tried again on a less windy evening with a little more success (not quite as crazy hair).

I included lots of shots...the good (I can't get enough of these blue eyes)...the bad (cries and pouts)...and the randoms (hilarious wind-blown hair, undressing, and bug on the head).

Oh how I love these boys.

From Texas' State Song (who knew?):

You're beautiful when you sway in the sunshine.

You look like waves of the sea,

Ah, Texas was wise in her choice of a flower,

So we offer our homage to thee.

Bluebonnets, lovely bluebonnets,

More beautiful than all the rest.

Texas chose you for her flower,

And we love you the best.