Our week in Texas was a blast! So much fun with family, lots and lots of laughter and absurd amounts of amazing southern food.
The Lacy brothers are the best. Sam can always jump back in the middle of them like he was never gone. It never stops amazing me that Sam's mother, Jo, had FOUR boys in FIVE years. It is so much fun now but can you imagine going to the grocery store with a 1, 2, 4 and 5 year old? We want a big family but we are going to do our best to space the babies out a little more. We'll see what God has in store for us though. It truly is a blessing to spend time with the boys and wives and now the children. I cherish the short time we get to spend with all of the Dallas Lacy's!
Brother sandwich minus Matt
(Jared on the left & Jack on the right)
Tickle fight!!
Jack and Steph's three-year-old, Hannah, loves play time with Uncle Jared
It was truly a refreshing week of vacation for Sam and me. Jared and Kristen were kind enough to let us stay in their guest bedroom for the whole week. It was like being at a bed & breakfast! Sam and I completely sank into the suburban life of huge yards, quiet neighborhoods, spacious homes (mansions compared to our apartment in PA).
Sam went running every day we were there and really appreciated being able to run more than one block without hitting a lighted intersection. He preferred the dry Texas heat to the humidity of Philly too. I went for walks and did not have to carry my pepper spray!
We also indulged ourselves with the T.V. Sports Center for Sam and Food Network for me. It was lovely. It made me miss television. Sam said the week gave him his fix and now he doesn't feel the need to buy a T.V. For now.
And of course... the FOOD!!
Breakfast on morning #1. Welcome to Texas.
I personally LOVE biscuits and gravy. The Lacy's know how to do it! Some other Texas-specific delicacies I particularly enjoyed:
7am Diet Dr. Pepper with Kristen
FURR'S country buffet
Jared's smoked ribs and chicken
Breakfast donuts from the bakery near Jared and Kristen
Yogurtville frozen yogurt
Souper Salad Buffett
Sam had been on a pretty good diet but let himself go in Texas (good thing he kept the runs up!). On several mornings he woke up and helped himself to a Coke, a Twix and some Fudge Rounds. SERIOUSLY! Also lots and lots of Oreo's consumed that week. We were ready for a little detox when we got back but we really, really, really enjoyed the week of yummy treats!
We got to celebrate three incredible years of marriage while we were there. I can't say that it was intentional to get married on a national holiday but I have to say I'm glad we did. It is nice that everyone gets the day off of work and can hang out with us every year on the 4th of July. Not to mention the big get-togethers, the food and of course fireworks that are pretty much a given on our anniversary every year.
I think I have said this every year so far but - it seems like we have been married longer than three years!
From the time we got engaged (December 2008) to now we have moved a total of SEVEN times. Since then I have had EIGHT different employers!
Sam has read countless books, written hundreds of pages on history and religion, studied for multiple standardized tests and written several applications. Everything that got us where we are today. Whew!
We are finally in an apartment we THINK we can see ourselves in for more than a year. I feel more like a grown-up having some stability. Having this baby will really bring us into full-blown adulthood. Can't wait.
It was a wonderful anniversary spent with the family! Relaxing day then dinner and fireworks.
Pre-dinner photo shoot in Jared and Kristen's back yard.
Happy Anniversary!
Gecko is also pregnant?
SURPRISE!!!! Our big family dinner was also a baby shower - so sweet!!! Love my sisters-in-law!!
A beautiful and DELICIOUS creation by Kristen Lacy - thank you!!
Our sweetie-pie nieces Clara and Hannah. Cute cousins just one month apart.
"Another Lacy Baby". Apparently our not finding out the gender messed up some gifting plans. Hence the neutral black personalized onesie - thanks J and K!
This adorable onesie will work for a boy or girl - love it, J and S!
I think Jared is the favorite uncle!
After dinner we went back to Matt and Rebecca's for cake and bib decorating!
Love from the TX Aunties :)
L to R - Kristen, Stephanie and Rebecca on my right xoxo
Sam's parents.
Time for fireworks!!
The first grandchild, Asher, is growing so fast! 5 years old and sooo big!
On the 5th we had an amazing BBQ at J and K's then went to an outdoor concert on the lake with a splash park and surprise fireworks again - so fun!
Friday night the brothers went to the Rangers/Twins game - guess who Sam cheered for...
One week out of the summer and every other Christmas is just never enough
with our sweet nieces and nephew!
We miss our Texas family already. We can't wait until we can go back and bring our baby with us!
God blessed Texas ;)
