Roadtrip

The weekend before last we went on a little road trip to celebrate some special family events. My cousin just graduated from Texas State and we went to a party in her honor at my aunt and uncle's house in Austin. Halie is such a beautiful, sweet and smart girl and we wish her the best as she starts this new chapter in life!

Before the party we swung by Hula Hut, known for its mexican/polynesian cuisine and fun, lakeside atmosphere. Unfortunately it was pooring down rain, but it didn't stop Carlton and I from reminiscing about one of our first dates there. Who knew that over 9 years later we'd come back with two little girls in tow!

After a visit with my grandparents that evening, we headed to our next destination, Houston, for my nephew's first birthday party. We spent the night in a hotel, which is always a treat for the kids. We even got up the next morning and braved the clouds and mild temperatures for a swim in the pool. Carlton and I often marvel at how the most simple things in life are grand adventures for kids. After the swim, clean up and quick lunch, we headed to the birthday party.

First birthdays are such a milestone - for the child but mostly for the parents. We were honored to share this special time with them and had so much fun watching this adorable little guy play with the beach balls, eat a cupcake and absorb some well-deserved attention.

I've especially had fun having a nephew, since it's all pink around our house! I wish we could see him more often but it's great to keep up with him through my sister-in-law's wonderful blog.

Oh yes, and this post wouldn't be complete without capturing the new contraption that Cartlon engineered for this trip to help provide some "personal space" for our two backseat passengers who can't seem to help from pestering each other. The towel simply unrolled to provide a "wall" that, in theory, was not to be touched, or swatted at, or pulled back or otherwise messed with. I lost track of how many times I heard Carlton say, "respect the wall!" but it sure provided for some entertainment and at times a mild distraction from the pestering. The cliche is so true ... the things a parent will do!

Fiesta!

Both girls had Fiesta celebrations at their schools last week. Julia had a trike-a-thon and Sarah had to make a float that she got to pull in the kindergarten parade. Second only to Mardi Gras, Fiesta is a good excuse for San Antonians (and all others who travel here) to p-a-r-t-y. The kids even get a school holiday out of it for the Battle of the Flowers parade. We're not big crowd people, so we stay away from the formal parades, but it's fun to participate in the kiddie versions of the festivities.

Expanding her vocabulary

So, we always thought that since Sarah loves to talk Julia might be a little more introverted, quiet or shy. But whoa were we wrong! Since Sarah started kindergarten in the fall, and Julia has had more one-on-one time with me, she talks all - of - the - time!!! She's really started putting more complete sentences together that sound very grown-up. Today we had a conversation that went something like this:

Julia: Mom, can I ask you a favor?

Me: Um, okay, what?

Julia: Can you pick up my crocs for me and put them away?

Me: (jaw dropped) Sweetheart, Mommy does favors for you all day long. You can pick your shoes up by yourself.

And, last Friday at MOPS, one of the adult helpers in Julia's Moppets room told me that Julia had told her that I got frustrated that morning because she didn't want to wear a ponytail. Geez! Talk about accountability! For the record, I think I maybe rolled my eyes and let out a sigh as she exerted her independence that morning over her hairstyle.

Spring Break

The girls and I enjoyed some time in Victoria last week during Sprink Break hanging out with family and visiting the sites of Victoria. It was a great change of pace, and of course the girls get spoiled with both sets of grandparents around.

A rite of passage

Last Friday definitely an exciting evening at our house ... Sarah lost her first tooth! It had been loose for a while and she had been complaining that it hurt when she bit into hard foods like apples. When we got home Friday night after supper, I noticed it looked a little grey, and Carlton asked her if she wanted him to pull it. After some initial hesitation, she agreed, and two or three tries later she had a tiny hole in her pretty little bottom row of teeth. She wanted to call everyone we are related to to share the news!

Carlton and I were marveling the other night at how many "firsts" she has accomplished over the past several weeks/months. She has learned how to read, started learning how to ski, lost her first tooth, learned how to tie her shoes and started taking piano lessons. She's eager to learn and takes on new challenges with patience and determination.

P.E. Showcase

Sarah was chosen along with four other kids from her class to participate in the P.E. Showcase for our school district, and I must admit it was bigger deal than I originially thought it would be. Each grade level from about six schools in our district learned the same routine and performed it together. Several routines included props like hula-hoops, parachutes, ribbon wands, and balls. The kindergarteners performed an aerobic routine to "I'm a Believer." It was so cute and Sarah was pumped to be a part of it. She's quite the performer! (She's in the black shirt on the left.)

Where's Waldo?

Steamboat '09

For the fourth consecutive year, my family has gone to Steamboat Springs, CO to enjoy some R&R. We're fortunate enough to have access to a very nice house, complete with outdoor hot-tubs, so you almost have to peel yourself away from the luxurious amenities to visit the mountain and town.

There are always so many wonderful memories from our time in Colorado, but some of the highlights of this year included: our best travel yet; Sarah skied for three days in a row including a day with Dad on the mountain; Julia got on ski's for the first time. My nephew also cut his first tooth while we were there, which was ironic because Julia cut her first tooth while we were there two years ago. Fun times and happy memories!