Day 16: Girl's Day and Daddy/Son Day (3/31)

We have been wanting to do this Wine & Palette for a while. The calendar fills up so quickly! We were able to get into a class this weekend. The picture is called "The Red Tree." There is an artist there who teaches you how to paint the picture. It's so funny how each one turns out a little differently. It was so much fun! We were able to laugh and have fun, then we were able to take home an art work. My painting is hanging in my living room. I am pretty proud of it. :) We then went out to dinner and ice cream. It was nice to spend the time with my sisters and mom without all the babies. We definitely need to do it more often. 

While I spent the day with my sisters, Rennie had a full day planned for Gavin and himself. They started out at breakfast with Mese and BR. Then to see the Easter bunny. The group then headed to Lake Hefner and road around the entire lake {10 miles} with only one stop at the playground. The boys came home Gavin took a nap and then headed to the rodeo at the Fair Grounds. Gavin and Rennie both wore their new boots. Rennie said that Gavin was yelling at the cowboys and was surprised how much Gavin enjoyed watching the riders. It will be something that will definitely be done again. 

What a busy Saturday for the Nickell family. 

Day 159: First Pair of Boots (3/30)

It was time to get Gavin his first pair of boots. We tried on dozens at the store and finally agreed on these. They are so cute and he loves to run around in them. They are a size 9; big, fat foot!

Day 158: Thursday Night at Jones (3/29)

Most Thursday nights, we head over to the town of Jones. We only live about 12 miles away so its a quick trip. Every Thursday, Jones has an auction. Usually its mostly horse supply but sometimes there is some pretty random items. One night there was a Coach purse. I don't know if it was real but it's fun. Think of it like a garage sale but in auction form. Gavin has to have his guys and last week another boy showed Gavin this trick so we wanted to do it himself. He was pretty proud!

Day 157: My Guys are Flying (3/28)

We literally can't go anywhere without handfuls of guys. Superheros. 

The last few days has had some wonderful weather so I have been driving with the windows down.  

Today Gavin yelled, "Look Mommy, my guys are flying!"

Love him and his guys.

Day 156: Barbecue Night (3/27)

I was craving barbecue tonight, so I texted Rennie and said, "Rib crib?" When we got there we realized it was Tuesday's all you can eat ribs night. So the only logical thing to do would be for me to get the ribs, take a picture of it and send it to my dad!! He told me, "Thanks for the invite." and then he finished our conversation with "K." Reeealllllly? That drove me nuts. :) I guess he was just getting me back for sending him a picture of a plate of ribs. 

Day 155: Number 22 (3/26)

Why do you continue to take pictures of me?!

I found this shirt and had to buy it! Rennie wears number 22 so it's only right to pass it down.

I love his expression in this picture. 

Day 154: Cheetos (3/25)

We found these at Bass Pro Shop and decided we would give them a try. Of course, my child doesn't want to eat out of a smaller bowl, he wanted the whole bucket! Silly boy!

Day 153: James Harden (3/24)

Yep, my boy knows Harden!

Today we went to Dave & Buster's with Rennie's family and James Harden was there. Rennie and Susan creeped him and Gavin got his picture taken with Harden! 

I love the OKC Thunder!

Day 152: New Tattoo (3/23)

I finally talked Rennie into another tattoo for me!

I say that like I have to ask for permisson which is by no means how our relationship works! I just kept saying, "I want a tattoo for Gavin." and he kept saying, "What happens if you have another baby then another tattoo? Where does it stop?" I guess he doesn't think I would stop if I got another one. 

When we were in Branson, there was a nice tattoo parlor and apparently I stared at it every time we went by it. I guess I used Rennie as an excuse to not get a tattoo because when Rennie pulled in and said, "Check out how much it cost." I got so damn nervous!! 

So without preperation I got a tattoo. I knew exactly what I wanted so it wasn't hard. I was going to get it on my ankle but Rennie suggested on the top of my foot and I said, "Go for it!" It's a little more showy then where I planned to get it but I LOVE it!

Day 151: Silver Dollar City (3/22)

We went to Silver Dollar City today!!

We planned on being in Stroud for dinner, so we got up early and headed to Silver Dollar City for half a day. 

It was so much fun!

It was a little cold {thank goodness we had a sweat shirt for Gavin!} but it was sunny.

Because we had Gavin we headed to the kiddie area for the first half of the day. Gavin rode everything and enjoyed it. He wasn't scared and even wanted to go on the "super fast" boats. Rennie couldn't ride that ride because it went to fast in circles. Gavin loved it.

Rennie used to come all the time when he was younger and his favorite ride was Fire in the Hole.  So we decided that we would both stand in line then one would ride while one of us stood in line with Gavin and then pass him over and the other ride. However, it turns out the minimum that height that you need to be to ride most of the rides with an adult is 36 inches. Gavin is maybe 37 inches. So he was able to right Fire in the Hole!!

I was so surprised that he like it.

As we were leaving we asked, "What was your favorite ride, Gavin?" Gavin replied with, "The train." "What was your second favorite?" Gavin said, "The tunnel." {Fire in the Hole} We both laughed and were surprised so Rennie asked, "You wanna ride it again?" Gavin quickly answered, "Nope!" 

Day 150: Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede (3/21)

I have never been to Branson so I have never been to show. I told Rennie that if we went to Branson, we are going to see a good show!

We picked out Dixie Stampede it was recommended to us by multiple families with young kids.

They put on a show and served you dinner.

The show was lots of animals and singing. It was perfect for Gavin and I enjoyed it as well. It reminded Rennie of the Medieval times. The area is oval and seats are all around it. As you can see the people behind us are much higher than us. We had great seats!

Gavin is a picky, picky eater so we where unsure how well he would eat dinner. However, he surprised us both and ate much of his dinner. Rennie and I said that the new way for us to get Gavin to eat would be to make it too dark for him to figure out what he was eating! :)

Day 149: Camping Trip (3/20)

We finally made it camping!

I camped all the time when I was younger. It was our way to vacation. We would head out to campgrounds all around Florida with two or three different families and camp for a week. I LOVED it and wanted Gavin to have that same experience that I had. 

We decided that we would start out slow. Camp only one night and see how it worked out with a two year old in a tent. 

If is wasn't raining hard all night long... the trip would of been perfect!

However, it did rain and we ended up sleeping in puddles of cold water. I was able to sleep a lot of the night but I remember waking up and having to move because water was splashing on my face. Rennie didn't sleep much at all because he is a light sleeper and the rain was loud.

We will definitely try camping again. If we can camp in the rain we camp any where!

Gavin loved the tent and has asked repeatedly for the tent. The campground was perfect with an indoor pool and a playground. Rennie came to this site with Justin when they were younger and it was just like he remember. 

New Nickell tradition in the making!!

Day 148: Ride with the Ducks (3/19)

The plan for our spring break vacation to Branson, MO was to wake up early and head to the campsite and set up our site. When we got to Branson it was pouring rain! So we thought we would drive around for a little bit and then head out to the campground. 

When Rennie was growing up, his family came to Branson and he remembers Riding the Ducks. So that was a definite To-Do on our list. 

When we decided that we didn't want to set up our site in the rain, we found out that the Ducks will continue to give rides in the rain. 

So we loaded up on a Duck.

It was so much fun! I enjoyed it almost as much as Gavin. It took you all over Branson and out on to the water. When we were on the lake, Gavin was able to drive the Duck. He loved it. One of the best part were the quackers that they gave you when you got onto the Duck. Gavin quacked at every passing car!

If your ever in Branson Ride the Ducks, with or without kids. Totally worth it!

Day 147: The Perfect Desert (3/18)

YUMMY!!

The picture color is weird. Don't ask me why. This cake is a definite keeper in our dessert rotation. Soooo good!

It's strawberry cake with strawberry icing with fresh strawberries on top.

Oh my goodness, so good!

Day 146: My Biscuit (3/17)

Today started our softball season for Whoosh and WOW {our woman's team.} I didn't plan on playing much because we are trying so hard to get pregnant. It would be unfair for a team to pick up a girl and then have maybe have to drop her each month before I become pregnant. It just seems easy for both Rennie and me if I play more as a pick up or as needed player. 

I ended up playing a little this weekend. In the very last game of the tourney, we weren't getting many strikes called for us in 40 mile per hour {I may exaggerate} winds. So Cheyenne was pitching this inning and we were losing pretty bad. Chey wasn't getting much calls so he looks at the batter and says, "Here's a biscuit for you!" Meaning: I am going to pitch a ball that you should hit the sh*t out of... And the man did, right at my leg. Honestly, I don't think I ever saw it. If I did I know I was getting out of the way of it!

I cried and this is what I like to call my biscuit. 

It's freaking huge and hurts like a bitch when I walk for a long time or God-forbid I have to squat! 

This is why I am taking this summer easy while we are trying to get pregnant, you just never know.

Day 145: Gavin's In Charge (3/16)

Today Gavin climbed up on the table and he said, "Mommy, take my picture!" So I did. Later he wanted to take some pictures and this one of Rennie came out great. Future blogger?! I think so! :)

Day 144: Spring Break Beginning (3/15)

I don't try too often to post pictures on Facebook that I will be using for my blog. I try and keep it separate but I couldn't resist with this picture!! Just before I took this picture he was trying really hard to not smile. I have three pictures before this of him slyly grinning and not looking at the camera. What a silly billy!

Today starts my spring break and Gavin and I slept in until 8. We had some errands to run so I thought we would start out with breakfast. He is a ham and I love it!!

PS - he is super proud of that Spiderman shirt!!

Day 143: STOMP (3/14)

We meet my mom and dad in Bricktown tonight to eat dinner and then to a show. We had tickets to watch the production of STOMP. 

We met early to eat and then Mom and I wanted to try out Pinkitzel, a cupcake shop in downtown. I got a cookies and cream and my mom choose red velvet. They were soooo good. Thanks goodness we got a large cup of milk.

STOMP was amazing. I loved it. If you have the chance, you should definitely go see it. Its all music but its made with everyday items such as trashcans, sinks, paper and lighters. It also had some comedy in it. I could watch it a thousand times. 

What a wonderful night and a great way to kick off my spring break!

Day 142: Books!! (3/13)

My largest order of books came in this afternoon, while I was working in the library! I am so excited. Even though it's lots of work, I enjoy every moment. I already have a few picked out that I want to read! What you are looking at is $6,373 worth of books. I have the best job!

Day 141: Sleeping Boy (3/12)

He just gets bigger and bigger every day. Today I said, "I love you, baby." and Gavin told me, "Gavin not a baby. Gavin a big boy." I stand corrected, little man, you are a big boy!

Day 140: Ava's Birthday Party (3/11)

Today was Ava's 6th Birthday party at an indoor pool in Cushing. All the kids had such a blast. They are getting so much older and its so fun to hang out with them.

A HUGE thanks and shout out goes to Garvis!! Some adults didn't want to get in the pool with some of the kids, so Garvis took over! YEA!!

Later when we got home Gavin was playing with his guys and lined them all up and insisted on taking a picture with his guys. I was happy to oblige!! He looks so serious! 

Day 139: Iron Works (3/10)

Thanks to my Mom and Dad for the top piece of art work. 

In the last two days we have added new art to our walls. The piece over the bed is a perfect accent for such a large bed. It fits perfectly and just our style.

The bottom piece is huge!! We used to have all sorts of pictures on that wall but we changed it up and added the art piece and our new family picture. It's the first picture from the left. I love changing things around in our home. 

Day 138: Gas Prices (3/9)

I always try and fill up with 100% pure gasoline because I get better gas mileage for the money. However, I can't stand the thought of spending $3.65 per gallon; just spending $3.49 is aggravating. The thing is if I filled up with the pure gas I would only be spending $2.54 more.

It's all deceiving and horrible way to spend $55.67 of my money.

I remember when I started driving and the gas when from $0.98 per gallon to above a dollar and I was upset. If only I could go back to the prices just above a dollar!

I could go on and on about politics and company greed but honestly I don't know enough to argue any side but I do know I AM PAYING WAY TO MUCH FOR GAS!!

Day 137: In The Raw (3/8)

My friend Jen Stanford and I headed out to In The Raw for some sushi we have both been craving for a while. It was so good and just what we both needed on a Thursday night.

Good food.

Good conversation.

Good time.

Thanks Jen for inviting me out!

Day 136: The Lorax (3/7)

Gavin got to stay the night with Nana and PopPop last night! He was so excited that he cried when he thought he was going home with me when I dropped him off with my mom!

He enjoys it so much.

We met up with them tonight in Shawnee to get Gavin back and decided to hit the movies. Mom, Gavin and I watched The Lorax while Dad and Rennie decided on Act of Valor.

The Lorax was super cute! Gavin loved it just as much. He watched the whole thing and danced at the end. It was the perfect length, just long enough to keep his attention without over doing it.

What a perfect middle of the week night out.

Day 135: Homemade Cold Coffee (3/6)

I love Pinterest.

I found this homemade recipe for cold coffee. It is so delicious! I make myself a cup almost every morning. 

Please be jealous!

Day 134: Gavin's Choice (3/5)

Me: "Gavin, what do you want to take a picture of today?'

Gavin looking around: "Uhhhhhh, this!"

THIS being a piece of trash!!

Me: "Ok." Pretend to take picture. "What else do you want to take a picture of?"

Gavin: "Table!!"

Me: "Sounds good." I quickly take a picture. "This time go pick one of your favorite toys."

Gavin: "Ok." Runs to his room. "Gavin found it!"

Me: "Show me!"

Gavin: "SUPERHERO!"

Day 133: All in a Row (3/4)

It was Jason and Tommy's birthday party today! The last time we took a cousins picture was around Thanksgiving, so it needed to be done.

I love this picture. So much great personality.

Love these kids. <3

Day 132: Winning!! (3/3)

I was supposed to go to dinner with a friend at In The Raw which is a sushi restaurant in Bricktown. {Hopefully there will be a picture of that soon on my blog.} So when that fell through, I called my mom and asked if she want to go to In The Raw with me or meet at the FireLake Casino. 

She, of course, choose to go to FireLake!! :)

I like to play the slots. And I usually only bring $20 because its enough to spend and last a long time. I can usually play $20 for a couple of hours. I never really bring more except on special occasions so tonight was no different.

However, I was a little lucky tonight and walked out with some winnings. Whaa-Whoo!!

Day 131: Orange Shoes (3/2)

Found these at Target for $12.99 and couldn't pass then up. They are bright and pretty amazing! :)

Day 130: Warehouse Surplus Give-Away (3/1)

Today I was scheduled for an OUHCS warehouse surplus give away. For an hour, my friend Angelica and I were able to wade through old office supplies and take what we need for the library. I really went for cabinets {top left} and found so many other things. The cabinets will store textbooks in the a storage room. The chair {bottom left} was an amazing find and we got two of them. Don't they just look like library chairs?!

We also found a DVR/VCR and a calculator still in the box {top right.} Who couldn't use their own microwave, stapler and pencil sharpener {middle right} in the library. Is it kinda sad I didn't have a pencil sharpener until today?!!

We also made out with a rolling cart and external speakers {bottom right!!} The speakers where the best find and I got two pairs!! External speaker for FREE! Amazing. I also came away with some computer chords that start out around $25 and some other chairs that we picked out for the principal. {You know stay on the good side :)} 

It was so unbelievable awesome to stumble across this give away!! The cabinets will be my spring break project in the library. Yea!