afternoon out

Avery and I had a relaxing morning having breakfast and playing.  She took a short morning nap for me which gave me enough time to take a shower and do some dishes.  I gave Avery an early lunch since we had plans to meet my friend Angie and her kids in the early afternoon for some shopping.  Avery inhaled her rice, beans, and cheese!  She was so quiet while she ate.  She really enjoyed her lunch.

We met our friends around 12:30pm at South Park Meadows shopping center.  We spent a few hours browsing the stores.  We stopped at Target to have an afternoon snack.  I found two cute hair bows at Hobby Lobby and a fun Halloween outfit at JCPenney for Avery.  I didn't want to buy much today because Angie and I are going to Round Rock outlets on Friday to shop during tax free weekend.

This evening I'm relaxing and catching up on Bachelor Pad.  I'm getting really excited for my parents to get here this Saturday!

good news!

This afternoon I had an appointment with the rectal surgeon.  I had surgery set up for Monday the 22nd, but after my check up he told me I am looking good and there is no need for the surgery right now!  They cancelled it for me.  I am so happy and relieved.  My parents are still coming to TX next week.  I'm looking forward to having a week of fun with my family.  We are already planning what restaurants we want to eat at and where we want to go shopping.

In other good news, Avery started clapping today!  Eric got her doing it while they sat in the car waiting for me to finish up with the doctor.  I sat with Avery in the backseat on the way home from downtown and she clapped the entire way.  We had a great time clapping, blowing raspberries, and giggling.

We are doing tons of cooking tonight.  I made a big pot of rice, beans, and veggies.  Eric is making some home made wheat sandwich bread, we are having spicy lime shrimp and risotto for dinner, and we are going to attempt to make some clean eating chocolate chip cookies tonight.  If they turn out well, I'll post the recipe for the cookies tomorrow.

Hope everyone had a great day!

lunch at trudy's and is that a rain cloud?

Today we met our friends Angie, Doc, Austin, and Kinley for lunch at the downtown Trudy's.  It was super busy and a smaller location than the south restaurant we usually go to.  Avery was in a great mood on the way to the restaurant and while we waited to be seated.  As soon as we got to our table, she started to become more fussy and wasn't in a great mood the rest of lunch.  She loved her rice and beans though!

This is Austin.  He is almost 4 years old.  He was very brave and took a pretty big bite of some spicy salsa!  I think he was surprised at how hot it was, and started downing his water.  He is such a cutie.

Pretty girl Kinley.  She was doing really well eating her lunch and loved chewing on a celery stick.  It was nice and cold and probably felt good on her gums.  I LOVE her little lobster outfit she had on today.

Eric and Avery at lunch!  Eric held Avery a bunch while we ate.  She just did not want to be stuck in that high chair.  I wonder if she would have done better if I sat her next to Kinley?

After lunch, we all came home and crashed.  Well Avery took about 45 minutes to finally fall asleep in her crib, but after that we all took a nice afternoon nap.  Since we had a big lunch, Eric and I decided just to have some grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner.  Avery is in bed so we are just relaxing.

And what in the world is that in the sky??  Could it REALLY be some rain/storm clouds??  We haven't seen those since May I'm guessing!  PLEASE RAIN!!!!  We took this picture almost an hour ago, and it is much darker now but we still haven't seen rain.  I'm still holding out hope.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Easy Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 pound elbow macaroni (I used a 14.5 ounce box of wheat Barilla elbow macaroni)
4 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
6 ounces evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
fresh black pepper
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
10 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Boil pasta to al dente and drain.  Return to the pot and melt in the butter.  Toss to coat.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard.  Stir into the pasta.  Add cheese slowly and stir.  Over low heat continue to stir for a few minutes or until creamy.  ENJOY!

macaroni and cheese Saturday

I was up at the crack of dawn today.  I woke up around 6am super congested because of allergies.  I ended up staying up for the day, taking some drugs, and making myself some coffee.  It was nice to relax, sip my coffee, and cruise on my laptop for an hour and half before Avery decided to get up.  Once Avery was awake and had her yogurt and fruit for breakfast, I decided to take us for a walk in the neighborhood.  It was looking pretty overcast which I like when going for walks.  I hate harsh direct morning sun in my face.  It was really humid out this morning, but of course not a drop of rain.  I don't think we have had a good down pour here in Austin since May.

When we got back home, I decided to make a big batch of home made macaroni and cheese.  Avery loves macaroni and cheese.  I have nothing against the store bought kind in the box, but home made macaroni and cheese tastes SO much better.  The recipe I use is really easy and quick, makes a ton and is delicious.  Recipe to follow.

Look at that ooey gooey goodness!  Avery loved it.

For the rest of the afternoon we played and Avery took a long nap.  I did some stuff around the house.  It was a pretty lazy Saturday.  Please excuse Avery's crazy mismatched outfit she is wearing!

Tomorrow we are meeting our friends the Barron's for lunch at Trudy's.  They have awesome Mexican food and I can't wait!

shopping and chickfila twice

Avery and I met my friend Emily this afternoon for some lunch and a little shopping at Barton mall.  Emily's daughter Sophia started day care this week so she could get used to it, so Avery was the only little one hanging out with us today.  She was in such a great mood the entire time we hung out.  We stopped to get some lunch in the food court at Chickfila.  Avery helped me eat my meal.  She LOVES chicken tenders!  I cut up pieces for her and gave her a few fries.  She was full of smiles and had a great time eating and checking everyone out.  Here she is just happy as can be shopping at Ann Taylor LOFT. 

When we left the mall, we stopped at ANOTHER Chickfila because we needed more to drink.  I couldn't believe that the location off south Mopac now has two drive through lanes!  It was like going through the bank.  I had to take a picture of it.  This location is always really busy so it needed the upgrade. 

Avery is taking a pretty late nap, so I have a feeling she'll be going to bed late tonight.  We had a good day. 

Avery's 9 Month Photo Shoot

We LOVE all of these pictures!  We are so happy they turned out so great.  We are really looking forward to doing Avery's 12 month photo shoot with a birthday smash cake.  Thanks so much Tiffany Cross Photography!