Huntsville State Park

Sweet Frankie Rose and I hiking in Huntsville State Park

I had to work all day on Father's Day so we took a summer Friday had our celebration a few days early. Evan had said that he wanted to go up to Huntsville State Park and grill burgers, splash in the lake, and do some hiking.

Blueberry Picking at Moorhead's Blueberry Farm

In an effort to foster a connection to our food with Sadie, two years ago we went and picked blueberries together as a family and had the best time. The picking season is very quick so we sadly missed it last year but this year we were back as a family of four to get as many berries as we could before the Texas heat and humidity knocked us out.

Our Whole 30

Chimichurri Kebabs

Last month Evan and I tried Whole 30 for the first time. For those who are not familiar with Whole 30 is an experiment of sorts where you cut out all sugars, grains, dairy, and legumes from your diet. The idea is to see if eating these foods are causing you to have negative reactions.

I have always felt that I probably have some sort of allergy to dairy so after hearing how much better a friend felt after doing Whole 30 I talked Evan into trying it.

Here is a brief overview of our experience.

Friday 5

Here are 5 fun and interesting things I've found online.

1 -10 trends from NYFW as seen on Man Repeller

2 - I'm thinking of trying this

3 - Evan and I doing the Whole 30 Challenge and I'm thinking of trying this minus the quinoa bites, and this. I love Love and Lemons!

4 - Evan and I have been slow to the Amazon Prime TV offerings, but we just binged Sneaky Pete and loved it!

5 - I Love Love Love the blog A Beautiful Mess. I want to try this.

Road Trip: Davis Mountains State Park

Another little side trip that we took while we were in our Big Bend and West Texas adventures was to Davis Mountains State Park. 

Road Trip: West Texas Adventure

Prada Marfa

While our visit to Big Bend National Park was our main objective we had lots of other fun places on our list to check out as well while we were in West Texas.

Road Trip: Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park entrance

I've always thought of myself as a lover of National Parks. The thing is, I could have counted the number of National Parks that I've visited on one finger before last week. I do love them, I just haven't made it out to visit many (almost any) of them.

The one park that I've been to is Denali National Park and I've been twice so that's something right? I was really close to Kenai Fjords National Park but I don't think I was ever officially in it. Anyway I have always wanted and planned to visit more of our National Parks but up until last week I hadn't made it to anymore. Evan and Frankie's birthdays are a day apart so to celebrate Evan's 40th and sweet baby Frankie's 1st we decided to take a trip out west and visit Big Bend National Park!

Frankie Rose is 1!

Sweet baby Frankie Rose is 1 today! A baby's first year is full of excitement, worry, exhaustion, and wonder. Frankie Rose, I love your sweetness, toughness, and laughter. I love the mischievous glint you get in your eye when you are running around. We all love you so much and cannot wait know you more and more.

New Year Book List

I am always resolving to read more! Some years I do well and some years I do not. With the kiddos it has become a little more difficult so I am planning and starting now. My nightstand stacked with books and I have a full Amazon cart. I'm working to fine tune my list and am going with a book a month plan. I want titles that will expand my knowledge on issues, people, and history, with a little fun thrown in.

Here's what I have on my list as of now.

Friday 5

I've finally started to crawl out from the depression, so here are 5 things to give you a little kick after the election.


1 - I love this Secret commercial. Check it out here.

2 - I have a feeling that the girls might be getting some of these Wonder Woman pieces from The Gap.

3 - I can't wait for the new season of Vice's States of Undress. It's a smart show about fashion but it's not really about fashion. I really enjoy it!

4 - As a young girl I listened to this song  by Ry Cooder all the time. It's called Women Will Rule the World. I love this more recent song about girls ruling the world but Ry's song will always make me smile.

5 - As I collect myself and my thoughts and plan my forward motion I am reminded of a new site I joined called Skillshare. You can learn all kinds of different skills on the site. I also really like Coursera which is free. Coursera connects you to courses from universities all over the country.

Still taking deep breaths and working to keep an open heart. How is everyone else doing?

October at the Beach

I'm not the first, and will not be the last person to tell you how much I love fall.