First time visiting the state capitol~Austin

 My job gave me the opportunity to attend training on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) at Austin two weeks ago.  Enoch got sick the day before we were supposed to leave so he went to the ER as he was struck with Bell’s Palsy again! I was so concerned for his health and sad he and Melany might not be able to come with me as planned.  But we prayed and he felt he was “ok” to go with me.
          The training was 3 days long and we left on Sunday afternoon as it started early on Monday morning. Austin is 1 hour and a half North from San Antonio. We stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was paid for by my job. We had free breakfast every day. It was so delicious!

      While I was in the training, Enoch and Melany ventured out in the city.  They went to several fun places like the Austin Children’s Museum, Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake), the pool, a train ride, Austin Nature and Science Center.

     On Tuesday we headed to visit the grounds of the state Capitol. It was of course, very hot and musty. But, the landscape and butterflies all around made for a really nice walk.

        On our last day in Austin, I was let out early for my training and we headed to the Zilker Botanical Gardens. It was peaceful to walk around the gardens and ponder on how beautiful life can be. I was so grateful to be surrounded by my family as we walked around the lush greenery and saw beautiful plants, and animals. Enoch was kind enough to snap some pictures of my belly at almost 34 weeks. I was so glad he and Melany came with me to the trip. I enjoyed getting trained in CBT and feel more confident in utilizing this type of therapy to help others.

 

 

Water lilies!

 

Melany's Birthday Party

Melany had been asking me for months to throw her a birthday party. She wanted balloons, cake, presents and Dora. So Enoch and I worked together and threw Melany a Dora themed birthday party the Saturday after her birthday. I got a lot of ideas from pinterest.

 Enoch and I made Melany's chocolate cake with strawberries and cream cheese frosting. I put the shredded chicken in the crockpot for the tacos and made salsa. We also made strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I traced the butterfly with cardboard paper and Enoch assembled with aluminum foil it to make a fruit tray. I made strawberry lemonade and greek yogurt dip for the veggie dip, which was in the form of a tree. I made two banners and special floral arrangements to match the Dora colors. I picked up the balloons and a piñata from the store. We had several friends over from church, my work and the military.

Weeks ago, we won an auction at church where a balloon man would come make balloon animals to a party. He was the hit of the party as he was able to make so many balloon creations. He even made a pregnant dog for me. The funny thing is that in real life, he's a lawyer! Haha..he also happens to be my good friend's husband:) The kids had so much fun playing "put the Map on the Dora" and hitting the piñata. However, our Melany was so sweet she refused to hit Dora, she felt bad for her. When someone hit Dora and her shoe fell, Melany was concerned and wanted to put it back on! It was so funny to see how worried she was for poor Dora.

 Overall, there was so much work for Enoch and I but, Melany really enjoyed it. Everyone loved the tacos and kept asking me for the recipe. Melany kept smiling throughout the party. I'm glad we were able to make Melany's party come true!

Mama loves you Melany!

Melany's Birthday crown

Melany's 3rd Birthday

Our Melany turned 3 on Thursday July 10. I was so happy I was already off work to spend the whole day with her. Melany loves pancakes so we took her to breakfast at IHOP. After breakfast we went to the water park and pool near our home. Part of the homeowners association fees we pay is to maintain the water park, pool, playground, and clubhouse so we finally got the chance to take advantage of it. Melany loved it! She is quite the mermaid!

It was fun having Fiona come with us. After the waterpark, I took her back to Christina as their plane ride was leaving soon. Enoch also left after the waterpark as he had to leave for work at 1pm. After we said our goodbyes to Fiona and Christina, I took Melany to an outdoor mall for some lunch and ice cream. She then enjoyed playing in the mall's playground. I soaked in the moment seeing my baby girl play and feeling so grateful to God for giving Melany to us. I then focused my attention on planning her upcoming birthday party.

Happy to be 3 yearsold