Saturday, May 29, 2010

Saturday is a special day...

It's the day we have fun as a family.

After washing the cars and running errands for the first half of the day, we decided to head to the drive-in (again). The kids were excited to see Shrek 4 and Mom was excited to see Iron Man 2 (Dad was a trooper and saw it a second time with me).

Like always, after getting in the gates, we waited for the sun to go down. This time we brought along B0lo Ball (or Ladderball) for some competition. It was a lot fun. Mom took the lead by winning the first game... but Dad redeemed himself in game 2 (he really beat Mom - badly [my excuse... the sun was going down! Who really has good depth perception when the sun is going down?]) We will definitely be bringing it again. A Re-match is needed. The kids also had a good time trying their best to get those balls on the ladder.








The movies were fun and entertaining. It was a late night, but we had fun as a family.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Another Day at the Zoo..

But this time with
DINOSAURS!

The kids and I enjoyed another HOT (95 + humidity) day at the zoo. Lucky for us, they have a new exhibit open this summer... Dinosaurs. Of course we had to go and see it. So we braved the crowds and went on the free day for members. There were some lines, but all-in-all it wasn't too bad. The kids really enjoyed it.... well most of it... which always makes it all worth it.

Abby thought it was awesome - especially the "spitting" dinosaur!
Dallin was not too sure. He liked the idea, but moving, roaring dinosaurs made him a bit nervous. He stayed very close to Abby the entire way through.
Connor did not want to leave the stroller. (which is not normal for him at this point in time) He did keep his pointer finger out - "oh-ing" over all the dinosaurs.



After our Dinosaur Safari, we headed back to our normal route to see the rest of the zoo.

Highlights from this trip:
Connor was able to walk/run most of the time. He was in heaven! (Mom not so much)
The baby elephant was hilarious and so cute.
Abby and Dallin were great listeners and helpers. Hooray!!
Connor finally cracked a smile while riding the Carousel. (Not his favorite thing)



After the Zoo, we were able to meet up with our Dad for lunch at the Park. Lucky for us. WE love having lunch with Dad.





Another successful day! (Well at least part of it)

Saturday, May 22, 2010

A Little Ray Time

It was a little last minute... but last weekend we decided to head a couple of hours north and meet our good friends, the Rays, at a State Park for a little camping trip. For the past year the Rays have been living in Ft. Worth, TX (only about 5 hours from us) - Luckily, we have met up with them a few times :). But this coming month, the Rays are moving on -- to Kentucky. So we decided to jump on the opportunity (Andy not being on call) and meet up for some fun before their move.

The state park wasn't the best I have ever seen... but it was tons of fun being with our friends. We had some great food, played games, and just enjoyed being together.

Roasting "dogs" over the fire

Eating some of John's delicious cake
The Gang
Hillery, Sadie, Andy, Abby, John, Connor, and Dallin

Happy Anniversary to you! Aren't they a good looking couple?!?
We felt honored that the Rays would sacrifice their anniversary to be with us :).

These two can make anything competitive ... even Ladderball!

Sadie loved reading books in the tent... Abigail was a good sport to read to her.

Isn't she cute??
Poor Sadie was up half the night with a cough...
but she was still a happy little camper the next day!

Love this little boy... he thinks he is hilarious!

After a slow morning... we headed off for a little "hike."



Caterpillars were everywhere... the kids were in heaven.

Of course... we HAD to play Rummikub. Our favorite game to play with the Rays.

Connor was so hot and sweaty... but still as happy as ever.


Thanks Rays for making the trip and spending a little time with us. We had a blast! We hope the move goes well.... Good luck in Kentucky!! We sure are going to miss you guys!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Another Lost Tooth

Abigail lost her 6th tooth!

She was very reluctant to let this tooth come out. It has probably been ready to go for about 3 weeks now, but Abby would not let anyone touch it. Finally she knocked it pretty good while playing rough with the boys. It hurt enough that she was willing to let Daddy finally take it out :). We're not sure how she is going to bite her food... but she manages :).
We love this little girl and her toothless smile.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Friends

Last Week

Last week was a bit of a whirlwind. There is usually a chunk of time every year ... it starts with my birthday ... then John's birthday... then Mother's Day... then our Anniversary. All of these things happen within 2 weeks of each other. This seems to throw life's routine out the window for a while. And this year it was only compounded with two more parties and a primary activity to add to the final week. Needless to say ... we worked hard this week. We think it was all a success. Thank goodness.

But most of all ... I am grateful for clear skies this morning and only "normal" activities on my calendar.

And of course, there are no pictures from last week's adventures. When you are too busy for life, pictures are the least of your concern. :)

Hopefully this week my house will be clean, the laundry will be done, dinner will be on the table at the right time, and Abigail will finish her last math book.

My fingers are crossed.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Happy Anniversary!

The day it all began ... May 11, 2002

1st Anniversary - Brunch at The Cliff - May 11, 2003

2nd Anniversary - Smores at Home - May 11, 2004

3rd Anniversary - we celebrated with family in Italy - May 2005

4th Anniversary - 2006 (no pic this year)

5th Anniversary - May 11, 2007

6th Anniversary - Picture taken April 25, 2008
(again no pic for the anniversary, but this was close)

7th Anniversary - May 11, 2009

2010 .... 8 years together.

As John kissed me goodbye this morning ... He said, "Happy Anniversary! 8 long years together... or ... 8 short years together... " Honestly, it seems that the time has gone by so quickly and yet I couldn't imagine life without him. It is like we have always been together.
I am truly grateful for this man in my life. For the love that we share and the family we have started together. He is my husband, my lover, and my friend. Thank you, John - for eight wonderful years... so far.

Grow old along with me,
The best is yet to be.
-Robert Browning

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mothers

The Mothers in My Life:
My Mother and My Mother-in-Law

The Day I Became A Mother

The longer I am a mom, the more love I feel toward my own mother. The more I understand her sacrifice, her love, and her commitment to me and to our family. The longer I am a mother the more gratitude I feel. I know that every year these feelings will grow deeper. My understanding will only continue to grow. For the love of a mother never ceases and only grows deeper with time.

On this special day, I hope that both of the mothers in my life know how grateful I am for them - For their love and support. Thank you for being my mother.

Beware ...

of Chiggers!
These bites itch like crazy!!!
One of the benefits of camping in Texas.
In all the years we have camped in Texas (we have been here 5 years now) I have never been bitten by these! They are horrible! Let's hope this is the last.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

We LOVE the Outdoors!

Friday afternoon we headed down to Brazos Bend for some camping adventures with friends. The kids were so excited!!! They could hardly control themselves all day. But all that anxious energy of wanting to get to he park sooner - led to some very helpful children :). Because Fridays are usually later days for John, the kids and I packed up and headed down early without Dad. He came as soon as could around 7pm. It was a bit hot and muggy the first day, but Saturday was a great day. It cooled down a little bit and a light breeze came through with overcast skies... making for a perfect camping day :).

We had a great camping spot (besides being a little far from the bathroom)... lots of running room for the kids and this great fallen tree! It was like having nature's playground right there. The kids loved finding treasures and creatures. (The poor caterpillars... one drowned and I think one was crushed) They were entertained for hours.
The best thing that could ever happen.
We roasted hotdogs, made pizza pockets, and had some yummy smores (Thanks Jenks!)

After getting the kids down, the adults had some fun playing cards and scaring off visitors.
We had 3 raccoons visit us that night. One climbed a pole to get to the trash maybe four feet away, the second came right up to the table where we were playing cards and opened a tupperware bin - he was literally 2 feet away, if that!!!, and the last raccoon awoke John and I after barely falling asleep - it was attacking another bin with only paper plates and utensils inside! Crazy Raccoons! I thought going to the "Alligator" park... we would have other animal encounters :). We did also see 3 deer, 2 rabbits and a bunch of squirrels. I love it when the kids really have a chance to see animals in the wild.

Saturday morning we enjoyed a great breakfast, packed up, and decided to do some hiking/walking to find some alligators. The little boys were excited! And Yes! We did find alligators. We even found an alligator eating another alligator!

Group Shot of the kids (minus baby Annie)
Abigail, Ella, Shep, Dallin and Connor

Eating dinner at the kid table

Dad had arrived... and the kids had to show him "their tree"

Connor was so hot and sweaty Friday night... he had some crazy hair!

Saturday morning ... reading time...after their morning adventure in the woods.

Craft time!
Great for the girls.. not so great for the boys.

Connor loved running around ... just doing his thing.

Abigail collecting...
This girl collects EVERYTHING!!
This trip the obsession happened to be the moss hanging in the trees.

The boys loving their sticks. Every boy needs a stick :).

Hunting for alligators...

There's one!

Abigail and Ella swinging in the trees

My boys... all tuckered out.


We had a great time! We love going camping!
It sure is a lot of work... but the memories are worth it!
Thanks to our friends for the invite!