Just going for a walk....nbd.

As Steve and Davis were walking around the house with his alligator push toy, Steve yelled my name and I turned around to see this:

The first time I saw it, I immediately started cheering as loud as I could which made Davis hysterically belly laugh.  I wish I had that on video!  

Just piece these two videos together and pretend:

Yee-Haw!

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo just ended, and it definitely did not disappoint.  This was the second year that Steve and I have been on a committee (Go Speaker's Committee!), which means that we volunteer leading up to the Show, and in return, receive badges that give us unlimited access.  Last year, I had a newborn so the only event I made it to was the BBQ cook-off.  But this year, ahhh this year, I definitely got my money's worth!

First I went to the BBQ cook-off which is a massive party.  When I say massive, I'm not exaggerating.  There are hundreds of teams, each with their own tent, and tens of thousands of people who come out to eat BBQ, drink adult beverages, and have a fabulous time!  Steve was away for the weekend, so I tagged along with some friends.

 

Then, Steve and I went with some friends of ours to see Zac Brown Band.  I always liked them, but now, they are my new favorite band.

We then went with some of Steve's co-workers on a Saturday and took Davis along so he could see the animals.

And eat a turkey leg.

I then went back with some of my friends and the kiddos early on a Tuesday so we could beat the crowds.  That is the way to do this thing!  We were able to enjoy the petting zoo...until a fallow deer started eating dresses, and an alpaca pushed a child to the ground.

(Davis seemed to bond with the goats.)

We also saw a calf that was born about 4 hours earlier.  It wasn't really nursing all that well, so they brought in a bottle and the kids watched them feed the calf. (Poor mama cow was still waiting on her nurse to come clean her up....be thankful this picture caught this end of her.)

 Davis watched this chick hatch from it's shell.  I couldn't believe it kept his attention for so long.

 He got to pet bunnies and guinea pigs.

And even met Howdy, the mascot of the Show.

Then this happened:

 

And I melted.  And have not been the same since.

Here are the little cowboys/cowgirls:

In awe of the roller coaster.

The next day, a friend of mine and I ventured back to the Show (that's what we insiders call the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo if you haven't caught on yet) the following day to do this:

Why yes, that is a funnel cake, fried cheesecake, 2 turkey legs, and a chicken kabob.  And yes, we were still in our workout clothes when we at this monstrosity.  And yes, I do still feel sick.  But yes, it was de-lish-ous!  Thanks for asking.

Our final night of the visiting the Show was for the Jake Owen concert.  I really don't know too many of his songs, but he put on a really good concert.  You can tell he is newer in the business and still having fun.

So, moral of the story: next year, late February to mid-March, come to Houston and go to the Show.  But, try to go in the middle of the week early in the day.  It was perfect. 

Let's Party

Well, it is a little late, but I still wanted to post about the little guy's first birthday.  I have started this post about 100 times in my head, sat down at the computer at least 20, and gotten distracted all 120 times.  Well, not today sister! 

The theme was Ties and Tutus.  Here is the invitation that I made (with the help of my handy assistant, Steve):

In case you can't read it, it says, "Little Davis is turning ONE, and wants to celebrate with you-you.  He's a fancy guy, so come on by, and wear your tie or tu-tu!"

 As per my usual, I prepared way too much food....we were eating fried mac and cheese balls for a week!

  

I made a ton of food, but apparently I was too busy eating to take pictures of it.  Picture this: Asian marinated chicken bites, venison sausage, hummus and veggies, baked avocado fries, fruit tray, cheese and crackers, pb&j sushi rolls, etc.

 The cupcake cakes.  I love the tutu!  The tie looks like a fish...

 I am so happy with how the cups turned out!  I found the stickers at Hobby Lobby and they came with a code to a website where you can design them.  So easy!

 Those pretzels dipped in chocolate, should be illegal.  Seriously more addictive than crack.

I found the tie cookie cutter on etsy (I also ordered a bow tie cutter which arrived the day after I baked them...grrrrr!) I found the cookie recipe on Pinterest, here.  They were delicious but I wasn't able to decorate them as much as I wanted.  That is completely due to my unsteady hand and lack of creativity.

 

 I found this number idea on Pinterest.  I cannot think of a more beautiful work of art and wanted to leave it up for all of eternity, but the tape started to give way, and after putting the pictures back on the wall about 1000 times, I finally surrendered.  I miss it.

 I also found the printable for these adorable party hats on Pinterest (does anyone see a theme here?).  They are so cute, but they took a long time to make and hardly anyone wore them.  Hindsight: just buy the hats or go without. 

(After re-reading this, and seeing the picture of it on my adorable little model...

it was worth every minute just for that picture.)

Yet another Pinterest idea was this adorable banner.  I took pictures from different stages of his life and put little party hats and ties on them.  I kept this and am still deciding where I will hang it until his High School graduation, then College graduation, wedding, and then my funeral.  Love!

 Davis was in high fashion and high spirits through the entire party.  He LOVES having people around him even if he is just sitting back watching the activity.

Who says the moms can't wear tutus too?

The cuteness of the babies in this picture is too much for me to handle.  Everyone came in their fanciest attire, which was so fun!

I mean, seriously, look at these two.  His suspenders killed me!

I put several clusters of balloons outside and, as I'm sure you can imagine, the kids had a blast playing with them.  I'm not sure which boy in this picture is having the most fun though.  

 

Then came the cake:

 Davis was not a fan.

"Hey mom, wanna grab me a wet wipe or something?"

His hat, tie and bloomers were purchased from this wonderful lady, Laura, at her Sprinkles of Love Etsy shop. She was fabulous to work with and the product could not have been more adorable.  I definitely recommend her.

All in all, it was a great party.  Davis' guests were WAY too generous

And we had so much fun with everyone!

Happy 1st Birthday little guy!