Stranded at the zoo... again.

I don't know why, but everytime we go to the zoo it rains. In fact, next time we need it to rain I think I will decide it is time for a visit to the the zoo. That should definitely do the trick. I got stuck with these 3 soaking wet animals:

They had a new animal at the Houston Zoo, a red panda, which they say is the "cutest animal in the world." I think mine are cuter.

So here are a few pictures from our exciting day.



It was really hot...


Austin's favorite animal was the komodo dragon. He read a book about them earlier in the week...

and then declared this dragon was the biggest he has ever seen. Because on our many tours of the Galapagos (or where ever the heck they live) they were definitely shorter than this one.

Little Miss Priss wasn't feeling it today...

until a turtle tried to bite her nose...

and until it started to rain. And then her day turned around.


I think perhaps this is my favorite photo from the day. No comment.

Last Week

With the end of summer quickly approaching (in exactly 14 days, but who's counting), I have been struggling to find things for us to do. Besides our gym and library visits, we didn't do much of anything last week. We even stayed in the house 2 entire days and did not go anywhere. Well one of those days we had to get our hot water heaters replaced and that took a good 5 hours. And if you think hot water heaters are no more than a couple hundred of dollars like I did, think again.

So, here is a glance in pictures....

Abby practiced her letters.

Austin finally got to go down the big slide at the gym.

Emily and Austin held hands and jumped into the pool about 1,322 times.

Abby enjoyed staying on the sidelines.

The girls practiced making letters with their bodies.

I accidentally sprayed myself a gazillion times with our broken faucet. My dear husband squashed a fly, hence squashing my dreams of washing dishes easily. We had to order another one online as the stores around here do not carry them.

Abby found some panty hose that kept her entertained for a good hour.

Yeah, and that's about it.

It's my lucky day

Look at what time it is.

And look who is still asleep.


Of course this one wakes up at the crack of dawn every morning.

Still, 1 out of 3 - not bad at all.

I'm not the only one who had a lucky day. Everyone was in a great mood and we headed to the grocery store. The kids got their buddy bucks from the check-out lady and we headed to the HEB sticker machine. Austin got a 50 point sticker, which I didn't even know existed, and he declared it his lucky day. Then he said it was the best day of his whole life - ever.

Really, Austin? I thought maybe it was the day your dad won that Wii, or perhaps when you scored a winning soccer goal, maybe the day your sisters were born, or just possibly our 2 week trip we just took which cost a pretty penny. I will have to keep HEB in mind next time I want to satisfy the next best day of your life.

We came home and put the stickers in the pamphlet and had a total of 315 points. Enough for a free light up fan. We filled out the form and took it to the mailbox. We should be receiving our new piece of junk in 4-6 weeks. And I'm sure all 3 will be fighting over it when it comes in the mail. I highly doubt that day will be lucky as this one. As for today - I am heading to the store to buy a lottery ticket.

The faces of Abby

Mellow Abby:

Curious Abby:

Amused Abby:

Sassy Abby:

Inquisitive Abby:

Silly Abby:

Hungry Abby:

Spunky Abby:

Queen Abby:

Pretty Abby:

Another trip to Austin, Texas

Last weekend we drove to Austin to visit Uncle John and cousin John. John is James' eldest brother who lives in Maryland and was visiting his wife's family in TX. Aunt Marjorie is in Afghanistan and we are praying for her safe return. We had a good time catching up.

We started the day visiting the University of Texas... once again. (As a TTU alum, I sure spend a lot of time on Longhorn turf.) There were tons of freshmen there for orientation about to start the highlight of their life, and once again James was trying to convince Austin that will be where he will attend college in another 12 years or so. And again I had to bite back my comments. By the way, looking at those incoming freshmen made both of us feel pretty old. Most barely looked old enough to drive.

On this day, Emily's walk down these steps was free. In 14 more years, this same little stroll is gonna cost us. Mental note: keep clipping coupons.


Obviously deep in conversation. Many things to catch up on?

Four going on twenty-four.

Austin then drove us to Pizza Hut, past the capitol, and to the Austin children's museum. It's a very interactive museum in the heart of the city. Lots of things to see and touch.

Here's Emily playing with tools...


Craft time. Lots of ink and stamps - without the clean-up! There's James with his hands in his pockets - was he trying to smuggle some goodies? Or was he itching to get back to campus?

Notice the tears... just a small mishap before starting this one. Some of the crafts were a little more difficult than others (even for the adults).


Fixing up some of his world famous tamales.


Come on in and check out my new digs. Please remove your shoes first.