Zoo Visit and First Fishing (October)

The first weekend of October we went to the Houston Zoo. The weather was beautiful and cool enough for long sleeves for the kids and me. We took the big stroller, but I honestly think Nathan rode in it more than Olivia did. "Mommy, my legs are tired from all this walking." So much drama. But Daddy was happy to carry the little princess, so this didn't really cause any problems for us. We wandered around the zoo going to the different animals that Nathan said he wanted to see. Olivia enjoyed the elephants (because she can make the elephant noise) and walking around (mostly in the direction opposite from the one we were trying to go). True to form we only stayed for around 2 hours. We let the kids pick out a souvenir on our way out of the zoo grounds. Because she is obsessed with cats, we helped Olivia pick a stuffed leopard/jaguar (I forget which one it is, technically) and Nathan settled on a lizard "grabber." Olivia was exhausted from the morning and crashed in the stroller before we even got to the parking lot. Here are pictures from the morning.

Because we love to live dangerously, after naptime we went with Lolo, Momo and Popo to Mary Jo Peckham Park and went "fishing" in the duck pond. I use the term loosely since the rod was not exactly strung properly and casting was a challenge. However, Nathan really enjoyed it and had an epic meltdown when it was time to leave. Olivia entertained herself by trying to catch ducks, picking up stray feathers and running perilously close to the edge of the pond. I was exhausted by the time we left! So was Popo (Olivia's wrangler).

Nathan's First Date (with Mommy)

From the time we found out we were having a boy it seemed that everyone I met told me, "Boys love their mamas." I also started taking notice of the trend of little boys declaring that they would marry their mommy and other such forms of attachment. I didn't write down the date, but I don't think I'll ever forget how my heart melted when Nathan first spontaneously and sincerely told me, "I love you, Mommy." He is currently an affirmed mamas-boy, encouraged by the desire to claim my attention over his little sister. So it did not come as a big surprise when, after Jimmy and I went on a dinner date, Nathan asked when it was going to be his turn to go on a date with Mommy. It happened that the coming weekend had no plans, so I told him that on Saturday (September 27th) he and I could go on a date - just the two of us. I had originally planned to take him to the playground to start our "date" but when I said where we were going he asked if Olivia and Daddy could come play too. "Then we can go on our date, Mommy." "Ok, Buddy."

We had a lot of fun together at the playground, of course. After we were done playing, we took Olivia and Daddy back to the house for Olivia's morning nap and I asked Nathan what kind of date he wanted (not really expecting an answer). He promptly said, "A cupcake date." Well alright. I agreed that sounded like a fun idea and off we went to the Ooh La La cupcake bakery. He picked out a huge 'birthday cake' cupcake (with candy on top of the icing) and I had an angel food cupcake with fresh berries on top. We sat outside (it was freezing inside the store) and enjoyed our cupcakes and milk and I taught Nathan how to play "I Spy" with colors. He caught on to the concept pretty quickly and enjoyed guessing. He even stumped me one time! Not too shabby for being only three and a half years old.

After cupcakes we went home and enjoyed the rest of the day as a family. He is already looking forward to our next date, which he has decided will be an ice cream date. I love you, my sweet angel. No matter what.

Girls Weekend 2014 (Lake Conroe)

Every year my college girlfriends and I get away for a few days together. Through the years we have been at different stages of life and sometimes only catch up on each others lives at this annual gathering. It always amazes me that we pick up as if we are in weekly contact with each other. This was the first year that we weren't celebrating a wedding, new baby or new pregnancy! Nevertheless, we had a wonderful relaxing time. We spent a few nights over Labor Day weekend at La Centera Lake Resort up at Lake Conroe. Much Phase 10 and Cranium was played and pool-side lounging was accomplished. We stayed up way too late and still got up far too early (habit for the three mommys). Here are some pictures from the weekend. I love my girls!