The Texas State Fair

We went to the state fair a couple of weeks ago. It was the best fair trip I have ever made. We went on a Wednesday in the middle of the day and we had a blast. The boys were enjoying some time at the aquarium.

This sweet man let Caleb touch some strange ocean creature.

We all enjoyed some state fair corn dogs.

Caleb played a few games, and even won a few!

Trevor and Daddy on the carousel.

Caleb riding a horse on the carousel.

The boys riding a rollercoaster. I wanted Michael to ride with Trevor, but the ride attendant said he could ride with Caleb. I just knew it wasn't a good idea, but Michael said to let them go. I felt better when they both gave a big thumbs up to us at the beginning of the ride.

The first time around the boys seemed a little nervous, but they were doing okay. Coming around the second time, Trevor began screaming and they stopped the ride immediately to get him out of there. It was a good thing they were right up front and the nice man handed Trevor to Michael right away.

We went to the little hands on the farm exhibit. It was really cute because it teaches the kids where everything comes from on the farm and how we get money to pay for things.

The boys were ready to feed the animals.

Caleb was a natural on the tractor.

Trevor had a little more trouble, but once he got going he didn't want to stop.

We took a break after eating a funnel cake (I honestly ate almost the entire thing by myself) to get some water.

A little family pic taken by a nice police officer.

The boys giving one last thumbs up behind the waterfall.

We had lots of fun. The bird show was amazing--we even got to see a parrot sing "Old McDonald had a farm." I don't think I will ever go to the fair on a weekend again. It was great to have Michael take off and go in the middle of the week.

Michael's birthday pictures

This was the start of our weekend at Uncle Julio's. Good dinner and great company. Michael's poor truck the next morning after being stolen at 3:00 a.m.

The dash in his truck missing the cd player, the steering column totally broken, and his dash barely hanging on.

The boys that night really brightened up our day after dealing with the aftermath of a stolen truck. The fountain behind them provided a lot of fun while eating dinner at Cafe Express.

After eating our yummy breakfast at the Doubletree Cynthia took some time to play cards with Caleb.

Jeff worked his breakfast off by wrestling with Trevor.

After hanging out with Adam, Brandy, and the girls we hung out on the patio of Joe's Crab Shack. The boys got to watch the ducks while we ate dinner and play on their outdoor playground.

Happy Birthday Michael. You are a wonderful father and husband. We really couldn't ask for better! Next year we will leave your truck at home. :)

Happy Birthday Michael!

Daddy Michael just turned 28! We spent his actual birthday (on the 14th) looking for a new house with Caleb and Trevor. Mike and Libby were kind enough to watch the boys so we could have a quiet steak dinner by ourselves after our house search. By the way, we did find a house, but they leased out early the next morning before we were 100% sure about putting an offer on it. I am sure we will find a wonderful house. We just have to be patient.
Friday evening we met up with lots of family and friends and had an awesome dinner at Uncle Julio's in Dallas. We decided to make a mini vacation out of the weekend and stay at the Doubletree in Dallas right next to our wonderful friends the Redwines. Michael woke me up bright and early (around 6:45), which was no good since I was looking forward to sleeping in without the kiddos. Of course I had to forgive him since he was waking me up to tell me his truck had been stolen. We had to file a police report, cancel all his credit/debit cards, (yes, his wallet was in the truck)and begin figuring out what he actually had in the truck that could be reported to insurance. We decided to eat breakfast at the hotel in the meantime---it was yummy! By the time we were done with everything the police were calling Michael to tell him they had found his truck at Royal and Harry Hines in Dallas, AND if he didn't want it towed and impouded then we would have to be there in 10 minutes. We jumped in Jeff and Cynthia's vehicle and raced over there to see Michael's poor truck missing all original wheels with two bald tires on the front and two tires missing on the back sitting on a jack. He felt so violated. His truck was trashed, and all stereo equipment was gone.
Cutting this long story short......we got everything sorted out and were back to the hotel by noon. We got to rest and shower, eat a nice Japanese lunch and pick up our boys that we were both missing. We took the boys to dinner at Cafe Express in Mockingbird Station. We ate on the patio. It was a lovely fall night! We went back to the hotel for an early night after such a long day.
On Sunday, we enjoyed another yummy breakfast at our hotel before leaving. We said goodbye to the Redwines and headed over to Adam and Brandy's house. We got to spend the afternoon with Caleb and Ava playing together while Elizabeth and Trevor took their naps. We went rifle shopping for Michael's birthday present and then ate another patio dinner at Joe's Crab Shack.
Considering everything, we actually had a really good weekend. When something like an unexpected truck theft happens in your life it helps to put everything in perspective. We are blessed with such wonderful children, family, and friends. We are healthy, safe, and sheltered. We have everything we need and want, and the truck can be fixed!!
I will post pictures soon! God bless all of you and your families!

Big Bike

A couple of weeks ago Toys R Us was having a huge sale, so Michael just had to get Caleb a new bike. He really was outgrowing his Tigger bike and we felt it was time for him to try to learn riding without training wheels. As soon as we got home with the bike, we went to try it out with Grandma. Michael pushed Caleb a few times while coaching him on what to do, then as soon as he let go Caleb took off like he had been riding without training wheels all along. I was only suprised because Caleb had been so apprehensive. He had a blast! We are still working on stopping without falling, but he is doing great. Trevor inherited the Tigger bike from Caleb, but still requires a little more help. He likes it, but isn't used to using the pedals to move. Here Grandma is helping him get started.

Caleb would ride his bike really fast, then stop and land. He would jump away from bike and just grin from ear to ear.

Trevor is waiting on someone to make him go.

He eventually gave up and rode the big wheel instead. He just pushed off the ground to go.

Daddy had to show the boys a few tricks before we put the bike away.

Just posting this blog makes me realize how fast our two boys are growing. I am so proud and full of love for them. I want to cherish each moment and hold onto it forever.

Having fun with Zack

We were lucky enough to celebrate with our friend Alaina and her little boy Zack at his first birthday party. Zack is an adorable sweet little boy! Caleb and Trevor lucked out by getting to ride bikes and cars, and even a horse!

Alaina's dad custom made this little car for Zack. Since he wasn't quite ready to ride the boys took turns in it.

Trevor got to ride the horse first, then Caleb. The both rode together later. The LOVED it! Trevor loves horses in general. When Grandpa is watching John Wayne movies Trevor will just sit and watch with him to see the horses. Everytime we pray Trevor says, "and horsies too."

Thanks to Alaina and her parents for such a fun time for the kiddos!