It Never Rains in OK...Oh Wait

We headed up to the Mimi & Papa's lake house this weekend to enjoy some fun in the sun, relaxing on the boat, a little fishing perhaps.  However, Mother Nature had other plasns.  There has been a major drought in the area this year.  Janet said it hasn't rained since November.  Just our luck, they got all caught up in just one weekend.  

Oh well, the good news is that Jillian and Nicholas really didn't seem to mind.  We went up on Friday morning and the weather was a bit stuffy, but nice.  (Why did we complain?) 

Here is Daddy and Jillian scoping out the deers.... 

And Berkley

A very adventurous girl

I have to give Jillian props for this, she shared with Nicholas pretty good.  I couldn't believe she let this prized possession go for a minute.  I probably helps that she idolizes her "Buddy" Nicholas.  

Then Friday evening Janet got to show us her true calling.   Your local Meteorologist has nothing on my Mother-in-Law.  You really need to see her in action.  There was tornados in several areas around and she gave us a very detailed play by play.  I lost count of how many times she walked between the TV and the little radio.  At one point an old school GPS (a.k.a. a map) came out.  I felt very safe on the patio with my Crown and diet watching the whole thing role through.  (you'd be proud, Mom.)  (Mimi, I know what you are thinking, and you shouldn't say things like that about your daughter in law.)  

JB slept through the whole thing.  Nicholas had to get a little help from Papa.  Or did Papa get a little help from Nicholas.  One can never be too sure. 

Between the rain, Daddy and Uncle Greg did get a fire going.  It made the light drizzles bearable.  

More deer hunting.

And to finish off our Saturday, Uncle Greg hooked the kiddos up with some big old glow sticks.  Or as JB calls hers, "glow."

Only The Brave Survive This Type Thing

Last Christmas I suggested that my Mom get Jillian an easel and art supplies.  It seemed quite reasonable to me.  (I don't really think through all of my great ideas.)  So Mom comes through with this FABULOUS easel that we have been using at least every few days (which is a lot for any toy for 4 months).  We also got paints, paint cups, and brushes.  I have stuffed those away for months thinking that someday, someday, someday.  Well today I did it.  

I braved the looks from my beloved husband, I braved the thoughts in my head of a painted face and hair, I braved the thought of ruined clothes.  And it was totally worth it, because that sweet thing LOVED it.  

Here is where it all started....

 Yep, she is ambidextrous...

Multi-tasking...

The paints starting to mix....

 This first painting ever by Jillian Jaggi

So we had to start over...

And again

 And again

 The artist with her work

I am not sure what she is so shocked about.

The scariest part was where she wanted to put these hands...

Daddy's Helper...

Ryan got Jillian me, a wagon for my birthday.  No ladies, he is taken...Just kidding, I asked for it.  I get sick of carrying my garden stuff back and forth constantly.  So anyway, I get a wagon and Jillian was so freakin' excited she couldn't stand it!  

Here she is putting it together with Daddy...

She is a really big help...see

Yep, that goes there.

This one goes here.

Daddy getting it done right.....

FINALLY!  She got to ride it...

Ahhhh....A good Sunday.

They're Baaaaack! Blue Bonnets!

This is my favorite time of year, and it is not just because it is my birthday month.  Well, maybe, but I really like the weather too.  I love all of the flowers coming up, everything getting green again, and hanging out outside.


We took the opportunity today to get our little Beano in the blue bonnets.   I know you all think this is crazy, but this is what folks in Texas do.  It's like float trips for people in Missouri.  It is just what you do.     Everyone has to compare their pictures and see whose is best.  I know, I win,

Jillian "marching" in the blue bonnets.  

Daddy picked 'em.  Don't blame me!

I don't know what we are going to do for this girls depression.  She is just so sad all the time...oh wait.  You don't believe me, do you?

Jillian the Fashionista

Jillian has an opinion about EVERYTHING.  Why would her outfits be off limits?  Let me assure you they are not.  Why I didn't get a picture of her the day she wanted to wear her bright red headband with the very large red daisy on it as a "scarf" to go shopping, I do not know.  It was really cute though.  She received lots of compliments.  

A few weeks ago was another good one that I did not let slip by.  Frog hat and scarf, check.  Red striped leg warmers, check.  Ug boots, check.  Super big smiles, check.  Ready to go.  

Jillian dancing for us...again.  Who is this kid's mother?

Jillian falling down..

Daddy and Jillian doing "Ring Around the Rosy".

Oh yeah, we were all outside hanging out in the cold, brewing beer.  Of course.  

Helping Daddy "cooking".  

Country Life For Me

I know I have been out of it for a bit, but I am a busy girl, yah know.  I have lots to catch up on though....For starters we spent last weekend at our friend's, the Miller's, ranch named "The Ridge".  We LOVE this place.  It is an amazing little slice of heaven!  Lot's of 4-wheelin', huntin', and porch sittin'.  Doesn't get better.

Ava is an 8 year old adorable, fun girl.  I couldn't believe how tall she has gotten!  She is so sweet with Jillian.  Jillian is still asking for her friend, Ava.  

Julie even took Jillian on a ride on the "motorcycle".  It is scary for me that she had absolutely no fear.  She kept saying, "go fast".  She is now band until her 30th birthday.  

Shot of Ava giving me a ride on the 4-wheeler.  Can you say a bad *ss chick?  

We took Jillian over to Johnny & Pat's place to see the goats.  

Jillian thinking..."that's a weird dog."  Goat thinking,...."that's a weird kid."

Somebody was ready for a nap.