Party Crasher

Lately we have discovered the greatness of the nighttime swim. After we put Cooper down we sometimes take Drew swimming. It is some great time spent with Drew, and we don't have to spend every second hoping Cooper doesn't drown himself. We get to relax a little bit. Tonight after just such a relaxing swim, we were drying off, getting ready to go inside and Andy (who was headed to the door) jumped, very startled. I look over to the window next to the door and see just a little bit of this lovely snake peeking around the corner of the window seal. We both tried to get Drew inside, but he didn't want to walk pass the snake (who can blame him.) We finally got Drew inside, and I grabbed my camera and snapped a few pictures. The flash from my camera must have irritated him because he was gone a few minutes later. I guess there are a few downsides to the nighttime swim. I am not sure if Drew is ever going to want to do it again.

The Snake.

Drew's sad, sad face once we got inside.

Sea World - Part 3 - The Magic Time Machine

One of the highlights of our trip was dinner at The Magic Time Machine. When I was in the 5th grade my class took a trip to San Antonio, and we at at this same Magic Time Machine. It was so cool to take my kids back there. Of course all the characters have changed, but it was still a blast.

Sheriff Woody from Toy Story was our waiter (so perfect for Drew). He was great, and kept reminding us to go see his new movie "Toy Story 3" on June 18th. Like we needed a reminder! Drew has been counting down the days. He even told Drew that if he ate enough dinner he had a special treat for him... Woody Pez Dispensers.

Sheriff Woody

Special potion" made by Harry Potter. Drew had to ask Woody if Ron and Hermione helped Harry make it. Of course they did!

Drew loved his, and of course it had to be green

Cooper liked the special potion, but he LOVED his peaches from the salad bar.

Cooper really had a great time at dinner. He was such a trooper the whole trip.

For dessert we got the Banana Split Monstrosity! It was so awesome just to see Drew's face light up when he saw it.

Closeup of the Monstrosity... Can yo see the smoke?

Drew took this picture of Andy and me. I thought it was a pretty great shot!

This was a great way to end a fantastic day. The boys had a good time, we had a good time, and laughed a lot. If you are ever looking for a place to take the kids for a special dinner... The Magic Time Machine is a great place, and there is one in Dallas.

Sea World - Part 2 - The Park

On Thursday we loaded up and headed to Sea World for the day. It was fairly hot, but a nice breeze and some shade kept it from being unbearable. There were several school groups there, but we managed to either stay away from them, or in front of them most of the time, so it really wasn't too crowded. We were able to walk right onto most rides, sit wherever we wanted in the shows, and do what ever we wanted to do.

Waiting to go inside the park.

Family Photo

The boys watching the sea lions before the show.

This little guy must have thought we had food, because he kept coming over to "talk" to us.

Us with Shamu before that show.

We didn't sit in the splash zone because we didn't think Cooper would like that too much.

Cooper spent most of his time in the stroller, and he was such a trooper. He was having fun just taking it all in.

We had a great day on Thursday at the park. Our kids were awesome, the weather wasn't to bad, the crowd was almost non existent, and we had a ball. We returned to the park on Friday... along with the rest of San Antonio! We got to do a few things that day that we missed out on Thursday, but it wasn't as good of a time. It was crowded, we were more tired, and it was much warmer. I am so thankful for the great day we got to have on Thursday!

Sea World - Part 1 - The Drive

A few months ago, Andy and I decided it was time to take a family vacation. We really want to start making family memories that our boys will remember as they get older. Cooper is still too young to remember this stuff... but I bet Drew will.

With the car already packed up, and gassed up, we picked Drew up from school a little bit early on his last day, and headed straight for San Antonio. We wanted to get a head start on traffic, and get to San Antonio in time for dinner. The boys did great in the car and we only had to stop a couple of times for potty breaks.

This was our first stop at Dairy Queen for a little afternoon treat. Okay, yes, that was more my idea than Drew's. And, yes I had to wake him up to go in.

While watching the Food Network a few days before our trip we saw this restaurant featured for their "puffy tacos". So we decided this would be our dinner choice in San Antonio on our way into town. It was great food and the kids were still in great moods!

Cooper really enjoyed his tortilla and queso.

Andy actually did order the puffy tacos they are famous for.

After a delicious dinner we hopped back in the car and headed for our hotel. I will blog more about the rest of our trip later.

Memorial Day at the Ranch

Just a few pictures of our Memorial day at Daybreak Ranch with Andy's family. It is always nice to spend time out there, when all the kids are asleep it is so quiet! Drew loves getting to spend time with all his cousins, and Cooper just has fun exploring a new environment.

Just chillin' on the porch with the grownups.

Playing at the "treetops". That is what Drew has always called the playground at the ranch. This was the first trip where Cooper really got to play out here since he is walking now.

Drew at the treetops, telling us something important.

The big kids spent some time playing in the water. It was such a hot day they loved the water guns and sprinkler. The sprinkler was mainly used to reload the water guns.

Preschool Graduation

We have been fortunate enough over the last 3 years for Drew to attend a terrific preschool program at a church pretty close to our house. He has LOVED it there, and we have loved him learn so much there. Since this was his PreK year, it is his last year at this school. They held a little graduation ceremony for all the 4 year olds. It was really sweet to see these little kids all decked out in their caps and gowns.

This pictures just makes me picture him 13 years from now graduating from high school.

Drew and his best buddy Jake goofing around after the ceremony. Can't you picture this same scene 13 years from now?

He will probably be this much taller than us then too, but we will be standing.

I know it is just preschool, and he really didn't need to accomplish much to graduate, but it is just one more reminder that he isn't going to be a little boy much longer. He is growing up so fast! Some days I am afraid I am going to blink and miss it all. He is so excited about Kindergarten, but I know there is no slowing down after this.

Drew's Birthday Party

Drew's birthday party was the Sunday after his actual birthday (better late than never for this post right?). We had a Star Wars party for him this year, complete with a Darth Vader pinata (that got knocked down before the party even started.) But Drew took it like a champ and had a great time with is friends hitting what was left of the helmet.

Darth before the party, and before the fatal hit.

Drew with his new Star Wars shirt and birthday button.

The Yoda cake made by the wonderful Sandy. The cake was actually green just like Yoda.

The boys hitting Vader's helmet after the pinata was knocked down.

Much like last year, once the festivities started to calm down, we realized that Drew was running a fever. Later that night he ended up getting pretty sick. But as least he got to have a great birthday week.