After Matt had to go back to GA to leave for ALC (school at Ft. Benning), Matti and I took the opportunity to go visit friends in Dallas, Tx. We stayed with Kiley for a few days, and it was like living together all over again.... so much fun! When we got there, Kiley gave Matti her birthday present, a shower wrap and a sticker mosaic set. She LOVED both, insisting on sleeping in the wrap and putting the stickers EvErYwHeRe.

That evening we went to visit Candice and John Chris Allison and their two precious sons, Ryland and Reed. Candice and I were best buds in college, and it's been way too long since we'd seen each other. After chatting for a bit at their beautiful home, we went out to eat at Taco Stand, which was a delicous restaurant (despite its name). Matti and Ryland entertained themselves by taking pictures. I believe this is Ryland's handi-work below. ;)

After dinner, we headed back to their house and ended up in the toy room upstairs where the kids had a blast. While we chatted on the couches, they must have played with every single toy in the room. We laughed and laughed watching them interact with each other. It's too bad that we live so far apart becuase they really hit it off!

They were so cute playing with each other.

A book shelf with no books.....

That would be because my child took them all off the shelf, loaded them into a wagon, and put them in the oven. Who is surprised?

Kiley and I went shopping in Grapevine one evening and Matti had a fit when she saw this. She squealed as she road it.

July 12, 2011

Before heading out of Dallas back to Ruston, we followed Kiley to work to get our hair cut. After cutting and styling mine, it was Mattison's turn. She did so good and followed our directions when we told her to look down or turn her head this way or that.

Almost done!

We took this right before getting in the car. We had such a good trip and hated to leave!

The Russells had friends and family out at their lake house to celebrate the 4th of July. Kiley, Daniel, Sonia, Brooklynn, and Tyler came out and played with us on the lake. It was like old times, and we had a blast! Also, Mattison and Brooklynn (BFFs) hadn't seen each other in a few months, so they were ecstatic to be together!

Matti loooves Kiley!

Tyler "surfing"

Mattison and Brooklynn

Kiley and Sonia

We were able to meet up with Sunny Journey, Daniel O'Neal, and some other friends who were also on the lake.

Back at the lake house, Mattison loved swimming with Aunt Kissy and Baylee.

July 1, 2011

Mom was nice enough to keep Matti for the evening, so Matt and I headed to Shreveport to spend the evening with Kiley and Daniel. We met at Kiley's dad's house, where we decided to take some pictures before heading to dinner.

Being silly girls :) I was obviously cracking up!

Matt and Daniel with their Mr. Clean glares on their heads. They are some good looking guys, nontheless.

Out of alll the restaurants in Shreveport, we decided to go eat at Nicky's, a Mexican place that we loved when we were younger. It was just as delicious as it always has been.

More laughs. Never a dull moment.

Kiley's birthday is June 27th, so a birthday sombrero and toast were definitely in order!

Heading back to Mr. David's house. We went swimming (love swimming at night!) and had fun talking into the wee hours of the morning. Kiley is one of those friends that I can pick right up with, even if we've not seen each other in months. We've been friends since junior high and were roommates in college. I love her like a sister (really...)!

Time to Catch Up...

We were excited to get on the road and head out of town, even though we knew we had a long 12 hours ahead of us. Mattison did great traveling. Since our DVD player broke a while back, she entertained herself by singing, coloring, and piling all her things on her lap.

On a shopping trip to Hobby Lobby, Gramy and Matti found this table and chairs and just had to get it. Matti loved eating at it with her babies.

Now Matti must have talked Gramy into moving it into the living room so that she could watch TV with Papa.

Playing at Papa's Farm

June 30, 2011 We road to the farm with Papa and Meme and looked at some of their horses. Matti wasn't too sure about them and would only pet them a little bit. Then we "toured" Mr. Skip's new RV. Matti loved blowing the horn and "driving." It was a fun time.