Start of a "New Year"

For me, September 1st is like most peoples January 1st. It is when I like to re-evaluate everything going on in my life, re-prioritize and start a fresh (in addition to starting a fresh every morning thanks to Jesus!). I have tried to add more structure to my days and limit when I do studio work (when Cater naps and when Bobby is home before 6pm) and do house work while Carter is awake. No kid ever complained "my mom always did laundry" however kids do complain "my mom was always at work". So basically I end up getting very little work done. ;) One of the other things I am doing more is reading, I am almost finished with Laura Bush's biography, and trying to get out of my comfort zone.

I don't remember Septembers and the kick off of a new dance year every being this chaotic but I have never had a child in the mix either. The studio has been incredibly busy with now 300 students and a lot of staff to manage and I have been adding different programs like ballroom and a couple of others. I really love when 7:30pm comes around and Bobby and I get to put Carter to bed, eat our dinner and watch Mad Men (or Bachelor Pad). It's my favorite part of the day with my favorite person.

We are gearing up for Carter's 1st Birthday in a few weeks and I am very indecisive on most things but am looking forward to the few things that I do have planned. Here are some pictures I took in preparation. Enjoy!

July and Vacation

Just a cute picture after bath to start us off...


We took our first "family vacation" last month to San Antonio. Not our first trip mind you because Carter has already been on at least 10 trips and traveled to 3 different states.

This trip was our first one in a long time that did not have to do something with teenagers or dance! It was much needed and turned out great. Pleasant, well thought out by Bobby and with very minimal arguing! Ha! We spent the first night just eating dinner on the River Walk and the next day at Sea World. Carter is great in the stroller and got to ride the Merry Go Round while Bobby rode a couple of roller coasters. The next day we spent trying to get Carter to nap in a hotel room (always fun) and swimming in the hotel pool then walking the mall and riding the river walk boats which we had both seen a bunch but never done. Probably the highlight of the trip for me was going to the San Marcus outlets on the way to a students wedding in Austin and Bobby actually somewhat enjoying it (don't tell him I said that)! We NEVER shop together and I am a bit of a loner when it comes to shopping anyway most of the time. It was a great trip and I was thankful for that time.




Aunt Kirsten spend her Mondays and Tuesdays with us while she taught at the studio for me. She taught Carter to "high-five" and even let Carter drive her car to the pool!

July we also celebrated with my dear friend Stephanie Lee as she prepared for Baby Judson who actually arrived this morning! Carter is SUPER excited about a new friend in College Station!

Carter Goes the the Beach

I probably should have posted this before the 4th of July post but oh well! I am doing good just to get this done! At the beginning of June we went to Galveston for a few days with Bobby's family.
He was very quiet in the pool. Not a sound. Not a smile. We had to check under the glasses to make sure he was still alive and he was. Just chillin! Since then though he wont' let us put the glasses on him.

Loungin

I LOVE this picture!

Carter and Allen

We are on "vacation" this week so what else is there to do but clean and blog!

4th of July is a big deal with my family because it is my dad's birthday. We always have a great time together and look forward to it a lot.


Carter Man watching the fireworks.



Dad's cake that Kirsten made. How patriotic!

It was a very romantic evening. Apparently.

Carter and my Papa.



Learning how to fist pump.

Carter and Gran

Carter Goes to the Fire Station

Well, I think one of my dads dreams came true. A (Hartman)boy...at his fire station! Mom, Kirsten and I enjoyed watching it too. ;)


He was totally fascinated by the big wheel.




....and the boots and helmet. He wouldn't look up for anything. Too much to play with!

Pics

It's been a while, so here are some pictures....

CHECK!

Don't you just love those things that have been on your "To Do" list for weeks while other things have long been completed and new things add to the list? Well, blogging has been on my list for a month now. Actually everything else on there is probably new while my poor blog has been put on the back burner. So, here is our last month and a half in pictures.....


Bobby was not happy about the bow. He thought it was a "girl thing". I tried to explain to him, "no, it's a BABY thing". He was not convinced.


First Christmas Eve service


Every boy needs a little red wagon! My grandfather has been saving this one in his garage for over 20 years because he "got a good deal on it". Carter is glaring at the paparazzi aunts and grandparents taking pictures.


Chillin. So cute!


Christmas Eve outfit. He is crying because Bobby told him he looked ridiculous. I thought he looked classic. :)


Auntie Kir (aka "Martha") MADE his stocking! Love!


Listening and singing while dad plays guitar. One of Bailey's favorite pastimes as well.


Just took this one yesterday. He hates tummy time but did better yesterday than he ever has.