Spring Break 2010

For Spring Break this year, the kids and I went to visit my parents in NM. The road trip was an adventure. My friend's parents live in a nearby town in NM so we decided to travel together to see our folks...2 Moms, 5 kids, 1 new puppy (not ours). It went really well...much better than my friend and I imagined. It didn't take long to discover I was fortunate to be the driver. My friend was the "snack lady"...every few minutes it seemed, she heard from 1 or more children that they were hungry or thirsty, or needing assistance in some manner. If we go on another road trip together, we decided there will be designated snack times.

The Roadies

We made it to my Mom's...Mimi, as the kids call her. We stayed with her and SO enjoyed our time visiting with her. Sissy and JT love her backyard. Mom has a talent growing things, especially beautiful roses.

Mimi bought them each something from "Wally World" to play with at her house...Sissy, the artist, got sidewalk chalk and JT got a baseball bat & tee.

We tried out several parks around Mimi's town. Grandad joined us for lunch and the parks.

My parents can still act like kids. It was fun playing together.

We went to my Dad's house...he only lives about 35 miles from Mom. The kids had a blast. Dad and Jackie know how to entertain kids.

They have a karaoke machine, which they love to sing on, especially Sissy. JT even did his *Metallica* version on B-I-N-G-O...which he learned from his Daddy.

Grandad even had a "Mountain" in the living room for the kids to climb and play in. And, I quickly emphasized to the kids that "NO, we will not be getting a mountain in our house."

My Dad...retired Army Lt. Colonel

love you Dad

Here's the old railroad bridge that they still use and my Dad used to play on when he was a kid. JT loved this...train obsession and all.

Cool park by the river

View of the river and bridge

Grandad also has his own golf cart, which what we rode around in to the golf course, park and river. My kids loved it; they think Grandad ROCKS. He even let them drive..a little scary.

Grandad has a golf course as his backyard, which is really nice and fun for the kids. And, "NO" again...we're not going to "get a golf course" either.

March 2010

March was a fun month for us with several special events...

Sissy and I went to see *Phantom of the Opera*, which was the first time we had seen the musical. We love the movie and sound track, but it was fantastic to see it on person. I'm so glad we went since the tour of 17 years wraps up this year. You should have seen Sissy's face during the show, especially when they first dropped the curtain. LOVED IT!

Sissy was in her school's 2nd Grade Program. She's on the left, mid way up.

Other pic's didn't turn.

Some of JT's art from preschool. His 'clouds' are straight and 'rain' uniform.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Love that kid. LOL.

Daddy went and qualified for *Pinks All Out* while they were in Dallas. He ran FAST, but unfortunately, they didn't choose his bracket for the race. At least, he can say he's done it.

We also went on a road trip during Spring Break to see my parents...see the next post for pictures.

January-February 2010

I'm still playing catch up and still doing things backwards. Sigh. Here are some pictures from Jan. & Feb. of this year. Enjoy...more to come.

Sissy's Art was featured for her school at the LISD Elementary Art Show.

She's still quite the artist...amazing some of things she draws.

SNOW...We got more snow in January; it was so fun playing in it!

Aren't they cute?

Last year, we started a tradition of getting together with friends for New Years. The kids get pizza and a movie. The adults get Beef Wellington made by my friend, who is a fantastic cook. We feel so privileged to get to have this fancy and tasty dinner.

At Christmas time, there's a model train exhibit. We went on New Years Day to miss the crowd. Yeah! And, it was great. JT did not want to leave...as you can imagine if you know how much this boy likes trains. We all enjoyed it and voted to make it a tradition.

Christmas 2009

Here are some pictures from December 2009. Unfortunately, they're not in the right order, but there's just too many to move around. Sigh...

December was a great month of course. Christmas time is my favorite time of the year.

LOVE IT!

We spent Christmas Day at my brother-in-law's house. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and seeing Grammy & Papa.

The kids spent some time outside; unfortunately, the snow melted off quick.

Here's Daddy getting some exercise.

The big girls are ready for their ride. They were almost dragging the ground.

Daddy and Uncle Paul played LOTS of Big Game Hunter. (Snore)

We had our first WHITE CHRISTMAS together as a family. It started snowing Christmas Eve and we woke up to a white Christmas. We went outside as a family to play in the snow Christmas morning before it melted off. Where were all the neighbors? They missed it.

We had a blast having a snow ball fight. The snow reminded me of all the great times I had as a child playing in the West TX snow and the NM/CO mountains.

Little snowman for a little boy

We had Christmas morning at home, which is our family tradition to be home for Santa Claus and Christmas Eve service at our church.

Winter Party at Sissy's School

Sissy and her teacher

Little brother was there of course

Look Mom! Red Icing

Thanksgiving 2009

Last Thanksgiving, my sister and her 3 kids came to our house. We had a great time, especially the kids who always have a blast playing together. With 5 active kids, there's LOTS of energy so we spent A LOT of time at different parks letting the kids play. So fun to see how all of the kids are growing up and their little personalities...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree on some things. LOL. Dee and I aren't sure how we did it, but we make really cute kids. :)