It's been awhile...

* Disclaimer: I started this post almost 3 months ago...and just now getting around to finishing it! Needless to say, we've been BUSY!!!

March was a busy month for the Lewis family. Pops Lewis came for an extended visit the beginning of the month and all four of us (Gesabelle included) really enjoyed having him here! Him and Nelson visited the Texas coast for two days while Lorraine and I stayed behind. We'll go next time when the weather is a little bit warmer. But before they left for their road trip, we took Lorraine to Austin's annual kite festival, what a site. I've never seen so many kites flying at once, and some really big ones too!

Nelson and I decided next year we'll bring our own...I'll leave the flying up to him :)

Lorraine loves her Papa Lew :)

Cousin Leigh came to visit us as well, and we sure did have a fun time!!! Of course her visit coincided with SXSW...the best time of year here in Austin ;) I managed to scoot away from work for a couple of days so we could enjoy sometime downtown, take in all the city had to offer and see lots of up and coming bands/artists. It's absolutely amazing the crowd SXSW brings, so much innovation, style and just plain uniqueness. People from all walks of life, near and far, travel to the "live music capital of the world" to embrace all things encompassing art, culture and music. It is an experience I think everyone should have at some point, words alone cannot describe it!

I think this picture was taken just minutes before we were slammed  in the back of our pedi-cab by a fourrunner...CRAZINESS!!

Love her :)

beggin' Lee Lee for some of her pasta!

                                       

having some drinks at a nook and crannie bar Nelson found ;)

My best friend Lauren got married as well, Nelson and I are so thankful we were able to celebrate with her and Shane. It was such a fun weekend!!!! The golf cottages at Oldfield Plantation were amazing, the scenery was breathtaking and the weather held up considerable well. All in all it was simply perfect!

Lorraine & Auntie Lauren in Charleston

The venue was absolutely breathtaking!

my best friend was a stunning bride! 

My girls :)

The Clevenger's est. 03/23/2013

While Nelson and I enjoyed all the wedding festivities, Lorraine enjoyed some quality time with her Grandma  Jo, Pops Lewis, Auntie Erin and Uncle Redmond. Lorraine and I surprised Grandma Jo a day early at work, took her to lunch (Lorraine behaved surprisingly well), and she was able to show off her granddaughter to all her co-workers :)

Of course Lorraine has a tight grip on Grandma's necklace, haha!

kisses for Uncle Redmond :)

Auntie Erin showing Lorraine her daddy, haha!

Loves her some Auntie Erin!

Papa Lew and Grandma Jo (and Uncle Redmond trying to sneak in)

 We finally got to meet baby Charlie! He is the sweetest little munchkin!!! He will just cozy up into your arms and snuggle...my kind of baby! Josh and Crystal are so lucky, we are so happy for them. :) I cannot wait to hold him again, and I just might not let go!!

And I got to snuggle up on my favorite set of sisters in Bluffton, Ella Rae and Caroline Jane. These two cuties are such dolls! It was so fun having all three of them together again, I wish this was a regular occurrence :/

My bestie Leslie and her beautiful girls, love them!!!

                                

Ella Rae is a super sweet big sister!

                                                   

Lo and Caroline :)

Of course as we predicted, Lorraine started walking the beginning of April...and now she runs! Her little buns fly all over the house, she is a handful :)

Speaking of house, Nelson and I just recently became homeowners!!! I never knew buying a home could be so stressful, but we are so glad there were no 'bumps' in the road and we're in our own home :) We are so thankful for all of my parents generosity, just pure unconditional love. My mom helped us clean the entire home, paint several rooms, and decorate Lorraine's room. There is no possible way we would have managed without their help, they are nothing short of just plain amazing :)

There are still so many boxes in the house and we are literally just taking it day by day. But words truly cannot describe how fortunate we feel to have been able to purchase a home. We really are living the American Dream :) I will post pictures as we set up room by room...we're in no rush, we're not planning on going anywhere anytime soon!

05/22/2013: Closing day :)

Lorraine found my old girl scout vest  my mom had kept while we were  moving...this picture cracks me up!!!!

part of the backyard...YES, we managed to find a home in the city limits with live oak trees AND a steady flowing creek (hard to see right now) on  it, both a rarity in central Texas! (backyard is being cleared all the way down to the creek tomorrow, FINALLY!)

it is such a tranquil view from the dinner table...looking out to one of our two porches and just seeing trees :)

And we did manage to move into the house just in time to celebrate Lorraine's 1st birthday!! I made her a yellow cake ( Better Homes & Garden cookbook), cream cheese icing (Martha Stewart) from scratch and it was DELICIOUS, my Grandma Smith would be so proud!!

had to top with some fresh purple daisy flowers for our princess :)

For some reason I can't rotate this picture, sorry :/

And between moving and Lorraine's birthday, we were still able to meet up with my parents, sisters and all the grandchildren in Houston for the Memorial Day weekend. It was so fun and such a treat to be with my family for a few days! And Lorraine had a blast with all her cousins :)

Jalena and Lo

Lekari and Lo

all the grandkids :)

And, Nelson and I are so excited have another nephew as of 02/24/2013!! Baby Joey decided to come a little early (just like his big brother Jeffrey) and he is Lorraine's 4th boy cousin :)  

We hope they'll be able to visit us early next year, because I just want to hold and squeeze this little cutie pie for days!!!

Well, Lorraine is up which mean it's time for the pool. It's one of the few outdoor things you can do during the day/eveing to combat this Texas heat. Until next time...wishing you all continued happiness and prosperity, and remember to always 'look for the good' in life!


XoXo,

The Lewis's