It's Almost Time!

(Although, really, does it ever actually end?!)

Sunday afternoon, the football booster club hosted a party to celebrate the impending kick-off (ha!  kick-off!) of the season.  Apparently, there was a record crowd and all the jobs for which they needed parental support got filled.  Hooray!

There were also a few happy kids:

I know it's just the placement in the pic, but the boy looks SO gigantic to me!!  The other girl is the daughter of another coach-- she and B have been quite the pair since last season but this time, she and C bonded over crayons, too!

There also might have been some chocolate cake:

The way B went after that edible football,  maybe he'll end up gaining some weight this year!  ;-)

Speaking of football, the BG gets back today from several days away at camp.  Practice starts in just 1.5 weeks!!!

CJK = 2.5

Speaking of butterflies (as I was yesterday), the newly closer-to-3-than-2 girl was apparently really excited about one that was hanging out on a lawn chair:

(The above picture could also be titled "What Happens To Your Bite When You Suck Your Left Thumb")

As you've probably all noticed, the cheesy grin in that photo is a far cry from her usual photographic expression as seen here:

You'd think she'd look a little more excited about the random thermal crew I found for the BG at Kohl's for $2.52!!!!!!!!!!!

"It Can't Hurt To Ask"

I wouldn't say it's a "mantra" exactly, but I am embracing this philosophy of late.  I have long talked myself out of even looking into/trying things because of my entrenched fear of failure, but with each new year comes a bit less self-consciousness in that arena.

Two Sundays ago, I enjoyed a lovely few hours strolling by my lonesome (trying to take advantage of such opportunities before football starts!) on our favorite local main street.  The morning before, I had visited a farmer's market (also a solo trip-- bliss!) and had bought tomatoes and basil but had not had the chance to buy fresh mozzarella for that summer staple, caprese salad.  As I was shopping in some intense sunshine on Sunday, I was lamenting the fact that I was going to have to stop at a grocery store on the way home to buy the cheese....especially, um, since I had bought a half-pound of fudge that I didn't want to melt!  ;-)   On my way back to my car, I decided to stop into a new little shop that boasted a "deli" sign in the window to see if they might have some fresh mozzarella.

While they had traditional meats and cheeses for sale in their small deli counter, there was no sign of the creamy white goodness.  But--thinking about taking a chance--I did, and the owner immediately said, "I do have some in the back for the caprese salads we make on the weekends and I would be happy to give it to you!"   Long story slightly shorter, not only did he send me home with 3/4 of a pound of fresh mozzarella, he charged me less than half the wholesale price:  $3!!  WHAT?  

It never hurts to ask.

You know I love me some cheese (and crusty bread...and dipping oil...and fudge!) but today's post is really about experience #2 following this "take a chance" philosophy.   When we got back from Texas, B immediately launched into 2 weeks of swim lessons 3x/week.   It became clear that the repetitive time in the water makes a huge difference in his comfort and interest in swimming (or "swimming" as it still is).   I had done research at the beginning of the summer on joining a pool and determined that the costs just didn't make sense for us, but I got re-inspired last week to do a bit more hunting.

I decided that it couldn't hurt to ask a nearby pool if they might offer pro-rated end-of-summer memberships.  I figured that if a private pool group didn't fill all their membership slots through the regular membership drive, wouldn't they rather get some extra money now than NOT?   I didn't hear anything back for days but Saturday morning, I got a response from the membership chair that it was a go.  I popped over in the afternoon to check things out since I had never seen the pool (it's about 9 minutes away and near the preschool) and was thrilled with not only the accommodations but also the laid-back friendliness of all the staff.  Boom!  We're now legit members through Labor Day!

We had a busy afternoon scheduled yesterday but I really wanted the gang to go check it out together, so the 4 of us showed up at the pool upon its opening at noon.  Nevermind that it was cloudy and a brisk 80 degrees and we were the only people there!!!

B couldn't get enough of jumping in the water...which he was still doing above even after his sister had gotten out.  She was one cold angry bird!

The pool has several big planters of flowers that are a big draw for butterflies:  at one point, we counted eight butterflies flitting about.  Bonus pool feature!

I dislike being hot/in the sun almost as much as I love all those food items, so it's kinda funny that I'm as excited as I am about this new development.   Ah, motherhood:  bringing happiness to me through the joy of kid(s) since 2008!

Brother + Sister

Pretty sure this is how these two can be summed up:  the little one taking off while the more cautious older one seems to say, "Wait a minute!":

As a bonus pic, this pond-side straightaway might be one of my fave places to capture little runners (and I did absolutely nothing to edit the colors/lighting in this pic):

 Here they were in the same spot last September.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Down and Up

Christy brought back our Bumbo so we can now pass it on to Anne for baby Ellie......that is, if the "baby" of this house lets it go!  She definitely enjoyed sitting in her "new" perch:

Of course, when she stands up, there's no denying she's not a baby.  Girl's got some height!

Fun "Olive" The Day Long

Actually, it started out a totally boring day where the only entertainment was "standing on heads" over the coffee table (sister trying everything brother does, of course):

Then this girl showed up and may I just say that Mr. B went right over to her and shot me this smile.  (I can only hope that his sister learns to smile for the camera sometime in the next 3 years, as well):

Christy sent me this pic from their playtime while I went to pick up some dinner tacos.  I love the symmetry of the girls gnawing on matching red balls.  Speaking of, um, matching, you'll note a pink necklace and pink socks on C, and her skirt looks extra poufy because she has a tutu on UNDER it!!

 They've invented so much cool baby gear in the last 6 years since we were buying stuff.  Who needs a high chair when you can buy a portable seat that attaches to the table....and has a 360 degree swivel??

A Study of Sasses

(She actually now correctly says "sunglasses" but I am gonna stick with "sasses" because it's just fun.)

I had quite the giggle the other day when I turned around in the car and saw this:

Those sasses actually used to belong to her brother, so it's only fitting that I captured him yesterday wearing an old pair of mine:

I decided to overly lighten up that little girl because she's pretty funny:

We weren't actually at Wegmans, which begs the question:  do you think checker-outters at grocery stores are bummed out when shoppers show up with bags from another store?  I actually found myself yesterday on the verge of giving a shout-out to the guy in front of me because he had a bunch of Weggies bags, too-- but then I realized that might be awkward for the Harris Teeter cashier.  That, or I realized I might be kinda weird for trying to form a bond over reusable shopping bags.  One of those.

Newfound Freedom

Since Miss C did so well sleeping in three different big beds while we were gone, we figured it was probably time to take the front off her crib.   Who knew it would allow her to become a doctor and give check-ups to her brother?

I am happy to report that she's taken to it like a champ with no testing of her new freedom's limits!   With the exception of a random naptime where she apparently rolled off and looked quite shocked (and scared) to find herself on the floor, she seems to have it mastered!

Family Friday

We didn't just eat with Big Daddy.   We also took some updated family photos!

Everybody!

(Totally on a slope that goes up to the right, FYI.  We lefties look a little shrimpy compared to the other half!)

Just as a fun comparison, here's what the gang looked like two years ago:

 (added a new granddaughter and subtracted a girlfriend, in case you're counting.)

A collage of the individual family units-- and yes, I also wonder if my daughter will ever smile in posed pictures! ;-)

The sibs. (Birth order is 1, 3, 4, 2 from L-R in case anyone is curious):

The sisters-in-law.  I am clearly the odd one out not being named Sara(h) and not being a lovely tan shade!

Guys in black shirts.  Whatever, it seemed cool at the time!  ;-)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Big Eatin' With Big Daddy

Saturday afternoon, Big D took the whole crew to a local burger joint that has a familiar name:

It kinda started on a spontaneous internet search for a nearby place that had chicken fried steak since we hadn't sampled that yet on this Texas visit.  When he realized it was offered at "his" restaurant, it was a done deal!  

I mentioned it was a burger joint.....but not just any burger joint.  Check out a few of the options sampled by the fam:

 Clockwise from top left:  Why YES, that is a burger with two enchiladas, chili, cheese, and onions on top!  Next up, the macaroni and cheese burger!   Lower right is the BG's CFS, and then on the lower left is some sort of Italian-themed burger notable for that thicker-than-the-beef-patty hunk of fried cheese!

Not gonna lie--- I kinda wish I could go back for seconds now!!  YUM!  Thanks, Big D!!

Wordless Wednesday

Meanwhile, Back At The Pond...

The days we spent with Grandma in East Texas were chock full of outdoor exploration.  She spends several weeks a month living out there in the home where her mom lived but working down the road on her property where she is restoring an old house.  Grandma found a house built in the 1860s in another town in East Texas and had it moved in by truck several years back.  She is pretty much the ultimate DIY-er and has the project of a lifetime now getting it restored. 

She spent the first few years concentrating on the land surrounding the moved-in house and it's a paradise for kids.  The BG's youngest brother, Matthew, came one time with a big machine and they dug out more of the pond where she's also built a pier for fishing.  

How do you get to the pond?  By Farm Truck, of course!

(don't worry-- they didn't really ride back there!)

The view when you drive in:

The pier (if you look on the right side of the midground, you'll see a row of grape vines.  She's on her way to having very own vineyard!):

Kids fishing with cane poles amidst the duckweed that has exploded in the summer heat:

The old house:

Some of the BG's success with fishing:

 And yes, this was dinner our last night:

Us taking the new paddleboat out for a spin amidst the algae, the other yucky pond addition:

Our view from the paddleboat-- lo!  Who goes there?

Why, it's the crew in the big green boat!

Grandma hauled limestone from Central Texas to build a firepit that definitely called for making s'mores (and if you look in the midground right of this pic, you'll see the edge of her orchard where she's planted peach, pear, and apple trees):

If all that wasn't enough entertainment, there are also two swings....which is perfect for this swing-loving girl!

We Made It!

It's 7:48 AM and I have groggily stumbled out of bed to come turn on my laptop for the first time in 15 days.  We hit the road out of Austin yesterday before 9 AM and walked in the door of our house a little after midnight. We are tired.  (Actually, the kids aren't even awake yet and I haven't yet formed actual words in the BG's direction but he sure looked groggy himself!)

Thank goodness we have such wonderful travelers:

 

Yesterday's day o' travel does not rank in the highest echelon of anniversaries for us, but I sure felt loved by my spouse during our flights.  This was the first time all 4 of us have flown together since C has turned 2 and had her own seat.  On a Southwest flight, there are only 3 seats together so, on both legs, he sat between the kids on one side and I got to enjoy the opposite aisle!   I managed to read the final page of Kate Atkinson's Life After Life just as we were about to touch down so I feel quite victorious in finishing the 500 page book while I was gone.  (But I gotta say, Aunt Nicki, I don't think I enjoyed it as much as you did!  Truly, I don't think I'm smart enough to follow such a non-linear plotline!!  But, all in all, I recommend it as a very well-crafted novel to add to reading lists.)

We picked up some milk from a gas station last night so at least we can have cereal this morning.  There's an awfully big grocery store run in my immediate future, however!!

Be back all this week with more tidbits from our adventures!

Hotel Hijinks

As I mentioned yesterday, we scored a great deal on Priceline for a luxe hotel on the San Antonio Riverwalk.  One prob with Priceline, however, is that you can't make any sort of requests re: the room or facilities.  So, as directed by Priceline, I called the hotel as soon as our bid was accepted to make sure that we could get 2 beds.  Well, wouldn't you know it-- they told me I had to make such requests with the 3rd party provider.  Hmmm. 

We decided we'd just aim to get there close to check-in time and, indeed, we were able to request a room with 2 beds when we got there.  While I'm quite certain we were put in the much-less-fancy wing of the hotel (as in, overlooking a parking garage rather than the river!), we were thrilled to discover that our room had a balcony!  Hooray!   Unlike the Gaylord lack-of-balcony debacle of 2012, we'd be able to put the kids to bed and then escape while they fell asleep!

It also turned out that we happened to park EXACTLY in front of where our room ended up being.  So we got to wave to the boys when they went to get our luggage!

Miss C settled right in with her animal crackers.  She's a hoot:

Our room was the balcony on the 3rd floor.  While the kids were drifting off to sleep, the BG and I enjoyed copious amounts of cheddar and sea salt crackers along with some delightful vino....while totally looking right at the parking garage.  No one could steal our car that night!!

The kids did a great job sleeping together.  Actually, we didn't have a Pack&Play once we left Dallas so C has now slept in 3 different "big" beds with no problems!  We are so fortunate to have good travelers.

After the Zoo visit, we headed to Austin where we're now staying with these fun peeps!



Happy Friday!

The Alamo City

We've been semi-off the grid the last few days.  I wrote this week's posts last Friday night because Saturday, the BG flew in and we took off 3 hours to the east to visit his mom in a land unknown to internet.  More to come about our adventure there but first, let's take a look at what we've been up to the last couple of days!

Tuesday morning, we trekked 5.5 hours southwest to San Antonio, largely because the BG wanted the B-man to get to see some of the sights from This is Texas, a book they've read together over the years.  I scored a 4-star Riverwalk hotel on Priceline for a good deal and off we went.  We arrived to find not only the Alamo City, but also the typical Texas heat that we've managed to avoid during the cool front of the last week.  We did a short walk over to check out the Riverwalk, see the Alamo, and eat some Whataburger!  (We also took a fun riverboat cruise but I didn't get any pics of that!)

Yesterday, we got up and hit the Zoo when it opened.  It was actually quite shaded and not too hot for the 2 hours we lasted.   Fun times!

Unintentional Artistry

Okay, "artistry" might be pushing it.

This pic totally makes me laugh, however, because it looks like the kind of planned shot that professional photogs often do, where there's some part of the family in the focal point and others looking on in the background.  But this one?   Um, totally unplanned and completely in-the-moment! 

(Credit goes to mon frere, Lyman Green, for continuing to snap throughout the chaos!)

Posing, Splashing, Eating

Before the new family-of-three headed back to LA, Geoff snapped a few shots of the grandkids.  There was my favorite:

And then there was the one where the new papa CLEARLY cast his niece and nephew in the shadows and made his offspring gleam like an angel baby-- ha ha ha!!

 That same day, the kiddies and I made a quick jaunt to a splash park very near my parents' house.  While I am happy not to live somewhere where so much of the year is so hot, I am a little bummed that we don't have ready access to cool (no pun intended) options like this:

 Then we capped off the day with eating Blue Bell that matches our bib because, well, why not?