BBQ + Family + Friends + BIG PUNKIINNNSSS

This picture sums up our weekend perfectly: busy + havin’ fun being busy! We took a trip to Dallas to see friends and family for a little backyard BBQ.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Thank you, Car Gods, for the gift of the DVD player. I’m not saying that I love listening to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for 3 hours, but it’s better than the Screaming Toddler Show.

On Friday, we got to take a trip to the Dallas Arboretum to see the Autumn at the Arboretum + Twelve Days of Christmas displays. And of course, Big Man was most excited about all the BIGGG PUNNKKIINNNNSS!

And he kinda likes his Aunt Mo (pronounced Aunn Moot).

He was not in the mood for picture taking with Noni though. Oh well, you win some, you lose some!

The theme for this year’s Autumn at the Arboretum is the Wizard of Oz. I can’t imagine how fun (and how much work) it would be to put something like this together. It’s so cool how they make every detail as if you’re part of the movie.

I didn’t get the greatest picture, but this little pumpkin house was the Wicked Witch’s home.

Guess what C was doing while I was admiring the Yellow Brick Road…

BIG PUNNKIIIN #1

BIG PUNNKIIIN #2

BIG PUNNKIIIN #3

(yes, those are all the same pumpkin, but you get the idea)

I tried to get a cute little shot for the Christmas Card… oh life with a toddler. He was saying, “Go Astros!” in order to get a smile, but instead we get the action shot. It’s okay though, he’s still cute.

The Arboretum had pumpkins lining the walkway all the way to the Wizard of Oz area, so Corey decided to test out a few and see how sturdy they were.

And of course, we had to get a selfie with Gigi.

We all took turns running with (and after) Big Guy. This is such a great place to bring toddlers, but be ready to get your steps in for the day! Lots of fun stuff to see and lots of room to see it in!

It’s been years since I’d been back, so I’d forgotten that the Arboretum sits right on White Rock Lake. This picture doesn’t do it justice: this place is absolutely gorgeous. Definitely worth the drive and admission fee. Did I mention Corey took a 3 1/2 hour nap that afternoon?

Love this girl! She may be Corey’s Aunn Moot, but she’s my person from way back!

Snuggle Time with Gigi.

You know what’s great about Dallas over Houston? SEASONS. Dallas has, I believe, about three seasons. Houston’s got two: hot + humid and mildly hot + humid. It was fantastic to get a break and see leaves with changing colors, feel a cool breeze, and get to hang out under a normally-depressing overcast sky. I loved every minute.

Leggings ($15) | Tunic ($28) | Booties (similar)

On Saturday, we all pitched in to help set up for a big BBQ my mom was hosting. Corey was in charge of sweeping.

And being friggin’ adorable.

With the BBQ came a live band! These guys were awesome! They played all the good songs that everyone knew, they weren’t so loud that we had the cops called on us (thank you, neighbors), and they sounded pretty fantastic, too!

I love me some Gigi! To me, she’s Aunt Lynn (pronounced AANNTT LIIIIN – we have special ways of saying things in our family… I’m sure you can relate).

I got excited with the selfies because I always forget to take pictures at these things. I love all my people so much though that I just sit there and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk…