Facing the Music

Remember that little challenge to myself that I like to call 29X29? Well, I weighed myself for the first time in two weeks today and... I lost .5 pounds. Not five, but POINT five pounds. And that was probably because I was stark naked. All of my fine NYC dining and lack of working out appears to have caught up with me. In 10 weeks I have lost 11 pounds. Make that 11.5 pounds. Not bad, but definitely not great. I've got eight weeks left. You do the math. It's doable, but I've gotta get moving! I'm up for the challenge. And I start boot camp next week, so hopefully that'll help too. Ready, or not, here I come 29!

Anyone home?

I am. After 10 days and six states. Or was it eight days? It's hard to keep track, but I'm home. I'm climbing out from the mountain of laundry, voicemails, facebook messages and paperwork on my desk. Not that I'm that important, just slow at getting back in the groove. I was in NYC for a few days and then Maryland at FEMA's headquarters for emergency management training. It was wonderful, intense and tiring. And fulfilling. I loved the experience and the much cooler temperatures, but there's no place like home.

I'll post all of my photos and anecdotes once I get through that laundry pile. Until then, here's a snapshot.

we saw the sites

and ate a lot

then it was work, work, work

and a little bit of fun. (that's me with General Robert E. Lee and the Mrs.)

Until next time, ashleigh

Pit Stop

I forgot to mention that we made a little pit stop on the way home from New Braunfels. We met our dear friends, the Edwards, for lunch at the Gristmill. Mmm. I love that place and the cute little town that it's in. Kate and Jared live in San Antonio and we don't get to see them near as often as we'd like, so we couldn't pass up a chance to see them when we were so close! We are so glad that it worked out and we got to catch up. Kate is part of my inner circle and Justin and Jared have a lot in common, so we always have a good time getting together. Perfect end to a perfect trip! Wish we had taken a picture with the four of us, but here are a few scenes from Gruene:

Beating the Heat

Justin and I spent the last few days attempting to beat the heat with my family. We joined my family for a few days of fun in the sun at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels and had the best time! We were the last to arrive on Thursday night since both of our work schedules have been too crazy to allow for several days off in a row! One day, one day.

My parents rented the cutest little house directly across from the park, so all we had to do was walk across to enjoy the cooool spring water and fun rides. We did have a short drive to the newer part of the park, but staying on the property allowed us to go early, park close and beat the crowds. It was perfect! Keira loved all of the attention and could ride most of the rides with us, so I think it's safe to say she had a great time. We didn't get a lot of pictures, or at least I didn't, but our days pretty much looked the same: get up, eat breakfast, put on bathing suit, lather up, go to the park, swim, ride rides, float, head back for lunch, nap, re-apply sunscreen, go back out to the park, grill out for dinner, shower, relax, bed. Repeat. We had a great time! And, for the record, it is surprisingly cooler four hours south of Dallas. We loved the 70 degree temperatures in the morning, and hanging out in cold spring water in the afternoons felt pretty good too. Thanks for a fun trip mom and dad!

Keira (with her life jacket on backwards) showing off her ruffley bottom ;)

uncle adam and aunt ashy with keira on day one

i loved her little hat.

play time with justin after lunch one day

cutey in her little bikini

"cheeeese" eating dinner with daddy on the porch

dad grilling up a yummy dinner

justin helped too. aren't they cute posing?

us ready for the last day. note - this is in the front yard, directly across from the park!

*authors note: I am aware that I have become obsessed with instagram. I love it. I can't help it. I'll do better at using my real camera. At least I'll try.