Cousins...identical cousins

This weekend the Beard family came for a "just because" visit. No real purpose like the usual birthday party or family event, just some good old fashion family fun. Jude and his cousin Noah who is just 8 months older are really starting to play together, interact and even have their own unique toddler conversation (were still not quite sure what they are discussing....it's a little bit about Thomas the Train, mom and dad, and ice cream). Jude loves his big cousin and talks about him almost everyday....telling me that he lives far away in Houston. I LOVE that these two boys are so close. We just have to convince Noah's parents to move to San Antonio. If Jude isn't going to have a sibling close in age to him then this is the next best thing...perhaps even better. The more they hang out together, the more I see some very similar mannerisms, facial expressions, and family genes coming out. Noah still has his unique reddish brown thick hair and Jude has developed some sort of East Texas/backwoods country accent which we haven't quite figured out where that came from. "...Still there cousins, Identical cousins and you'll find, they laugh a like, they walk a like, sometimes they even talk a like-You can loose your mind when cousins are two of a kind".

Roommates Reunite!

Wednesday was a special, out of the ordinary, sort of day. Jude and I ventured up the road to good ol' ATX. We hit up the May household which is a guaranteed good time, but mostly to see some extra special visitors. My friend and former roommate Christy was in town for a few days with her kids. I had not seen this girl in years (were talking since Julie's baby shower before she had Gabe). So about 4 years! And us three together, just us, well that had not happened since college. And let's face it, it wasn't just us, because among the three of us there were 8 kids! We were the first three of our group of college friends to have children...coincidence, I think not. She brought back so many memories with her visit. It felt as though some things never changed and yet everything had. She lives out of state and I don't see her nearly enough. It was hard to leave because I felt I had not had enough Christy time, but the lack of a nap for Jude had us getting out the door even sooner than expected. Even though I don't know when or where I will see her next, I know we will pick up right where we left off, no problem. Check out the hot mammas above- (literally hot, and tired from the pool) with youngest babes in arms (even though mine is not a "babe" anymore, he sure was acting like one in the moment!). Miss you already Christy!

Yankee Doodle Noah

Every Independence Day weekend for the past 4 years has been spent in Houston Texas for one very important reason. His name is Noah Owen Beard. He is our super sweet and adorable nephew who is only 7 month older than Jude. Its amazing to think he is already 3 years old which means Jude is not far behind...crazy! This little boy gets to share his birthday (July 2) very close to America's birthday so he has to go big!

Noah's Birthday Party was at Old MacDonald's farm on Saturday. Complete with petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, playgrounds, giant sand piles to climb, and a swimming pool! It was a rock'n party despite the 3 digit temperatures and humidity. During the weekend we also managed to see my grandparents, see my good friend Laura and her new baby Helen, and see my bestie Rikki and her new home in Katy. I know, I'm tired just typing it all. This weekend was jam packed with fun!


Dad and Jude visiting the animals at the petting zoo.

Attempting to ride the pony....unsuccessful. Ponies are scary:)

The birthday boy complete in his "Cars" attire.

Lightning McQueen pinata...I mean Mater pinata?....We will call it Mater McQueen...awesome.

Cars cake....check!

Feeding the deer. Yep, they just come up to you for anything they can get....pizza, cake, and Capri Sun.

Riding "Thomas" (what Jude calls all trains)

A much needed dip in the pool with dads.

Our little swimmer having a blast.

Waiting for food at The Cheesecake Factory.

Having lots of fun with Nani.

This was before his meltdown when Noah received a birthday Sundae. Jude was in major tears and I'm not sure why. Tired from no nap? a bit jealous of the birthday boy? some very loud, perhaps scary singing? Probably all of the above. I didn't capture the face since I was too busy consoling him but imagine the exact opposite of what he looks like in the above picture. Still...a great weekend.

Happy Birthday Noah! We love you!