Random Weekend Updates

I didn't do much posting around the move, here was my preparation for my suitcase. I came down before Nick and only had my suitcase contents for two weeks, so I carefully packed what I'd need.

I helped pack our things before I left (at the end of May) then Nick did the rest (there was still a lot!) for a couple of weeks after I came down here.

The temps have been heating up around here, but I'm not complaining after our frigid Minnesota winter;) This is one thing we've been looking forward to. Perfect for days at the pool! Today may be another one of those pool day afternoons for me. 

This week, I bought Silk's French Vanilla {almond milk} coffee creamer and it's SO good! I'm so glad I tried it, it was $2.19 and is well worth it if you ask me. I haven't had cream in my coffee since I stopped eating dairy well over a year ago. This was such a treat!



I've enjoyed it in my coffee this weekend too. I love slow Saturday mornings watching the Food Network while I ease into the weekend. So lovely.

I've started up my daily smoothies again since I've got my Ninja here (Nick brought it when he came down). Since I add many frozen fruits and ice, it's kind of a frozen smoothie and being here, my double wall tumbler fogs up within a few minutes of being outside. I usually drink them on my way to work and it's a great cool treat on these warm summer mornings.

This was a few weeks ago, just before one of my naps with Baby Indy. As I started writing this post Thursday night, she laid under my arm shivering in a blanket just after her bath. Sweet baby. She loves her cuddles.

Prepare for dog photos. I call these two the puppies and love their snuggles.

Baby Indy wasn't feeling well a few days ago for some reason (not eating, not moving around much), but was much better yesterday. We snuggled a lot Friday night so I could give her some love to feel better.

 She napped while we ate dinner Friday night and she woke up with her classic tongue out of her mouth look- ha! 

 Boo got in on the snuggling last night too and was being sweet, though he seemed skeptical of me taking his photo;)

I haven't been able to hold sweet {nephew} Hank-man since he was born (posted here), but his mama has posted some of these pouty faces of his lately and as she says... he'll get anything he wants in life with that face. So sad yet so darn adorable! 

We love our Hank-man and can't wait to see him again soon. They grow up WAY too fast, anyone know how to slow this process? :) 

Today's Pinspiration:

(Found on Instagram - source unknown)

Texas Summertime

 Here's a quick update in photos. Long story short, we've been enjoying the pool a lot since arriving in Texas, and are loving the summertime here. The sunshine make such a difference on everyone and their spirits here, and it's a pretty tangible difference to the cool, cloudy weather we left in the Minneapolis area a few weeks ago. We're loving it here. Nick has even hopped into the pool after work a few nights this past week, taking full advantage of our new locale ;).

Baby Indy was brave enough to join me on my pool raft last weekend. 

 A collage of beauty from the backyard. 

 Father's Day with our dads! A rarity that we even got to see one of our dads on Father's Day, let alone having Nick's dad in town that week as well, it was great to have quality time with them both! 

 We're so thankful for the love of our dads (and moms!). And for their help with our move this month.

Dad and the dogs - he's the treat man, so they don't let him very far out of their sight around meal/snack times.  

 Nick snapped this one of Baby Indy during one of her naps. It's fairly common for her to have her tongue out as she sleeps:)

The moon kissed sky the night before it was a "supermoon".

 Boo Boo came in for his close up.

I'm starting to get a little tan through my 50 spf ;) slowly but surely. I just don't want to burn! So far so good. The pool has been my retreat on the weekends. So much relaxation. I even did some (made-up) water aerobics today for awhile.  Nick did some diving, my dad did some snorkeling. Saying we all enjoy the pool is an understatement:) My mom hosted my aunt and cousin here this past week, so she got her pool time in and enjoyed Corpus Christi and San Antonio with them for a few days too. 

Nick's swimming action shot. 

And a "jumping into the pool" action shot. He looks so comfortable mid-jump, ha! 

I took a video of the pool today using Instagram's new video tool - you can see it on my Instagram feed here: http://instagram.com/eatexploreenjoy. I can't figure out how to upload it here for the moment, but that'll do! The pool temp was 84 degrees today and outdoor temp I think was in the mid 90's. Perfect pool day if you ask me. 

Today's Pinspiration:

{So simple, yet can be so hard to make time for. It's so worth it though to have a happy heart at the end of the day.}

(Pinterest Source)

Life in Texas & Trisha Yearwood's Fancy Chili

Hey, friends! I'm back and it feels like so long since I could get on here and update. I now have internet and am now in Texas! Land of sunshine:) I'm loving the warm summer temps here right now. As I said before, the weather had been very mild (spring-like) when I left Minnesota and this is the time of year is when I want to enjoy summer. So that's what I've done here! I get warm and fuzzies being back here, my heart loves it here! 

Here are some photos of adventures here so far, and a great chili recipe posted below (I know it's summer, I made this a month ago and just had to get this recipe posted, it's SO good!).

My first few afternoons were spent right there - this pool is so relaxing. My dad keeps it in very good shape and works on it just about daily to keep it looking good.  

Clouds rolling through 

 I'm loving the sunshine and getting back to my summer wardrobe

 Along with quality time with my parents. We can't wait for Nick to arrive in a few days!

Pool day with not a cloud in sight.. ahhhh...  

Here's what my lap looks like many nights -

I love the dog cuddles! Boo is on the left, my mom has had him for about a year and a half and Baby Indy is on my lap, mom got her a few months ago - she is so sweet and is much more gentle where Boo is more of a wild man. He also used to be much more aggressive towards anyone but my mom and dad. He still has his moments, but Baby Indy has been a great calming example for him and he's so much better than he used to be.

Another night of cuddles 

 Baby Indy

Baby Indy likes to sleep on me, I think she likes the comfort of physical touch. Such a sweetheart. 

The past week has been particularly interesting as Baby Indy is in heat and they aren't spayed or neutered yet. We've all (mostly my mom!) been on dog patrol until we decided to diaper them:) ha! Boo doesn't love it, but until we can get them in to get fixed, it'll keep things in order around here. 

Prepare to see more fun photos as we settle in over the next few weeks/months! A new chapter has begun and we are excited to see what God has in store.

Next up is a delicious recipe I saw on Trisha Yearwood's Southern Cooking show. I enjoy catching her show Saturday mornings when I can - she's great! Many of her recipes are also easy and have some sweet memories around them.

Fancy Chili

Recipe from Trisha Yearwood on the Food Network

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chopped green onion

1 pound lean ground beef (I doubled this!)

2 tablespoons hot chili powder

One 28-oz can fire roasted dice tomatoes

One 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced

4 carrots, peeled and grated

1/2 tsp brown sugar

Pinch of salt

 Pin the recipe easily to Pinterest using the "Pin It" button.

Directions
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and green onions and cook for about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder until fully combined. Add the tomatoes, beans, bell pepper, carrots, brown sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the chili for 15 minutes. Enjoy! It's that quick and easy, and SO delicious. Nick and I both loved this recipe and will definitely be making it again.

Happy Saturday, all! Wherever you are, I hope it's a great one!

Today's Pinspiration:

(Source on Pinterest)