Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's House
Two cups of coffee - $Free from home :)
One tank of gas - $60.00
One McDonald's lunch - $6.00
2 1/2 hours in the car with my daughters - Priceless
Kara, who is normally the quiet one, was quite the little chatterbox today as we made the drive from Wichita Falls to Plano. I thought I would share some excerpts from our conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
About 1/2 hour into the trip...
Kara: Are we still in Texas?
Me: Yes we are.
Kara: Well Texas sure is a big world.
Kara: Would it be funny if those cows over there were dancing in the middle of the field?
Almost immediately followed by...
Kara: Mommy, do you remember when we saw that buffalo poop?
Which was followed up with...
Kara: I smell a skunk. I think it must be skunk time. Mama, how can we smell a skunk in the car?
Me: Skunks have a very strong odor, Kara.
Kara: Do you mean they stink?
A short while later...
Kara: Are we there yet? My tummy is really hungry.
Me: Not yet, we still have a way to go.
When she wasn't rambling on she was singing to herself in the back seat. She loves to sing and when she can't think of a song she will make one up. I couldn't make out what she was singing today but given the conversation of the morning, I'm betting she was making it up as she went along.
The chatter continued with...
Kara: Where's Emma? I can't see Emma! Did we leave her at home?
Just before we made our mid-trip potty stop she asked...
Kara: Are we almost to Gatorade?
Me: To where?
Kara: Gatorade! You know...where we always stop.
Me: It's Decatur, Kara.
Kara: Oh...well are we almost there?
Kara: Mama, can you tell us when we get to a different state?
Me: Grandma and Grandpa's house is still in Texas.
Kara: Oh, well are we there yet?
Me: No.
Kara: I'm hungry though.
Me: I know, Kara. Just a little further.
Kara: Is there a McDonald's there?
After our potty stop...
Kara: Is Plano not far away from Grandma Judy's house?
Me: Plano is where they live.
Kara: But I thought you said they live in Texas.
Kara: Are we gonna sleep there?
Me: Yes, Kara.
Kara: Emma, too?
Me: Yes
Kara: All of us?
Me: Yes, Kara.
Kara: Why?
Me: Because we are going to be there until next Thursday and we can't stay awake that whole time.
Kara: But what if the phone rings?
Me: Well, someone will answer it.
Kara: LIKE ME?!
Me: Uh, NO! - like Grandma or Grandpa.
Kara: Oh.
Shortly before our arrival...
Kara: Does fired mean when you have a job you don't have a job anymore?
Me: Yes (wondering how much more random you can get than that).
Just after we hit the exit to Grandma and Grandpa's house...
Kara: Mommy, I'm tired of sitting.
Me: Me too, Kara.
Kara: Why do we have to stop at the red light? Move cars, move, I'm tired of sitting.
What a total crack up! She is never that talkative. I wish I would have had a way to record it all because I'm sure that I didn't remember all of it just as it happened. On the flip side of things, Emma was unusually quiet. I guess she couldn't get a word in edgewise.
Showing posts with label girls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label girls. Show all posts
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Happy Birthday to...
...both of our girls!!! Today is Emma's 6th birthday and tomorrow is Kara's 4th. In honor of their special days we decided to do something we've been wanting to do for a while now...we went to Sea World!
Last Thursday evening, Austin had a football game down in Arlington. We made the trip down to watch and then spent the night there after the game. His team won! They are undefeated for the season with two games left to play. Go Warriors!
Friday morning we headed to San Antonio and arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon. Once we checked into our hotel we were off to the pool...Kara and I preferred the hot tub. Awesome!
That evening we took the girls to PF Changs for dinner. They couldn't have cared less about where we ate but we used their birthdays as an excuse for an awesome dinner. They loved the little desserts that they got for free just because we were celebrating their birthdays. Kara prefers dessert over dinner anyway. In our rush to make our dinner reservation I forgot the camera so you'll just have to take my word for it that it was a great time for all of us.
Saturday morning, after eating breakfast in the hotel we were off to the main event.
It was a gorgeous day and we had a great time. Emma was very excited to ride her first ride with Dad and Austin. Kara wanted to go so badly but wasn't tall enough. She was crushed. When the ride was over, Emma was less than enthusiastic. She thought twice before saying that she wanted to ride anything else.
As it turns out, Kara is our little daredevil. Who would have guessed?! We took her and Emma both on a little kiddie roller coaster and the pictures that the park takes were hilarious. Kara was grinning from ear to ear and Emma had a look of "I'm not so sure about this" on her face. It was a great contrast but the pictures were outrageously priced so we let the park keep them. Here's a picture that Austin took...it's a little blurry but you get the idea.
We took them both on the log ride and Kara loved every minute of that as well although she did say that it scared her "two times". Emma liked that ride too.
Daddy took Kara on another ride that goes around and around...kind of a kiddie version of the "Tilt-a-Whirl" for all you carnival goers. I got nauseous just looking at it and Emma turned it down so SuperDad was the hero. After they got off he commented that he needed to find a bush to barf in. He didn't really but I guess Kara has an iron stomach as well. What a crack up that our little bitty shy bird of a girl would be so adventurous. Here's a couple of shots of the "spin until you puke".
On top of all the rides we got to see our favorite shows.
We saw Shamu...
the dolphins...
and the sea lions and walrus...
It was a full day and when it was over we were all exhausted as you can see.
So, that was our trip to Sea World. We had a great time and I'm so glad that we went. I think the girls will remember it for a long time. I have more to write about their birthdays but that will have to wait for another day. For now, I will leave you with one final picture just because I think it's cute.
Last Thursday evening, Austin had a football game down in Arlington. We made the trip down to watch and then spent the night there after the game. His team won! They are undefeated for the season with two games left to play. Go Warriors!Friday morning we headed to San Antonio and arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon. Once we checked into our hotel we were off to the pool...Kara and I preferred the hot tub. Awesome!
That evening we took the girls to PF Changs for dinner. They couldn't have cared less about where we ate but we used their birthdays as an excuse for an awesome dinner. They loved the little desserts that they got for free just because we were celebrating their birthdays. Kara prefers dessert over dinner anyway. In our rush to make our dinner reservation I forgot the camera so you'll just have to take my word for it that it was a great time for all of us.Saturday morning, after eating breakfast in the hotel we were off to the main event.
It was a gorgeous day and we had a great time. Emma was very excited to ride her first ride with Dad and Austin. Kara wanted to go so badly but wasn't tall enough. She was crushed. When the ride was over, Emma was less than enthusiastic. She thought twice before saying that she wanted to ride anything else.As it turns out, Kara is our little daredevil. Who would have guessed?! We took her and Emma both on a little kiddie roller coaster and the pictures that the park takes were hilarious. Kara was grinning from ear to ear and Emma had a look of "I'm not so sure about this" on her face. It was a great contrast but the pictures were outrageously priced so we let the park keep them. Here's a picture that Austin took...it's a little blurry but you get the idea.
We took them both on the log ride and Kara loved every minute of that as well although she did say that it scared her "two times". Emma liked that ride too.Daddy took Kara on another ride that goes around and around...kind of a kiddie version of the "Tilt-a-Whirl" for all you carnival goers. I got nauseous just looking at it and Emma turned it down so SuperDad was the hero. After they got off he commented that he needed to find a bush to barf in. He didn't really but I guess Kara has an iron stomach as well. What a crack up that our little bitty shy bird of a girl would be so adventurous. Here's a couple of shots of the "spin until you puke".
On top of all the rides we got to see our favorite shows.We saw Shamu...
the dolphins...
and the sea lions and walrus...
It was a full day and when it was over we were all exhausted as you can see.
So, that was our trip to Sea World. We had a great time and I'm so glad that we went. I think the girls will remember it for a long time. I have more to write about their birthdays but that will have to wait for another day. For now, I will leave you with one final picture just because I think it's cute.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Extra-curricular Activities
I have been on a cleaning frenzy. I intended to give my house a good "spring" cleaning this summer while we were out of school but somehow the summer passed and it never happened. Don't ask me what possessed me to start it the week we started school, but I did. I think maybe it was the need to feel organized that got me motivated.
Anyway, I have dusted, vacuumed, cleaned blinds and windows (inside and out), cleaned ceiling fans and light fixtures, sinks and toilets, walls and floors, refrigerators and ovens, and just about everything else you can name. It feels great...for the 24 hours or so that it lasts.
Seriously though, I do feel better when my house is clean. It may not always be picked up and tidy but when it's clean underneath it all, I feel much better. I still have the girls' room and the laundry room to hit but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I figure by the time I finish the whole house, it will be time to start over. C'est la vie!
In the midst of the frenzy, we continue to have school. It is going great for the most part and we are enjoying it. We have even added in some extracurricular activities that I thought I would share.
In August, I signed the girls up for gymnastics at the local YMCA. They allow the home school group to come in and use their facilities on Fridays. Emma has loved it from day 1. The teacher is a young man and Kara has yet to warm up to him. I keep hoping that as time goes on she will get excited to try more and more. Last week at the end of class, the mom that helps out told me that Emma is fantastic. I had to have her repeat what she said because I misunderstood the first time and thought that Emma was in trouble again. I guess I shouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions.
She was impressed with Emma's lack of fear and willingness to really try to do what they want her to do. Here is a shot of her working on a back flip.
And here she is on the balance beam.
On one occasion, Kara's courage was mustered long enough to try a few things. Unfortunately the pictures are not great but you get the idea.
They are having fun and it is a great way for Emma to burn some of her excess energy.
After gymnastics last Friday morning, we headed to the base for a ceramics class. Yes, I know I'm crazy to take a 3 year old and a 5 year old into a room filled with nothing but breakables but in the name of "Art class" I did. They actually did quite well and we had fun too. Here are a few pics of them cleaning their greenware and of the projects they chose.
The bear and the dog are Emma's and the ladybug family is Kara's. Last week they cleaned them and then they were to be fired over the weekend. Tomorrow we go back and they get to paint their goodies. I'll take more pictures of the masterpieces when they are finished.
Emma started piano lessons on Wednesday of this week and our Wednesday night children's activities at church called "Truth Trackers" started this week as well. So, as you can see, the girls are plenty busy and I'm frantic trying to keep up. Not to mention that Austin is playing football with one of the local Christian schools and he has practice every day with games on Thursday evenings and most of those are out of town.
Tyler and Drew are in class at MSU every morning of the week and working most afternoons so life is crazy...but good. To keep up with all of this, I have taken to carrying around a day planner that pretty much never leaves my side now. It is like carrying my brain around in my hand. Somehow I keep up with things better this way. So, if you happen to come across a little brown tapestry binder without an owner, please return my brain...I would be lost without it.
Anyway, I have dusted, vacuumed, cleaned blinds and windows (inside and out), cleaned ceiling fans and light fixtures, sinks and toilets, walls and floors, refrigerators and ovens, and just about everything else you can name. It feels great...for the 24 hours or so that it lasts.
Seriously though, I do feel better when my house is clean. It may not always be picked up and tidy but when it's clean underneath it all, I feel much better. I still have the girls' room and the laundry room to hit but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I figure by the time I finish the whole house, it will be time to start over. C'est la vie!
In the midst of the frenzy, we continue to have school. It is going great for the most part and we are enjoying it. We have even added in some extracurricular activities that I thought I would share.
In August, I signed the girls up for gymnastics at the local YMCA. They allow the home school group to come in and use their facilities on Fridays. Emma has loved it from day 1. The teacher is a young man and Kara has yet to warm up to him. I keep hoping that as time goes on she will get excited to try more and more. Last week at the end of class, the mom that helps out told me that Emma is fantastic. I had to have her repeat what she said because I misunderstood the first time and thought that Emma was in trouble again. I guess I shouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions.
She was impressed with Emma's lack of fear and willingness to really try to do what they want her to do. Here is a shot of her working on a back flip.
And here she is on the balance beam.
On one occasion, Kara's courage was mustered long enough to try a few things. Unfortunately the pictures are not great but you get the idea.
They are having fun and it is a great way for Emma to burn some of her excess energy.After gymnastics last Friday morning, we headed to the base for a ceramics class. Yes, I know I'm crazy to take a 3 year old and a 5 year old into a room filled with nothing but breakables but in the name of "Art class" I did. They actually did quite well and we had fun too. Here are a few pics of them cleaning their greenware and of the projects they chose.
The bear and the dog are Emma's and the ladybug family is Kara's. Last week they cleaned them and then they were to be fired over the weekend. Tomorrow we go back and they get to paint their goodies. I'll take more pictures of the masterpieces when they are finished.Emma started piano lessons on Wednesday of this week and our Wednesday night children's activities at church called "Truth Trackers" started this week as well. So, as you can see, the girls are plenty busy and I'm frantic trying to keep up. Not to mention that Austin is playing football with one of the local Christian schools and he has practice every day with games on Thursday evenings and most of those are out of town.
Tyler and Drew are in class at MSU every morning of the week and working most afternoons so life is crazy...but good. To keep up with all of this, I have taken to carrying around a day planner that pretty much never leaves my side now. It is like carrying my brain around in my hand. Somehow I keep up with things better this way. So, if you happen to come across a little brown tapestry binder without an owner, please return my brain...I would be lost without it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tea for Two
Afternoon tea...I believe it has become a casualty of our super busy fast paced world. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to share tea with a close friend of mine on a few occasions but then we both adopted children, life got even busier, and then she moved away. I miss those times.
So, in the interest of passing the joys of tea time on to my two little ladies, the girls and I made a trip to the local toy store last week in search of a sturdy tea set for little hands. Most of the ones we found were either porcelain, which would never survive with our concrete floors, or cheap thin plastic that wouldn't last long around here either.
After searching the store and finding a few treasures on the clearance aisle (we'll save those for another post), we happened upon a nice sturdy tea set that I thought just might serve our purposes.
So...on Sunday afternoon I made the girls some tea sandwiches and filled their little tea pot up for them and they had a ball serving each other and enjoying one another's company.
I had intended to join them but was in the middle of baking cookies for our new neighbors and they had finished their "tea" before I finished the cookies. It was definitely my loss...but there is always next time and I am really looking forward to it.
So, in the interest of passing the joys of tea time on to my two little ladies, the girls and I made a trip to the local toy store last week in search of a sturdy tea set for little hands. Most of the ones we found were either porcelain, which would never survive with our concrete floors, or cheap thin plastic that wouldn't last long around here either.
After searching the store and finding a few treasures on the clearance aisle (we'll save those for another post), we happened upon a nice sturdy tea set that I thought just might serve our purposes.
So...on Sunday afternoon I made the girls some tea sandwiches and filled their little tea pot up for them and they had a ball serving each other and enjoying one another's company.
I had intended to join them but was in the middle of baking cookies for our new neighbors and they had finished their "tea" before I finished the cookies. It was definitely my loss...but there is always next time and I am really looking forward to it.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What Else Ya Gonna Do...
...when it's 102...degrees that is!
We never got our big pool put up this year, but that hasn't stopped the girls from working on their tans. Kara can be in the sun one day and she is as dark as can be. Emma tans well also but it takes slightly longer and she doesn't get as dark.
Emma loves to be outside. This extreme Texas heat doesn't seem to bother her a bit. Kara loves to be outside too but she doesn't much care for these high temps. She is much more like her mother.
Today we made a card and some cookies for our new neighbors that moved in down the street. Considering all of the new houses on our street, we better get busy making some more cards.
Anyway, while the first batch of cookies was cooling on the stove, I escaped to the other room to check my email. When I came back to the kitchen what do you suppose I found...yep, you guessed it, fingerprints in the cookies. Ugh! Guess that batch will stay here. I really should know better than to leave something that tempting unattended in the first place.
So, what's a mom to do? We passed them out and ate the evidence. Didn't even get a picture of it. Oh well, there are plenty more where those came from. Ooo, were they yummy!!!!
In fact, I think I'll go have another one.
We never got our big pool put up this year, but that hasn't stopped the girls from working on their tans. Kara can be in the sun one day and she is as dark as can be. Emma tans well also but it takes slightly longer and she doesn't get as dark.Emma loves to be outside. This extreme Texas heat doesn't seem to bother her a bit. Kara loves to be outside too but she doesn't much care for these high temps. She is much more like her mother.
Today we made a card and some cookies for our new neighbors that moved in down the street. Considering all of the new houses on our street, we better get busy making some more cards.
Anyway, while the first batch of cookies was cooling on the stove, I escaped to the other room to check my email. When I came back to the kitchen what do you suppose I found...yep, you guessed it, fingerprints in the cookies. Ugh! Guess that batch will stay here. I really should know better than to leave something that tempting unattended in the first place.
So, what's a mom to do? We passed them out and ate the evidence. Didn't even get a picture of it. Oh well, there are plenty more where those came from. Ooo, were they yummy!!!!
In fact, I think I'll go have another one.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Brotherly Love
As we finished dinner tonight the girls were begging to play Chutes and Ladders. While Keith and I cleaned up the dishes, Drew offered to play with the girls.
I will play just about anything with them but Chutes and Ladders is definitely not my favorite. That game can go on forever. You just think you're getting somewhere and you hit a chute and go back to the beginning. Come on, this is supposed to be a game for little kids. Have some mercy on the parents (and big brothers) already.
Anyway, Drew, being the great sport that he is, sat down to play with his sisters.
The first game went along fairly smoothly with the exception of Kara's occasional mix up in the counting of the squares (she still needs some help in this area). She ended up winning in what appeared to be near record time. Then I heard her ask the dreaded question..."Can we play again?" The look on Drew's face was hilarious as he responded "Can we double each roll?"
They did play a second game...even played it by the rules (no doubling of rolls). Kara won again and her smile went from ear to ear.
Thanks Drew for taking the time to make memories with your sisters and for loving them enough to play Chutes and Ladders. I'm quite sure you made their night.
I will play just about anything with them but Chutes and Ladders is definitely not my favorite. That game can go on forever. You just think you're getting somewhere and you hit a chute and go back to the beginning. Come on, this is supposed to be a game for little kids. Have some mercy on the parents (and big brothers) already.
Anyway, Drew, being the great sport that he is, sat down to play with his sisters.
The first game went along fairly smoothly with the exception of Kara's occasional mix up in the counting of the squares (she still needs some help in this area). She ended up winning in what appeared to be near record time. Then I heard her ask the dreaded question..."Can we play again?" The look on Drew's face was hilarious as he responded "Can we double each roll?"They did play a second game...even played it by the rules (no doubling of rolls). Kara won again and her smile went from ear to ear.
Thanks Drew for taking the time to make memories with your sisters and for loving them enough to play Chutes and Ladders. I'm quite sure you made their night.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Critters
Both of my girls love critters of all kinds. They would love to have a dog but I keep telling them that we have too many children to have animals. ;) So far, that has worked.
A new home is being built on the lot next to us. One of the bricklayers that has been working on the house this last week has the cutest little puppy that he brings to work with him everyday.
We were out front one evening enjoying the nice weather when the puppy decided to come and play. The girls had a great time and so did the puppy. It's the first time I've seen Kara actually play with a dog without being afraid. Then again, it's the first time she has been around one that wasn't bigger than she is.
Keith has taught the girls that bugs are okay, too. It is obvious that they trust him completely. :) The other day there was a commotion on the back patio while they were out there playing. I went to check it out only to find them fighting over who got to hold the mostly dead cricket that they had found.
Kara was the current pallbearer. The cricket was lying in her tiny little palm and she was gently caressing it with the index finger of her other hand.
Yuck!!!!!!! I do not like bugs and this sight just grossed me out. Not to mention that the exterminator had been here earlier that day which is why the cricket was dying in the first place. After a short lecture on bugs and poison and a thorough washing of the hands, I'm happy to report that I have no pictures to share with you of this example of the girls' love for critters.
The front patio that we had built last fall has become a favorite hangout for Keith and I in the evenings after dinner. The girls love it when we go out there because they get to come too.
Emma asked one night at dinner "Are you guys going to have a vacationship tonight?" We are not sure where the word came from but that is her term for our time on the front patio. We are more than happy to oblige and now we "vacationship" often.
During a recent "vacationship", Emma got sent inside early. Those who know her well won't even have to wonder why. :) Kara was sitting on Keith's lap when a bird on the roof caught her eye. She is fascinated with all critters but birds seem to hold a special attraction for her. I happened to catch this shot of the two of them as she got Daddy involved in her birdwatching activities.
I thought this picture was great of the two of them. It thrills my heart to see their relationship growing. Kara is still painfully shy with most men but she has finally decided that Daddy is a good guy. I put her to bed one night last week when Keith wasn't home and just before I turned out the light she said "Tell Daddy I love him". Need I say more?
We are so blessed!
A new home is being built on the lot next to us. One of the bricklayers that has been working on the house this last week has the cutest little puppy that he brings to work with him everyday.
We were out front one evening enjoying the nice weather when the puppy decided to come and play. The girls had a great time and so did the puppy. It's the first time I've seen Kara actually play with a dog without being afraid. Then again, it's the first time she has been around one that wasn't bigger than she is.
Keith has taught the girls that bugs are okay, too. It is obvious that they trust him completely. :) The other day there was a commotion on the back patio while they were out there playing. I went to check it out only to find them fighting over who got to hold the mostly dead cricket that they had found.
Kara was the current pallbearer. The cricket was lying in her tiny little palm and she was gently caressing it with the index finger of her other hand.
Yuck!!!!!!! I do not like bugs and this sight just grossed me out. Not to mention that the exterminator had been here earlier that day which is why the cricket was dying in the first place. After a short lecture on bugs and poison and a thorough washing of the hands, I'm happy to report that I have no pictures to share with you of this example of the girls' love for critters.
The front patio that we had built last fall has become a favorite hangout for Keith and I in the evenings after dinner. The girls love it when we go out there because they get to come too.
Emma asked one night at dinner "Are you guys going to have a vacationship tonight?" We are not sure where the word came from but that is her term for our time on the front patio. We are more than happy to oblige and now we "vacationship" often.
During a recent "vacationship", Emma got sent inside early. Those who know her well won't even have to wonder why. :) Kara was sitting on Keith's lap when a bird on the roof caught her eye. She is fascinated with all critters but birds seem to hold a special attraction for her. I happened to catch this shot of the two of them as she got Daddy involved in her birdwatching activities.
I thought this picture was great of the two of them. It thrills my heart to see their relationship growing. Kara is still painfully shy with most men but she has finally decided that Daddy is a good guy. I put her to bed one night last week when Keith wasn't home and just before I turned out the light she said "Tell Daddy I love him". Need I say more? We are so blessed!
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