Christmas 2010

Polar Express

This past weekend my parents took the kiddos and I to the North Pole to see Santa.  We traveled aboard the Polar Express.  Okay, we were in Palestine, but it still felt just as special!

Three Little Monkeys

This is the story of three little monkeys.  One is now 33 years old, one is now 6 years old, and one is 2 years old.  Each as cute as the next in the costume that was sewn by my mother- in- law about 30 year ago.  I was starting to think that my children were looking more and more like me.  According to this picture of my husband and children, I got nothing!
(FYI- I was able to get M in this just long enough to take the picture.  He is NOT a fan of costumes.  My goal is to try and get his picture in front of our pumpkins before we put up the Christmas decorations.  Wish me luck!) 

M's Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Trick or Treat!

We Love the Pumpkin Patch!

 
  

Finally...

The tooth fairy gets to visit!

Texas Renaissance Festival 2010

Yesterday we trekked out to the Renaissance Festival with the family to have a little fun. The kiddos rode everything under the sun and we had a blast.  Next is a trip to the pumpkin patch. 

Happy Birthday to Me!

This weekend I was lucky enough to turn the ripe old age of 32.  I feel very blessed to have had an amazing weekend with my family.  We started bright and early (for us anyway) at the zoo.  The animals were all out and about and very cooperative.  I think they are enjoying this beautiful weather as well.  We have a family tradition of taking our picture in front of the bears every time we visit the zoo.  This years the bear was asleep, but still willing to take a picture for us.  Shortly after though, he covered up his face.  We were also able to peek in on the baby meerkats that were only a month old and way too cute!  The weather was absolutely perfect so we didn't even begin to break a sweat until we walked out at 10:30. 

After that we headed to our home town for some family time.  Lunch with Grammy and Poppy was delicious and I was so glad for the leftovers we had for dinner tonight.  Mike, C and Daddo were able to take a ride on the wave runner while the little man took a nap and then we enjoyed the weather by playing outside until dinner. 

Today's events included a trip the see the Astros play.  This was C's third game, but M's first!  For a little guy that can't keep up, he did really well!  I think sitting both of them down with a bucket of cotton candy helped a little too!  This was my first game with the roof of the stadium open and wow was it amazing.  The weather, again, was fantastic and so were the seats. 

All and all we have all had a fantastic weekend.  What a way to spend yet another brithday!

Sylvan Beach!

A couple of weekends ago the family and I headed out bright and early for a day on the water.  My dad and I always enjoyed sailing our sunfish, and we decided it was time for C to have her first taste of sailing.  We loaded up the waverunner and the sunfish and headed to Sylvan Beach. 

 M was not as big of fan as the water as the rest of us, so he and Marmo chilled on the beach and watched. I was too far away and couldn't quite get a good shot of Marmo and M walking hand and hand on the beach.  

My dad is one of those people who can do anything once and be very good at it, me on the other hand, couldn't quite remember how to sail as well as I would have liked. 

Happy 2nd Birthday to My Little Man!

Did I mention it never gets boring?

C and I had a very busy day today with two swim parties to attend. As
we left the second party, this is the text I received from mike.
>
> Walked out into the backyard for 2 min and your son locked the back
> door, locking me out. Don't worry he's fine,I got tools from tracy
> to break into the house.

Thank goodness he only had to get through the garage to get in. I
guess M pays more attention than we thought!

Beach Photo Shoot

Last one...until I post about M's birthday!  He He.  Time to play catch up! 

This summer I had the joy of taking a photography class.  It is one of my hobbies that I really would like to spend more time doing.  I had planned a photo shoot while at the beach and let the kiddos know ahead of time so they would be prepared to humor me.  (Little did I know, Mike would humor me, too!)  We found C's dress at Yaga on the Strand in Galveston and I could not wait to get to the beach and take pictures.  The best part was that the kids had a blast as well!   As their mother, I can't find a bad picture of them, which explains why there are so many.  I like the lighting in some, the reflections, the splashes, the hair, the smiles, I swear there was something wonderful about every picture! 

Enjoy!

Beach 2010

Last week we spent the week at a house in Point West.  We all had a wonderful time and a much needed vacation. We also went down to the Strand district of Galveston.  I absolutely LOVE La Kings.   It would not be a beach vacation without one of their hot fudge sundaes. We also made time to track down and take pictures of the tree sculptures that have been created out of trees that didn't survive Ike.  We enjoyed the old homes and the fantastic sculptures.

 For more info you can look them up at http://www.galveston.com/treesculptures/

Here are some of the photos, I will add videos soon!

Children's Museum 2010

Last week we traveled with one of our good friends to the Children's Museum.  The kiddos had a great time and were worn out by the time we got home.  My favorite was watching them face paint.  C was a ladybug and the boys were alligators!  Thanks Mrs. Hood! 

My Little Man is Trouble!

This is the text Mike sent to me while I was at my photography class
tonight.

 Just put #1(C) to bed and found #2(M) sitting on his bed without a
diaper on. Still have not found his diaper.


It never gets boring around here!

Tadpoles to Froglets

What do tadpoles and froglets have to do with my children you ask?  Well let me tell you...

Back in May the KinderGators (Kindergartner + Navigator = KinderGator) at our school did a unit about frogs.  One of my students just happened  to find a bunch of tadpoles that he brought to class for us to observe.  C quickly fell in love with them so we brought some home for the summer.  This weekend, we were able to release our first froglet.  C and M both were thrilled, although we kept M as a distance for the little frogs safety.  We wish it a great journey and hope it comes back to visit! 

Max V. Naptime

Mike and I decided that this summer was a good time to switch our sweet little boy to a regular bed. C has come up with the great idea of rooming with M so that her room can go back to the playroom.  (Sounds good, but we shall see.) In order for that to happen, Mike and I have been searching for bunk beds.  I didn't want to deal with the sleeping situation during the school year, so hear we are! 

Yesterday we took the side off of the crib and added a rail.  We got home late last night so we gently laid M in bed and he slept nice and sound.  I woke up this morning to the pitter-patter of little feet trying to get out of the front door.

Naptime went a little different.   About two hours ago we tried putting M down for a nap. A door lock and some quiet time later, this is what I found. 

Wish us luck with bedtime.

Max V. Mosquito

Sea World 2010

Whew!  What a trip!  The kiddos and I just got back from a trip to Sea World in San Antonio.  We were lucky enough to go with Grammy, Aunt Kristin and our little cousin D.  We were sad because Mike, Uncle Sean, and Poppy had to work, but we still maganed to have a good time.  M and I had a most amazing dolpin encountor.  But more about that later.  :)

On Thursday afternoon we played by the pool and let the little ones nap.  After that we headed over to the park to catch a few shows.  We really enjoyed the Azul show with the Baluga whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, divers, and birds.  The kiddos can now tell you what a Baluga whale says.  You will have to ask them next time you see them.  C was amazed by the show and tried very hard to get a bird to land on her finger!  After that we headed over to see Shamu and the other killer whales.  Both of these shows had babies that were in the shows along side their moms.  I think that was an added bonus. 

On Friday we got up bright and early to have breakfast with Elmo and some other characters.  On the way we stopped at the dolphin tank to say good morning.  Max and I were the last ones left when a dolphing jumped right up on the side so that M and I could see it and I could give it a good rub all over his back.  M loved it and kept saying RIDE?!?  RIDE?!?!  I was amazed at this personal one-on-one encountor.  I so wish C could have been closer and had the same experience.  We did make time to feed them later, but she still couldn't quite reach!  Breakfast with Elmo was great fun for the kiddos.  I think M enjoyed them from a distance. He would ocasionally give a hi-five, but that was about it.  I couldn't keep track of C who had a blast loving on the characters eventhough she is a bit to old! 

The rest of the day we spent visiting penguins and riding rides with a quick trip to the pool.    C and Grammy closed the park down while Aunt Kristin and I took the little ones back for a nap. 

We had a great adventure and can't wait to take Mike back!  Thanks Grammy! 

Snack Time!

My little man has changed so much recently.  He now has an opinion and likes to pick out his own shirt and socks.  He will answer yes and no, no, no to most of your questions.  Today he even said thank you when given his snack at the day care.  His favorite thing to do is ride with his Daddy on the tractor (riding mower) and eat! This is an example of what he did for snack.  Tractors pictures soon to come.  :)

C's Kinder Year in Review!

Let the summer fun begin!

Happy 6th Birthday to My Sweet C!

At this time, six years ago, Mike and I were settling into a hospital room very anxious for the journey ahead of us. It took all night, but at 6:20 on April 21st, we were blessed with our beautiful baby girl. Our lives have been blessed!

Easter 2010

The Daycare Egg Hunt

Human's Easter

McCarthy Easter

Rodeo 2010

Last, but not least I add my photos of the rodeo to our spring break adventures. We truly had a great time this week. I know I said it in my last post, but I cannot believe we go back tomorrow. C is way to close to being a first grader.

We had a great time at the livestock show and rodeo today. Our first stop was the annual longhorn picture. Then off to collect the trading cards and see the animals. Mike and I took C to the rodeo while my parents entertained M. She loved it! We might have to go see the whole thing next year because we only snuck in for the end!



I have a feeling this will be my last post until Easter! Happy Spring!

Spring Break 2010

I cannot believe that it is already Saturday!  This week has gone so fast. C and I started Spring Break off with a bang last Saturday.  We had a birthday party, a haircut and her ears re-pierced all before 2:00!  Next was a haircut for my shaggy little man M.  On Tuesday, Mike and I found time to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary while the kiddos stayed with Marmo and Daddo!  From Wednesday to Thursday we spent the week visiting the grandparents and playing outside. The only place we went was to the mall for bunny picks and Build-A- Bear.  Yesterday was our big trip to Brazos Bend.  (I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  We had fun searhing for wildlife and taking them) I am almost grateful for the rain today so that we can rest.  I would like to see some cleaning going on, but I doubt that will happen.  :)  Tomorrow our fantastic week ends with a trip to the rodeo. 

I was lucky enough to have a new camera to play with this week.  I LOVE it and the great pictures it takes!

Brazos Bend March 2010

Today was an adventure day.  That usually means we end up at Brazos Bend State Park.  The kiddos and I were so happy so spend some time with Mike since we were off all week, and he had to work.  (Those pictures will come soon!) 

The weather was perfect and the wildlife did not disappoint.  From a wild hog and her babies to a mama gator and her babies, we had plenty to see. 

Relay for Life!

On April 16th several of my friends and I will be participating in the Sugar Land Relay for Life.  On that night, we will set up out tents and spend the night walking to remember those who have been touched by cancer in some way.  I will be walking for a dear family friend, a former student who recently lost his mother, another student who also lost his mother, a current student who's grandfather is fighting the disease, and in the hopes that if cancer ever comes close to my family, we will be closer to a cure.   Please help support me by clicking on the logo on my sidebar and donating to my team! 

My Little Mac Daddy!

"Mac Daddy"  is a term used to describe a man with an unusual power over women.

Gator of the Week!

 

This week, my sweet C was the Gator of the Week in her class. We sent in pictures of the family and of her having fun and she brought her American Girl doll Elizabeth with her to speak about. She also took her own time to fill out the questions her teacher sent home. All I had to do was read them to her. She has been waiting for this week all year long!

I have to say that this is one of the reasons I love having her at my school. I got to sit back and watch as she stood up as confident as could be in front of her class. I was so proud of her.

Cloudcroft, NM

As part of our Christmas, my parents took the family to see snow. We went to a very small, but very cool little town named Cloudcroft. We left at 9:00 on Christmas night, (something I don't think I ever want to do again) and got there at about 10:00am the next day. Mike and my dad did all of the driving, and they did a great job. Unfortunately Mike was very sick by the time we got there, and since it was a small town, had to wait until Monday to go to the doctor. We spent our days ice skating, tubing, and sledding. On the way home, we stopped at Carlsbad Caverns and hiked around 750 feet underground! We had a fantastic time, but are all very glad to be home.

Here is a slide show of our adventure...
Some videos as well...

This is how you and your tube got up the mountain. Go C go!


Daddo, Lala, C and me coming down the mountain...