Backyardigans

I love looking out my kitchen window. Usually I watch the kids play and see lots of animals. Cardinals, blue birds, squirrels, deer, rabbits. You name it, we have it. I'm starting to feel like I'm growing old because I love to talk about nature. Anyway, the last few days David and I have noticed that there are a family of groundhogs living under our neighbors stairs. We have our own set of groundhogs but they live in the forest line and they are much fatter. We've names the Henry and Wilma and the kids think they are our pets. It's pretty fun. I went out to take pictures of the new little family yesterday.

And then these two kids said, "Wait take a picture of us!" and threw their arms around each other.

Out of all our backyard creatures these are two of my very favorites.

To Dallas and a Birthday

David turned 31 on the Friday as we were leaving San Antonio. We were supposed to go to Sea World that day. We had our tickets ready and were sitting in the parking lot as it poured buckets of rain and was lightening like crazy. We were so disappointed (David and I probably more than the kids) and even prayed it would stop. After almost an hour of rain they closed the park and we headed back to Dallas. It was a bad way to turn 31. Luckily heading back to Allen to his parents house was a consolation prize full of games and David's favorite ice cream cake! Mom saved the day.

Never too old to blow out candles. Happy Birthday Babe! You're never too old to wear a ninja turtle shirt!

Smooshed faces and all, I'm determined to take more pictures of us.

We love David's siblings and so do the kids. Uncle Code and Lucy.

Aunt Boo and Hannah and Ashton photo bombing. Mallie was too busy eating my yogurt for a picture... what an unfortunate mix up that was.

I only took picture of our afternoon at Yogurtville. Staying in Dallas for a couple days on the front and back end of our San Antonio trip was the best. The kids and I were spoiled by Mom and Dad and every time I leave I can't help but feel so blessed that I can spend 3 days with David's family without him and not even flinch that he's not there. It's home to me too!

To San Antonio and back

When David told me he had a CE course in San Antonio I decided to join along. We've been thinking San Antonio might be a good option for when we move next year. I knew on our way we would stop in Dallas so I texted Bree and asked her if she would be around. We were both thrilled to realize our husbands would be in San Antonio for conferences at the exact same time. So we caravanned down on our own. The rest stop with 7 kids and two moms was hysterical. We made it down and got to hang out with our friend Lauren that we have been missing since we both moved away 2 years ago. As soon as we got to San Antonio we brought our 7 kids immediately to her house who were going crazy to get out of the car. Lauren handled in like a champ and it was so good to see her.

The first day we went to the zoo. That's Bree's 3 month old I'm feeding not Lucy (she was hanging in the stroller) although they are the same size!

The hippo came nose to nose at the window with the kids. So awesome!

 Ashton and the picture with the crocodile.

 Bree's little girl Elle and Hannah buddied up immediately. They were darling together and so girly. Hannah needs more little girl friends it was hard for me to say goodbye to them!

The kids wouldn't stop eating their shaved ice long enough to smile.

Overall being at Fort Sam Houston made me appreciate the cleanliness of FLW. Still a great option and so much fun to tour the city. Definitely worth doing two nights in a hotel by myself with all the kids. Thanks Bree for making the trip too! Even if it did just make me miss you more. I'm still waiting to see the picture from Lauren's house but she was an amazing hostess and made us all breakfast on our last morning there. Vacation with the little ones on my own? Check!