Picnic Day 2011

For the first time in a LONG time, Picnic Day fell on a beautiful spring day AND I didn't have to work. Like most Aggies, the day just holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to incorporating it into our Holleman annual family traditions. Because of Ollie and Elliott's unpredictability of moods and schedules, we decided to make NO PLANS but just let the day happen. When the day was done, we had gotten to visit with dear old friends, see an awesome parade, hear some fabulous marching band music and even enjoy a quiet hour or two at home while our little one's slept! I would definitely say that it was one of the best Picnic Days ever.

Dada, check! Sunshine, check! Starbucks, check! Yup, this day started off pretty strong!

We got the pleasure of Ann Marie's company for the first part of the day. She is one of my personal PD must-haves. We have certainly shared some gooooood times over the years!




Getting all ready for the parade to begin.
It was becoming very clear that Oliver was not feelin' it.

Here comes the Band-uh! I don't know if it is just cheesy school pride but something about hearing them play still gives me goosebumps.

Oliver panicked so Sean had to take him a little further away. Can you see them?

Slowly coming closer....

(what a good Dada)

Yay for friends!

Oliver finally settled for the safety of Grandma's shoulders. He had this look on his face the ENTIRE time. Verrry serious.

Thanks to the Sorbellos and their years of good planning, we got to watch from a great spot.

Typical :)

Poor guy. Probably dreaming about being home in his quiet bed and not at a crazy parade.
Notice that while my son is clinging to his daddy 50 feet away, our friend's kids are as close to the action as they possibly could be without getting run over :)Safe and smiling again, now that the parade has ended.

Walking home. I had the best view.

After our naps, our dear friends Patty and Joe and their son Caleb came over to visit. Ollie and Caleb don't get to see each other much but they have always played very nicely together which, of course, makes Patty and I very happy. Here they are sharing a quick game of frisbee.

Patty was the very first friend that I made in college so you can imagine the many different PicnicDay experiences we have shared over the years :) I am thankful that our lives are still so connected and that our children will grow up together. We will force them to be friends. I love you Patty!

I love how Caleb is sitting in this chair. So cool and casual.I would love to understand their little exchange.

After quiet time at home it was back out to join the chaos.

First stop: the track! This was special for Sean since he got to introduce his sons to their first race and meet his old coach.

Can I just say how much I love this? Oliver has probably fallen asleep in his stroller less than a dozen times in his entire life. Thankfully, Elliott seems to not mind a little snooze on the go.

Meeting up with the rest of the family at the Battle of the Bands.

Can you sense the chaos oozing from this picture?

(we didn't last long here but it was entertaining)

Uncle Jason and cousins Jacoby and Ryder.

Oliver and Elliott are going to have so much fun with these guys as they grow up. It will be interesting to see what happens when one of us throws a girl in the mix!

Super Grandma. Always makes everything more fun.Cutie Pie.

Oliver is still not sure but he was a good sport considering how much was going on that day.

And our final stop of the day: the Sorbello's for the annual BBQ. We had a wonderful time unwinding in Kim's beautiful garden while we visited with many old friends. The highlight for Oliver was a tie between getting to snuggle Uncle Benny and.....

....and discovering the old Sorbello playhouse!

When it was time to leave, Sean couldn't find Oliver. He looked in the dark playhouse but didn't see him until Oliver called out "bed!". Sean looked again and lo and behold, there was Oliver and the baby doll snuggling in bed together. So sweet!

And that's it.....until next year!