Spring Break - San Antonio

My brother, Steven, and his wife, Claire, invited us to come and visit so we decided to make San Antonio our Spring Break destination this year! Wohoo! The boys were so excited the entire week leading up to our trip. Ryan told his class and teacher all about Uncle Steve and his magic m&m tree*. 

*The M&M tree came about because Uncle Steve would give the boys candy every time he saw them - specifically m&ms. He would randomly send them pictures of himself eating m&ms and told them that's what he ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He said that he even had a tree at his house in San Antonio. And that stuck. 

My mom hitched a ride (with a friend) up to Dallas so that she could help me drive down to San Antonio with the kids.  We left Sunday morning around 10:30 and got to Uncle Steve's around 2:30/3pm. When we arrived, Uncle Steve took us out back to check out his M&M tree. Pretty cool tree, huh?

So of course we picked some fresh m&ms. 

We played and then headed out for fajitas and ritas at El Chaparral. 

Our first day we checked out the neighborhood park and played in the backyard. The boys played on the slip n' slide for over an hour...they loved it!

That night Claire's sister Jillian came over and bought her new kitten, Felix.  All three kids were obsessed. Especially Hayden. 

I have never seen her focus on anything for as long as she did on little Felix. 

After a bit, Felix needed a break, so they put him upstairs so the crazy kids couldn't get him. We ate dinner and then had a water balloon fight! 

On Tuesday we headed to the San Antonio Zoo

Since it was Spring Break it was pretty crazy but once we got inside it wasn't too bad. The main issue was that I completely forgot Hayden's shoes...and she kinda hates being in the stroller so that was fun. Luckily she is obsessed with her Papu and he was able to hold her most of the time. Every once in a while he needed a break and she was a little escapee. We eventually found some sandals at a zoo shop but they were pretty horrible and would hardly stay on her feet. #sigh

Other than that minor mishap we had a great time. The San Antonio Zoo is a smaller zoo but they have a handful of larger animals that the Dallas Zoo does not have, so seeing those guys was pretty cool! 

My favorite were the hippos!!! 

They were doing a live encounter with this guy...

The Nile Crocodile.

We checked out most of the animals then headed back home so this little lady could get a nap. 

On Wednesday we headed to Morgan's Wonderland. 

This park is awesome - it is the worlds first theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyone's enjoyment. The kids had so much fun and it was nice that it wasn't too crowded!

On the ferris wheel. Ryan loved it, but Grayson and Hayden wanted me to hold them tight. So sweet!

Claire's mom and sister came over for dinner that night. All the kiddos had so much fun with Georgeanne. 

Happy St. Pattys Day! 

We took at walk to the local library for toddler story time. Grayson wasn't feeling great, I think all the activity was catching up with him so he wanted to stay home with Yiayia. Ryan and Papu read some books and played in the kids area while I took Hayden to the story time. I was so impressed with it - we sang songs, read books, and then had play time! 

Playdough, sand table, building blocks, puppets, toys...a toddlers dreamland! She loved it!

In the children's area they had a lego table too...

Of course she loved running off and hiding in between the book shelves. 

For dinner we headed to The Pigpin. They have drinks, live music, a playground for the kids and food truck style food - perfect!

Ryan thought this chair was pretty cool. 

And this girl was all over the place! 

Friday morning we packed up this crazy crew and headed north to Austin. 

Big hugs!

We had so much fun visiting Steven and Claire in San Antonio and can't wait to go back! 

Show and Tell - My Hometown (March 8)

When people ask me where I am from I always say Katy. It's quick and easy, but in reality I moved around a bit. Let's take a look...

Lake Charles, Louisiana (1982-1984)

I was born in Lake Charles, LA in August of 1982. I have no memories of this house, but we were here until I was about two and half. (Picture courtesy of google maps)

Lafayette, Louisiana (1984 - 1988)

I remember this house being HUGE! But when I went to pull a current image off google maps I found this...

It looks so tiny!

What I remember:

- My room was the one on the top right, the boys shared the room on the left. 

- There was no fence....just wide open space

- There was a huge ditch in the back of the property and my dad used a plank of wood to create a bridge. We would play back there for hours....apparently the ditch wasn't as huge as I remember. 

- My dad built an awesome tree house for us

- Most of our time was spent outside

- Sitting at the downstairs front right window (our living room) waiting for Nick to come home from school. 

- Hunting for crawfish in the ditches

- Speech therapy with my dad. I had a ridiculous accent and didn't pronounce the letter R at all. So Car was Caw,  Rooster was Woosta and so on and so on. I remember him asking me all this but it wasn't until I was older that I understood why. Oh and my reward was getting to lick stamps ...I loved licking stamps. 

Don't mess with this crew :)

Katy, TX (Round I, 1988-1990)

This neighborhood was completely new and our house was one of the first ones completed. It's crazy to see how big those trees are now. 

- I met my best friend Cristin (Aylmer) Steger living in the Green Trails apartments while our house was being built. 

Quito, Ecuador (1990-1991)

- Our first overseas experience was to Quito, Ecuador. We lived on the main floor of a high rise condominium. We had a driver and a maid and that was the norm. 

-One day when I was leaving school I stopped by Steven's class to pick up some things from his teacher (he had a minor foot surgery so was out for a little bit). I noticed that he received the school directory and I asked his teacher why it was given to him and not me. She said, well usually the youngest is the most responsible about getting stuff to their parents. I responded with "Well, in my family I am." I am sure I had a big ol' grin too.  And guess who left the directory on the school bus that afternoon?? guilty...

-We climbed Mt Cotopaxi (or it was the smaller one next to it??)

- Met another best friend (Kellie Sirven) in Quito

- Stood at the Equator

Katy, TX (Round II, 1991-1995)

Here we go again! Moved back to Katy into a new subdivision. This was another new house in a new subdivision that had no mature landscaping - clearly things have changed. Our house was actually on a very busy street and our dog, Zeus, would always get loose and chase cars - we really could have used that gate back then!

- I spend 4th - 1/2 of 8th grade here. Those are some pretty significant years, so I think that is one of the reason's I consider Katy my hometown. 

Stavanger, Norway (1996-1999)

- In the middle of 8th grade my dad was transferred to Norway. I remember flying/moving on NYE and we celebrated one of the many time zones we flew over. Also, we were invited to go up into the cockpit with the pilots - I just remember there were like five or six people in the cockpit (along with the pilot and copilot), it was small and everyone had coffee breath. 

-Norway is a beautiful and safe place to live. We had so many amazing opportunities to travel around Europe (family trips as well as school trips), explore the beautiful outdoors, and meet people from different backgrounds/nationalities/cultures. I think that is such a gift to give your kids during their childhood/adolescent years. I remember thinking how cool it was to see/explore the things that we learned about in our textbooks!

Katy, TX (Round III, 1999-2000)

- I basically moved back for my senior year (I actually came back Spring Break of my junior year and lived with some family friends until my mom and brother moved back that summer. My dad didn't get back until the next Spring.) 

Austin, TX

In the Fall of 2000 I headed up to Austin and started my freshman year. 

I graduated May 2004 from the School of Advertising (now the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations).

Dallas, TX (April 2005 - current)

I took a job with The Richards Group in April of 2005 and moved up to the big D. 

I love living in Dallas and I just realized that I have lived here longer than any other location (even all my years in Katy combined)! So while Dallas is definitely home now, I consider Katy my hometown. 

Although I consider Katy my hometown we never actually lived in KATY - as in The City of Katy. Technically we lived in the "Greater Katy Area" which is kind of an in between land - not quite Houston and not technically Katy. It's a little odd but I digress.

Over 309,000 people reside in the Katy Area. Katy's past growth between the years of 2000 and 2010 increased by 83% and the growth is projected to continue.  When I graduated from James E. Taylor High School there were only three high schools. Now there are seven (with and eighth under construction).  There are 13 junior highs schools, and 37 elementary schools! SO it's completely different from when I grew up there.

So what's so awesome about 'The Greater Katy' Area?

- It's close enough to Houston to benefit from its assets and resources but far enough away to nurture a safe, comfortable family-focused community lifestyle.  

- Katy Independent School District is one of the state's most acclaimed school districts. 

- Award-winning master planned communities with amazing amenities

- Great dining & shopping options 

We visit my parents in Katy and I sometimes leave thinking Kevin and I should just move out to the burbs...I completely understand why it's so popular. Some of our favorite things to do when visiting The Greater Katy Area:

- Lupe Tortillas: My all-time favorite Texas' Mex restaurant ever! I loved it growing up And it's even better as an adult. Hello Margaritas, the kids are entertained and the fajitas are the best! We go at least once while we are in town...sometimes more :)

- HEB: Is it weird that I like to go to a grocery store? I just love me some HEB

- La Centerra Shopping Center: They have a few cute stores that I like to check out when I am in town - (CobbleStone Cottage and Runway Seven). They have a bunch of yummy places to eat - Torchy's Tacos, Grimaldi's Pizza, and a Zoe's Kitchen too. We have been known to pick up some food and have a picnic on the big green area where the kids can run wild.

- Katy Mills Mall - when the mall first opened I was in high school and I worked at Mikasa (so random)...now it's a place to take the kids. They have a Rainforest Cafe, it's not my favorite place in the world but in a pinch it will do. I also love the some of the outlet stores they have there!

- Parks & Swimming Pools:  There is one park that is walking distance to my parents house and a ton others that are just a short drive...we love checking them out when in town. It's always fun to mix up your park game. And in the summer (or spring and fall here in Texas) the pools are a favorite! My parents have a pool which we love to swim in, but there are also some neighborhood pools that have fun slides and toddler splash areas. My mom just informed me that this summer Typhoon Texas is coming! We will have the check that out!

Grayson in the Middle - Age 3.5

This little nugget is three and a half today!

Grayson is happy, silly, tough & stubborn!

He loves Paw Patrol, Legos, Super Hero's (especially Spiderman)...and most recently Lil' Woodzeez. I bought these sweet little animal families and house for Hayden, but Grayson is the one who is obsessed with them. 

  

He loves his Bear family!

When he is excited he bounces a lot. I think this is incredibly adorable...but sometimes it just looks like he needs to pee. lol. 

Sweet boy loves playing outside

He loves legos and isn't afraid to build something different than the instructions show. 

When is is done with something he is DONE. There is no convincing/bribing him...I guess that's a good thing that he makes a decision and sticks with it, but goodness! Sometimes it makes me want to bang my head against a wall. I mean, that's normal, right? Oh and not only is he DONE but he is "soooo tired". Sometimes he will even say this while he is sitting on the couch or riding in the car. And I'm like, "well...just close your eyes?" Oye. Three year olds. Good thing he is adorable with a pouty face.

He can be the sweetest little man when he wants to. He loves to help mommy & daddy. When I am cooking dinner he often will get the stool out so that he can help. And when Kevin is working outside he wants to assist with the broom or if necessary he will even grab his toolbox. So sweet. 

He has been getting good reports from his teacher - we have only had two minor issues:

- potty words instigator: We fixed this with the ol' "washing your mouth our with soap". It really works! 

- Rough housing: He isn't really a rough kid so this wasn't really a huge issue. We just talked with him and he knows better.  This was more of an isolated issue ...eh, a few times :) 

He loves Ms. Laurie and is always so proud of everything he creates at school. I love that he sticks his tongue out when he is concentrating on something. 

Love my sweet little boy!

And since I never posted his Three Year Interview (I can't find that notebook I wrote it all down in) I have his NEW 3.5 year interview.  (I also never posted his birthday party...so I went back and posted it here. )

1. What's your favorite color? Light Blue

2. What is your favorite toy? My fighting robot that head pops off

3. What is your favorite fruit? A banana

4. What is your favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Mac and Cheese

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? "My dinosaur shirt - t-rex shirt!"

7. What is you favorite game to play? "Hide and Seek"

8. What is your favorite snack? "Goldfish"

9. What is your favorite animal? "A cheetah"

10. What is your favorite song? "Whip Nae Nae"

11. What is your favorite book? "Curious George"

12.  Who is your best friend? "Perry"

13. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? "Pancakes"

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? "Go in the tree house"

15. What is your favorite drink? "milk"

16. What is your favorite holiday? "Christmas"

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? "Hop (his bunny) and my paci's"

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for dinner? "Salmon"

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? "Hot dog"

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? "A construction worker"

Meals on Big Wheels

The boys didn't have school on Presidents Day so it was the perfect opportunity to volunteer. 

We volunteered through Wee Volunteer which is an organization that "exists to provide age appropriate service projects for preschool and elementary school age children with local Dallas charitable organizations". 

We signed up for the Meals on Big Wheels project and the boys were excited to help deliver meals to the elderly and disabled. There was a slight hiccup when the driver for the Big Wheels Bus didn't show up to work but it didn't stop the project from happening. We ended up caravanning out to the apartments and although we missed out on this Big Bus the kids still had a great time and learned a little something too. 

When we got to the first apartment we divided up the meals and then delivered them. 

You are suppose to knock and yell "Meals on Wheels", but Grayson kept saying "The Wheels on the Bus". What a goof!

At the last complex it was this man's birthday so we all delivered his meal at the same time and sang Happy Birthday. It was so sweet to see how happy he was - it truly made his day!

It was a great way to spend a morning and I plan to sign up for more projects in the future!

March Goals

Happy March y'all!

So how did February go? Let's see...

1. Continue to work out 5x's a week 
Yes! I think I can move this off my goals since it is now more of a routine. I am still loving my 6am megaformer pilates class that I go to three times a week. And the classes at the Y are so much fun! Since they are later in the morning there is much more of a social aspect - so fun to work out with friends!

2. Volunteer with the boys

 We did this and it was so much fun. Read my post about it here

3. Blog 2x/s a week
YES!

4. Answer my phone
In order to help me achieve this goal Kevin bought my an iWatch. When those watches first came out I thought they were crazy - who needs to be THAT connected. But y'all, I love it. I am notorious for having my phone on silent so I tend to miss texts/calls. It's been a problem when I go out without Kevin and he can't get a hold of me. Last time he had to text Nat to get in touch with me. Oye. Anyhow, the watch has been awesome.  As far as texting - I am still working on my response time - I tend to read text and think about how I am going to respond, but then get sidetracked and forget about it.  Or just respond in my head and not actually send. Oops!

5. Read two new books
This did not happen. I am not sure why I thought I would get some reading in on the airplane and beach...ha! Every night its a struggle between TV and a book...especially since I like to be in bed before 10pm if I am working out in the morning. And obviously, the TV tends to win. Darn you Bachelor!

1. Laundry Room Makeover
I know our laundry room has so much more potential. Functionally and ascetically. The first issue is the door. When we were building the house it was planned to be a pocket door. And clearly that was for a reason. Somewhere along the lines I decided I wasn't in to pocket doors and didn't want one there. Now I wish I could go back and erase that mistake. Oops. However, on the bright side...now we get to add a super trendy sliding door.

 Once we get the door installed I want to tackle the actual little room. Would love to do the following:
- Add backsplash behind laundry machines as well as sink area (not sure why we didn't do that originally)
- Add a clothes hanging rod
- Finish out cabinetry on other side of laundry machines

It's kind of a big project so I think we might do a little outsourcing...but we are tackling the sliding door ourselves!

2. Clean out Kids Closets

This is a never ending project - but I need to get in there and clean some clothes out! Hayden's closet it the hardest for me. Every time I go through her teeny tiny baby clothes I just want to save them all...

3. Power Wash outside

Like how I snuck another 'Kevin' project in here. Well, we have been talking about this so it's been on his radar for a while. And we actually own a power washer (well, 1/3 of one...weird story) so we need to get on it!

4. Resurrect the herb garden
Our poor garden has been neglected since the first year.  Kevin build such and awesome raised bed, I love having fresh herbs, and the kids love tending to it so there really is no reason why we shouldn't  be using this!

5. Read two new books
Seriously! I just started a book that my mother-in-law gave me so hopefully I can finish quickly and get a few more in. Good thing the Bachelor is almost over :)

And now to end things how about this silly girl...

Ryan's teacher gives the kids candy every Friday, and this little lady knows where that candy jar is. Last Friday she seriously tried to leave with the whole jar! Little girl is serious about her suckers!