Texas Part 3

The last stop on our trip to the south was a few days in the VERY south - to the beach! We drove from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, then took a short ferry ride to Port Aransas. What a charming little town, and we went at just the right time, just before the crowds of Memorial Day weekend. We stayed in a pretty incredible beach house, fully equipped and furnished with no detail untouched. I couldn't think of a nicer, more relaxing and fun way to end our trip.

Don't you love the orange doors?

I had serious kitchen envy here!

Check out the rainbow of cheerful beachy colors in our neighborhood. I love it!

We swam at the beach, ate some literally fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and soaked up all the sun and ocean air we could.

These guys caught this shark about 50 feet up the beach from us!

Awww...love him!

Texas Part 2

After graduation festivities, we all headed south to San Antonio.

Always a must-see is the Alamo.

Then to the River Walk for a boat ride and some delicious Texas barbecue!

Boy cousins all smiling so innocently, right?

I love how Lydia will try just about anything. She's listening to the "bird guy" and petting his beautiful parrot, or cockatoo, or whatever it is. Let's just call it the green bird.

Three curious cuties...

The next day was Sea World day! I was just a kid the last time I went to Sea World San Diego, so this was a treat for all of us.

Lydia concentrating intently on the sea otter/walrus show:

Now it's Seth's turn for the I'm-so-hot-and-exhausted-but-I-can't-take-my-eyes-off-the-beluga-whales look.

We welcomed a nice cool trip around the lazy river at the hotel, followed by awesome Mexican food.

We said goodbye to San Antonio by visiting the temple on the way out of town.

Texas Part 1

I remember it being May, then I blinked and woke up to today, July 20. So much to catch up on! We took a super fun trip to Texas back in May for Matt's mom's graduation from University of Texas. It was that and so much more!

Two happy, clean little kids in a big, comfy hotel bed...

...end up like this in the morning!

Who needs toys when you have your fun cousin and a cardboard box in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard?

It was an impressive graduation ceremony. Proud Texans who profess their love of God, family, and an equally impressive alma mater. Diane received her bachelor's AND master's degrees in Accounting. She's an inspiration to all who know her.

A family proud of their mom and wife.

The best attempt at getting a family photo of everyone:

12 of 12 - July

1 - Starting the day off right building a train track with Curious George on in the background.
2 - I took the kids to the $1 kids' movies at The Landing. It was the first "real" movie experience for both of them. Their review? Two little thumbs up for "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything."
3 - I probably need to get a life, but I'm so excited about my new iron I got for my birthday. And yes, it's what I wanted. I love my awesome stainless-steel/super-steamy/self-cleaning/cord-retracting/anti-drip/three-hundred-hole/super-heavy-duty Rowenta!
4 - Count the diapers - there are 8 left. To potty train or not? Costco diapers are hands down my favorite, so if I decide to hold off on Lydia, I'll need to buy another giant box...soon!
5 - This is unusual...Seth napping. The movie really took it out of him!
6 - Making a t-shirt quilt for Matt's cousin. It's been a few years since I made mine, and I forgot how much fun it is!
7 - My Christmas cactus hasn't bloomed even a little for the past 3 years, and a month after I move it from the dining room table to the mantel, out come the blossoms!
8 - Almost finished with another great read.
9 - Took a quick trip to the library to avoid overdue books and to get some new ones. Before we go home, the kids like to climb on the friendly concrete turtle outside.
10 - Surprise garlic in the herb garden with their puffy purple blossoms!
11 - Tuscan pizza grilled outside for dinner. I wish I could say the tomatoes are from our garden, but at least the basil is!
12 - I was about to get ready to water the garden when I heard the familiar whsssshhhh of cars driving by on wet roads. Good rain storm for a little bit makes for nice, cool sleeping weather.

12 of 12 - June

What a week! Things are starting to get back to normal, and the sun is out, so we're a happy household.

1 - Starting out the day right and keeping up with the 30-day Book of Mormon challenge.

2 - All ready for church!

3 - I'm getting impatient to see my peonies open up...they're almost there!

4 - It's kind of dark in this picture, but in Nursery, all the kids had a note taped to them that said "I WILL OBEY". Lydia wouldn't let me take it out of her hands before naptime.

5 - A little post-nap Lego time.

6 - Just give Lydia a wipe or two and she'll entertain herself indefinitely...and the house will be clean too!

7 - Working on some quilted notecards. I don't usually like to do much or any sewing on Sundays, but I gotta get these things done!

8 - A well-deserved catnap for Matt after being at church for almost 9 hours.

9 - The pease are pretty much the only thing in the garden that's taller than 6".

10 - Woody literally hanging out on my sewing machine cover.

11 - Orange honey glazed chicken on the grill for dinner.

12 - Seth's artwork. He put this puzzle together in Sharing Time, showing how his coloring method is to color one thing in all the way before moving on to the next.

Fun at preschool

Last month, Seth's preschool class went to Gene Coulon Park for a "Wetland Walk" where they explore the vegetation and animals along the trail. Lydia and I got to go too, and it was a perfect day to be outdoors!

What's down there?

~

Lydia does whatever big brother's doing.

~

Perfectly calm water at the Renton sailing club.

~

We didn't see much wildlife other than some seagulls and this little guy sunning himself on a rock.

~

The whole gang!

~.~

Then, the Friday before Mother's Day, I had a special day with my little guy at the preschool Mother's Tea.

We decorated cupcakes together.

~

We made crafts and a ladybug hat for Seth, and Mrs. Stephens and Mrs. Richards told a story about, what else, mommies.

~

Need an excuse to get away?

To anyone who lives in, or who will BE in, Utah at the end of June, here's a happy reason to take a little road trip. Ever hear of a little town called Loa? Well, it's just about the cutest little mountain-farming town you'll ever visit. And on Saturday, June 25, there's this to check out:

You can read around the outside of the flyer about all the wonderful goods that will be on display for sale. And, my mom and I are teaming up as one of the vendors! Sadly, I won't be there for it, but stop by and say hello to Mom, aka Marsha, at our booth. Just look for this:

And, lest you think that's all there is to do, here's a link to what you'll find for activities, recreation, lodging and other cool stuff in the area.

So, stop by, stay for the weekend, or maybe continue on to nearby Moab, Bryce Canyon or even Lake Powell. Wanna get away? Here's your chance!