Turkey Trot 2010

Well we survived our 2nd Turkey Trot. It was chilly and thankfully it wasn't raining. Everything was going great until Luke took off his gloves in the stroller to eat a snack (because he didn't eat a big breakfast at Auntie Windy's like he was supposed to)...next thing you know his gloves were a goner. Many tears were shed during this 3K...I'm surprised they didn't turn into icicles. Once we crossed the finish line it was time to warm up and take a nap!

Ahmmy's B-Day at the Ranch

We drove out to the Ranch Sunday morning Nov 21st. Kay's birthday was the Friday Nov 19th and Kay's brother Windol and his wife Sondra who live in Maine, were in town. The whole family made it out for the day, which gave us lots of opportunities for photo opps. It was a great day!

Great Wolf Lodge Surprise

Cody and I told Luke we were taking him to breakfast this Friday morning at Fuzzy's Taco Stand. Their breakfast tacos are wonderful! If you've never been you should go try it. When we were finished Luke kept saying how exciting his friends were going to be to see him at school. So I had to break the news that we wasn't attending school that day and that we were taking him for a surprise. Luke asked if we were taking him to the donut shop...ha. I had purchased day passes to the Great Wolf Lodge back in August or September thru Brother's and Sister's. So we pulled up and he saw all the wolves outside, we walked in the a story was playing at the clock tower so we observed for a few minutes before heading down to the pool. His eyes just lit up when we walked in. He loved it and the kid area was perfect for him. I think Cody and I's only complaint was how cold the water was. It was too cold for me. I couldn't even get back in after lunch. I think I prefer swimming in the 100 degree weather outdoors. Luke had a blast though, even though he was blue by the time we left.

Halloween 10/10

Another great year of trick or treating! This year Luke was really trying to keep up with the big kids and he did great. The adults had a great time too. Thanks to Bobby & Missy for letting us tag along with the Bridlewood gang.

Seattle 10/10

This was my 4th trip to Seattle in one and a half years. We talked my parents into joining us on this trip since they had never been before. As soon as we got there Thursday, we drove straight down to Pike's Place Market and ate lunch at Cutters. Fish and Chips and Clam Chowder was on every one's minds. Then we went by the Tasting Room, sampled some wines and purchased a couple of bottles for dinner that evening. We stopped in Fran's to purchase some dark chocolate covered Carmel's for dessert and then we were off to the market. We decided to purchase huge shrimp, scallops, crab legs and halibut cheeks to accompany our pasta with asparagus for dinner that evening. We made our way to Claudia and Pat's and had a feast. It might have been the best meal on the entire trip. Thanks to the Wille's for letting us make such a huge mess in their kitchen.

The next day we were off to the Aquarium, Flight Museum and Pioneer Square and after having fish and chips again that day for lunch we decided pizza sounded good for dinner. Then back to the hotel for some swimming in the hotel spa while the boys watched the Rangers win that nights game in the world series.

Saturday morning we decided to try this Russian pastry place across from Pike's Place Market. It was wonderful, at least until Luke threw up all over the place. Poor thing said his stomach hurt, but we didn't realize it was going to turn into vomiting. We got in the car and started driving to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, then to Snoqualmie Falls and then to Rattlesnake Lake. Such a beautiful area and the trees were all changing colors...so beautiful. Luke did fine for 5 hours until we got back in the car to head back to the hotel. Then the throwing up continued...poor thing. Daddy took care of him at the hotel and he slept great that night and was ready to rock the next morning.

On our last morning in Seattle we decided to take Luke to the Children's Museum. He loved it and did not want to leave. We had enough time to grab lunch and head to the airport. Another great trip!

Dallas Zoo 09/10

We had a great time at the Dallas Zoo. I hadn't been to the Dallas Zoo in 10 years and alot has changed. I have never fed a giraffe before, but it was such a great experience (or at least I thought so, Luke wasn't so sure about it as you can see from the pictures). I guess we also got lucky on our visit because all of the animals were out and playing. One of the Gorilla's tried to break thru the glass and the male lions were wrestling...i've never encountered so much activity at the zoo before. Luke got to ride a pony and play with the goats while they kept nibbling on his brand new jungle book t-shirt...ha! Can't wait to go back.

Labor Day Weekend

We celebrated Dad's birthday one day early, Aug 31st, and I prepared some new recipes from the cooking class I so much enjoyed at the Grotto the weekend before. I made Crab Mango Ceviche, Mango Salad and Steak with Sweet Potatoes. It was delicious! I actually enjoyed the class so much, that we decided to give that to Dad for his birthday. The great part about it is that i'm going to attend the class with him, yay!
Now on to Labor Day weekend, we got to head out to the lake early Friday due to the fact that my office is moving buildings this weekend. We ended our early workday Friday by enjoying lunch at the new Chuy's that opened up right down from my current office. Got to love that place. So when I go to work Tuesday, I will be in a completely new building and space. We aren't moving far, actually right across the street in the EDS complex. We will now have covered parking, a cafe, a gym and my workspace will also have a window view. I sort of feel like I got a promotion in a way...ha.
Drew and Arisbe brought baby Arianne to the lake to meet us this weekend. She is precious and such a good baby. She is so easy going and likes to take lots of naps. She got to take her first boat ride, golf cart ride, hammock swing and best of all be held my her only cousin, Luke. Kathey and Don also joined us for some baby fun and amazing weather this weekend. Seriously could it have been any nicer outside this weekend? It was gorgeous!

Boot Camp Part II

Well I completed the 14 day Fat Flush Boot Camp. Mom, Mitzy and I attended all 10 classes, stuck to the eating plan for the most part (minus one restaurant week dinner, a cooking class at the Grotto and my Dad's birthday dinner...ha). I lost 6lbs and 6 inches and I feel great! I would say it was well worth it. So well worth it that I decided to sign up for two more months. Cody's travel schedule is about to get hectic, so I won't be a 5 day a week attendee, but my goal is to make it at least 3 days with the help of Mom & Dad a couple of mornings. These next couple of months are going to fly by! Wish me continued success!

Boot Camp!

There was a special 2 week fat flush boot camp starting Monday August 23rd, Mon thru Fri at 5:30am at Parkway Elementary right down from my house. Since Cody wasn't traveling, I decided to sign up. Missy, Mitzy, and my Mom also signed up and we all made it through the first week alive...hallelujah! Along with the boot camp we were also put on a healthy eating regimen to flush out all that yucky body fat. Per the instructor, as of Friday, I had melted off 10 sticks of butter...is that not disgusting?!?! Well we were given homework over the weekend and we're back to finish the second week tomorrow morning. We can do this, however we won't mind if you say a little prayer for us as well. I feel great! I will update on boot camp once we finish. :)

New Experiences

We headed out to the lake with the Fergusons the weekend of the 13th. This was a relaxing pre-back to school weekend for Mike & Kelly and a birthday celebration for Mitzy. Dad invited the new lake neighbors to join us out on the boat that Saturday. They have a 4 yr old boy, twins, a Jet Ski and a Raft, so needless to say that Luke got to experience some new things. Luke couldn't wait to go for a ride on that Jet Ski. He rode with Kelly, Papa and Dad. Then we got to take a little ride in the raft behind the boat. I haven't done that in years. For Mitzy's birthday, I wanted to prepare a special meal. So I purchased lamb for the first time in my life. I decided I was going to make Lamb Kabobs and Tzatziki sauce. I'm glad I did, because I think it turned out pretty good. Happy Birthday Mitzy!

Mike's Italian Market and Deli

I had a wonderful experience tonight. Kathey Anthony told us about a wonderful wine tasting/dinner at Mike's Italian Market and Deli in Flower Mound. Mom decided we needed to give it a try, so she made a reservation with her Monday night group and I decided to join. It's $14 for 4 tastings of wine and a 3 course buffet dinner. It a very casual environment with plastic plates and silverware, reservations required with room for only about 30 people and buffet dinner. Our dinner included a tomato basil & mozzarella salad and antipasto for our appetizer, spaghetti pomodoro with sausage, onions and bell peppers for dinner and gelato for dessert. It was paired with 4 different Italian wines. There was also live entertainment! I recommend you check it out.

http://www.mikesitalianmarketanddeli.com/

Arianne's first visit to the beach!

Arianne had her first visit to the beach this past weekend in Corpus Christi. I had to share these pictures because they are way too precious not too. Mommy and Daddy look like they are having a good time too. I believe she's officially 8 weeks old and she's already getting so big.

Luke's Birthday Tractor

Luke's going to be a great driver by the time he turns 16. He's already had a years plus practice on his Papa's tractor and golf cart, now he's practicing on his own. He loves his new birthday toy that arrived last week. Thank you Ahmmy and Grandad!

Lake Weekend with the McClintons

It only took years for us to plan this, but finally, we all got together for a weekend getaway at the lake house. We had such a great time! It was so good to see Paula and the girls. The kids played so nice together and had a blast jumping off the boat into the lake. The three kids also threw in a fishing line hooked with a worm and each caught a catfish off the dock. There was a lot of screaming going on...it was hilarious! Jean and Dennis brought some fresh King Salmon from his recent trip to Alaska. It was wonderful! I was excited because I got two new great recipes from Jean. Oh, the things that make me happy. Ha.

Luke turns 3!

Luke turned 3 on July 18th and boy did he party it up this year. Instead of one big party, we had about 4 small ones this year. One before vacation, one during and two afterwards...why not, right?!?! Everyone should celebrate for a week. He had a great time! Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke meets Harper

The Saturday morning, after we got back from Destin, our very good friends Claudia & Pat stopped by our house for a quick visit with baby Harper. Luke got out some baby toys just for her to play with while she was here and he couldn't wait to hold her. We really enjoyed our visit with them and were grateful that they squeezed us in on their busy visit to Dallas. Luke even cried when Harper left. Thanks guys...look forward to seeing you again soon.

Florida Vacation

We flew into Ft Walton and drove about an hour to Windy and Mike's beach house in the private Watersound community. The house is absolutely beautiful. There are boardwalks that take you out to the beach and there's a beachclub with a pool & restaurant near by. We never saw any tar balls or oil while we were there, so the beach was beautiful. Luke learned how to swim on this vacation and he was very proud of what he could do. Every single time he was about to swim, he'd say "Hey, you want to see what I do". The gang caught some Red Snapper, Mackeral, Amberjack & Grouper on their deep sea fishing trip, so we had fish for dinner a couple nights. They also got out their tennis rackets for a couple of tennis matches while we were there. After the beach we made out way to Andalusia Alabama for the Fleming Family Reunion.

Summer Fun

We started our summer out by spending every weekend at the lakehouse from the weekend before Memorial Day to the 4th of July. My parents were in Italy for 3 weeks and we were responsible for checking on the lakehouse while they were gone. We had a great time! We ventured over to the Bass Pro Shops in Rockwall and decided to give Primos a try. They have an outdoor patio overlooking the lake where all the boats dock. We ended up stopping there the next two weekends. We also had our good friends The Criswells out to the lake with us one weekend.

Welcome Baby Arianne

Arianne Nicolette Fadrowski was born on June 16th 2010 at 7lbs 14ozs 18in. Isn't she so cute! Drew and Arisbe are doing well as first time parents. We hear that Arianne is alot like Luke in the sense that she loves to be held and she loves listening the to noises outside. We are so excited for our first visit with Arianne!

Extreme Home Makeover

The Fleming House has been undergoing an Extreme Home Makover the past few weeks. Gone is the linoleum floor, fermica countertops and cheap tile backsplash..........Replaced with tile flooring, granite countertops and natural stone backsplash. Last addition will be new stainless appliances which we should arrive in a couple weeks.

Amanda and I are excited about the new look. We look forward to having everyone see it.
Special shoutout to Mike/Mitsy, Danny C and Stan.

Fishing

We did a little fishing the last 2 weekends at Fork. The weather hasn't fully cooperated this spring but we do have some success stories.

Luke caught this monster catfish off the dock on his Cars Lightning McQueen rod and reel (4-5lbs). We did find out Luke's not a big fan of catfish because they talk and sound a little scary. He also prefers to drive the boat rather than to fish. We'll have to work on that.

I caught this 6.71lb female, despite her attempts to wrap me around some timber. Secret bait not to be disclosed.

The Dallas Arboretum

We finally made our first trip out to the Dallas Arboretum last Saturday, Mar 27th. It is high season right now for tulips, so it was jam packed with people, but it didn't bother us any. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed it on the lawn, overlooking the lake, while listening to music. After that we checked out the Tee pee, wagon and little houses...Luke loved it!

March Birthdays

We headed out to the ranch Saturday March 20th to surprise Cody's brother (PT) for his 40th birthday. Cody bought PT a huge bag full of fishing lures, bait, etc from when he struck gold on a shopping trip to Walmart one weekend. PT was thrilled. Even though is was rainy and freezing cold outside all Luke wanted to do the whole weekend was fish. Come to find out Sunday morning it had snowed 8 inches in some of the Dallas area Saturday night...70 to snow, only in Texas.

Then we celebrated Mom's birthday with some Thai food and our favorite Chocolate Raspberry Torte from Market St. It was delicious! We brought back some wine for Mom from the Hess winery in Napa Valley for her birthday. I have no doubts that she will enjoy it!