July

I was blessed enough to have a contract job during the month of July, which meant I've not made the time to make any blog entries. As it turns out, I did a horrible job of taking pictures so there's not much to show!

On July 3rd, we joined Nate, Melissa and Pierson at the Frisco Athletic Center splash park. Somehow I ended up with multiple pics of them, and only a couple of Julia which weren't even good pictures. She's not quite ready for running back and forth under falling water, but she had a blast regardless, especially with her daddy's help of going down the slides.

We made a Tuesday afternoon visit to the Dallas World Aquarium with my folks and with Jarret, who took a long lunch break to join us since he so luckily works downtown!

Doesn't she look like she's pretending to be a monkey?!

During a recent conversation with some of my girlfriends, I was advised by Andrea and Chelsi to let my child practice using a fork and spoon and to not be afraid of letting her make a mess. They imparted this wisdom to me because they believed their first children still needed help with utensils because they didn't allow them enough practice early on. Well, I followed your advice. Unfortunately, I turned my back for one second and then next thing I knew, I heard the sound of something dripping down her high chair and all over the floor...

We also enjoyed our first weekend getaway EVER with my parents. The only time we've traveled with my folks is to visit our relatives in Tennessee for Thanksgiving, so it was long overdue that we take a mini-vacation as a family. Of course, I got ZERO photos. We hauled the boat and stayed with my parents' friends at their home on Lake Cypress Springs (east Texas). Their home was beautiful with a massive porch that looks out at the lake. So when we weren't boating or wakeboarding, we were typically found outside relaxing. Thank you Lord for the unusually cooler weather that weekend - what a treat! Thank you Robin & Eric for so generously opening up your home to us!

Over the course of the last week, and especially because it included all my birthday celebrations, I think I've gained 10 pounds from my disgusting eating habits. Coffee and dessert with a couple of girlfriends, La Hacienda fajitas, Freebirds, Via Real (my favorite mexican restaurant which is in Las Colinas down the road from my old job), and Krispy Kreme. Like I said, I've done a terrible job of capturing it on camera, so KK is the only place we got pictures. Julia LOVED her donut, as did mommy! A KK donut hot and fresh off the conveyor belt simply cannot be beat.

And last but not least, Julia made a new friend this past weekend:

Going in Circles

My dear friend Mylinda is in town from L.A and spending a few nights with us. While we were enjoying our fabulous dinner at Chuys:




... Larry and Beverly were hanging out with Julia. In just the two short hours Mylinda and I were gone, Julia somehow picked up this little trick. I think she did this for nearly an entire hour and thought it was the time of her life! We thought it was a riot, especially when she made herself dizzy and then tried to walk.

Father's Day Weekend

On Friday evening, Grammy and Papa joined us as we ate at Bridges restaurant at the golf course and then the guys went to the driving range. All in prep for Jarret's Father's Day golf outing he enjoyed on Saturday morning.

Julia liked playing with Grammy's ankle brace, then clung to her leg as she tried to stand up. If you didn't know though, it just looked like she was sweetly clinging to Grammy.

On Staurday night, the Eubanks clan celebrated Father's Day with a group trip to the Mesquite Rodeo:

Julia enjoyed the pony rides, and didn't even try to scoot off once.

I was pretty shocked she sat so still and patient.


Just checking everything out.

Enjoying the rodeo atmosphere.

First night to have cotton candy! As you can clearly tell, she liked it. She practically dive bombed every bite we put in front of her.

On Saturday morning, we celebrated my dad with a huge breakfast at Cracker Barrel. It was wonderful!





Sunday afternoon was the best though: We enjoyed our own private pool, sipped margaritas by the palm trees, enjoyed the soft sound of trickling water...

Okay, so the private pool was an inflatable kiddie pool, the margaritas were On the Border mix, the palm trees were also inflatable, and the water trickled out of the pink dolphin. But hey, it was actually really fun and relaxing!

This was Julia's final birthday present that we simply hadn't gotten a chance to reveal to her yet, due to crazy schedules the last couple of weekends. She really enjoyed the pool, as did we. After the pool, she and daddy swung together for a bit. Our trees provided awesome shade for the early afternoon sun, which meant we were able to have a long time together outside having family fun.

Sunday night, we had some goofy fun. Jarret kept putting his hat on Julia, and she thought it was really fun to play the game of pulling it off. We also thought this green halter dress was simply adorable on her (thanks Grammy!).

Making Major Love History

"You are...making major love history!" That's a quote from the uber-cheesy KLTY radio morning show hosts whenever they're announcing wedding anniversaries of couples who've been together a long time. Well, this one's for you Bev & Lar (aka Jarret's parents)!!

They began dating in middle school, got married in college, and celebrated their 40th Anniversary a couple weeks ago. As a fun family event in honor of their amazing history, we headed out to Lake Lavon Sunday night for some family swimming, boating, dining, and relaxing. It was a wonderful time, and Miss Julia did AWESOME. She didn't fuss one bit in her life jacket, or getting in the cold lake, or staying up til past 9pm!

Gran & Poppy and their 4 grandkiddos: Jacob, Kendall, Julia, and Caden

Julia driving the boat

And now, trying to drive with her feet

She thought it was funny to move the steering wheel with her feet

I love you Julia, but you look ridiculous!

Jarret & his dad getting things ready for wakeboard time

Caden's turn to wakeboard! With his dad and Poppy's assistance

He got up every single time and never gave up. We're so proud of you!

How Julia spent her time while Caden and then Daddy wakeboarded. She sat in Gran's lap and never moved an inch the whole time. It was like she was a statue!

Gran with Jewels

Me with Kendall

Erin and her three cutie pies

Just chillin' like everyone else

Swim Time!

Julia loved hanging out on the swim deck. When she stood, she liked stomping on the water that lapped up on the platform. When she sat, she'd kick her legs in the water or jump off to mommy or daddy.

And she even loved being in the cold lake water and splashing around. No fear (yet, at least), which is exactly what we were hoping for with swim lessons. Yea!!!! That meant the whole group was able to have a great time swimming together. What a fun night!