Skyler's Birthday Weekend at MSCC

Skyler's birthday falls in the middle of cow working time at Morningside Cattle Co., which is a plus because so many people come to the ranch to help and always stay to celebrate. Kayden, Skyler, and I set up camp on a blanket beside the pens to watch everyone work cows. 

I think we've almost got this working cows with kids thing down!  It really helps that Brynn always packs a big basket of goodness for us.  We were trying to decide which movie we wanted to watch. 

I can't believe that she sat still long enough for me to get this photo!  Skyler is growing up so fast! 

Kayden wanted to snap a few photos.  She caught Pappy trying to squeeze in a nap in the background. 

Deuce always want to help so bad.  This is about the only time that I ever have to put him on a leash.  He thinks he needs to be out there in the mix herding cows! 

Beau and Shannon doing some ground work. They rode horses too, but I didn't get any photos. We went back a little early to let the girls rest for Skyler's birthday party later that night.

Uncle Beau and Skyler after roping calves and working cows! 

We all came back to the ranch to have Skyler's 4th birthday party.  Pappy asked her what she wanted to eat and she said, "Bologna and hot dogs!"  :)  He also grilled her some shrimp which is another one of her favorites. 

Birthday parties Morningside style:  wagon and pony rides. 

Skyler Inez Campbell....4 years old on April 30, 2012.

Just a few photos of Beau and Skyler through the years.....so precious!  Happy Birthday Skyler!  We love you so much!

BONUS:  Our big mare, Dolly, had her first baby sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning.  You can't really tell from this photo, but it is going to be a BIG horse! 

Brynn & Shannon's Wedding Shower

Beau and I hosted a couple's wedding shower for his sister, Brynn, and her fiance, Shannon, this weekend at their home in Missouri.  We absolutely love this couple!  Brynn and I have been friends for almost 15 years, have become especially close the last 6 or 7 years, and I will be serving as the matron of honor in her wedding!  Beau and Shannon met chuck wagon racing a few years ago, and have been great friends ever since.  Beau will be standing with Shannon as his best man.  We love to credit ourselves with getting these two together! 

Brynn & Shannon

My sweet husband contributing to the pre-shower cooking.  He makes a great 7-layer dip.  Look how perfect that is!



I was kind of proud of my decorating!  I found several great ideas on Pinterest and actually planned ahead for once!  I think it all turned out really cute. 

 

Alli made this super cute tin for Brynn. I LOVE it!

The dessert table. Danielle, a friend from Beau's work, made the cookies. They were sooooo cute! My mom made the cake. She is just amazing!

After the shower, we hosted Bachelor/Bachelorette parties.  Our groups parted ways and headed to some country western bars in Springfield, MO.  Good friends, drinks, and live music always leads to a great night!  

One of Brynn's requests for her night on the town was that everyone wear a "poof".....the bigger the hair, the better.  This was great for me, because I usually wear my hair on top of my head in a big mess anyway.  This was a little bigger than what I anticipated, but I loved it! 

Shannon's Bachelor Party crew. 

Beau and I before we parted ways for the night.  He is such a handsome cowboy!  Notice that my hair is almost as tall as his hat!!  :) 

This was our first couple's shower to host, and I think it turned out great.  We could not have done it without the help of Brynn's other bridesmaids.  It was a beautiful shower for a beautiful couple.  We are really looking forward to their wedding!!  Congratulations Brynn and Shannon!  We love you!

Beau to L.A....Andrea at Home

Beau was in L.A. last weekend and the first part of the week for the American Planning Association Conference.  This was his first trip to California!  He said that he was in, "The Concrete Jungle"!  I've only been once, but I'm pretty sure that LA is not the most beautiful part of California. He spent most of his time at the conference, which was held at the convention center near the Staples Center and the Nokia Theater.  He said that the area was packed ALL of the time. 



View from Beau's hotel room. 

Convention Center + Goodyear Blimp

The Farm. A nice bar and grill where Beau had dinner and drinks a few nights. The bartender ended up being a friend of his cousin Heath from Missouri. Small world!

He did manage to spend a little time as a tourist.  He went down to The Grove and did some shopping.  I was so proud! While he was down there, he saw them filming Extra.  I was so jealous!  

Maria Menounos was interviewing Joel McHale for an episode of Extra at the Grove. 



So while Beau was in LA, I was holding down the fort.  I really, really, really missed my hubs.  I'm not a huge fan of staying by myself, but at least I have my watch dog to keep me safe at night!  

My rock star watch dog!  I would NEVER be able to stay home alone without him. 

I spent most of my time alone socializing!!!  It was so much fun!  On Saturday, I went shopping with Mom and Alli.  We also got to have lunch at P.F. Chang's.  It was the first time in a long time that we have all three been able to go out shopping together.  Then on Tuesday, we met up again to have our nails done.  I loved getting to spend some time with my mom and sister.  On Sunday, Deuce and I drove out to Mom and Dad's for breakfast.  I was craving some grits!  They made grits, eggs, bacon, and muffins.  It was so delicious, and I was so stuffed.  We walked around and looked at their new patio.  I'll post some pictures of that when they have the cushions and stuff out.  Then I cruised down to Fayetteville to cheer on the Bing family Hogeye team.  We were anticipating bad weather, so I didn't get down there in time to actually watch the race.  I got to have lunch with Carrie, Paul, his girls, and the Debriyn fam, which is always entertaining.  Carrie, Paul, and I had a celebratory margarita at their favorite haunt, La Hacienda.  We also let Deuce play with Sam while we enjoyed Paul's gorgeous back porch. 







Me and Carrie at her reserved booth at La Hacienda



Of course though, as soon as Beau left town, I got a flat tire.  I had FINALLY gotten my oil changed (8,000 over), and the next morning I woke up to a flat tire.  I did all of this running around in our monster truck.  I guess it isn't really that big, but when I am used to driving Holly around it seems gigantic.  There are basically 2 reasons that I don't like to drive our truck:  1.  It gets terrible gas mileage.  It costs almost $10 to get from our house to Bentonville.  2.  I can't run into things.  I think I'm a pretty good driver, but occasionally I will hit a curb or mailbox.  I can do that in my car, and Beau won't notice for weeks.....not the case in the truck.  :) 

All in all, we both had good weeks, but were really glad to see each other and get back in our routines. 


Flying Fish=Goodness

We had dinner with Mom and Dad last night at a new restaurant on the Bentonville Square--The Flying Fish. It was a great treat! It reminded me of our trip together to the Florida Keys. We ate so much awesome seafood on that trip. Of course, only at locals' restaurants, which are my Dad's favorites! He loves to ask everyone that he meets where the best places to eat are....."not the tourist traps, but where the locals go to eat". It wasn't quite Florida fresh seafood, but it was still delicious. So great to see them and visit mid-week!

RC's 3rd Birthday Party

  My nephew, Russell, turned 3 on April 1.  He had a pirate themed birthday party this year.  Alli and Lucas did a wonderful job of decorating and providing lunch.  Russell was so cute opening his presents this year.  Every time he would open one he would say, "Ohhhhhhhh Momma.  Look!"  It was precious.  Lots of family and friends showed up to celebrate. 

I didn't realize that we were dressing like pirates.  I had a pirate swimsuit, but I don't think anyone would have enjoyed that!  Evelyn was definitely the cutest baby pirate! 

Mom is really getting creative with her cakes!  Not only was this amazing to look at, but it was also delicious! 

I am so lucky that I get to spend some much time with Russell. Alli has always tried to bring him up to my work for lunch a few times a month. I found a "then and now" photo of some of our lunch dates. It is so crazy how fast he is growing up!! 

Then.....

And now.....



Dirty Thirty Couple's Trip: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

My best friend, Meredith, and I have celebrated our birthdays together for the past 10 years. I believe that this was our first joint birthday celebration.

Meredith and I were 20 and Scott was 22. 

We celebrated a few years in Fayetteville, and have celebrated the last 5 or so in Dallas.  Since we were turning the big 3-0 this year, we decided that we needed to celebrate in a big way!  After months of debating, we finally decided on a couple's trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  Beau and I were joined by Brett and Meredith Hagedorn, Scott and Julia Woods, Mark and Jamie Hal-netts, and Carrie Debriyn and Paul (JT and SF).  The trip was AMAZING! 

 

 
 We stayed at The Royal, an all-inclusive resort. 

We spent most of our time laying out at either the beach or a pool close to our rooms.  We were a little nervous about the weather, but it was PERFECT!  It was warm and sunny every day. 

Julia could lay out all day every day!  She LOVES the sun. 

Beau, on the other hand, likes to stick to the shade after about a day of sunbathing.  

We had such a great trip! We talked and talked and talked!  The best part was that it seemed like not a minute had passed since the last time that we were together.  I absolutely love having friends like this!  I can go for months without seeing them, and we always pick right back up where we left off.  Beau and I are truly blessed with these amazing friendships!  Just a few other photos from the trip.......

"The Girls"  I love them!  We have such a great friendship that I truly cherish.  I can't wait to see them again.  We have traveled a lot together in the past, but this was our first trip together with all of our boys.  It was so fun! 

 

And of course, I always love traveling with my sweet, handsome husband.  We have such a good time together! 

Bringing it Back!

This year, I have been spending most of my free time working on my National Board Certification.  I turned it in on March 19th!  It was such a relief to finally get it finished. BONUS:  I now have time to start writing on my blog again!

My sweet friend, Frankie, snapped this photo of me at the post office.  She helped me get everything organized and shipped off.  She was such a HUGE help!