Spring Break

We had a lot of fun over Spring Break.

Our friends the Hunters came over and we rocked out to their Rock Band 2 game. It was a lot of fun watching the kids belt out songs like "The Eye of the Tiger".

Even the little kids got into the action and were dancing around.

We celebrated St. Patrick's day in style, proudly sporting our green. Hayley helped make green eggs for breakfast, which Jake loved.

We made our 2nd batch of Shamrock Sugar Cookies since the 1st batch had disappeared so quickly before the 17th. So yummy!

Later that day we headed over to the Rodeo for some good ole' fashion fun. Don flew in from a business trip to Orlando and meet us there after a few hours. Check out the rodeo post to see the fun we had...caution, all the fried food we consumed may make you turn a little green around the edges - but it was so good!!!

Later in the week we had family come into town and had a blast with my brother and his family and my parents.

Grandpa on the trampoline with Trevor

Nothing beats fun with cousins!

Swimming at Grandpa & Grandma's hotel pool

Except maybe cousins and Blue Bell Ice Cream together!

Hayley and her cousin Abby

The week went by too fast, and it was back to school on Monday.
We can't wait for summer!

Hayley's Field Trip

A couple of weeks ago I chaperoned Hayley's field trip to the Natural Science Museum. It was a fun field trip. We even got to sit and watch an IMAX movie about Alaska.

While sitting in the comfy theater chairs, I was really glad I was with the 1st graders instead of with Trevor's 3rd grade class field trip outside at the Arboretum in the pouring rain. But Trevor said he had a blast on his field trip too. Bless those poor teachers and chaperones!

Good times!

Our group in action - Hayley, Shannon & Aiden

P is for Preschool

...and painting pig noses, playing with a huge parachute, making homemade pizza with pinnapple and pepperoni, picnics, playing with pals, play doh creations, and of course, popsicles!

So many perfectly fun things to do with the letter P at preschool!

Neglect

It's been a while since I've blogged, even my kids are commenting. I could say its because I am so busy getting ready for this baby that is due in less than 3 weeks, but no...not so much. It all started out so innocently, so not neglectful at all.

It was a few weeks ago, during a rainy school day. Jake and I were home & he announced that he wanted to play Webkinz, a computer site where kids have fun with virtual pets. They make rooms for the pets, feed them, play games and earn Kinz cash to purchase food, furniture, etc. Normally Trevor or Hayley would play with him, but this particular day, he wanted me.

So putting off the other fun duties of the morning like cleaning the kitchen, I decided to explore the Webkinz world with Jake...see nice mom, right?! Well, Jake showed me his dog and his dog's room and we played Jake's favorite games for a while.

Who knew the virtual pet world was so fun?

Over the last few weeks I have become an expert at word challenges (a lot like Boggle), and have even been called a math-a-magician by a dog named Booger (don't let the innocent name fool you, it is a cut-throat math-a-thon when you get up a few levels!).

In full confession, most of my playing time is after kids are in bed when I would normally blog. Otherwise they bust me and want to play themselves. On the lame, rationalizing side, I have earned lots of virtual money for the kids to take their pets on fun vacations and being the non-neglectful person that I am, I do always make sure each of the pets has been feed and is happy before logging out...and I always check the coupons and sale items and stock up on healthy snacks for the animals!

They say the first step is admitting you have a problem, so now you all know. I am getting back on the blogging wagon...just as soon as I check out the game of the day in my Webkinz world!

Go Texan Day!

Friday was Go Texan Day in Houston. Schools and local businesses all dress up to celebrate being Texan and have fun as the trail riders ride into Houston, kicking off with a BBQ cook-off and several fun weeks of the Rodeo. The trail riders go past the elementary schools and the kids get to see (& smell!) the fun live and close up.

For the last week they have been setting up the rodeo at Reliant and Jake loves to drive past and see all the carnival rides being put together.

So hold on to your cowboy hats, because the "radio" is here...just ask Jake!

Splashing Around

It wouldn't be February in Houston if we didn't get to go swimming outdoors. This last week was in the 80's and Jake has been begging to go to the Y and swim. So last night we all headed over for a family swim. Michael opted to go upstairs and run a few miles on the treadmill instead, but the rest of us cooled off in the pool, having races and playing water frisbee.





(And yes, this post was written specifically with our Wisconsin snow blowing, snot freezing family in mind...don'tcha want to come spend a few weeks with us?! We miss you all and can't wait to see new baby Clare in person!)

The Banquet

Nothing says fun like the Annual Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet....right? We have had a variety of umm, interesting cuisine at these eventful banquets over the years and have come prepared each year to expect the unexpected (and maybe eat a little something beforehand!). The favorite memory is still from a few years ago when instead of having Frito Pie, the Cub Master (being from Australia) thought the plan was Cheeto Pie and came with several big bags of Cheetoes to put with the chili. It was a night our stomachs still haven't forgotten :)

This year's theme was American ABC's. We had an all American banquet, ranging from grilled hot dogs on a real hot dog turner, chips (and cheetos!), red white & blue fruit kabobs, jello, and apple pie, as well as a tasters table of some of the different foods from our individual heritages. It was some really good grub! Plus we had some fabulous entertainment and jokes by the scouts, as well as a fast paced American Trivia game.

Trevor received several belt loops and sport/academic pins that he had earned.

Hitting the High Notes

Michael played with a brass ensemble group last week-end in his first Band competition. As the only french horn player, he had a major part with a group of trumpets and trombones backing him up. They came away with a bronze medal. Not bad for only playing the song together a few times.

It really is fun to hear Michael practice both the french horn and piano. Much to his dismay, Michael seems to have a real gift for playing and memorizing music which means his parents have a duty to help him develop that talent, right?! :)

Great job Michael!

The 3 P's

What we learn from School Projects this month -

PLANNING - It's not so great to wait until the night before to start a pond habitat. Good thing Hayley loves making things out of clay and is really fast! That Model Magic stuff really is magic! In Hayley's defense, she had been sick when the assignment was given and someone filed the paper and forgot all about it...oops.

PERSEVERANCE - It's great to branch off the typical biographies for Black History month and learn about someone new. But next time, let's not pick someone where the only book we can find is out of print and only available at a certain library far away in a ummm, lets say "unique" part of town. Good thing Mom drives a tank and is brave...it didn't hurt that the police station shared the parking lot with this particular location. I am sure that was just a coincidence though...right?

PATIENCE - I think you know what I'm talking about. Too bad they don't sell that at Sam's Club...

On the bright side, all the projects were done on time and things were really learned. Like for instance, did you know Sea Weed is an edible type of algae - tasty. Or that James Earl Jones had such a severe stutter as a child, he was virtually mute until a high school English teacher had him write poetry and read it out loud each day to the class to build confidence. Not bad for a man who has one of the most recognized voices in the world...from "This is CNN" to Broadway plays to "Luke, I am your father!" And the fun part of this project was that Trevor had to write 3 different types of poems about James Earl Jones for the project and learned that poetry can be valuable in ways he never knew.



But one of my favorite projects for the month was a 3rd grade science project on planets. Trev did the research paper here, but the entire crafty project part was done in class - I love it! I think I need to nominate that teacher for teacher of the year! Trevor and 2 others made a colorful travel brochure & pitched it to the class for a trip to the planet Neptune. It was full of fun facts and exciting adventures. So in case you are looking for a great getaway or planning your next family reunion, just contact Trevor at Neptune Travels and he can save you 25% on your Ice Hotel reservations! It is sure to be a vacation that is out of this world!

My Buddy

Jake and I get to spend a lot of time together when everyone is at school.

He helps me cook, clean, read, play, explore, dance and laugh.

Jake loves to snuggle and hug his baby brother and can't wait for him to be born. When I leave him somewhere he has to give "Baby Boston" a hug goodbye...good thing I am attached to that baby so I get in on the hugging action too! He also likes to tickle and talk into my belly button, telling his brother secrets and giving love.

It looks like I am going to have another good helper when this baby comes!

Love and all that Good Stuff

WHY WE LOVE FEBRUARY...

Wacky Inspirational Messages

Lots of Kisses under the Kissing Ball

Lots of Kisses of the Chocolate Variety

Beautiful Flowers

Lots of Sweet Treats to eat and share with our neighbors and friends!

And Our Family Favorite...Fabulous Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM US TO YOU!

WE LOVE YOU!

What Dreams are Made Of

Monday afternoon I made banana bread. Jake came around the corner and took a big sniff, and asked what I was making. When I told him it was banana bread, he exclaimed:

"YES, IT'S JUST WHAT I'VE BEEN DREAMING OF!!" and started dancing in the kitchen.

So just in case you were wondering what dreams are made of these days...try some homemade banana bread! It made everyone really happy after school. Good thing I made a double batch because we had the first big loaf gone way before Don got home from work. Sweet Dreams!

Hot Stuff

Poor Hayley has been sick again this week with a fever. She has missed more school in the last 6 weeks than she did all of last year. After a long nap today, she did get up and do her homework Trevor picked up from school for her. She is really hoping that she will be back to school before the real Hot Stuff Valentine Day festivities begin later this week!

While I was Sleeping

Taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon is always great and can be full of surprises...some that you might not even know occured until you decide to download pictures off your camera!

Like the galatic invasion occuring in our house while I was sleeping...

apparently it was quite the party!

Good Times!

Helping Hands

Jake is a busy 4 year old and always seems to have his hands into something these days...

Helping to make pizzas for dinner...

Giving Grandaddy a helping hand jumping on the trampoline on Saturday...

Or creating our own special alarm system to guard the house...

The Force is strong with this one!




Jake always keeps us laughing. We love you Jake!