Just For Fun!

Since its was such a beautiful Memorial Day morning, we decided to take a walk down the creek trail and snap a few pictures.  It's been a long time since I purposely took the time to dress Brenna in something nice, fix her hair, and just take some pictures.  I know that sounds ridiculous since 98% of the pictures on this blog are of Brenna, but they're usually what I call "life" shots that just happen; things I want to remember like playing in the playhouse and playdates with friends.  Just life as we know it now.  This time I set out on mission to get some pretty shots of Brenna, just for fun!  At first, I wasn't sure I got exactly what I wanted, since posing a 3-year old is impossible, her pretty linen dress was dirty almost immediately, and wind was blowing so hard I couldn't keep her bow in the hair.  But, Daddy came along so Brenna was all smiles and giggles.  Now looking back on the pictures all I see is her personality, or life as we know it now!  So that made me happy!

Brenna's 1st Dance Recital

Just Because....

Just because I think this may be one of my all time favorite photos that I've taken so far.

Soon I will be adding a watermark.  After a case of photo theft (it was some art photos, nothing of Brenna) I took the advice of some photog friends and created my own watermark.  I have submitted pics to several photo contests along the way and plan to send in some pics to a few local magazines, so it was about time I started marking them.  I designed several adaptions of my initials, and I still haven't committed to just one yet.

Trying Something New

I was inspired by some beautiful pictures that Jamie took of her little boy last week.  So, I decided to stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone and try something new.  Some very close-up, indoor, black and white photos.  Here's my first attempt!  Brenna thought it was a game.  She makes a face, I take a picture, then she laughs at herself while I take more pictures of the smiles.  

Houston Children's Museum

The Houston Children's Museum is a fantastic place for kids!  They have such interesting exhibits that span everything from math, science, engineering, nature, creativity, and invention.  Of course our kids are really still too young to "get it", but they had fun none the less.  To them, the Children's Museum is a big colorful playground made of magic!

The Pioneer Woman

Some of you may know her, most probably don't.  You may have noticed that I have a link on my blog to the Pioneer Woman.  Her name is Ree Drummond and she's an Oklahoma housewife who started a blog about cooking, her self-taught photography, homeschooling her 4 children, and her general life living on a working cattle ranch.  She started out publishing cooking books, then a biography, and recently a children's book.  She's a frequent step-in for the Today Show, she's done a Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and it was recently announced that she's getting her own TV show on Food Network.  As if that wasn't enough, Columbia pictures is currently developing "The Pioneer Woman" movie that's going to be a romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon.

Anyway, a friend turned me onto Pioneer Woman because of her photography, but I quickly gained an appreciation for the woman.  She's obviously a very enterprising lady that's managed to make a career out of just living her life, and to think it all started with a blog.  So, when I found out that The Pioneer Woman was coming to Houston for a book signing of her new children's book, a friend and I decided to drop in.

The book signing was at a very, very small local book store called the Blue Willow that was no more than 20 miles from our house.  I wouldn't say there was a massive crowd, but I would estimate there were a couple hundred people who showed up to have books signed, maybe 300.  We called in early and got line tickets, so we showed up, grabbed our line tickets, and then leisurely browsed through some of the neighboring shops while we waited for our group to be called.  The store was so small, that they could only allow about 20 people in at a time.  The actually signing started at 5 pm.  We showed up around 6:15 pm, shopped awhile, chatted awhile, and were in the store by 7:15 pm.  So it was really enjoyable and not the miserable waiting in line that I was expecting.  Several moms were there with their children.  Shellie and I opted to leave the kids behind and make it a girls outing.  This was one reason it was enjoyable, because I'm certain the moms that were there with children weren't as relaxed as we were!

We had seven books to sign, so we had a few minutes to chat.  She's seemed very personable and we chatted about her photography and cooking.  She asked about where in Houston we were from.  It was what I expected of 3 minutes conversation with a total celebrity stranger.  But, I'm glad we went.  This is my only celebrity encounter, except for meeting Mike Tyson while waiting for my vallet at the Four Season in Downtown Houston.

You Can Never have Too Many Playdates!

At least that's Brenna motto!  With Brenna being an only child and not in school yet, we very seldom turn down a playdate unless there's a major conflict.  I've even been know to rearrange the schedule to fit one in. I think they help her learn.  It helps her learn social and sharing skills in a way that Jacob and I can't necessarily teach.

Since we got back from vacation, Brenna has been busy with friends and enjoying our beautiful Texas Spring weather.  Here's a few shots from last week.

Peckham Park with John

Dance Recital Preview

Brenna's Dance Recital is May 21st.  We've been working on the dance routines since January and the costumes came in last week.  So, this past Saturday we had our professional recital pictures taken.  We only have 4 girls in our class (down from 6 at the start of the term).  Brenna is the only one with short hair.  Needless to say it took alot of hair gel, bobby pins, and a hair net to pull off her ballet bun.  Here's a preview of the costumes for her recital.

Our Very Own Dancing with the Stars Champion!

This post showcases a different McAlister girl!  This past Thursday night Keli McAlister (my sister-in-law) took the night off from her daily news anchor gig and strutted out in style for "Dancing with the Stars: Jackson Style".   She was one of several Jackson, TN area celebrities that paired with "learned" dance partners to raise money for the Jackson Theatre Guild. She performed the Foxtrot to a sold-out crowd.  At the end of the night, she was able to add another feather to her cap when she walked away as the winner of the competition!

We're proud of you Keli!  And, you can take comfort in knowing that you didn't just help the Jackson Theatre Guild.  The timing of this event couldn't have been better, since we're in training mode for Brenna's upcoming Dance Recital.  Brenna looked at the pictures of Aunt Keli and we talked about how brave she was to dance in front of all those people and how Brenna could be brave like Aunt Keli.  Hopefully, she'll take all this heart and not be a "deer in the headlights" or worse, just bolt right off the stage when her big day comes.

Pictures courtesy of Facebook!

Easter Weekend

We spent most of last week recovering from all our travels and washing clothes.  So when the weekend rolled around we were ready for some fun.  We decided to do some last minute shopping just to make sure the Easter Bunny had some ideas for Brenna's Easter basket.  She was waiting at the door to go.  I just happen to have my camera out and this seemed to be one of the few times she's still.  So I snapped a picture.  When I looked at this later, I was amazed.  Where did my baby go?  She's changing so much lately, getting taller, and her hair to starting to actually look like it has style.  She's becoming such a beautiful little girl.

McAlister Caribbean Vacation 2011

Oh my!  Where to begin?  It was a long and exciting week.  We had a fantastic time and I took alot of pictures (over 1,000 which is a new record even for me!)  But don't worry, I've widdled them down for this post so you don't have to suffer through every grain of sand that Brenna saw during this vacation.

I'll start with an overview, which is more for me than for you because I've come to view this blog as more of a journal of our families memories, than a communication tool for you.  If you don't want to hear about it, just skip to the pictures.

We set sail from Galveston on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.  We are no stranger to cruising as this logged my 10th, Jacob's 7th, and even Brenna's 2nd.  But, this was our first cruise with Royal Caribbean.  We sailed in a Grand Suite, which was wonderful and included some great suite perks that come along with their Concierge Club.  I won't go into all the details, but they did a fabulous job of making sure you were comfortable in all aspects of your vacation.  The ship was the largest ship to set sail when it debuted in 1999.  Of course, that's not the case now, but it is the biggest ship we've ever cruised with 3,200 passengers and 1,200 staff.  The ship was beautiful both inside and out.  Much more elegant than other ships we've sailed (with the exception of Holland America's Westerdam).  There were more bars than I can count, in-line skating, putt-putt golf, rock climbing wall, basketball court, a casino, an arcade, an ice skating rink, and four pools, just to name a few things.  And we managed to hit it all over the week!

The Ship - Royal Caribbean's Voyage of the Seas

Jacob's Trip to Paris

Since Jacob only views the blog, like everyone else, and is not an active participant (by his own choice, of course) I thought I would post a few of his pictures from Paris.

I offered to let him take my camera along, but he said no.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the fantastic photos and video he came back with from his iphone.  Isn't technology amazing!  He can fit his camera in his pocket and I need 2 bags to carry all my equipment.....

I have to admit, I'm beginning to get jealous.  First Xian and Shanghia, China then Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, now Paris, France.  I'm trying not to be bitter, I know its all for work.  But still, he knows I love to travel.  Next time, I'm thinking of stowing away me and Brenna in his luggage!

Jacob's free time was limited due to a cramped work schedule.  He managed to get some shopping in the first and last day of the trip and came home with some fantastic chocolate, t-shirts, pjs, candy, and puzzles for Brenna.   Luckily, their dinners were usually held at or near a tourist attraction each night, so he was able to see some things.  With alittle help from google, I managed to remember some French facts from high school.

Here's the first sight of the Arch

My Little Photographer

One morning this week we went outside to play.  It had been awhile since we've let the cats out to play in the back yard, so we brought them along.  Brenna and pickles are like a duo.  So up into the playhouse they went.  And eventually they made they're way up to the crows nest.  It wasn't the best kinda day for pictures, but they were so cute perched up there together that I got my camera and snapped a few.

Global Wildlife Center

My best friend Jodi is such a sweetheart.  She took off work on Monday and suggested we take the girls to the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, LA.  Now, I grew up around this area and never knew this place was there.  So, we made it a girls day and packed up the kids and grandmaws and headed out.

It was an amazing experience!  Who knew there was alittle Africa right in the middle of South Louisiana!  The center covers over 900 acres and is the home for giraffes, deer, antelope, zebra, buffalo, bison, camels, kangaroo, and more birds than I can name.  All wandering free!  And you get to feed them up close and personal!  You get loaded into very comfortable and roomy covered wagons and embark upon and 1.5 hour journey through the natural preserves of South Louisiana with nothing between you and the wildlife but a cup of feed!  And they are so happy to see you!  The girls had a great time!  I highly recommend this to anyone close by.  Its an experience that you just can't get at the zoo.

An Early Easter

Well, Jacob's away so Brenna and I are at Mom and Dad's for the week.  We all drove to the airport together Saturday morning.  Jacob left for Paris and we made our way to Mississippi.  Needless to say Brenna is beyond thrilled since she gets away with everything at Mawmaw and Pawpaw's.  She came home to an early Easter, since the Easter Bunny left her a basket under Mawmaw's Easter Tree.

She wasted no time plundering through her loot.  She was thrilled to find activity books, crafts, clothes, bubbles, play dough, a butterfly net, umbrella, and shovel.  All the things she needs to keep her busy for the week.