#burritobeat2015 Days 55 & 56

Look out world! 

We spent the last two days at the DMV licensing another driver in the house. Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing some issues with road rage. Bobbie Burrito inherited the angry driver gene from her not-so-calm father and refuses to let off the horn once she gets behind the wheel. Her puppy brothers are also less than amused with her lack of turn signal usage as they have felt the trauma of a few fender benders. State Farm call center is going to stay busy with this child on the road! 

Sidenote: Moments like this make me realize in 15 short years we really will have to fear for the safety of all other drivers as Bobbie Burrito will legally be in the driver seat. Let's hope she experiences a vertical growth spurt by then or we will also be investing in pedal extensions.

#burritobeat2015 Days 52 & 53

A Photographic Timeline of the Weekend

#burritobeat2015 Days 39, 40, & 41

Day 39:  

Sergeant Bob and I got to revisit our wedding venue for a little afternoon date. A viewing of American Sniper from the theater balcony made for the perfect Mommy/Daddy outing. Added bonus - Grandma Dirt manages said movie theater. Can you say free popcorn? Sergeant Bob sure can.....two large popcorn bags of thanks to Grandma Dirt for free babysitting services!

Day 40:

Bobbie Burrito closet overhaul. We are officially wearing 9mo onesies now - mostly for width rather than height. Family genes are NOT in her favor. It's cute now.....I'm avoiding telling her that will wear off eventually.  Shout out to the Mrs. And CareBear for basically supplying Bobbie's entire wardrobe for her first year of life.

Day 41:

Supplies for winter swim lessons have been purchased. Bobbie Burrito cannot wait to splash her little heart out and though swimsuits this time of year are pretty slim pickings, we were able to ensure she will look mighty adorable in her pink tutu while she does it. Big Boca Bob on the other hand had different purchases to make to prepare for the dreaded day........

#burritobeat2015 Days 37 & 38

A Friday and Saturday summed up in one word.

Bums.

#burritobeat2015 Day 27

Happy Birthday Sergeant Bob!

A daddy is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow. I may be a little biased but Bobbie Burrito has been blessed with a one of a kind role model. In 30 years he has accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime.  If you ask him his greatest of those accomplishments,  he will proudly answer the day he became a father. Cue the awwwwww's. This man lives for his family and on this day - the 30th anniversary of his birth - I want to shout from the rooftops how lucky I consider myself to share a home and a heart with him. Our little family's journey is just beginning and leading the way is a devoted, loving, sunshiney ball of fun. It took 30 years for Sergeant Bob to look this good. I'm afraid to see what happens in the next 30. 

We love you Sergeant Bob - more than you will ever know! Feliz Cumpleanos! 

#burritobeat2015 Day 25

Reunited - and it feels so good! It was clearly an exhausting weekend for both parties pictured. Bobbie Burrito received an A+ report from Grandma Dirt Daycare and Big Boca Bob received an A+ from Sergeant Bob for emotionally surviving her first weekend away from the almost 7 month old  ball of cuteness. We spent the afternoon singing, snoring, and snuggling. Life really doesn't get any better.

Who invented the concept of Monday mornings?  I'm really despising that jerk right now. 

#burritobeat2015 Days 22 & 23

Day 22: Mom spent the day mentally preparing for her first weekend away from Bobbie Burrito.  No tears were shed. Nerves? Now those are a different story.

Day 23: Hitting the slopes with my snow bunny hunny. No broken bones and all smiles! Hopefully Grandma Daycare can give the same report!  

#burritobeat2015 Day 20

Clean up! Aisle 2! - As I arrived home from work tonight later than the norm, I could hear the sound of Bobbie Burrito splashing away in bath heaven. This was a very odd observation as Sergeant Bob has never not even once given his daughter a bath in her 6 1/2 months of life "for fear that he will get soap in her eyes" (an adorably lame excuse). My sense of smell kicked in shortly after this observation and my sniffer lead me straight to a nursery stained with remnants of a fully digested and evacuated mixture of banana, avocado, zucchini, and mystery food #4 - a sight that cannot be unseen. Daddy's first blowout and he lived to tell about it. Turns out Mom picked the perfect night to work late. Thanks for lookin' out, baby girl!

#burritobeat2015 Days 17 & 18

 Day 17: SURPRISE Sergeant Bob! Bobbie Burrito and I kept a super big secret for the past few months and planned a surprise 30th birthday fiesta for the man of the house. As hard as it may have been to follow the chain of lies told to my loving husband over the past few weeks, I can proudly say he was shocked at the sight of approximately 40 of his family and friends sporting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle masks blowing noise makers and air horns yelling Happy Birthday on Saturday afternoon.  An inappropriate word or two might have slipped his lips when he opened the door to the TMNT crew. It was truly a turtley awesome time. So awesome in fact that Big Boca Bob only took time to snap a few photos (cake and cookies shown above) most of which were not taken on her camera. Photos will be posted at a later date once we collect them all. A HUGE thanks to all those involved! Sergeant Bob felt the love. COWABUNGA!

BTW You may be asking yourself, "Why was there no post yesterday?"

The festivities were just too much to handle. Bobbie Burrito and Mom were out by 8:00pm - and I'm not even 30 yet! Yikes! 

Day 18: Cheering for the Cheese! We spent the afternoon listening to dad and Grand Puba cursing at the TV through an utterly disappointing NFC championship game.  The Packers may have let us down today but we will ALWAYS remain faithful to our men in Green and Gold. 

#burritobeat2015 Day 16

Six months old and Mom is already being forced to limit TV time. Every morning as Sergeant Bob and I prepare for a day's work, Bobbie Burrito is treated to playtime in the big bed. I leave her sitting up playing with toys galore to go fire up the Keurig (refer to #burritobeat2015 Day 12) in the kitchen and return to find that Bobbie Burrito has tossed all toys to the side and positioned herself in prime cartoon watching position - kicked back, legs crossed, hands resting in lap. Next time I'll probably find her with an ice cold Corona in one hand and the remote in the other. Lord help us. Can this possibly be genetic? I obviously blame her father.

#burritobeat2015 Day 15

Sergeant Bob spent the evening singing this famous Temptations ballad while dancing with his daughter around the kitchen. I was going to take video but feared I would have to sleep with one eye open for the remainder of my years left on this Earth if I attempted to post it publicly for all to see. It really makes me wonder what these two best buds do all day while Mommy is at work. Wait.....I take that back.....I don't think I really want to know.

#burritobeat2015 Day 10

Family Christmas at Grandma Dirt's house! This photo captures the ridiculous bond between father and daughter. Grandma Dirt is well known for her unique gift giving abilities and Sergeant Bob and Bobbie Burrito counter act it with the gift of no shame. Don't be surprised if you see this goofy pair sporting these same outfits at the local grocery store some day soon. As always, we were truly blessed this holiday season with gifts galore, family fun, and love abounding.  

#burritobeat2015 Day 9

Welcome Home Tia! We got to surprise Dancing Queen at the airport today as she arrived home from the only place where all your dreams come true. Dancing Queen spent the last 6 months at Disney World and her stories prove the slogan to be true. Only one semester of school and an internship stand in the way of her return to the sunshine state. Dancing Queen made Florida her home during her short stay and though we will miss her if she chooses to make it a permanent residence, I will secretly squeal with joy knowing my vacations are practically planned for the majority of Bobbie Burrito's childhood. Welcome back for now, Dancing Queen! We plan to steal all the snuggles we can while you join us in the chilly Midwest. 

P.S. Airport lighting does wonders for this little blue eyed beauty #nofilter

Bundle up Dancing Queen! Old Man Winter will show no mercy on your warm soul.

#burritobeat2015 Day 7

R.I.P. Henry Hugglemonster

December 25, 2014 - January 7, 2015

I'm saddened to share the news that today we lost  Henry Hugglemonster - a dear friend and companion to our little Bobbie Burrito. The murder is still under investigation but two suspects have been detained. It has been reported that 6 year old Gilbert Brown and his younger brother 4 year old Reggie White were taken into custody as dolly witness testimony puts them at the scene of the crime. Local law enforcement also reports that Sergeant Bob and Big Boca Bob are being questioned as accomplices to the murder for improper placement of Bobbie Burrito's toys. 

P.S. We really need to invest in a toy box. 

#burritobeat2015 Day 6

Survived the first winter storm of the season! Old Man Winter came for a visit bringing along his pal Jack Frost  and this family of partial Mexicans is hoping the visit does not require the room key to an extended stay suite. Bobbie Burrito is destined for a lifetime of winter weather advisories if she plans to remain a Midwest gal. Unfortunately, Big Boca Bob doesn't get snow days even with a 60 minute commute on the sunshiniest of days. Why didn't I become a teacher? Sergeant Bob loaned Mom the 4 wheel drive for the day and we blasted through the snowy roads like a pro. Predicted windchill for tomorrow....-23. Pass the parka, por favor!

#burritobeat2015 Day 2

Spent the evening putting away decorations from our very first Christmas as a family of three. Children make the holiday season truly magical. This year at the ripe old age of 6 months Bobbie Burrito spent Christmas morning questioning the sanity of her parents who were throwing bows and boxes in her face oohing  and awwing at every adorable expression she made. We can't wait to watch our little elf grow each holiday season as we create our own family traditions. 

2014

Fall Traditions

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I HEART FALL.

I heart the smell.
I heart the sound.
I heart the feel.
I heart the taste.

Fall is a sensory overload and I seriously can't get enough of it.

I believe my affinity for this specific season can be attributed to Mama Dirt and her sense of tradition. I was raised in a family that went apple picking every year the leaves began to change. We would watch football every Friday night, cook hot dogs over an open fire in the backyard, and engage in the sport of competitive pumpkin carving. I thank you, Mama Dirt, for making the time to let us breathe in the brisk fall air for I now get to share those experiences with new generations.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year's apple picking trip with Huracan and his little bean burrito offspring, but the pictures I received via text message let me be a part of the action. It was reported that Beans was quite the determined little picker as she huffed and puffed and tugged at each apple within reach. Mama Dirt was forced to purchase more than a couple bushels as the stubborn Beans would just not quit. She will make a faithful employee someday. I love that girl to pieces.

This past weekend, CareBear, Titty Baby, Pebbles, Officer Bob, and I loaded up in the trusty blaze and made the trip to the orchard. The King and Niepoetter families completed our happy little caravan. We ventured out early Sunday morning. It would have been early Sunday morning had church not forced yours truly to hold up the trip. My tardiness was forgiven as there is obviously no competing with the Big Guy upstairs. In my absence from Pebbles lately, I have earned a new name. Her father has convinced Pebbles that I am "Brown Bear". Cute, huh? Yeah.....I didn't think so either. I guess there are worse things to which I could be compared. You know the saying - "Better to be a Brown Bear than a Titty Baby!"

Highlights from the trip include the following:

• Even at 8 months pregnant, CareBear is a fearless full of energy Mama.
• I love other people's kids (most of the time). The cuteness is overwhelming.
• Other people's kids are even cuter when they call me Mrs. Febuh.
• Pebbles is an independent woman who can not and will not be contained to being carried in single file lines. She needs to be given the freedom to fly on her own terms. Even if these terms mean riding on the footrest of a stroller in a very crowded orchard market.
• Officer Bob's friends are quietly funny. Just like him. It makes me happy.
• I don't like llamas. (Sorry Tina.) I just don't see the draw in these spitting smelly animals nor do I want to pay 25 cents to feed them tiny green pellets. Gross.
• I need to kick the habit of forgetting my camera when engaging in family traditions. These memories need to be captured.  
• Pumpkin picking is the perfect activity for an independent two year old ready to make grown up decisions like big pumpkin vs. wittle pumpkin. In case you were wondering, wittle pumpkin won.
• Titty Baby and I have the same sense of humor and we will always be funny. Always.

Officer Bob and I finished the weekend by watching football and drinking hot chocolate. Love.

"Autumn - the year's last, loveliest smile." - William Cullen Bryant

P.S. I am contemplating enrolling in PSLAA (Pumpkin Spice Latte Addicts Anonymous) Who's with me?

What Happens In Vegas............

Stays in Vegas.

Unless you are the author of a blog - in which case all stories will be posted for public viewing.

Sorry, Sergeant Bob.

The Bobs returned last night from a 4 night stint in Sin City and though I am a fan of the rock star lifestyle, I must admit I was ready to come home to my quaint little life. I have been spoiled by small town living for the majority of my existence and sometimes I forget how big, awkward, R-rated, and extremely weird this world and it's inhabitants can be. "Vegas After Dark" was a great reminder!

Key Points/Observations:

• The Dramamine/Ginger mix is a lifesaver in curing motion sickness. - Sergeant Bob has struggled all 28 years of his life with nausea in all modes of transportation (cars, boats, trains, planes, etc.....) He started the Dramamine/ginger cocktail 24 hours prior to Vacation Day 1 and remained consistent with his dosage. Results? No airborne vomiting. One "in flight" sarcastic, obnoxious, happy go lucky husband. One "in flight" annoyed wife. I think I liked him better before he found the cure. 
  
• Two words. Complimentary Upgrade. - Upon arrival at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, we were greeted with a room upgrade during our stay. Hello big screen TV and larger than life bathtub. Sergeant Bob would have stayed all four days in his rock star room had I let him.
  
• Buffets are overrated. - When booking the Vegas Vacation, several friends/family gave input on the must-haves and go-tos in the big city. All mentioned the glorious buffets for which the city is known for. However, The Bobs soon realized that the heat of the Nevada sun does little for one's appetite and the buffet is not so much worth the wait. Food? Meh. Ok. Line? Ridiculously unnecessary. Cost? Maybe worth it for the gamblers. Overall Experience? 6 out of 10.
• Celebrity sightings make me giddy. - I act like an overexcited teenager in the company of celebrities. I am not known to muzzle my enthusiasm and being so close to the self-proclaimed Mindfreak made me squeal with joy. Sergeant Bob suggested the purchase of front row seats to Criss Angel's Cirque de Soleil show and while I was skeptical of the seat placement, I reluctantly agreed. This show is MESMERIZING. My husband touched Criss Angel with his bare hand and I immediately grabbed it, held it to my own, and sighed in amazement. I vowed to never wash the hand that touched the hand that touched the hand of Criss Angel. Ahhhh.........Other celebrity sightings included Ndamukong Suh and Pete Rose. If you don't know who they are, we can not be friends.
  
• Heels are a poor choice for footwear. - Wanting to fit in with the fashion fads of the big city, I made sure to pack my "hot heels" for nights out. I wore them once. The Strip does not accommodate high heeled women. Blisters will form, arches will ache, and wives will pout. I learned my lesson. 
• Sin City cocktails will knock you out. - During date night at a fancy smchancy steakhouse (at which I had the delectable lamb and Sergeant Bob opted for the tender bison), I ordered a cool cucumber cocktail to partner my meal. Remember the heels? Try walking in those after consuming said cocktail. Wowza! Luckily I was able to sober up next to my new boyfriend, Criss.
  
  
  
  
• Husbands will go to all lengths to please their wives on vacation. - Maybe this is just my husband. In that case, I consider myself extremely lucky. At the pleading of his wife, Sergeant Bob made the hour long trek down the strip (one way) not once, not twice, not three times, not four times, but FIVE times during the course of our stay in order to capture photography of the best sights and sounds of Vegas both in the sun AND after dark. That totals AT LEAST 10 straight hours of walking time. That, my friends, is love. P.S. Two of those walks ended in show cancellations and Sergeant Bob didn't bitch once about it. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
       
• Ziplining offers the most amazing adrenaline rush. - If you can first survive the long, super vertical, 20 lb equipment toting free hike up the very scary rail-less mountain, the ride down via zipline will cause your heart to jump to your throat and your blood to rush with a mixture of emotions including but not limited to fear, joy, and excitement. My palms are still sweating as an after effect of that first ride down. After polling both parties, the Bootleg Canyon Zipline scored highest in best Vegas experience. I can't describe to you in words the beauty of the views atop the mountains or the sensation of gliding 2500 ft at 65 mph with nothing but two small caribiners holding you in place - truly memorable experience with the love of my life.
  
  
  
  
• The mixture of alcohol and sun exposure bring out the crazy in people. - I devoted Saturday to a dear friend's bachelorette party in the city of Sin. 8 hours of pool time soaking up the rays and sipping on expensive domestics led to sights I will never be able to erase from my memory. I'm not sure if it's because I am in my LATE 20's or if it's due to my recent nuptials, but I will never understand the male-female interactions taking place that day. I could literally see the STD's jumping from one person to the next. Drunk people are funny. Horny and funny. Thank god for the chlorine in the pool. It kills everything, right?
  
  
• Vegas Nightclubs are NOT for the faint of heart. - You have not truly lived until you experience the COMPLETE CHAOS of Vegas nightlife. Club promoters LOVE bachelorette parties because club promoters LOVE drunk girls because club promoters LOVE drunk guys that will spend their entire life savings trying to impress and/or bed said drunk girls. It's a not-so-clever technique for increasing profit. Due to the nature of our celebration, we girls received free access to an exclusive club at the end of the strip. The term exclusive can be defined as loud, obnoxious, dark, creepy, awkward, ridiculous, and a multitude of other negative adjectives. I. Just. Don't. Get. It. Light Nightclub boasts a PITCH BLACK atmosphere as characters of all shapes, sizes, and levels of creepiness rub up on you while characters of equal freakiness shine spotlights down on the gyrating dancers below. My anxiety hit a new level when hands were rubbing all over me in the darkness and I knew they DID NOT belong to me. I was not mentally prepared to witness the outfit choices of my peers and even the free drinks being handed to us by men looking for more than I was willing to offer were not enough to entice me to stay. My Exclusive Vegas Nightclub experience was short lived. 

The Bobs truly loved the overall Vegas experience, and though we may not be experts, if you are looking to travel to the NV any time soon, please let me know if you need any tour guide advice. You just can't beat the food, fancy, and fun that this city has to offer and I'm overjoyed that I was able to cross off Summer of 2013 bucket list items.

Final Rating? 8.5 out of 10.