Halloween Costumes

This year, I didn't have the time, energy, or money to devote to coming up with new costumes, so I convinced the kids that we should be the same thing as last year.  They dressed up on Friday and Saturday for church trunk-or-treating.  We all got dressed up last night to go to a friend's house for a Halloween party.  Of course, I was the only adult dressed up.  That either means that I am insane, immature, or just too much fun... you decide.

Sunday in my City

One of my favorite blogs, Relish My Relish, has a Sunday tradition. She calls it Sundays in my City. She posts pictures of an activity her family experienced. Apparently, she belongs to an Australian blogging group and they all do it. It is an interesting way to see some of the great attractions from Down Under.  Today, I am going to copy that idea and share a San Diego gem. 

As my time in California grows short, I realize that there are many sites/activities/adventures we are going to miss. The La Jolla Cove will definitely be on the top of the list. I decided to head there this afternoon with the kids.  We walked around, looked at the seals, listened to the sound of the ocean, climbed trees, and had a good time.  I should probably admit that there is one thing I have not and do not plan to do in California and that is get in the ocean.  Ten years of living in Florida has completely spoiled me as far as ocean temperatures go.  Anything below 80 degrees is just torture.  The temperature of the water here was 60 degrees today, which is beautiful to look at and that is about it. 

SeaWorld

I have always thought it would be kind of fun to visit all three SeaWorlds. I have been to SeaWorld Orlando many times throughout my life. I have even been to the one in San Antonio. After today, I can say that I have been to all three.

Dolphins

Flamingo

Shamu


Penguins

Walrus

Great FALL

I am finally starting to enjoy my favorite time of year, Fall. Unlike places up north, I don’t get to gaze upon the colorful leaves or even think about wearing sweaters and jackets. However, the temperatures are starting to cool off enough that we no longer need to hide from the scorching HEAT (now the highs are only in the high 80s). This is the time of year when Houstonians start to live again. We can hang festive Fall décor in our yards and houses. Plus, there are lots of festivals (pumpkin festivals and the Texas Ren Fest), county fairs, fund raising events, and activities that don’t require bathing suits. I am also looking forward to my favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Not, that we have anything planned, but I can’t help getting excited every year, especially this year since I am NOT pregnant. I just get to drag my husband and kids around to a million activities and get them pumped up about the upcoming fun.

Back But Missing It

Our trip to the Grand Canyon started off rocky. Thank you Southwest Airlines for your rigid on time flights. Literally slamming the door in our faces after you asked us to go to the desk and get a tag for the stroller was a bit dramatic. Putting us on the next flight that had a 2 hour layover in Phoenix just made the vacation start off on the wrong foot. Because of the delay, the kids and I weren't able to ride to the Grand Canyon in my mom & step-dad's RV. We had to squish into the Jeep Liberty we rented for the 5 hour trek. It wasn't pleasant, but we made it and things got better immediately. Oh, except for the fact that Jordan was a bit fussier than usual & refused to eat. I noticed that he cut his first tooth. Who does that on the first day of vacation? That led to less sleep than normal.

My husband & FIL (yes he came to my family reunion) decided that everyone should make the effort to go to the Grand Canyon because there is no other place on Earth quite like it. They were blown away. While I always enjoy going there, I loved seeing cousins, second cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. that I hadn't seen in over a decade. I was really happy to see my favorite cousin, who even lived with me a while at BYU. We had some great times there, but I haven't seen her since I left. I wish we could have spent more time together, but kids and campsites that are not next to each other made it a bit difficult. Lexi and Jordan also got to mingle with my nieces and nephews, which is always a treat. We hadn't seen them for a year and a half. My brother has a new one that is only 2 days older than Jordan.

I had been warned that camping with kids is not something anyone should try. I can't complain though, which probably is because of the RV parked right next to our tent. My mom brought all the food and supplies. Steve helped cook over the campfire. It was a little cold at night (55 degrees). During the day, it got up to 85, which is quite cool for us. Evenings were spent with everyone around our campsite eating, talking, and my brother & step-dad playing instruments and singing.

Our last day at the Grand Canyon was quieter than the others. All of the extended family members were gone. My mom, step-dad, sister, brothers, brother's family, and my little family were the only ones left. It rained (drizzled) so we sat under the RV's awning and talked. It was a nice ending to the reunion.

Then, we headed for Vegas. This time, the kids & I got to ride in the RV through Zion’s National Park. We stopped for pictures, but Lexi was asleep so only Jordan got to be in a few. We grabbed lunch in St George and then met up with Steve in our hotel in Vegas. A four star hotel (Planet Hollywood) looks much better after spending time in a tent. We had a great time wandering around and talking to Steve's Aunt & Uncle who met up with us there. They got to see Jordan for the first time.

Now, we are back. I hate coming home from vacations. Why can't the fun continue? Ok, I know money plays a big part. Unfortunately, I am home and facing entirely too much work.

Missing Miami?

This morning for the first time since we moved here, I miss Miami. Actually, I should clarify that I miss Miami Beach. I watched part of the Today Show on location there. The beautiful water, warm weather (it isn't exactly cold here), and happening scene all made me think about the great things there. I couldn't help but wonder if I would have taken the day off of work so we could take in the excitement.

What am I saying? I don't have to take the day off to have fun with my kids. We may not be hanging out on the beach, but we are going to the park. I would even drive them down to the beach here (Galveston is not nearly as pretty), but I have one kid that is 3 weeks into potty training and another breast feeding. That hour and a half drive each way would not be fun. Ok, part of me still misses it. The burbs just can't compete in some ways.

Starting A Play Group

Don't let the title of this post fool you, I am not starting a play group. We have been invited to join one that some ladies are starting. This morning, they had the first gathering. We had a potluck breakfast at someone's house and talked about what we'd like to do and when we'd like to meet. I guess we'll be having fun every Friday. As far as activities go, we will be doing a monthly brunch and a monthly field trip other than that we'll figure things out.

Sounds fun, right? While I know that these outings are exactly what all of us need (especially Lexi) I can't help but feel a tad bit guilty about having too much fun. My poor husband is slaving away at work while I am enjoying being a SAHM. Even on the worst days, I'd rather be home. The only things I really miss are the pay checks and contributing to my 401k. Shhhh, don't tell him how great it truly is.

Halloween Costumes

This is us at Halloween! Yes, I know I am HUGE. I wish I could say that it was part of the costume, but no....

Tex Ren Fest

As you can see, we finally made it to the Texas Ren Fest and it was a hit. I pretty much over did it, but it was worth it. By the time we got back to our vehicle, I felt my feet throbbing and aches and pains all over. We will probably go again next year when I will NOT be pregnant.

I have been wanting to go for years. My mom, sister & brother have been raving about it. A bunch of my friends here said I should definitely go. I heard that lots of people dress up, the performers are talented, and that there is lots of shade trees. I asked my mom about restroom facilities because I imagined port-a-potties, which do not appeal to me normally & certainly not when I am pregnant. Still, I didn't know quite what to expect. I would have to say that it was nothing like the make-shift festival I had originally envisioned. I guess it would be closer to a Disney-type setting, which is strange for an event that is only 8 weekends out of the year. There are lots of shows, street performers, shops, restaurants, and restrooms.

The costumes were definitely interesting. I would have to say that hot-pants/tights are quite unattractive at least 99% of the time. Kilts are fine as long as the guy does not keep announcing that he is going commando. Cleavage is also something that shouldn't always be shown. When they have to be lifted from the waistline to be shoved into a corset, perhaps modesty is a better route. The festival seems to attract a lot of the strange people from Houston. Coming from Miami though, we found most of the people, costumes, and shows rather mild (this is the Bible Belt).

We had a great day. I think next year will be even better, at least for me. We will probably even dress up the kids for added fun.