Family Date Night

Our family is growing and our lives are busier then ever. Brent and I have also been married 5 years now and have been trying to figure out how to have family traditions of our own. What does that look like exactly? We are still trying to figure that one out, but I heard about Family Date Night from Larra and was very intrigued and wanted to try it. So we are trying to make it the first many Palermo Family traditions.

We picked Thursday nights because our weeks looks like this: Mondays=church monthly meetings, Tuesdays=small group, Wednesdays=beginning in the fall, children's choir, Thursday=nothing, Friday through Sunday=always busy traveling, church activities, etc. So as you see, Thursday was the only choice for our family. My hope is that if we carve out intentional time to hang out as a family that this will continue for many years to come, maybe even through high school. I know, that might be ambitious, but a mom has to dream, right?

Two weeks ago, we had our first Family Date Night. We stayed in, had a yummy taco dinner together, let the dishes sit until morning (not a normal occurrence), delicious brownie/cookie dessert (also a special treat), and we watched Toy Story 3 as a family. It was so relaxing and wonderful to spend intentional time as a family. No household chores, regular bedtime was pushed back a bit, cuddling on the couch, laughter. Beautiful moments were created.

We missed week two do to some traveling and Brent going out of town, but the kids and I had some extended family time with Mimi/Dena (Brent's mom), Larra, Brody and Carson.

Tonight is our second go around. With snow/sleet in the weather prediction, we might be staying in again. Maybe game night or crafts? The plan has not been made quite yet, but all I know is that we will be spending the evening together even if it is just piling in the bed reading books together or building towers with Legos. We will be together. Creating memories.

I love this new tradition! And hoping and praying in sticks around for MANY years to come!

Family Photo Shoot Preview

Last month, my super great sister-in-law took some long overdue family/maternity photos of us. She posted a few of her favorites on her photography blog.

Check it out! http://www.palermophotography.com/

More to come! Enjoy!

Thank you so much, Larra!!! Love you!

We have had lots of visitors lately...

We have kept very busy this year and it is only mid-April! Between Brent's upcoming examine and trip to Africa to my trips to College Station and Roundtop (that will be its own post sometime), we have found some time to be at home and have people visit us here.

First, in mid-March, Brent's parents came to visit us. Here is Cole with his Mimi and Papa. We had a great, relaxing visit with you both. Thanks for coming to see us!

The very next weekend Matt and Larra came to Houston to shoot a wedding and we got to keep Brody. We were thrilled! I love getting to play Aunt Leigh-leigh! It does not happen often enough! Love you Brody-boy! We had a great Friday night talking and playing with Matt, Larra, and Brody...Cole missed out on Friday because he goes to bed so early (that is not a complaint :) ). But Saturday, Cole was up and ready to play. Brody and Cole had a great time together! We are glad you were able to come and see us and thanks for letting us keep you, Brody!

Then two days later, Dena, Larra, and I (plus the boys) went to the Roundtop Antique Fair, only we never actually go to Roundtop (we hit a few other small towns around there with better deals or basically stuff in our price range). Last year, Matt and Brent played golf while we were shopping and found this amazing patch of bluebonnets behind Wal-Mart, so we had to stop again this year and take some pictures of the boys. Aren't they beautiful!

Brody 14 months, Cole 8 months

(this photo taking by Larra)

Next Sunday afternoon, we went to the Shell Houston Open. Our friends Keith and Ashley were given some great tickets and invited us to go with them. Thanks Rodgers! We also met up with the Zacs and Gilberts too while we were there, but it was super crowded being the final day and all, so we didn't hang out that long together. Cole did great and even got a nap in. We could not bring cameras or cell in with us so we took a picture when we got home...had to...my baby is in is plaid shorts! Soooo cute! Both of you! ;)

Then just this past weekend, it was Easter. My parents came down to celebrate the holiday with us and also had some business in Austin. While they were here, we hung out with my brother and his family and my Aunt Lois and Uncle Gayle who live in Spring. It was a great weekend, but we were all exhausted Sunday afternoon. If the Masters weren't so exciting, then I am sure there would have been more naps taken! :) Thanks for coming mom and dad and thanks for hosting us at your home Dave & Katherine!

Seriously, I need to get in front of the camera sometimes! I think it has been months since I had a picture taken with Cole...