The Queen’s Chronicles – Life Lately
Do you ever have one of those weeks when you don’t feel like much was going on but then you browse through the pictures on your phone and realize it was jammed full of memories? Well that was this week for me! Welcome to The Queen’s Chronicles where I’m sharing a little life lately straight out of my phone!
Last Sunday we drove to Houston to pick this kid up from the airport! Off season has officially begun and we were happy to see his face and have him home for a bit.
Sunday night was a much anticipated surprise announcement! If you have followed along for any amount of time here, you will know we stopped traditional birthday parties and have opted for having experiences with these two girls. Well, 13 is a big year and all they wanted was to see Taylor Swift but I really don’t think they had any confidence whatsoever their old moms could pull this off!
My friend Holly is beyond amazing at making surprises happen and came up with the perfect way to tell them!
If food was a love language it would win for this one! I had a nice “brunch” and some one on one time catching up while trying to sneak in a little undetected mentoring. 🙂
On Tuesday my mom and I headed to Waco, Texas to meet up with one of my college friends. Can you believe in 28 years of friendship our moms have never met? We found the cutest little winery with a rooftop patio. They host local art as well and it was fun to browse and visit with the owner.
If you happen to go to the Waco Winery, I highly recommend the Rooftop Red enjoyed on the rooftop of course! We dined the first night at Portofinos Italian Restaurant which was just across the street.
After a really good nights rest at Hotel Indigo, we headed to The Magnolia Table to check out all the hype. Here’s what I will say, they are super organized and have the waiting list process down to a tee. There is plenty of room to sit in a covered area while you wait as well as a little walk up cafe stand for coffee and treats. The decor is all as you would expect, totally Joanna and super cute. The food was delicious and everything I saw come by looked amazing. As much as I loved it, I would not wait more than 30 minutes for breakfast. 
These deviled eggs and jalapeno jelly were so darn tasty together! We also tried the tater tots and I enjoyed avocado toast. 
There is also a little market with lots of items; chicken salad, pimento cheese, gift items also found at the silos.
We headed over to explore the silos and my fave, The Findery, where the stuff is just as cute as Magnolia and much more reasonably priced! Plus, this super cute mural is on the backside of the building.
I dropped by the house for lunch and a visit with this kid before he headed off to his home for the next 5 or so months. He was really contemplating why more places don’t have bread pudding on their menu. He’s a deep thinker I tell ya!
Also, while I was gone to Waco no one else seemed to notice the a/c wasn’t cooling appropriately. To say I’m frustrated is an understatement. Our unit is 8 years old and this is the 3rd time since July we have had to call. Basically there have been two leaks and we are pretty much paying for a completely new unit by the time it’s done. I’m thankful we have the funds to cover it but it’s not necessarily on the top of my list right now! 
Saturday morning Dillon and I volunteered with 3 other moms and sons to build a ramp for a local family in need as part of Texas Ramp Project. This one man show uses volunteers and ends up building about 80 ramps each year. We loved this project!
This is our 3rd year participating in Young Men’s Service League which is a service org where moms and sons volunteer in the community together. It is a national organization so look in your area if this might be something you are interested in. It has been a great opportunity to have some time with Dillon as he gets older and more independent.
Meanwhile, my girl was starting off her birthday by having donuts with dad!
The most anticipated event of the month, Miss Carly Jo turned 13! My last little baby is now a teenager and she looked so darn cute in this outfit she picked all on her own a few weeks back while shopping with her friends. She requested Sweet Paris for lunch and then we had so much fun browsing around some local boutiques. Soaking up every last moment with this girl and loving that she will still hold my hand! 
Aunt Amy and Mimi had a special surprise for her too! Nothing like letting the entire neighborhood know you are celebrating a big day!
We finished off the day celebrating with the rest of our favorite people. We love this framily!
Sweet Sunday…..I spent most of the day in Huntsville at a baseball showcase and then the rest of the afternoon working on a homecoming mum. I haven’t made one on my own for years but decided I’d give it a go. Here’s just a peak at stage 1. Now, to try and find some homecoming clothes for my 6’4″ kid! You really don’t realize how in the minority you are until you are looking for a pants in a 38 length.
Hope you all have a super week!
Linking with||Weekending, Hello Monday