July and the Escape Artist

Wow! What a month. July. July. July.

First off, my job has been very busy. We had a big launch for the Arizona Back to School campaign. We had been working on it for months and the countdown ended on July 1oth. It really turned out amazing; but I was ready to wrap it up after months of hard work and many many late nights. (Check it out extras.azjeans.com and www.facebook.com/azjeans)

Then, Steve started a new job at a company called Marsh. He was really excited to start and see what new opportunities it opens up for him. We also celebrated my dad's birthday this month (more about that below) and then this weekend was Heather's Baby Shower.

And, while all this was going on, Gracie was busy planning her escape.....

Yes, it is true, Gracie escaped from the house. Well only for a minute, but OMG!

It all started a few weeks ago when she realized she could put things outside through the doggy door. It was like her secret hiding place. We found bowls, shoes, toys, cups, etc., all in a little pile right outside by the doggy door.

So there we were, in the living room, just hanging out. Steve asked, "where is Gracie?" We both figured that she was playing in the kitchen, but we didn't hear her, which is not normal. So Steve go up to look around, and there she was....on our porch. She had escaped through Scooter's doggy door and was so happy with the thought that she had figured out a way to get outside without Mommy or Daddy. So Steve ran outside and scooped her up. Gracie kicked and screamed on the way back inside, and then sat at the doggy door and cried when Steve closed it.

Well unfortunately for her AND Scooter, her new found way outside remains closed. So if Scooter didn't despise her before, he really does now!

Dad's Birthday

My dad's birthday was July 16th. We decided to spend the day in Austin. Mom, Dad, Adrienne, Bryan and Ethan all met at our house since the little princess, Gracie, needed her nap. I had planned to hold Ethan until the grandparents got there, but Dad was early so I missed out on my uninterrupted special Ethan time. Way to go dad! But since it was his special day, I let it slip. ;-)


After listening to Bryan describe all his favorite 'hole in the wall' asian food places (a.k.a dead roasted ducks hanging from the ceiling), we decided to go to P.F.Changs for lunch --we'll let dad try Bryan's places on a 'guys online' lunch. We all ordered something different and shared. It was really good, but although we were stuffed, we couldn't pass up a chance for some Amy's Ice cream. So we headed over to Amy's, got some tasty ice cream and then sat out in the park at the Arboretum and enjoyed desert while Gracie led Steve all over the park. After about 30 minutes of running from all the adults, she finally got tired, so we packed up and headed back home.


It was such a fun day. love you Dad!