My Love Bugs

Snow!

2012-01-25T00:18:00.000-06:00

Last year we constantly heard about the amazing snow from all our California friends and family. This year it has barely rained and therefore there has been no snow until this weekend. The kids are always super excited to spend time in Pollock Pines but this weekend they were even more so since it looked like snow was coming. They were not disappointed. The snow came, not a ton, but enough to do a little sledding and a lot of snow ball fights with friends.

Here are the kids playing with the neighbor boys.

I love this picture because you can see Bry rolling in the snow behind Andon.

Sledding!

Crazy Days

2012-01-17T23:38:00.001-06:00

I can not believe it has been so long since I last posted. It has been just crazy around here cleaning up from Christmas and settling in to our new home.
The kids celebrated their first New Years night this year. They were determined to stay up till midnight so after dinner we watched movies, had our annual New Years apple cider cupcakes, and watched the ball drop. The kids made it till midnight although Andon was almost asleep when the ball dropped. Spending New Years together as a family was the perfect start to this year!

Santa left the kids stainless steel straws in their stockings this year and we have been using them almost every day with our afternoon smoothies.

We have spent a lot of time at home lately because there is so much to do around here. The kids have been great finding new things to do here. They have spent a lot of time exploring our large backyard and playing with the toys that were in storage for 4 months. Currently though the back yard is a mess do to the fact that we are in the middle of building a pool. Their new favorite pass time is building forts lots of fun for all involved.

When we moved to California my parents gave us their piano and I found a Piano for Preschoolers program that uses color coded notes to teach children basic music concepts. We have been working on short lessons and practice time at night and the kids are doing great with the music. Andon is getting better and better at counting notes and Bry is actually trying to sit still and focus.

My personal resolution this year is to enjoy my kids more. Sometimes the day to day grind of cooking, cleaning, and teaching good behavior leaves me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with just about everything. When I make time everyday to focus on the wonderful individuals I am raising the rest of the stuff disappears for a minute and the whole day is better.

Christmas!

2011-12-27T23:55:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful experience it was to be able to host Christmas in my own house in California. Hopefully we will be able to host many more family gatherings here.

On Christmas Eve the kids open their first present which is always a new pair of pajamas and a book. I try to pick a book that is based on their interests that year. This year Andon got the new poem book Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstien. Bry got Tullulah's Tutu by Marilyn Singer.

After putting on their new pajamas we popped popcorn, made hot chocolate, and watched the Polar Express. We have watched it every Christmas Eve since Andon's second Christmas. It is so much fun to watch their reactions change throughout the years.

In the morning the kids ran downstairs to find their gifts from Santa. Both kids got exactly what they asked for and more.

For breakfast we ate gingerbread cookies and fruit.

After opening presents via computer with Grandma and Grandpa. We were joined by Auntie Em and Chase, Goya and Papa, and Grum and Grumpa.

Auntie Katie and Uncle Kevin joined us by video phone.

We opened lots of presents. Andon got a ton of Star Wars Legos (we spent the next 2 days building).

Bry got a lot of princess and doll items including matching dresses for her and her baby.

We also got a lot of games for the family. I think the best gifts are ones the whole family can do together. It is a wonderful experience to be able to spend the day with those that we love more then anything else!

December Activities

2011-12-27T23:07:00.002-06:00

We have been very busy this month not only have we been working on getting settled into our new house and new schools for both the kids but it is also Christmas time.

The kids and I spent an entire day baking cookies for our new neighbors. The kids love to cook with me but boy is it messy and crazy!

Our four wheel drive club has a yearly Christmas party which we were finally able to go to since we now live in California. It was wonderful to watch my kids having so much fun with my childhood friends children.

Brylynn and Jennifer enjoying some treats.

The kids were running so much it was next to impossible to get a good picture of them.

Just like last year the kids both had Christmas parties on the same morning but unfortunately they are now at different schools. Luckily the parties were at different times and my friend Steph helped me out big time by watching Bry while I went to Andon's party.

Bry in her Elf hat performing with her classmates.

Andon Enjoying a cookie with one of his new friends.

After visiting Santa I asked the kids to take one nice picture in front of the big tree. His is what I got...

Our Tree!

2011-12-15T00:22:00.001-06:00

This year we were lucky enough to have a friend offer us a Christmas tree from their land. So thanks to the Reffner's we have a beautiful tree for Christmas.

Our tree freshly cut.

The kids in front of the tree ready to head home and decorate it. I just love having a real tree in the house!

The stockings are hung by the chimney (or in the case of our new home by the full brick wall). This year since we are all doing Christmas here I hung all of the stockings for Goya, Papa, Emily, Stephen, Me, Andon, and Brylynn all of which have been made by my mom and myself. I love seeing them all together!

We broke our tree decorating into two nights. On the first night we put up the lights on the second night we took out the ornaments. This year was so nice because both of the kids were able to actually help hang all the ornaments.

Brylynn helping with the lights.

Bry with the ornament I picked out when I was 3 years old!

Andon hanging ornaments.He especially liked all of Daddy's Star Wars ornaments.

The kids in front of our tree!

Moving and Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T23:35:00.001-06:00

Wow what a busy week it has been! The kids had last week off for Thanksgiving and we spent the week packing and moving to our new house. We celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday with Grum, Grumpa, Goya, Papa, Auntie Em, and Chase. Dinner was wonderful and it was great to hang out and take a break from all the unpacking. Unfortunately the day passes and I realized I never took a picture. I took plenty of other pictures throughout the week though.

Andon finished soccer and decided he wanted to try ballet and tap with Bry so we started a class by our new house that they could both be in. They are enjoying it and have learned a lot of new moves.

The kids helped me pack by taking out all the paper and playing in it.

Everyone is settling in to the new house. I have not taken the time to take many pictures but here are a couple. Aurora and Linc like the lookout over the family room.

Here is a picture of Emily and the kids playing in the family room.

The kids have really enjoyed getting their toys back including their personal library. I forgot we had so many children's books.

Our new backyard is huge! We have enough space to do everything we want including a pool, plenty of play area for the kids, and a large garden. Right now we are enjoying all the beautiful leaves that are falling throughout the yard.

There is a secret forest in one corner of the yard. I think the kids need a little fort down here. Andon calls in Endore (if you know star wars you know what he is talking about).

Tonight we celebrated Daddy's birthday. The kids love celebrating birthdays they could not wait to bake daddy a cake, make him cards, and jump out and "surprise" him every time he entered the room.

A great Saturday!

2011-11-19T22:56:00.001-06:00

Well today was a wonderful day! The kids spent last night in Pollock Pines and woke up to a light dusting of snow. For these Texas kids this was quite a thrill I can not wait to see them when it really snows.

Here they are in their pajamas, boots, and gloves.

Then they went inside to warm up by the fire.

The kids and Goya met Stephen and I at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. I remember coming here many times to see the fish as a kid and it was exactly how I remember it.

Watching the salmon jump up the ladder.

A family picture by the river.

Feeding the fish. Bry liked to take hand fulls and dump them into the water. Andon loved to feed one the fish one pellet at a time.

After the hatchery we walked down to the river to watch the fish. It was beautiful out there by the water but a bit cold.

While waiting for dinner the kids took rides along the tile floor. Lots of fun fr them and a bit of a workout for mom and dad.

Katie and Kevin's Wedding

2011-11-12T23:05:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we were able to be a part of a my cousin Katie's wedding! The kids call her Auntie Katie because she is much more like a sister to me then a cousin. We are so lucky to have her in our family and were supper excited to help her celebrate. Unfortunately I did not get any photos of our family all dressed up together hopefully I will get some when the professional photos come in.

The girls started the day getting ready with mimosas while Bry enjoyed her orange juice in a fancy glass. We were extra careful not to confuse the glasses!

Everyone got their hair done. Bry was especially excited to have her hair curled like the big girls!

Andon joined us so I could fix his tux and hair. So handsome!

Brylynn all dresses and very pretty!

Bry with Taylor and Hunter, Kevin's neice and nephew. The four of them ages 5, 4, 3,and 2 had the best time running around and playing together. We were all very glad that Uncle Kevin and Aunt Katie love them so much, because they were not the exactly quiet during the ceremony. But they were absolutely adorable!

The hair had to be fixed a million times but she loves her crown.

Goya helping Andon with his tux.

Waiting for the ceremony to start.

My little goofball!

The bride an groom and the rest of the wedding party.

After the ceremony the reception was a lot of fun. Here is Bry with Grum and Grumpa.

All of the kids were super excited for the cake which was made by our very own Auntie Em. It was beautiful and delicious!!

The kids loved the dance floor.

Mommy and Daddy joined in the dancing fun.

The kids were given glow sticks which my kids promptly made into light sabers.

Congratulations Katie and Kevin! We are so happy to have you both in our family can not wait for all the fun there is to come!

LegoLand

2011-11-07T23:18:00.001-06:00

Wow what a fun crazy weekend! Saturday was Auntie Katie's wedding and Sunday we went to Legoland. Pictures from the wedding will be coming soon until then here our Legoland adventure.

If you are not already aware we are Lego obsessed at our house. Star Wars Lego's are the favorite but really any and all Lego's are well loved at our house. So when we told the kids about Legoland they just had to go. We were a bit unfortunate to have our Legoland day start out with a bit of rain but hey it kept any crowds away. There were only a few of us crazy people out there in the rain!

One of the first things we did was the build and test car track. The kids could have spent hours in this one spot. Basically you are given a set of wheels and then you build a car to race down the tack.The kids loved it!

After a couple of rides it was off to the Star Wars area. This is the part that Andon was looking forward to the most.

When the rain got heavy we headed indoors to the aquarium. It was a nice little aquarium with all the basics. They had a cute Lego movie about the Atlantis sets which the kids enjoyed and many different areas of sea life.

We found a few models mom and dad liked. I liked the Harry and Hagrid best while Stephen thought Indiana Jones was pretty neat.

The kids got to ride on the mini road. They laughed the whole time and thought they were such big shots driving all by themselves.

More rides! The helicopters were a favorite.

Of course there were lots of Lego models throughout the park to enjoy.

Bry's favorite part of the trip was the roller coaster. We could not get Andon to go on it but we had to drag Bry away after 4 rides.

Before leaving the kids bought Lego knight swords.Then just as we were exiting we saw a real Lego soldier marching around! The kids were very exited and could not wait to get their picture with him.

After our day at Legoland we headed over to my Auntie Sharan and Uncle Randy's house for a wonderful and very late evening. Thanks so much for giving us a place to stay!

Halloween Fun

2011-11-01T00:08:00.002-05:00

It has been a busy week full of lots of Halloween fun.

Bry had a little party and performance in her classroom. She sang loud and proud throughout the whole performance. She had been practicing at home for weeks. She was so adorable!!

This weekend we finally got to go to the Emerson's Pumpkin Carving Party another reason we are happy to be home in California! The kids had a blast the trampoline is always a favorite. They let daddy do most of the carving but they picked the patterns.

Once it get dark the outdoor movie started. Mine of course insisted on staying till the very end they had to know what happened to E.T.

Watching with Tatum.

We then carved another pumpkin at home. Brylynn helped me take out all the seeds. Andon said no thank you. Then Andon, Brylynn, and I carved this one together. Andon drew the eyes and i helped him carve them out. Bry drew the nose and I helped her cut it out. I drew the mouth and cut it out.

Our pumpkins Bry choose a bat family, Andon choose the cute spider, and the last one we made together.

Going out Trick or Treating we all dressed up this year since the kids made a special request for costumes for everyone. So here we are Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and Amidala.

They were so cute and had a great time together going form house to house. After almost an hour though they were ready to go home. It was a fun night and I loved having our whole family involved in costumes and trick or treating. The kids have already started thinking about what they will be next year!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-23T23:39:00.002-05:00

Today we went up to Pollock Pines to get the kids and stopped at a little pumpkin patch to pick up some pumpkins and have a little fun. Of course Goya and Papa came with us!

The haunted house was lots of fun!

Brylynn found a pumkin right away and went around picking pumpkins out for everyone else as well.

The annual pumpkin hat pictures! Makes me realize how big my babies are getting.

Andon giving Bry a ride. He looks so grown up here!

Both kids getting a wagon ride, they were heavy so I am so happy I did not have to pull them. Thanks Goya!

Papa and Goya!!

Daddy took a turn pulling the wagon giving Goya a break.

Pumpkin People!

Beach Camping

2011-10-16T23:42:00.000-05:00

We went camping at Dillon's Beach this weekend and had a lot of fun! We got to camp in time for dinner and campfire s'mores! After getting ready for bed Andon went right to sleep but Bry needed a little more cuddle time by the fire.

The next day we played a lot. The kids enjoyed the cart they even got to go for a ride through the puddles! Thanks John!!

Of course there was lots of Baby Ruby time!

Kite flying was the theme of the day!

We walked down to the beach for some fun in the sand.

Back at camp the kids all played in Ruby's play pen. Wish I had one of these when mine were little!

After dinner and more s'mores of course we spent another night in our tent. The cows in the fields nearby spent a lot of the night walking through our camp. So funny to hear cows in the middle of the night.

The kids helped us clean up in the morning before we headed home.

Such a great weekend glad we are back in California were we can enjoy good friends and wonderful weekend getaways!!

Random September Fun

2011-10-03T23:45:00.000-05:00

This month has been a lot of fun. Here are some of the crazy fun things we did in September.

The movers brought the kids bikes and they are loving riding them.

The kids have had a great time playing in Pollock Pines.

Every Monday we go to the library and the park right next to it.

The kids got their Halloween costumes! The cutest Darth Vader and Amidala ever!

Andon and Brylynn love having Odell in the backyard to play with. He loves the kids.

The kids have been having lots of fun with the removable couch cushions.

Ballet, Tap, and Soccer

2011-09-28T00:07:00.000-05:00

The kids choose their own activities after we moved. They have always done their activities together so it is odd to have them in different activities plus I now have to keep one entertained while the other is at class. I can not complain though because it gives me a chance to have a little one on one time with each of them. Which is something I do not get to do enough of , especially with Andon.

Bry choose a ballet and tap class. Her teacher is awesome! She is so wonderful with the kids and it is a great class. Bry loves it and tries so hard to get everything just right.

Andon choose a soccer class. After a rough start on the first day he did great during the second class. They are learning ball handling techniques and soccer rules. It is an 8 week class so he will be making another decision soon, keep doing the soccer class or try something else.

The other night Andon's school had an Ice Cream Social to encourage riding bikes and walking to school. We went down and had a great time playing with Andon's classmates and sitting on the police motorcycle.

Apple Hill

2011-09-24T23:46:00.001-05:00

Today we went up to Apple Hill and had a wonderful time! There are so many wonderful apple orchards in the area and now that we are here for good we can enjoy visiting them all.

Today we went to Willow Pond Organic Farms. They not only have an organic apple orchard but they also have a huge farm and an organic farm stand with a ton of fresh produce. Tonight Bry said her best part of the day was picking apples. The kids picked a bunch of apples, 13 lbs worth, plus the ones they ate while picking.

After the apple picking we went over to High Hill Ranch, where we have been many times before. We had lunch and apple donuts. Yum!

Then the kids ran down to the little pond to feed the fish.

Bry wanted to ride the ponies and at the last minute Andon decided to join her. So great to see him getting over his fears and jumping in like his sister.

There is a fun little playground where the kids had a blast running around and being goofy.

We have ridden this tractor before.

It was an incredibly awesome day! One of the best our family has had and we can not wait to see some of the other orchards in the area. Plus to top it all off Andon sat down at dinner tonight did not whine once and happily ate some enchilada and all of his salad! Hopefully this is the start of a much less picky eater!!

Back Together

2011-09-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

We started our move to California on July 28th and tomorrow we will be finished with our move. Well maybe not finished but at least all of us and our stuff will be in California (except for my car which should arrive next week). We still have to sell our home in Texas and find a new one here. Then the movers will bring all our stuff to the new home and we will officially be done. For now though the kids, the cats, Stephen, and I are all here and we have some but definitely not all of our stuff. It is good to have all our family members (kitties included) under one roof since it has been over seven weeks since we were all together.

Last week Bry and I went to the airport to pick up the cats. I am not sure if the cats enjoyed their 4 hour flight but they seemed happy when I got them. As soon as he heard my voice Linc started meowing and Aurora has been super cuddly all week. I think they were even happy to see the kids! They have adjusted really well for moving so far away from the only home they have ever been in.

Yesterday Bry and I went to the airport again. This time it was to pick up Daddy! After 5 weeks without him everyone was very happy to have him back.To celebrate we went to my favorite ice cream place Leatherby's. I have been going to Leatherby's since I was a kid and have always loved it. So glad I get to share the experience with my kids now.

We are settling in and adjusting to our life here. Still not sure where exactly we will end up but until we figure it all out we are lucky enough to have my parents home to stay in and the best family and friends to help us out!

Wednesday is baking day!

2011-09-14T23:41:00.000-05:00

We have been baking every Wednesday morning around here. Usually we make one of our drop recipes recently we have made pumpkin drops and zucchini drops. Today though we decided to make cookies. We made Peanut Butter Oat Cookies and they were delicious!

One of my little helpers!

Andon had to finish a little homework first but then joined in the baking fun.

The best part licking the beater while waiting for the cookies to finish. I think they like this part more then eating the actual cookies!

Baking together is a little stressful (I could easily do it faster and with a lot less mess alone) but the kids are learning so much about measurements and healthy ingredients. It also works toward a much bigger goal I have to teach them how to be self sufficient and being able to cook healthy foods is a major part of it. Plus they love helping me in the kitchen and they are so very cute!

Labor Day By Andon

2011-09-09T00:07:00.000-05:00

On Labor Day we went out to Grum and Grumpa's for lunch. This is the second time we have made it out there since we moved back to California! I love that we can now go visit whenever we want and the kids love going out to Grum and Grumpa's, probably because they always make homemade ice cream. This weekend Andon found my camera and took over 150 pictures. Here is his version of the day.

Random Stuff

2011-08-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

We have been keeping busy around here. So many new things to do and see!

Catching and yes even kissing the frogs.

Spiking our long hair.

Learning to bake.

Dressing up as a cowgirl.

Swimming in the hot pool.

Riding in Em's convertible.

Playing the piano.

At the park with Auntie Em!

We love California!!

Katie's Bridal Shower

2011-08-18T23:34:00.002-05:00

My cousin Katie is getting married in November!! We are all so excited can not wait for the big day!
Last weekend we hosted a Cocktails and Cupcakes bridal shower for Katie. We had it down in Southern California at Katie's soon to be mother in laws home. Katie is a lucky girl the Kevin is an awesome guy and he has a wonderful family!
Emily baked a bunch of cocktail flavored cupcakes. They were absolutely delicious!

Em waiting for the quiche to bake.

The bride's maids and the bride. Emily, Lisa, Me, and Katie!

The cocktails and cupcakes!

After eating and drinking we played some bridal shower games and opened presents.

Mom and Katie.

Karen and Katie

Happy Wedding Shower Katie! I hope you had as much fun at the shower as we had throwing it!

Kindergarten and Preschool

2011-08-18T23:01:00.001-05:00

This was an exciting new school year for us not only did we move to California over the summer but Andon started kindergarten! Andon is in PM kindergarten which is a real change for us since for the last 3 years we have always done all activities in the morning and then had lunch and a rest time at home. Although we are still struggling with the change in schedule hopefully we will get it all figured out soon and life will fall into routine.

Andon was super excited about going to school and has loved everyday this last week.

Every class at Andon's school has a college they learn about Andon's happens to the University of Texas. What a funny coincidence!!

Andon found his name and got right to work he was so happy to be in school!

On Wednesday Andon started school and on Thursday Bry had her first day in preschool. Before heading to school the kids were having a great time reading together. Absolutely adorable!!

Bry was just as excited as Andon was to start school. She could not wait to go to school and askes everyday if it is her school day.

At school she went right to the dolls she has definitely been on a princess/doll phase lately.

We are so happy to be back to school and starting the process of having a regular schedule.

NM, AZ, and CA

2011-08-12T00:37:00.005-05:00

After the Caverns we stayed in West Texas for the night and headed out the next day through New Mexico and into Arizona. Not a lot to see but desert! It was fun to compare this side of the country to the one we saw a few weeks ago on our way to Alabama.

The next day we arrived in California and stopped in Wrightwood for the Page/Hendersen family reunion. It was so wonderful to have our first stop in California be one full of family. The kids had the best time playing with their cousins!

The next day Stephen and I headed to northern CA while the kids stayed in Wrightwood. So glad Goya and Papa offered to keep them one extra day and drive them up for those last 6 hours. We got a quiet ride after 3 long loud days in the car and the kids got one more day of fun with their cousins.
Here are the kids at the lake playing with the tadpoles.

A little boating with Caleb!

It was a good cross country trip but I am very glad we do not have to do it again. We are now settling in to our new home and life in northern California. Glad at least the first part of the move is behind us!

Caverns!

2011-08-04T15:40:00.006-05:00

On our way through Texas we stopped at the Caverns of Sonora. We saw them in December when we made the drive and thought it would be a good stop this time since it was probably our last trip through the area.
While waiting for our tour we had some yummy fudge!

The caverns were beautiful! The tour lasted about 1 hour 45 min and the kids did great listening and following along. It helped that every area was different and there was lots to look at.

We had an awesome time and I am so glad we stopped. It made the 8 hour drive much more interesting.

Goodbye Texas!

2011-08-03T23:37:00.004-05:00

At the beginning of June Stephen accepted a job in California. Since living by family is something we have wanted for a while now we were very happy to have the opportunity to move but sad to leave behind our home, friends, and life we had in Texas.

A little over 7 years ago (actually 2 days after our honeymoon) Stephen and I flew to Texas and bought our first house. The first time we saw it we knew it was perfect for us, we bought it the same day we saw it. We have done some work to it over the years converting the separate dinning room into an office, adding a built in storage and organizing system in the entry, painting and decorating, and lots of landscaping and garden work. We started our married life here, we brought our brand new babies home here, our kids learned to walk and talk here. The memories are endless! I just can not explain how much we loved our house it was perfect and we could have lived in it for the rest of our lives!

Of course we did not only have to say goodbye to our home we had to say goodbye to all of our wonderful friends too. Since we did not have any family in Texas we developed a large group of friends who have been our surrogate family over the years. We will miss them all so much and hope they make their way to visit us in California. I was able to get some pictures of our bestest friends during our last play dates!

Finn

Our Jenkins playgroup

Katie and Ryan

Haylee

After all the goodbyes and a few tears we headed out bright and early ready for our new life in California!

Goodbye Texas!! We have so many great memories and hope to someday bring the kids back to The Woodlands to visit their hometown! Of course our door is always open for our Texas friends to visit (just wait till we actually get our own home).

Alabama Part 2

2011-07-26T06:52:00.010-05:00

During the 2nd and 3rd days of our trip there was quite a bit of rain in the morning. On the 3rd day it was raining so much the beach did not seem like a good idea. We decided to hit the pool for a bit. The hot pool (spa) as the kids call it was actually quite mild so this is where we spent our time.

After a while we got out and headed to the local movie theater to watch Cars 2.

The theater had an air hockey table which is always a hit with my kids!

When we got home it was time for a rest. Andon thought this was hilarious!

On our 4th and last day we headed over to the little Zoo. They had quite a few animals and a great little show. The kids loved feeding the animals with the Zoo Puffs they sell there.

Bry touching a bearded dragon during the show. She touched everything that went around and was very excited about it. Andon toughed the snake but enjoyed just looking at the other animals!

The zoo had lots of big cats!

In the afternoon we went out to the beach and played until dinner. Bry liked going out into the waves if someone was holding her. Andon went out once but preferred the sand.

Being buried was a huge hit!

After dinner we walked down the street to an ice cream shop and then headed back down the beach for an evening stroll.

Goofy Kids!

Brylynn found an abandoned shovel and then an abandoned pail on the walk. We left them in the sand by our condo for someone to find.

The next day we got back in the car for the drive home.

We made it to Baton Rouge and stopped for a picnic along the Mississippi River.

We happened to eat next to the museum for the USS Kidd. It looked interesting so we bought a ticket and boarded the ship. It was one of the best battleship I have been on.

Andon loved the guns.

The Museum was neat and had a ton of models which we all liked along with a video on submarines which was very interesting.

Then it was back in the car for the rest of the ride home. Here is a great little place called Henderson Swamp, although it is spelled wrong I still thought it was neat!

After making one more stop in Louisiana for dinner we finally made it to Texas and then back home.

It was a wonderful trip and fun was had by all. Now we are busy preparing for our move to California we leave in 2 days and things are crazy around here! Although we are busy with the move we can not help but discuss next years beach trip. Still not sure but it will either be the east or west coast.

Alabama Part 1

2011-07-24T14:37:00.009-05:00

We had a great time during our trip to Gulf Shores Alabama! Every year we hit a different state for our summer beach trip since this is our last summer in Texas we decided to try driving to Alabama. It is a 9 hour drive but after the 3 day drive to CA in December I knew we could easily do it. My kids are wonderful car riders! We left the house at 6 in the morning stopped once for coffee, had lunch in Baton Rouge, spent about 2 hours in New Orleans, stopped in Mobile for dinner, and then finished our trip in Gulf Shores.

Here are the kids at different stages during the trip! Basically their ride consisted of reading, playing, sleeping, and one princess movie on the way home we watched a Star Wars movie.

I have always wanted to go to the French Quarter in New Orleans so we made a quick stop on our way. It is absolutely beautiful and I can not wait to go back again!

We stopped at a candy store in New Orleans. Bry got chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles and Andon got a chocolate alligator.
Right after the candy store it started to pour! It was a huge lightening storm which promptly started to flood the streets. We walked a few blocks and then decided it was best to find a dry area and send Stephen for the car.

Here are the kids completely soaked and covering their ears from the thunder. I had to strip them down to their underwear before putting them in the car. So yes my kids have now striped on a New Orleans street! I am so proud!

After a fun trip we reached Alabama.

It was dark when we finally got to our room but here is the view I woke up to.

In this picture you can see a large school of fish swimming in the water. There were also many dolphins jumping around them.

We spent the morning on the beach!

The kids also like the pool! Here they are swimming back and forth from Stephen.

Although the weather was beautiful the first day it rained during our second and third day. Here the kids are standing on our balcony feeling the rain.

A little rain could not stop us from heading out to the beach.

After a little beach time we boarded a fairy out to Dauphin Island. What a wonderful little place if we came back I would definitely be staying on the Island!

The island had a great little aquarium.

Bry picking up the hermit crabs! Andon would not even put his hand in the water.

We then headed back to Gulf Shores and finished the evening with a snow cone or snowball as they are called in Alabama.

NASA

2011-07-20T21:18:00.005-05:00

We took one Saturday to visit the NASA space center or as Andon called it the Space Museum. He could not wait to go and we all had a very good time.
Daddy's favorite was the space shuttle landing game.

Sitting in the shuttle ready for take off.

My little astronauts!

Watching one of the space films!

We took one of the tram rides to the mockups for the international space station and to see some different rockets.

Rockets!!
Astronaut Ice Cream!

Touching a moon rock.

Above all playing in the huge indoor play structure was the biggest hit!

4th of July

2011-07-20T20:52:00.005-05:00

Wow how did it get to be the end of July and I am just posting these? This month has been crazy for us. We had the 4th and then a trip to NASA, a vacation to Alabama, and next week we start our move to California!!
During the 4th of July weekend we went to the Houston Symphony, The Woodlands Parade, and had a wonderful dinner with friends. The kids love the symphony we get there early and enjoy the pre-concert activities, then we grab chairs and head to the lawn seats to relax and listen to the music.
One of the pre-concert activities was getting your picture with The Woodlands mascot Puffy the Pinecone. We actually had never done this before so we stopped to get our first and last picture with Puffy. They gave the kids a Polaroid which Brylynn thought was absolutely amazing!
After coloring and making bracelets we headed to the lawn. The kids ran around until the concert started and then they sat so wonderfully. Andon never moved Bry got up a few times for a dance break.

The next day we got up early and met some friends for the Parade. The kids got balloons and had a great time battling with the swords. The girls got flowers which promptly became swords as well.

My kids and load noises!
That evening we went to the Mac's house for dinner with a couple of other families. We had lots of fun. The kids especially liked Finn's Darth Vader costume. Andon says he wants to be Vader for Halloween now!
Andon as Vader
Brylynn as Vader.
Stephen reading to some of the older kids (including Vader and Iron Man)

Kemah Boardwalk

2011-07-05T21:20:00.007-05:00

After our fun day in Galveston we spent Sunday at the Kemah Boardwalk. The have a small Aquarium, stingray feeding, and lots fun rides and games. Andon loves sharks so of course he loved this bench!

The first thing we did was feed the stingrays. You feed the stingrays dead little fish so mom was not really interested in doing the actual feeding but dad had no problem with it. Andon tried once but got scared when the ray came close. Bry was awesome and tried and succeeded in feeding the rays. Everyone except Andon petted the rays many times as they came by.

Andon found a tank with silver and pink fish and little sharks! He watched that tank for most of our time in the aquarium.

Brylynn just a goof at all times was hugging the piranha tank.

For lunch we went to the Aquarium restaurant. They have a huge tank in the center of the restaurant and the whole decor makes you feel like you are underwater. The kids absolutely loved it!

Next we headed to the rides. Here is Andon taking daddy for an airplane ride.

My little pilot!The Ferris Wheel was lots of fun!

The Train!

The Merry Go Round. Bry loved the second level!

Andon enjoyed the spinning cup on the bottom level.

We introduced the kids to Dipping Dots. I think he liked it!

Not long after starting home the kids were both asleep. Two days of fun is exhausting!
A wonderful weekend was had by all!

Saturday in Galvaston

2011-06-26T20:35:00.009-05:00

On Saturday we went to Galveston. This was our first weekend trip since our trip almost 3 years ago to San Antonio and our first time back to Galveston in over 5 years. We had a very busy day but it was a ton of fun! Plus it was a wonderful distraction from all the packing going on at home.
First stop was the Lone Star Flight Museum (Stephen's pick). It is amazing how much was destroyed 3 years ago in Hurricane Ike and how much work still needs to be done at the small museums. The planes were very cool to see up close and we learned a lot about aircraft through the years.

After lunch the next stop was the train museum (Andon's pick). The museum and many of the trains still needs some work to get it back to pre-Ike condition but the trains that were restored were awesome!
These sitting areas had beds above them. How much fun would it be to travel by train through the night and day? Seeing the countryside during the day and sleeping as we cover ground at night. I think a long train trip will be a future Selos vacation!
After the Trains we stopped at LaKing an old fashion soda shop and candy store. We all enjoyed some delicious Ice Cream!

We then went on a ferry ride (my pick). We drove a short way into Port Bolivar and made a quick stop at Fort Travis Seaside Park. A very old fort from 1898.

We then got back on the ferry to Galveston.

Can you see the dolphin swimming by our ferry?
After a quick stop at the hotel we headed across the street to the beach (Bry's pick). The kids found lots of shells (and seaweed).

We found a crab claw
Andon with the claw.
Brylynn! Yes she is crazy!

Of course we also built many sand castles.

At the end of a long day nothings better then a hotel pizza picnic!

A little video of some beach fun! Yes that is piles of seaweed on the beach, no one said the Galveston Beaches were beautiful.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

2011-06-22T21:42:00.004-05:00

Last week Andon saw some Ice Cream Sandwiches while we were out and asked for them. I explained to him that those sandwiches were not made with ingredients that are appropriate for our family but I would happily make some at home with him if he wanted. So yesterday we worked hard to create delicious Ice Cream Sandwiches made from scratch with real ingredients.
First we started with the Ice Cream using our favorite recipe for vanilla ice cream.

Next we started on the cookie part of the sandwich. We used these Chocolate Sandwich Cookies.

Of course we did not have to wait till everything was done to enjoy a bit of the yummy ingredients. Here are the kids sharing the paddle from the ice cream mixer and the mixer from the chocolate cookie sandwiches.
Once we finished all the ingredients we put it all together using some Tovolo molds. They were absolutely the best ice cream sandwiches I have ever had and well worth the work!

Summer Randomness

2011-06-17T16:05:00.004-05:00

The kids love music! Lately we have been hearing only two things at our house Winnie the Pooh and Star Wars. Bry discovered this music box it was mine but has been sitting on her Winnie the Pooh shelf since she was born. She loves to listen to the music, watch Winnie spin, and turn the key when it stops.
Andon has a MP3 player that we recently loaded with all the Star Wars songs we have. They are all orchestra but Andon knows them all by heart. Here he is listening in his Jedi robe with his light saber close at hand.

Summer in TX means lots of pool time Here is a picture of the kids resting by the pool and soaking up some sun.

Going down the slide.
Brylynn
Andon

Wearing mom's shoes! She is becoming

Playing while Daddy is away

2011-06-10T20:34:00.005-05:00

Daddy is gone this week playing golf in South Carolina. While he is away when have been busy enjoying more days of summer. Of course we have spent a lot of time at the pool but we have been enjoying a few other things as well.
The other day we had to get eggs from our local free range source where they also happen to have blackberry picking. We never pass up an opportunity to get fresh local food.

The top bucket is mine the one on the left is Brylynn's and the one on the right is Andon's.

We spent this afternoon playing in the backyard. First the kids took out their golf clubs and practiced their swing. Daddy would be proud!

Then they spent some time playing T-ball.

Bry and I then walked through the garden picking some yummy fresh veggies!

Could the eggplants be any prettier? They are delicious too!

We then enjoyed homemade pizza and an 0's Rainbow Brite movie!

Although we are having lots of fun we miss Daddy and can not wait for him to come home...especially since I get to go on a little vacation next:)

Random

2011-06-07T20:51:00.004-05:00

We have been doing a lot of nothing so far this summer. Here are a few of our fun moments so far.
We have had a couple of summer showers which are quite fun when you have rain boots and umbrellas.

The kids have been playing Star Wars all the time. Brylynn is almost always Amidala and Andon switches between Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon Jin.

There is always time for swimming and playing at the pool! here the kids are resting and enjoying lunch.

Here the kids are playing in our backyard pool!

We are looking forward to many more fun days ahead this summer. Of course we also have to pack and move this summer but that will have to wait because right now we are going to enjoy these carefree days of summer.

Summer is here!

2011-05-29T20:36:00.005-05:00

Well we are officially starting our summer vacation! We spent today at the pool enjoying the hot weather and the freedom from any schedule. Last week the kids had their last days of preschool. Bry finished her first year of preschool in the 2 year old classroom. Andon finished his year of PreK which means when he starts back to school in the fall he will be a Kindergartener! We have truly enjoyed every year he has been at Interfaith.

Bry had her end of the year party on Tuesday. The kids enjoyed a small craft and then had yummy early lunch complete with lots of treats!

Brylynn and her teacher Ms. Elena.

On Friday Andon had his end of the year party at a local park. Of course, as always, Bry sat right down and joined the class she fits right in. Here the kids are talking and being goofy. Andon is not a fan of loud groups.

Each child received a diploma, trophy, and CD containing pictures from the year. He had an absolutely wonderful class this year (parents and kids) and two amazing teachers!

It always amazes me when the kids have a whole group of other friends to play with and they choose to spend their time together. They are becoming wonderful playmates!

After the park one of the students in Andon's class had everyone over to their house for a pool party. Andon had the best time playing with all his friends from school.

His favorite part was the water guns!
Here he is swimming across the spa.

We are looking forward to enjoying every minute of our summer. The kids are at such a fun age right now and are getting along better then ever. It is not uncommon for them to play together for an hour or more with out any conflict. It helps that Bry likes to play Star Wars and Legos just as much as Andon does. She does occasionally like her dolls and princess but Star Wars rules over all else at this house! We have many fun outings and trips planned for the summer I can not wait!

Swimming

2011-05-29T20:05:00.003-05:00

After a year and a half of weekly swim lesson we had our last lesson this week. The kids have learned so much. They are confident in the water, they can both swim short distances, float on their back, and jump in and swim back to the side. Because our summer is a little crazy we decided to take a swim lesson break. We will be in the pool a lot this summer while we are in town just no formal lessons right now. I took some pictures of their last lesson and a little video of them floating or their backs to share with everyone.

Brylynn

Andon

Hiking and my Birthday

2011-05-24T13:40:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we took the kids for a little hike in the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. It is a small wooded area near our house with great hiking trails. The kids had a great time finding "nature" they would stop anytime they saw an insect and say "look nature!" It was so funny!

My favorite picture of the day!

By the end of the hike they were getting a bit tired so Daddy helped out by giving piggy back rides.

Last week was my birthday and the kids were more then happy to help me celebrate. We went out to eat and then we got some frozen yogurt. It was a wonderful evening spent enjoying my favorite people. Here are a couple pictures of the kids watching the fish and the turtles in the waterway.

Hockey, Nails, and Kites

2011-05-15T14:02:00.003-05:00

Last weekend after the party the fun continued. On Sunday we went to watch Daddy play Hockey.

Andon is always way more into the games then actually watching Daddy. Papa gladly joined Andon in playing! He also got some help from the girls. If you look carefully you can see him behind Goya.

On Monday while the boys played Legos the girls went out to get their nails done. Bry got her first pedicure and she could not have been more excited.

All the pretty toes!

On Tuesday Auntie Em and I took the kids to fly Andon's new kite.
Brylynn Flying the Kite.

Andon flying the kite.

5 Years Old!!!

2011-05-07T21:29:00.010-05:00

Andon turned 5 today! I can not beleive it has been 5 years since we became parents. Andon is a wonderful little boy, smart, sweet, funny, and very loving. Earlier in the week we celebrated Andon's birthday in his classroom with cookies and then today we had his big birthday party.

Andon wanted a Star Wars party with Jedi training. So of course I spent countless hours preparing to train 30 kids to be Jedi. It was a very successful party and I think everyone had a great time. We started the training with Tattoos because every tough Jedi needs a tattoo.

The kids were then given their Jedi outfits created by Goya, Auntie Em, and myself. They then had to prove themselves agile and fast by completing an obstacle course. I was lucky enough to have plenty of Master Jedi to help in the training. Here papa is helping the kids through the tunnel.

After completing the obstacle course the kids had to search for gemstones (little beads) in order to receive their Light Sabers (pool noodles).

After plenty of practice battles we learned about the enemies to the Jedi. To crush the enemies we took turns knocking them down with beanbags.
After all the training the young Jedi took a short quiz(bingo game) on Star Wars. Upon completion they were given certificates of course completing and made Master Jedi Knights.
After training and lunch it was time for cake! Auntie Em made a very awesome Death Star cake. Which included not only the death star but tie fighters, x-wings, Luke, Leia, and Obi-Wan.

The detail work of the tie fighter and x wing battle.

The singing got a bit loud with so many friends but Andon recovered quickly
Andon then waited patiently until the party was over and he was ale to unwrap his gifts.

Andon and Bry had fun with all the new toys the rest of the afternoon!

Andon is becoming a master at putting together Legos!

For dinner Andon picked Chick-Fil-A. He also wore his Jedi robe all day!

When we came home it was time for more gifts and cards. This time they were from all his wonderful family! This picture is of the Lego game the Bry picked out especially for Andon.

Andon had a wonderful birthday!! Thank you to all of our friends and family who helped make today so special for our little man. It is still so hard to beleive that we have a 5 year old!

Easter Weekend

2011-04-26T20:16:00.005-05:00

We had a great Easter Weekend! On Saturday morning we started with an Egg hunt at Villa. The kids filled there baskets to the brim and had a great time with their friends.

Andon and Brylynn waiting with some friends for their egg hunt to start.

Filling their baskets!

Saturday afternoon we colored eggs.

On Easter Morning the kids were excited to find their baskets filled in front of their doors.

More treats were found downstairs from Grandma and Grandpa Selos.

After breakfast we discovered that the Easter Bunny had hid our colored eggs in the backyard. We went right out to find them. Andon did a wonderful job helping his little sister find eggs and making sure that they had the same amount. Such a good big brother!

Andon refused to try an egg he said "I tried one last year," which is true but I was hoping he would at least try another. Bry was happy to try one and she seemed to like it at least a little bit.

Happy Easter!

A visit from California

2011-04-23T21:51:00.005-05:00

This week has been so much fun! Two of our favorite friends from California came to visit this week and we gave them a little glimpse into our Texas life.

On Wednesday we spent most of the day hanging out at home and just playing. In the evening we headed out to a free Houston Symphony Concert. This one was themed out of this world and included songs from Star Wars. We met our friend Finn and his parents at the concert.

The kids rolling down the hill.

I love this picture of Andon and Stephen as well as the next one of Stephen and the kids.

Stephen and the kids

On our second day we went to the Houston Zoo.
Here is the kids favorite Zoo creature "Steve" I jokingly named him once and it stuck. Every time we go to the Zoo the kids ask to go see Steve.

Steph and the kids

Tatum has a pair of boots she loves to wear. They were also a big hit with my kids. I think we need some boots.

On our third day together we headed over to the splash pad by the waterway. It was a lot of fun until Andon fell head first into one of the fountains. He was fine but he was done playing.

I love this picture Tatum is laying on the pavement trying to get warm and mine are running through the water.

Andon after the fall in the fountain seen behind him.

There are many great perks to living in The Woodlands and we are so happy we got to share them with our CA friends. Stephanie and Tatum you are welcome back anytime!

Spring Time Pool Time

2011-04-19T14:22:00.005-05:00

Well it is finally getting really warm around here which means pool time! Last Friday we met our friend Finn and his mom at the pool we had a blast! This year the pool will be so much easier then any other year. Both kids are finally able to dress and undress themselves, they both can somewhat swim (at least where they can touch the ground) and they want to be independent.

Andon started doing handstands and backwards flips in the pool. Bry is not far behind.

After the pool we spent the evening in our backyard having fun and enjoying a picnic dinner.

It is strawberry season we enjoyed homemade strawberry shortcakes last night. Yum!! The strawberries came straight from our backyard.

And finally we registered our little guy for Kindergarten (all day Kindergarten at that). I can not beleive my baby is almost 5 and headed off to school. As he said the other day "I am happy and a little nervous."

Our Week

2011-04-12T13:38:00.008-05:00

We have been enjoying the beautiful spring weather here. We are spending a lot of time outdoors and are getting ready to hit the pools real soon.

Last Wednesday we met some friends at North Shore Park. It is a very nice park but the ducks and water is so attractive I am always worried the kids are going to fall in Lake Woodlands, and believe me it is not a place you want to go swimming.

Brylynn, Andon, and a couple of our friends out on one of the docks.

On Saturday Villa (our gym although I always say it is more like a country club with a gym in it) held a Carnival to show off all the summer programs. We had a wonderful time seeing everything they have to offer. Although with all our traveling this summer it would be silly to sign up for any summer activities. Brylynn wanted to try absolutely everything. Andon was only interested in the water guns and looking at the animals.

Andon with a water gun and Bry on the giant slide at the end of the obstacle course.

Brylynn climbing across a wobbly ladder and getting her face painted.

Brylynn petting an armadillo and a baby kangaroo.

After all the carnival fun we went to a friends house for a Craw-fish Boil. Bry tried a crawfish but thought they were too spicy. She is an adventurous eater and probably would have enjoyed them if they did not have so many spices on them. Andon stuck to mac and cheese, cookies, and ice cream.

On Sunday we went to Finn's birthday party. It had been a late night on Saturday so with two tired and cranky kids we did not get to stay and enjoy the entire party. Bry did get a chance to climb the rock wall and play a game or two with her fiends. Andon was too cranky to participate.

On Monday I was able to do a small project in Andon's class as well as read and play a fun game. I love that I am able to spend time in each of my kids classes and that they both have such wonderful teachers this year.

Oh and we can not forget the Plan City we built in the living room. Andon actually built most of it I just made sure the tracks and road all connected. Yes the track goes all the way around the table.

One last pic of our garden right now. We have so much growing and can not wait to harvest it all.

Sand and Nap Time

2011-04-01T20:29:00.006-05:00

I wanted to share this photo of Andon at school. Certainly explains the sand that is all over my entryway!

Nap time is sort of non existent around here but rest time is mandatory. Most days I can here the kids in their rooms playing or singing but there are a few days every once in a while when it is silent upstairs. Here are a couple of pictures of the kids when I went up to get them. Andon is sound asleep and Bry has tucked herself in with her babies. If Andon does fall asleep it is almost always with an open book.

Random Spring Stuff

2011-03-25T15:00:00.006-05:00

We are having so much fun this spring. The weather is beautiful and the kids are at a great fun and independent age. Bry can be quite stubborn at times and very fussy and there are days I swear I am losing my mind but overall things are good. Andon seems to have left the preschool stage behind and is quickly turning into a kindergartener.

Enjoying dessert outside. Yummy Monkey Ice!

Brylynn has her own style, pink leg warmers and flame glasses. She is also "reading" a chapter book. The kids love The Magic Tree House.

Roasting marshmallows in the back yard!

Brylynn's 3 year old dress. I am three for three in making a new dress for her birthday!

Riding bikes out front. Bry is still struggling with the peddles but Andon rides wonderfully.

Finding ladybugs on the artichokes.

We took a trip to the Zoo last week with some of our friends. Bry was the only girl there but she can easily hold her own.

The boys thought the construction was even more interesting then the animals.

The crawl through fish tank is always a hit.

More Birthday Fun for Brylynn!!

2011-03-13T11:22:00.008-05:00

Well I think we are officially done with all the Birthday activities. This week Brylynn had a little cupcake party at school and then her big Princess Birthday Party at home.

First was her little celebration in her class. Since Andon is in the class next door he came over for a bit to help celebrate. They are always so loving to each other outside of the house.

Since January she has been telling anyone who will listen that her birthday was coming up and the her "Mmm" (Auntie Em) was making her a castle cake. So needless to say she was quite excited when the actual day came.
We started the party with some free play outside. I love my backyard it can easily accommodate 20 kids without any problem.

Next we suited up for a dragon hunt. My sister and I made the kids princess crowns and knight tunics. We followed a series of clues through out the house and yard that lead to the garden where a basket of dragon eggs were waiting for the kids. We also made little stuffed dragons for the kids.

After lunch came the best part of most any birthday party...the cake! Emily made the best princess cake ever! Everything is edible and absolutely none of that nasty fondant stuff only real cake and real frosting:) She is very talented.

Bry wanted a peice of chocolate cake Andon insisted on eating the dragon.

After all the fun Andon and Bry sat down to open her gifts together. She was super excited about all her gifts. She certainly is one lucky girl and we are a very lucky family to have such wonderful friends to celebrate with!

Happy Birthday Brylynn!!

2011-03-07T21:00:00.003-06:00

It is hard to beleive that this was 3 years ago. Yes our baby girl is now 3 years old! Auntie Em and Bry spent the morning making cupcakes for Bry's class and then this evening we went out to pizza and ice cream which was just what B asked for.

Auntie Em and Bry! They look so much alike.

Running around after pizza.

A rare picture of me with the kids!

When we got home presents were waiting for us! Auntie Em got Bry a Bitty Baby which she loves and is currently sleeping next to tonight. Of course you can not get a new baby without a few accessories so the new baby also has a few new sets of clothes and a special backpack to carry it all in.

Andon thought the baby was pretty neat as well. He even asked if he could get one too.

Warm Weather and Valentines

2011-02-14T21:06:00.004-06:00

Well the weather has been beautiful here and we have been enjoying it. Yesterday we ate dinner outside and then had our first out door fire of the year. We also opened a couple boxes of girl scout cookies. Hopefully we will get to have many more evening like this.

Today we made valentines dinner for Daddy. We made acorn squash raviolis and garlic sage sauce. The kids absolutely loved rolling out the pasta dough and cutting the raviolis.

Plain pasta for the picky little boy who would not even try the raviolis.

The kids got their Valentines gifts, new Sprig garden toys.

For dessert Bry and I made Banana Chocolate Purses with home made whip cream of course.

Happy Valentines Day!

Snow Fun

2011-02-02T15:08:00.008-06:00

While in California we took some time to drive up to the snow. I love that I got to drive my truck a bit and that we were able to see the beautiful mountain scenery.

My little snow bunnies.

Building snowmen and making snowballs. We got a snowball maker which Andon loved!

Bry jumped on the sleds right away but Andon was a bit more cautious. Eventually they both found that they loved to sled.

This one was taken at the end of Bry's first trip in the saucer. She loved it!

After a while both kids were sledding on their own and giggling like crazy!

Jelly Belly Factory

2011-02-02T14:59:00.002-06:00

We were back in California last week for Grum's 80th birthday. While we were there Emily and I took the kids to the Jelly Belly Factory. It was lots of fun and the kids really enjoyed watching how the Jelly Bellys are made.

Hats on and ready for the tour!

"Look a Jelly Belly car!"

Disneyland

2011-01-09T14:26:00.006-06:00

We spent the last 3 days of our California trip at Disneyland. It was wet, cold, and crowded but we still managed to have a little fun.

It rained the first morning we were there. Good thing Papa and Goya brought ponchos with them.

Princess Brylynn

Waiting for the first ride of the trip The Haunted Mansion. Andon choose Auntie Katie as his riding partner for almost every ride.

Daddy could not resist buying the kids lollipops.

Both A and B were big enough to drive their own car at the Autopia.

My favorite picture of the trip!

Brylynn getting a hug (or maybe a strangle) from her brother.

Pluto! Bry walked right up and gave him a hug Andon hid in the back and snuck up for a quick pet.

Brylynn discovered the joy of roller coasters. She loved it and insisted that we go over and over again.

Andon in front of the A in California with his double sided light saber he made. The light saber when fully extended is about 6 feet long. Words can not describe how much he loves it!

We had to force Andon on to the non swinging cars on the ferris wheel but the next day he begged to ride it again. This and the train were his favorite rides this year.

Brylynn can not pass a merry-go-round without riding so Goya took her on this one.

It was nice to see Disneyland all decorated for Christmas but I think next time we go it will be when it is a bit warmer.

Visiting Family and a First Haircut

2011-01-09T10:45:00.003-06:00

After our Christmas at home we headed toward California on our first big day road trip. The kids did great they played, read, and watched movies and were quiet content on the way to CA.

For our first night we stopped at a hotel in west Texas. For our second night we stayed at my Aunt Sheri's house in Phoenix, AZ. We had a great time visiting, Andon enjoyed playing with all the dogs and both kids loved picking the fresh fruit from the trees.

We finally arrived in CA after three days and had a wonderful dinner with our family. The kids finally got to meet some of their cousins and boy did they all have a great time! I can not explain how wonderful it was to see the kids pick up and play together like they had known each other their whole lives.

Andon loved his cousin Caleb together they played Star Wars Legos and had light saber battles. Bry absolutely adored her big cousin Nikki and all the animals.

The next day we headed to Aunt Sharan's house and again the kids got to play with another cousin. They loved Dylan and all the toys.

We even got a visit with my Auntie Opal. She is my great grandmother's sister and such an incredibly wonderful women.

You can not go to CA and not stop at In N Out. We got there twice during out visit.

The last thing we did before going to Disneyland was visit Auntie Katie. Katie is a fabulous hairstylist in LA so while we were visiting Bry got her first haircut. Brylynn was supper excited to sit in the big chair and get her hair done. Katie did a wonderful job and Bry looks super cute!

Christmas

2011-01-05T20:26:00.005-06:00

Wow what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. I know Christmas was a while ago but I am just now getting the time to post.

Christmas Eve presents (a new book and pajamas)

After our bath and in our new pajamas ready to watch The Polar Express, our Christmas Eve tradition since Andon was a baby.

Enjoying treats and hot cocoa during the movie.

How exciting Christmas morning was this year. We are at the perfect time right now with the kids where they understand the magic of Christmas. Santa of course brought them the only things they asked for a Lego Clone Walker for Andon and a Lego Amidala for Brylynn.

Then it was on to opening the rest of the gifts. Andon was very excited about his Hess truck from Grandma and Grandpa. I made the kids pirate costumes and Tinkerbell Fairies for Brylynn which was a big hit.

Pink Legos and a new Sprig airplane!

After playing with our new toys that morning we had lunch and headed out the door to start our road trip to California. It was a wonderful Christmas!

Ice Skating

2011-01-05T20:04:00.003-06:00

Andon has been begging all month to go Ice Skating at the rink they put up every year for the holiday season. So before Christmas we went to try it. The kids had a great time, we could not get Andon off the ice. The kids have little feet so we were given the little double blade skates that strap on the the kids shoes. These were wonderful because the kids got to enjoy their time on the ice without worrying about falling.

Christmas Parties

2010-12-17T18:08:00.003-06:00

This was a busy week with both of the kids class parties. Brylynn's party was on Thursday and Andon's party was Friday.

Andon's party started out with food (always a hit with the kids). Bry ate a little and then enjoyed the classroom library.

After the kids were done eating we headed outside for a little "snow". This snow is a powder that you add water to and it puffs up to a snow like fluff. Andon shared with his sister and the two of them played together.

The kids then sang a couple songs for the parents and had a gift exchange. It was a great party and the kids greatly enjoyed it.

Brylynn's party was also lots of fun. We did a little ornament craft before the snack and cookies.

After a little playtime the kids had a book exchange. The kids all had fun and went home with a new book.

Birthday and Christmas

2010-12-08T21:42:00.004-06:00

It is December and that mean s all sorts of Christmas fun. This week we visited with Santa, picked out our ornaments, and decorated our little tree.

Look no crying this year! The kids both loved seeing Santa and telling him what they wanted for Christmas. Although Andon would not sit on his lap.

Decorating the Christmas Tree. We have our little fake one out this year since we will be leaving for the holidays. We picked out only a few of our huge ornament collection for the tree this year.

Daddy hanging the Christmas lights.

It has been busy around here but we could not forget Dad's birthday. The kids were super excited this year about celebrating his birthday. They picked out presents for him (Star War Legos) and helped make the cake. Then of course they had to help him unwrap his presents and blow out the candles on the cake. Life is so much more fun with all the little helpers!

Thanksgiving in North Carolina

2010-11-26T21:10:00.005-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving week in North Carolina this year and had a lot of fun. We spent a day at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. We have been there before and it was fun to return.

On the Dinosaur Trail

My favorite picture of the week!!!

Bears, sailboats, and mist.

A very rare photo of me and Stephen relaxing on the moon.

Hands on kids play area.

We spent one evening at the Hurricanes game. Bry fell asleep on the ride to the stadium but woke up in time to watch the action.

Andon could not have been more excited. He yelled "Let's go Canes" and "Let's go North Carolina Hurricanes" through out the entire game. Bry decided to yell some encouragement as well "Let's go Texans" was her chant of choice. I guess she has been watching too much football with daddy lately.

I must say flying with the kids has definitely gotten easier. On the flight to NC the kids played, read, and entertained themselves. On the ride home they played, read, and watched Tinkerbell.

Star Wars!!!

2010-11-13T12:29:00.002-06:00

Star Wars has invaded our house and we are loving it! Andon has been talking about and asking questions about Star Wars for the last year. I think he first learned about it from other kids at preschool. Since Stephen is a big Star Wars fan he was very excited to watch the movies with the kids. A few weeks ago we started with number 4 and we have been watching one a week ever since.

Pizza, popcorn, pajamas, and Star Wars. What could be better?

Happy kids waiting for the movie to start!

Andon put together this Darth Vader outfit from items in our dress up area. He walks around breathing heavy and talking about the dark side. Then he will take off the helmet and say he is now Aniken Skywalker. Bry of course loves Princess Leia and runs away from Darth yelling for her brother Luke to come help her.

Last night during part of the film Andon was getting pretty upset. Bry walked over to him and said "An I have to tell you something. It is ok. It is pretend."

Halloween

2010-10-31T21:39:00.004-05:00

Halloween again I am feeling a little deja vu from last year. The kids decided to be a Knight and a Princess again. Unfortunately their costumes from last year were just slightly too small so I made them new costumes for this year. These are big enough to fit for a couple of years just in case.

Ready to go Trick-or-Treating!

Our finished pumpkins this year.

The first house of the night.

We met up with our wonderful neighbors for some fun.

The kids made it about half way around our neighborhood before they were ready to go home. We got home and enjoyed a few treats. It was a beautiful and fun evening.