Happy Birthday: Barry

Our dearest Barry.  When I think about what I appreciate most about Barry, the first thing that comes to my mind is his goofiness.  He is not the type of person that acts this way all the time, but I love that we are close to him so we get to see it quite often.  He was the first "outsider" to enter our family and he fit right in.  I have always felt so comfortable when he was around even from the very beginning.  I couldn't have asked for a better big brother.  

Of course Brie and I have always looked up to Tara, but when they got married, we inherited another role model in Barry.  I am so thankful for the way he treats my sister.  She is so special and I love that she has found someone who doesn't let her forget it.  He is the definition of a true gentleman. 

Seeing their relationship impacted me greatly in setting the standard for what I was looking for in a spouse.  

These two always have a great time together.  They have their own little "Fernandez" boys club with my dad that is quite a sight to see.  

He is a wonderful Tio to Cora.  She spent a good part of the beginning of her life living at their house while we were homeless in the midst of moving after she was born.  He was so generous in letting us stay there without any hesitation.  I am thankful for how much he values family.  It has also been really cool to watch him become a dad.

He is so sweet with Sawyer.  She is one lucky little girl to have a dad like him!  She is already so obsessed with him.   

 I hope your have a wonderful birthday, Barry!! I love you, your enthusiasm, and most importantly, your patriotism :)

> Insert picture of you in your Bruce outfit which I VERY unfortunately do not have.

Pumpkin Patch Attempt

So here was my thought process . . .    Cora is a little kid, it is October, obviously she would love to go to a pumpkin patch and participate in a super cute photo shoot with her cousin.  Who wouldn't want to take pictures with this sweet Sawyer Beth?

And here was Cora's thought process . . .    ummm no.

Get me out of here immediately.  

At least Sawyer thought it was a good idea.  Here she is saying, "thanks mom, you are the greatest."

Here is Cora running away from me and saying get that camera out of my face.  

Best picture I got of the two of them.  

She actually loved the pumpkin patch, she just couldn't wrap her head around the need for photographs in this glorified produce aisle.  But ever since, she calls every single pumpkin that she sees a, "pumpkin patch."  We were at Walmart yesterday and I got her a $1 trick-or-treating plastic pumpkin because she pointed at it and said, "Look mommy, pumpkin patch!!"  She has since poured all her food in there and it has quickly become her bowl of choice.  She is, in fact, at this very moment eating her rice krispies out of it.  (She also developed a cough and runny nose over night, I am now thinking that these two incidents may be related).  Anyways, the pumpkin patch definitely left an impression.

But the real reason we were in Houston was for Sawyer's baby dedication later that night.  She was hilarious the whole time.  She was very proud and had no shame clapping for herself up on stage.  We know that God will take our little niece on an amazing journey!  It was so cool to have so many people praying for her future and her walk with Him.  We just love that little dancing machine.  

Tara and Barry had a great celebration at their house afterwards.  Its always an entertaining time when these three get together!  

Cora Quirk: The Pocahontas Group

C's favorite movie is Pocahontas.  But in order for her to fully enjoy it, the conditions have to be just right.  She has to be sitting on this side of the couch, with this blanket and can ONLY be accompanied by this exact puppy and baby.  She will go to whatever lengths possible to make this situation happen.  She has even pulled Michael off the couch so that she can get in to spot.  One time she asked him for "baby" and he brought a different one. Big mistake.  She threw it on the ground and said "NO."  She has a few other stuffed animals that she is obsessed with.  I have tried putting them next to her during this whole charade.  Apparently unacceptable.  The Pocahontas group is very exclusive.  When she is finally settled in her perfect way she swill sweetly say "Poca-ONAS."  

"Wild" Weekend

Last weekend was full of firsts!  My first night away from Cora and her first trip to the zoo!  Hence all the wildness.  On Friday night, Eli and I drove to New Braunfels to celebrate Ryane's bacheloretteness.  It was a lovely vintage themed party.  We enjoyed a delicious patio dinner by candlelight.  

And some downtown NB fun. 

We spent the majority of our time at a wine bar.  The guy who was singing that night INSISTED on singing to Ryane.  He was SO into it.  It was quite possibly one of the most hilarious things I have ever witnessed.  Ryane was a great sport!  

She is such a great gal, we are so excited to have her as part of the family.  Can't wait until their wedding in November (Cora is going to be a flower girl!!!!!)

That Sunday we took Cora to the Houston Zoo.  She absolutely loved it!! Although she wasn't that impressed by the big animals.  She would just walk up to the cage and say, "Oh, hi lion," or "Oh, hi bear."  No big deal.  

She was, however, fascinated with the elephants.  This is her impression of one . . .

After seeing them she just ran around in circles laughing for a good 5 minutes.  

She also fell in love with the drums in the African forest.  We spent a good deal of time playing them.  

In fact, when we tried to leave, she threw her first real temper tantrum.  Like threw herself on the ground crying.  Uhhhhhh.  Ladies and gentleman, looks like we have a strong-willed toddler on our hands.  I tried to document it, but Michael wouldn't let me :( 

But not to worry, her spirits were soon revived by the slide and petting zoo.  She tends to be a little timid around dogs, so I was interested to see how she would do in the petting zoo.

But she walked in like she owned the place.  She pet almost every goat . . .

and got down on their level to tell them all hello.  

Needless to say, the zoo was a huge hit.  I hope we can make it back soon!!

Celebrating John's Birthday

Here are the pictures from John's birthday dinner at Ozona!  

We love you, Johnny