San Antonio - Take Three

The second day at Sea World was spent in the water park.  We had fun in the wave pool and lazy river (minus the boys who got separated from us).  Yes, we found them and brought them back home with us.  No pictures today.  I was chicken to take my camera to the water park.  We also rode more rides.  Bryce rode his first roller coaster.  The Steel Eel with Papa John made my son not breathe for a little bit.  He loved it and went on it again with Jarret, Papa John and Allen.  Brenna couldn't stand to be outdone.  So, she got brave and rode on the ladybug ride (this is what she called it) with me, Granna and Jackson.  She loved it.  After two days, at Sea World we headed home to rest.  It was so much fun with all of us together.

San Antonio - Take Two

We went to Sea World. It was fun. It was hot. It was a blast. We were there for two days. The first day was spent watching the shows and seeing the animals.

Waiting for the gates to open

yes, Brenna was already HOT!

The boys went to ride rides and we did too.  The girls were excited about the carousel.  Brenna was terrified when I let go of her to take the pictures.

Missy's not only loved it, but also enjoyed the egg ride that went up and around.  Brenna watched from the side.  She was scared of it.  Too high and too fast (not really it was soooo slow).

We saw the AZUL show.  The first time the beluga whales wouldn't cooperate with the trainers, so we got to watch it the next day.

My crew minus two.  Ashley and I were sitting across from them.

Yes, we fed these animals.

My kids outside towards the end of the day.  They were tired, hot and had a blast.

My family

The boys

2nd Shamu show of the day.  It was fun.  Brenna rocked out and participated in the air guitar competition.  She did good, but didn't win the stuffed shamu.  Yes, we bought her one that is now named "Shamu Splash".

End of Day 1

Stay tuned

Day 2 up next

San Antonio - Take One

We went to San Antonio with Ashley's family about a week ago.  It was a bunch of fun.  We saw the Alamo, ate at The Rainforest Cafe, and rode the boat on the river.  We also spent two days at Sea World.  It was hot, but not as hot as the Panhandle.  We picked a good weekend.  It is always fun to go with Ashley's family.  Six adults and six kids in two cars with many suitcases began our adventure.  I guess it ended that way, too.

The girls are headed to the Alamo.

The boys - first try to get a picture (I have to admit these three are always having a ball)

Second try - a much better picture that still shows their personality

Allen and Missy's family

They are a great family and a bunch of fun

My family - at least we are all looking towards the camera

John, Kathy and the kids

(I won't tell you how many pictures I have like this)  At least everyone is in the picture.  I could have posted the one where everybody was really laughing.  I don't have a clue why!

I don't have may pictures after this because we strolled from the Alamo to the riverwalk and the boats.  Rode the boat and then ran to The Rainforest Cafe.  Allen led us up to the street and around to the restaurant.  Trying to keep up with the kids and the grandparents and the parents we made with a few minutes to spare and didn't lose our reservation.  I was worried Allen was lost, but he did great.

Cousins

Heidi and Jane were able to come to Texas for G's Birthday.  The kids had a blast.  I wish they could see each other more, but it's hard when cousins live so far from each other.  From Wonderland to the driveway, the kids had fun.

90 years on Earth, but forever in my heart

My G is special.  I could put it many different ways, but that sums it up.  She's always been there for me.  I am blessed to have my grandma still with me.  She turns 90 today. 

GG looks great and has always had a great outlook on life. 

Her faith is amazing.  She just glows with the presence of the Lord.  I know that He is her strength.  I hope I can grow up to be like her and age like she has. 



A beautiful woman who knows what is important.  The lessons she has taught me are priceless. 



She's hid many Easter eggs for me, played many Goldfish games with me, cried with me, hugged me, and shared too many books to count with me.  I would dress like her when I was a little girl and she is still a stylish lady.  She is precious to me and to my family.  My kids love their great grandma.  I'm glad that they have her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY G!!!  WE LOVE YOU!

  

Broken

Well, it happened.  Bryce followed in Brenna's footsteps instead of the other way around.  April 29th was when it happened.  At about 2:30 in the afternoon, my phone rang, my house phone rang and then they both rang again.  My stomach dropped and I knew something had happened.  It was the school and it was Ashley.  I called Ashley and he told me that the school called him.  Bryce was in the office with a hurt arm.  Brenna and I got in the car and drove the two blocks to the school.  Sitting in the office was my son.  Gently holding his arm and tears about to fall, he looked at me.  I gathered up his stuff and headed to the car while dialing the doctor.  I knew.  I mean we just did this in December with Brenna.  A couple of hours later he was in his sling and a splint. 

Monday we found out it was the same break as Brenna just the opposite arm.  Now, with his arm in a lime green cast he will finish 2nd grade.  His friends, teachers, family and baseball team has filled the cast with their signatures.  He couldn't finish baseball.  He missed field day.  He missed his end of the year party.  Through it all he's done pretty good.  He's ready to get the cast off and have fun this summer.  June 1 is the date he's looking forward to.  Bryce said it best, "At least it won't interfere with my boogie boarding."

All I ask is that we don't have to go see the orthopedic for a long time.  If the kids really want to go, I would rather just take them by to wave.

Hello Kitty and Princess Bouncer

Hello Kitty!  Princess Bouncer! 

Those two things describe Brenna's birthday party.  She turned four.  After much discussion and changing of her mind, Brenna chose to have her party at home with a bouncer in our front yard.  I was good with it except the worry about the wind.  It was a legitimate worry.  The Panhandle has been windy, very windy this year.  Her day had to include Hello Kitty, bouncer and less then 20 mph wind.  It happened.  Her face when they set up the bouncer was wonderful.  She loved it.

She loved the cake.  Hello Kitty didn't stay on it the best, but she didn't care.

 Brenna wanted Bryce to help her blow out her candles.  She loves her brother and looks up to him.  (notice the sling on Bryce's arm - more on this later.)

Brenna's Mustang

She loves it.  This may be the only one she has.  I can't imagine her in a "real" car.  It's a scary thought as she travels up and down the driveway and around the cul-de-sac.  It's pink.  It's Barbie.  It goes fast (for her).  What more does a four year old need?  Nothing.

The kids had fun and I must admit it was a great day.  I enjoyed watching my baby celebrate her 4th birthday.  May all of her birthdays be filled with friends, family, laughter, and happiness (and a bouncer doesn't hurt either).

Turning Four

Brenna

                                             

 

It happened.  Another birthday has come and gone.  I guess I should be glad it wasn't mine (yet).  I still have a few months before I get a year closer to the big 4-0.  Brenna's birthday was Saturday.  It seems like yesterday when I told Ashley it was time to go the hospital, and he wasn't sure he believed me.  One week early, my baby girl arrived with loud screams.  Even my doctor informed Brenna that it was her choice to arrive early, not the doctor.  Sometimes, when Brenna is upset (yea, it happens every once in a while) she can sound just like the day she was born.  Where does the time go?  She's not a baby anymore, but she'll always be my baby.  Brenna is full of life

and has great personality. 

I can't wait to see what her future holds.  I hope she walks in faith, loves fully, and experiences all of life.  I hope she learns to build character (even when she doesn't want to).  May she have grace,

strength,

courage,

 

and love

as she walks in this world. 

Oh, she'll also need patience. 

Here is one of my favorite pictures.  It is of two of the most important ladies in my life, my GG and my daughter.  I'm a lucky person.



DHDC

I took the kids to the Discovery Center.  I forgot my camera.  All I had was my phone.  Bryce helped me take pics.  In fact, at the dinosaurs one scared him so much he jumped and the picture is all a blur. 



From the bed of nails



to the climbing apparatus, the kids had fun.  Bryce blew huge bubbles (see picture below).  He even made a family duck so that his bubble wouldn't pop. 

 

The kids and T-Rex



 

Brenna wasn't sure about the dinos, but it ended up okay.  I mean there were baby dino eggs.  What more does a girl need? 



Baby dinosaurs hatching (Brenna wants to watch them grow up)



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