August Updates

8/31 - Landon had his first baseball tournament today.  We were playing 2 and 3 seeds.  Our team had tough time and it was over 100 degrees.  Landon made a few good plays, got few hits, but didn't seem to into it.  Not sure if it was the heat or something else.

Grammy, Gramps & Grandma were there for the games as well.  We all stuck it out.   Kasey and Grandma got snow cones to try and cool down some.  Kasey really liked that.

Afterwards, we came home and headed to the pool after a hot day of baseball.  We just went for a little while because Kssey was losing it.

We came home to shower, get some dinner and then to watch some Aggie football.  We watched the first 1/2 as a family which was fun.

8/30 - What an evening.  Greg was getting ready to make hamburgers at home (Yum) and I was getting home from work doing something in my closet while kids were getting showers.  As I was coming out of my closet I tripped on some clothes at the door.  I fell out of the room onto my counter and bumped my foot into hard trashcan right there.  I didn't think to much of it, but then I looked down at my foot.  My left pinky toe was pointing left which isn't normal.  So I called to Greg.

It didn't hurt that bad, but I was getting a little light headed.   Greg called his mom (who used to be a nurse).  She came up to get kits dinner and in bed.  Greg took me to the emergency room (based on recommendation from facebook friends to do that instead of Care Now).   We took a bunch of stuff in case we were there for a while.

We got there, checked in.  Then they did assessment, the lady couldn't seem to see which toe or what issue was.  She also asked me in front of Greg if there was any abuse at home.  Obviously there isn't, but not really a valid question if you are asking in front of the person that would likely be doing that.   Same lady was asking if my ankle was ok - I said no it's just my toe.

We got to the room and nurse came in - similar thing, which toe is it.  Really it was pretty obvious.    I went to get Xrays, and then finally the PA came in.  She saw right away what the issue was.  She wanted it to be dislocated so she could pull it back in place.   She came in a little later to say it was broken.   We needed to tape it up and I needed to go to Pediatrist next week.  The PA said it was broken almost all the way through (it was my left pinkie toe).   I asked her why it wasn't hurting more if it was broken.  She didn't know.  They brought me a shoe to wear.   

Greg and I joked it was date night.  Football on TV.  I was working on PTA stuff and Greg was playing Candy Crush :)

We went home to have our hamburgers and watch some football.

8/29 - Landon lost his 5th tooth today.  It had been loose and the permanent tooth was already coming in behind it.   He had just lost it and I called home to say traffic was bad.   Good timing.

He got a coin dollar again and seemed pretty happen with that. Although he joked that night that maybe he would bet $100 for it.  Luckily he retracted that himself :)

8/25 - We had pretty lazy morning.  I went to get some Sonic breakfast, and then kids and I watched Star Wars IV.  Landon asked to see it and who am I to deny the boy Star Wars.  He had seen that one before but liked it.   We finally got up after that to go eat some lunch.

We are hanging this afternoon getting some stuff done and kids are playing xbox on hot last day of summer.

8/24 - We had pretty relaxing day.   I got up to go work out, then met Greg and the kids at the park for some baseball/softball practice.   We all got showered and ready and headed to lunch. We then went to Target and got way more than what we went in for...  We went to Elkas which we haven't been to in a little while.  Greg and the kids went to a fun birthday party in the afternoon while I did ton of laundry and cleaned up at the house - Yea!

Greg went to dinner and FC Dallas game with Doug so kids and I went to Kelly's for dinner.  We sat on the patio. Even though it was hot outside they had it covered with fans so it wasn't bad.   There was a rain cloud close by and we could smell the rain from the patio.  We had good dinner.  Then we headed home, kids got ready for bed while I put up even more clothes and then we watched a little bit of the Cowboy game before bed.

I ended up working that evening and watching Crazy, Stupid Love which is a cute movie.

8/23 - After work I got to go to dinner with some old friends that I used to work with.  It was fun to catch up and see everyone.  I am the only one still working at TI.

8/18 - Greg gave Kasey one of my old phones with buttons.  She loves it.  It got taken away because she wasn't listening.  She was crushed.  Oh so early to be so dependent on a phone.

We went to moms for lunch and play time.  We had tacos - yum!!!   Kids had fun playing and entertaining all of us.  Kasey was showing her imagination and Landon had fun changing up and playing with a plane with track. Kasey was pretending she had a house which she gave us keys for to come in.  We had to text her before we came over. We had good food again, and fun chatting.  Good times spending time with family!

On the way home Kasey and I were texting each other from her fake phone.  We had to say the beep then tell each other what the message said, but it was funny!

Then we went to neighbors for pool birthday party which was fun as well.

8/17 - Landon had cub scout meeting.  It was at our neighbors house and the boys got to do swimming for belt loops.  The boys had fun and Kasey got to go play as well which was fun.   

That night we went Solis' house with lots of Zorbas to talk about World Cup plans.   Greg will do some planning when it's sports related :)

8/16 - Aunt Mary was in town.  She got to see Kasey at her swim lessons, and then she came with my parents to our house for dinner.  Greg made chicken enchiladas, I made brussel sprouts and guacamole.  We had some good wine, fun discussions and great food.  Grammy made Hershey bar pie and yummy cobbler with cherries and pineapple.

After dinner we watched some videos of the kids - Kasey dancing, Landon a little soccer and baseball, and little Kasey playing softball.   We had a good time. 

I then went to friends house to watch Mamma Mia which is always fun.

8/10 - We headed home today.  We got up and headed to Kings Beach for breakfast.  We had to wait a little while, but it was worth it.   Yum!  Then we headed back to get packed up and hang out a bit.   We checked out and went to hang out in the village for a little bit.  Kids were running around some which was good since they would be sitting on a plane for 3 hours.   We headed to the airport, ate some lunch, and then went to get on plane.  Kids were excited but tired.   Grammy and Gramps brought our car to the airport.  They got to hear the kids story from the trip while Greg got luggage. Kids got to bed after 9 Dallas time which ended up being about the time they had been going to bed California time.   Of course one of the smoke detectors was beeping when we got home.   We had a great time, but it's good to be home and sleep in our own beds.

8/9 - After some breakfast and bunco at the condo we decided to head out and go Geocaching for the first time.   We got GPS, a map and gondola tickets and we were off.  Unfortunately it took us about 2 hours (including stopping to eat lunch we brought) to find our first treasure.  After that we found another 8 treasures in a little over an 2 hours and kids had a great time finding them, holding the GPS and then taking a trinket and leaving a trinket.  We also picked up trash along the way to clean up.  Kasey told us over and over how she found the treasures she found (even though we usually saw them first, she was so excited when we let her speak up that she found it first).   Other than stopping for lunch and a break for ice cream and a drink we pretty much walked/hiked from 11-3.   

When we got back to the village we decided to play putt putt for the new set up they had.  It was a little strange, but kids liked it.   As we finished the course it was just after the new Planes movie had started that was right there.  We decided to relax some and go see the flick.

After the movie we headed to restaurant in the village for dinner.  Somehow the kids still had quite a bit of energy.  I think we all had a fun day, but we were all pretty tired.

8/8 - we had a fun day today. The kids loved floating down the river so we did it again.  It  was cooler today so we were thinking we'd not get in the water, but that didn't last.  The kids decided they wanted to stop and get in the water.  They ended up walking down the shore, going in the water and letting the river float them down to us. 

Landon helped Kasey do this too and they had a great time.  They both helped rowing the boat.  We go to feed ducks - it was funny to watch them come to the boat.  Some of them would fly in to get to the boat.   We got tshirts for all of us since we had so much fun floating the river.  We had lunch and little place at the bus drop of which was good.   

Then we headed to the beach for a little while.  We went to a beach we had not seen before which had several rocks on beach, but was still nice.  The kids went straight for the water.  They built a volcano on the beach.   Both kids were swimming like fish in the water.  Greg and i commented that we would never have let Landon swim on his own when he was 4, but Kasey was doing great.

It is Thursday so we planned on going to Truckee Thursday.  We went back to the condo showered and got ready.  Kids were pretty tired.   Truckee Thursday is a small down event where they have food, music, crafts and products to sell.   We had some good food, good pies and chocolate covered pineapple (Kasey's choice) for dessert.  Kids were pretty tired, Kasey threw a fit on the way out, so we came home to get kids to bed.

8/7 - We had a lazy morning this morning.  Had some breakfast and decided to go for a little hike right by our condo.  The kids had fun climbing rocks, being kind of the world, finding lizards and big pine cones.  They had a good time.  Then we got ready and headed to Kings Beach.

We had lunch at Char Pit - little burger place.  Then we went to do some putt putt.  We went 38 holes which Landon loved it.  Kasey was getting little tired by the end.

Then we headed to the beach for a little while.  Kids went straight in the water which is pretty chilly but they still wanted to go out in the water and play in the waves (which are much smaller than we had in Florida last year).   When kids got out of the water they started playing in the sand building volcanoes and other stuff.   they were having a good time.   

We went to clean sand off our feet.  Kasey helped Greg buckle his sandals.  He said are you paying me back for all the times I helped you with your shoes.  Kasey then said that will be $16 please.

We decided we were just going to eat dinner in.  We went to store to get a few things.  Got back to condo, opened the wine, everyone got showers then Greg and Kasey cooked steaks on the grill, Kasey helped me make salad, Landon set the table and we all had special drinks in wine glasses - Kasey and Landon go flavored milk and Greg and I got some wine.  We had good dinner.

After dinner we played some bunco.  Always fun for us to play together.   I guess the kids have seen a little Caesars pizza commercial because Kasey kept saying Pizza Pizza.  Landon, Kasey and I had 3 way tie (I think I won because 2 of my wins were buncos :)).   We were using Landon's blue elephant as the pink dice and were teasing him that he needed to win in back from Kasey to get to sleep with it.  

Good times!

8/6 - We had another fun day in Tahoe.   We got up had kind of lazy morning, then we got ready to go rafting.   We went down Truckee river - about 5 miles and took us about 2 - 2 1/2 hours to go down.  That included stopping to eat lunch we brought and letting the kids out a few times to play.  The water was pretty cool, but was still fun. Of course the kids wanted to help paddle.  There were a few areas of small rapids, which the kids really enjoyed.  They both thought it was awesome and had fun.  We all had a good time.

Then they bused us back to the car.  We got picture of the 4 of us, and decided we wanted some ice cream as a snack.    

Then we headed by grocery store for few things, We headed back to drop some things off and went to the pool for a little while.  Of course the kids wanted to go between the huge Jacuzzi and the pool.  Then we headed back for all of us to shower so we could go to dinner.  We went to Jasons at Kings beach which was really good.  We are all pretty tired, but had a good day.

8/5 - Of course kids got up about 6am.   I actually got to sleep until about 6:45 (after going to bed about 10:40) which is quite a bit of time for me.  Greg made us french toast which was good.  Of course Kasey complained as she has been doing round food.

We got ready to go and headed to the mountain for some hiking.   Kasey wasn't to sure. The first gondola we went on was enclosed so it was fun for everyone. the second one was open and basically a bench to sent on.  Kasey was pretty scared, asked me to make sure I was holding her, but then later she was excited about goin back down on it.  We had to go in enclosed things back on both sections.

We went hiking for about 20-30 minutes and then kids were pretty ready to go back.  We walked back and had some lunch at mid mountain.  Then we headed down.

In village Greg got some shoes, and Landon decided he wanted to play ultimate Frisbee.     Of course Greg wanted to play too.  Kasey on the the other had was tellking me all about her kids - there are 3.  16, 7, and preschooler.  Their names are Greg, Landon and LK.  she's pretty funny and will tell you all kinds of details about them.

We spent  the afternoon on boat on lake Tahoe.   We went on cruise.  Kids were a little restless at first, but both ended up having fun.  They got drinks on the boat, and Landon got to drive the boat at the end. Kasey says she didn't have fun becuase she was the only one who had to wear life vest.  She would have been ok, but we wanted to make sure.

Then we went to dinner nearby at place that a friend recommended to me.  Great view, good food and nice atmosphere.  What more can you ask for.

We were all pretty tired at the end of the day.

8/4 - We flew out today for our family vacation.   We headed to Reno/Lake Tahoe.   Flights were pretty good. kids got to watch movie along the way.  Funny to see the kids not have patience.  I have grown to have patience with traveling because I have been so many times.   

Once we got to Reno, we picked up car (they wanted to give us a Ford Taurus instead of SUV we paid for.   We ended up with an explorer which worked out just fine.   We headed to place we are staying.  Landon asked if they could play on ipads in the car.  We told the kids to enjoy the scenery and no ipads.  We don't have mountains in Texas, and its cool to see the river and old tracks they have on the drive.

We were sort of trying to stay on Dallas time.  So we went to Safeway for groceries, walked on lake beach for few minutes and headed to cabin we are staying in.  Kasey started out saying she wanted to go home then got excited about our car and even the place we were staying.  There are many steps to go up and we were all carrying stuff up.  

We decided to have a dinner near by and try to get kids to bed earlier.  We went to local pizza place which was good.  Tried to get kids in bed early, but they didn't go to sleep until 7:30ish.    Greg and I stayed up chilling and watching movie.

8/1 - Been bit crazy.  Landon is 7 and we're already seeing drama with sports.  His team he played on in the spring doesn't play in the fall, but he wanted to play baseball. Landon tried out for 3 teams that were all more competitive than what he has been playing.  We made decision to put him in club team called Fury.  The team is based out of Wylie so its a bit of drive for practice, but we think that longer term this is the right fit for Landon and us.  Hopefully it will work out well.  He'll play in 5 tournaments this fall which of course several of them conflict with A&M football so we'll have to figure out how to handle that....

July 2013 Pictures

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July updates

7/25 - What a day!  Welcome home to us.  Our water heater went out in the morning and was leaking into Greg's closet.  I had a training class and missed Kaseys dance performance at her camp - but Greg and Grammy got to go and record it.  She did really well doing Ballet, Jazz and Tap.  she likde tap the best.  Landon had a tryout for baseball team - he's a little rusty and there are 8 kids trying for 3 spots so we'll see.  Later in the day Kasey wasn't feeling to well in the car, and after dinner she was almost screaming that her ear hurt.   Greg was at home waiting for plumber, I took Landon to friends to take a shower.  Then came home got Kasey to take her to Acute Kids - of course she had ear infection.  She was saying she couldn't handle it anymore - I think it was really hurting her.  We got medicine right before the pharmacy closed and got her to settle down a little to go so sleep.  The Dr said to put a few drops of olive oil in her ear to coat it and help.

7/24 - It was time to go home.  We got up, had breakfast outside one more time, and headed out to the airport.   By the time we got there, returned the car and got through security we figured we better eat some lunch.  We decide salad, sandwich and a cold beer sounded good.

When we landed in town we got message that one of the ladies in the neighborhood had broken her arm and couldn't go to Bunco that night.  I said I would get kids to bed and step in to help out :)

We got home and kids told us about their week.  It was getting late, and I was getting texts asking if I was close :).  Greg got the kids to bed and I headed to bunco.  Always fun! I got 9 Druncos (has nothing to do with being drunk :))

7/23 - We got up in the morning had breakfast at 8:30am and headed out for the day.  We first went to Chateau Montelena which is the winery that first put California wine on the map.  They beat France and European wineries in a blind taste test twice in 1976 - Cool movie based on this called Bottle Shock.  They won with Chardonney, but later started winning with Cabs.  They have about 20 years that their cabs have been getting 90+ ratings which is pretty good.  We joined the futures wine club.

After that we headed to Taylors Refresher (now called Gott's) for good burger for lunch.  Then we headed to Spring mountain.  We tried a new one called Terra Valentine - small winery with nice view.  They had a nice Sangiovese blend that we liked and of course cabs. 

Then we headed to another favorite Spring Mountain.  We were doing Estate tasting with 2 other couples - one from Switzerland and one from somewhere in US.  They were already wine club members.  They loved the 2001 Cab.  So we tasted 2009, 2007 Ellivette (Their best wine), 2005 Cab, and then 2001 Cab.  They were all great.  So the other couples talked them into opening a 2001 Elivette and an 1979 Cab.  All of them were great, and it was nice to sit on the property relax and drink a 1979 bottle of wine.

We headed back to the hotel after that.  There was a winemaker and his wife there serving wine and chatting.  It's always interesting meeting people from different perspectives and actually talking to the winemaker himself.

We had a little later dinner that night, but it was walking distance so it was great.  We ate at Bistro Jeanty which is French.  We'd been sharing more during the week and didn't so much that night.  By the time dinner was over we were way done - stuffed, tired, and about ready to go home.  don't get me wrong Napa is always a wonderful trip!

7/22 - I actually went to bed before midnight - which was late Central time, but still.  We got up and showered, went to breakfast at our hotel.  then we had some time because our first appointment wasn't until 11:30.  We just relaxed for a while - working on blog and listening to Pandora.   Then we headed out for the day.  We started at Nickel and Nickel which was a previous favorite.  Then we ate a quick lunch  from grocery deli and headed to Allora another favorite that we are part of their wine club.   After that we headed back to hotel to rest and talk to the kids.  We had early dinner at 5:30 at Bottega - one of my favorites, and then we got some dessert at Bouchon and headed back with some wine left.  We got to taste a little at hotel, and then relax for the evening.  

we spent some more time relaxing in the jacuzzi after dinner.

7/21 - We woke up decided not to walk 10-15 minutes in the cold for breakfast, and so we just got ready and headed out.  We found a place in Napa to have breakfast.  We had to wait for a while, sat at a community table, but the breakfast was good and made us ready for our first day of wine tasting.

That day we started tasting at Reynolds - we'd been there before and really liked their sister label Naughty.  We got to sit outside in great weather and have tasting.  We tasted about 8 different wines there.  Then we stopped at Trefethen  which was ok. They had a Rose called Sin that I really liked.  Then we headed to Miner for tasting. 

This was recommended by friend from high school and we liked most of the wines which is always fun! After that we checked into hotel, changed and headed back out. The end of the day we went to Quintessa where they make 1 wine each year.  It's very high end, but good wine and fun experience.

We ended the day at Restaurant called  Press which is steak house that Greg wanted to try.   Great Oysters, amazing bread, we brought our own wine, and steaks were good too.

We had an outdoor private patio and jacuzzi which we enjoyed.  This night we were sitting out there relaxing and a momma raccoon and her 3 babies came walking along our fence trying to jump on our patio.  we were thinking that wasn't a very good idea.  We eventually scared them away, but  our patio wasn't to relaxing after that :)

7/20 - Today was Greg's birthday.  Kids went to Greg still in bed told him happy birthday and gave him a hug.  Kids and I got up to make breakfast.  We made biscuits (kids did most of it), I made cheese eggs and sausage.  We all ate breakfast in bed.  Of course Kasey made a mess, but it was still fun. 

We gave Greg his gifts.  New shirt and shorts, and homemade cards from kids.   Kasey had made a cake in her cooking camp the day before so we used that as Greg's cake.  Landon wanted a yellow candle because he thought daddy liked that color (we aren't sure where he got that from, but nice thinking).  We lit the candle and sang to him.  Happy birthday didn't get all the way out, Kasey started singing you smell like a monkey before the end of the song.  It was funny and I got it on video.  

Greg and I were leaving that day for trip to Napa so we all got ready.  Took Kasey to Grandma's, we got a cute picture of the 4 of us.   Kasey got to go see Turbo movie before the rest of us did.

We took Landon to Grammy and Gramps.  Landon and Grammy had an appointment at Legoland so Gramps took us to the airport.  Landon had a great time, he built a car that won 3 times.   He got to see the new Star Wars exhibit which he liked as well.

Greg and I flew to San Francisco.  We spent the night there before heading to Napa.   We were supposed to meet up with Greg's cousin but their little girl woke up from nap with 102 so we did dinner on our own.  We found a place in back alley that had Catalyn food (Spanish Tapas) which we love.  We got some homemade Sangria, some great food, and then finished up with a scotch.  Good times.

After that we went to grab water and back to the room for a bit.  We had reservations at Press Club (wine bar in the city which one of my high school friends owns).  We got there a little early.  They had some bubbly for Greg and I since it was his birthday.  Then we ordered a few different wine flights.  We ended up with 3 because he brought us one that wasn't right.   We had a great time talking and trying different wines.

7/16 - Kasey didn't want to go to sleep so I went up to get her in bed. She asked if i was drinking Sangria and watching soccer game.  I told her no, we were drinking beer and watching soccer game.   She told me that Landon asked earlier if he could try a coke.  Then Kasey told him mommy says we have to try everything.   Greg got out of it somehow.

7/14 - Since kids were at grandparents, I ended up sleeping until almost 10am.  Which of course made us late to lunch to celebrate Gramp's birthday.   We went to BJs for lunch to celebrate.  Had a beer, good food and yummy pizookie (cookie cake with ice cream) - Yum.  Then we went back to Grammy and gramps house to hang out for a while.   We left from there for kids and I to go see Despicable me 2.  Cute movie!

7/13 - We started the day at birthday party at the pool.  Kids had fun in deep end and shallow end.  for a little while I was treading water and kids were jumping in swimming to me.  not sure they understood why I couldn't hold them in 10 feet of water.  We had a good time.

We tried to go see movie in afternoon, but kids started melting down so we didn't.   I took kids to Grammy/Gramps to spend the night.  Greg and I went to surprise birthday party for Lyn, and then he went to FC Dallas game with Doug.  We had fun at Lyns' party.  it was several couples hanging out having a few drinks and cake to celebrate.   Eventually the guys sat down and us ladies were standing up laughing and drinking margaritas.  We had good time!

7/12 - Greg's grandfathers friend in Odessa passed this week so Greg and his dad were going to day trip Odessa for the funeral.  That makes for a long time.  Ended up being relaxing day for me.  I took the kids to camp, relaxed in the morning, got to have some of Greg's enchiladas for lunch, caught up a little TV, and went to get kids at camp.   

7/11 - I came home from China.  I was 6 flights in 6 days and all of them were delayed.  Not really wanting to fly with Delta anymore... Our flight from China to Detroit was over an hour late, and so we had to run through customers and across the airport to get to our connecting gate.  We got on the plane in time, then DFW closed for weather so we sat on the tarmac for a while.  We ended up in Dallas even a little early - which in Dallas always means you wait on the tarmac longer.   It was great to get home.

7/10 - Today was crazy day for China trip.  We had to train to a different city.   We left the hotel at 6:15am, took a car about an hour to train station, took an hour train to Hangzhou, then had car take us about 40 minutes to partner location.  We had meetings  then headed to lunch.   It was about 100 degrees outside.  Our partner wanted to go to good restaurant for lunch which was about 10 minute walk.  In 100 degrees we were sweating (at least I was) by the time we got there.  We had nice lunch.   Then headed back in taxi for train station, had to wait for while for train, took train back, and looking to see what happens to him next :)   Then we got car from train station.

Overall we were gone about 12 hours, and about 8 hours of that were traveling.  We felt gross and tired when we got back.

7/9 - Had to get up early to fly to Shanghai.   We then had some meetings in the afternoon in the office.

7/7 - Kids went roller skating for first time at friend Bday party.  Landon had fun with it.  Apparently Kasey did some screaming but liked it once she got the hang of it.

7/6 - I took quick trip to Taiwan and China for work.  Had to leave Saturday morning.  I got to spend the night at mom and dads Friday so they could take me to airport on Saturday morning.   We had about 24 hours of travel to get to Taipei.  My colleague booked the flights so we ended up with weird route and on Delta (she was going for lowest cost).   All 3 of our flights were late, but we made it to the hotel just fine.   We had a car pick us up at the airport and take us to hotel.  He had wifi in his car which was nice.  We stayed at Far Eastern which is one of my favorite hotels in the world.   We had breakfast with few of the local guys that had worked for me in Dallas.  Then we had meetings with partner.  They took us to dumpling restaurant in what until about a month ago was the latest building in Asia (called 101 building).  Lunch was great. We had meetings in the afternoon til about 6:30. 

Then our partner including the CEO and Chairman took several of us to dinner at a nice restaurant.  We had  a 10 course dinner including prawns, scallops, lamb, chicken, beef etc.  Food was great, but it was ton of food

While I was flying to China Greg and kids got to go to neighborhood 4th of July party and birthday party - Kasey got to go off diving board for first time.  She did well swimming in deep pool.

7/5 - I actually got up to work out at 6am.  Even though I was out on Friday.  I took donuts home for everyone :)   we went to the pool to meet one of new neighbors and the cracknells. We had good time kids playing in pool and adults talking.   

Then we grabbed quick lunch.  In the afternoon Greg took K to swim and Landon and I ran a few errands. 

We ended up at dinner at Zorbas which is great.  Then Greg and kids took me to my parents to spend the night since I had early flight on 6/12.

7/4 - we had lazy day to start off.  Then I got up to go get kids.  We ended up having burgers and pigs in blanket with my parents which was great 4th of July lunch.   We hung out, took little naps in the afternoon, and then headed up to FC DAllas game.  We had dinner at Durkins then went to stadium.  WE parked so we could get out of the parking lot easily.  the game was 0 to 0.  Not sure Landon is quite there for non scoring game yet.  AFter the game, we got to see fireworks from our car, and we left a little early to get the kids home since they didn't start before 10pm

7/3 - Landon had his first slumber party.  He wen to Maxum Hughes house for birthday party and slumber party.  The boys stayed up til about 11:15, and of course Landon woke up about 6:45pm.  Boys seemed to have fun playing in the pool.  Landon really liked the diving board and finding where food was.  While Landon was doing that Kasey was at Grammy and Gramps house spending the night.  Greg and I went to Brookhaven with Steiners and  another couple friend.  We had some dinner, hung out, and then watched Kaboom town in Addison from the golf course which was fun.

June 2013 Pictures

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June 2013

6/30 - Greg needed to go help his dad so it was me and the kids in the morning and early afternoon.   We made muffins and cheese eggs for the three of us.  Then we went to the pool.  We had a great time.  The kids were standing on my legs and I was swirling them around.   we started singing ring around the roses, and all around the mulberry bush then falling in the water at the end.   I also gave them piggy back rides. Landon on my back and Kasey on his back kicking behind.  I think I might be sore tomorrow :).

We went to pick up lunch, and then came home to get ready for Chloes's birthday party at new place Jumpstreet.   Kids had great time playing.  Kasey for some reason chased Landon and William around most of the time.  Silly girl.

6/29 - We didn't have a lot to do today.   I worked out, we had lunch at Elkas with the Kearns, I went shopping for 6 friend birthday presents for next few weeks, and then we hung out and at least tried to nap in the afternoon.  We went to dinner at Glorias, and then hung out with the Dowdy's for a little bit.  We got dessert at the Purple Cow.  kids got  milkshakes and Greg and I got ice cream sundae.  Yum!


6/28 - I brought home Salt Grass steaks for dinner for all 4 of us.  It was yummy.  We got kids to bed and Greg and I had a little date in.  Greg went to get a movie and dessert for us.  He got me chocolate cake and he got red velvet cake.  He got Les Miserables.   I think Greg tuned out as soon as he discovered it was truly all musical and no dialogue.   I thought it was ok, but not my favorite.  Not sure why.  We still had fun!


6/26 - I had fun bunco night with the ladies.  I got 2 buncos which now we get the large pink dice when you get a bunco :).   Greg also went to FC Dallas game that night with Dave and Doug.  We had neighbor come over to get kids to bed since we were both going to be out after 10.  it was the first time at home that I think we've had a babysitter that wasn't family.  


6/23 - We had a good family day.  We got to sleep in til almost 9am.   We got ready and went to brunch at Bonnie Ruth which is a favorite for all of us.   Then we went to see Monsters University together which was cute.  After that we came home for a little while and then headed to the pool.  We had fun playing some football, letting the kids practice swimming, and just playing around in the water.  We had a good time.   We got some Torchy Tacos for dinner, and got the kids in bed after a long week.

6/22 - Greg left in the morning to help his dad move out of his veterinary clinic.  He has sold his practice and will start working out of the other clinic that is near where his office is.  He will continue to work, but hopefully have some more flexibility.

I took kids to birthday party in the morning, and then we grabbed quick lunch at Chick fil A.   Then took Kasey to trial class for swimmers.  She enjoyed it.  They were going across the whole pool each time so it was hard work, but she had fun so we enrolled her for once a week for rest of the summer.

6/21 - We had a crazy week at our house.   Landon was enrolled in 2 camps - a gifted and talented one called Camp Invention that went from 9am to 3;30pm.  They made various things out of household items, took apart electronics and other fun stuff. Landon had a good time and had several friends there from school.  Then in the evening Landon and Greg went to Twilight camp which is a boyscout camp.  They got to do stuff like shoot BB guns, bow and arrows, make crafts, trade swaps (little trinkets on safety pin that each kid made.  Landon and Greg made leather string with sports balls on them.   Landon and Greg both had a good time at Twilight camp.  

Kasey also had 1/2 day camp and was taking swim lessons every day.  Needless to say we were all doing a litte more than normal.  By the end of the week we were all  pretty tired.
Kasey and I got to spend some time together at swim, we went to dinner a few nights at Kaseys choice of Italian and Mexigo.  We also went to Pacuigo on Friday night.

Kasey was doing great in swimming and seemed to really like it.  She wanted to keep taking at the next level which is where they learn more about the swim strokes themselves.  These classes are supposed to be for 5 year olds and up, but they say she's ready at 4 1/2.

6/17 - Kasey has been doing it for a while, but I still think it's funny.  Kasey will kiss me once on each cheek, and I call her my little European (because that's how some of them greet you).  She then says I'm your yucky period.  She won't say European :)

6/16 - Kasey had her first dance recital.  We had to have dress rehearsal at 8:30 in the morning.  I had to get up at 6 to shower get me ready, and then get Kasey ready with hair and make up.  I had tried the day before putting curlers (that I used in high school) in her hair and did her makeup.  She didn't like the makeup, made her cry.  The curlers didn't do much for her hair so we went to plan B.   Saturday night I curled her hair around strips of cloth.  It actually worked pretty well.   We got everything done and went to dress rehearsal.   After that we went to Grandma and Pops for some brunch to celebrate everyone's fathers day.  It was nice to have everyone there.

Then we went to Kasey's recital.  I think it was torture for Landon, but everyone else enjoyed it.  Grammy, Gramps, Grandma, Pops, Nanny and Cindy were there with us so it was fun to see her.  She did a good job.  She knew the routine pretty well and we thought she did great!

We got home and had little fathers day for Greg.  I was excited to have found something he liked.  I got him A&M pint glasses and a collared black A&M shirt.  He liked both, yea!  Of course the kids made him cards as well which he liked.  I made him a father's day collage of pictures with him and the kids this year.

6/15 - We hung out during the day. Landon went to a friends house to play, then we took the friend and his brother to lunch with us.  Kids were good, but 4 children are definitely more than 2 :)  I went to do a little shopping in the afternoon.  That night we went to dinner with Turners one last time.  The Cracknells and Studdards were there as well.  We went to BJs.   Kids had fun, and adults got to talk.  We were all avoiding saying goodbye.  We had to leave a little early because Greg had boys night - They went to Bobs.

6/14 - Kasey took swim this week at new Emler in Allen.  She took 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks.  This was week one.  She's doing pretty well, but most kids in her class are a little older.

6/12 - kids are having good first week of summer.  Landon is taking a football camp at Plano East with Colin and Patrick.  They seem to be enjoying it.  Kasey is at camp at AppleCreek themed Under the Sea.  Kasey is also taking swimming everyday for a few weeks.  She's in class with older kids, but doing pretty well.   Today kids got to go to  the pool with some friends.

6/8 - Landon had baseball tournament this morning.  They played first game at 8am.  The boys won this game 13 to 4.  they played well.  Landon got a few hits.  The 2nd game they were playing the first place team in the league.   The team kept them to 13 runs which is low score for them.  Landon got multiple hits, and caught a great pop fly for an out.  He also threw 2 balls to first base for outs.

 He almost caught another fly ball, but didn't.  He played well and we were proud of the team.

6/6 - Landon had his last day of school today.  I was in Denver for work unfortunately.   The school decided that any awards would be given in white envelops instead of in a ceremony.  Which means those kids who got rewards don't really know what they mean (and neither do the parents).  Landon's award was for Outstanding Academic achievement.  He received all top marks on his report card except penmanship.  He's reading at what they average as end of year 2nd grade level.  We are very proud.of him.

After school some of the kids went to a friends house to play.  Kids got to play outside and have Popsicle.  Sounds like they had fun.  Kasey didn't get to go because she still wasn't feeling well.
Landon's teacher this year was amazing.  Landon didn't want to leave school.  Probably a combination of not seeing friends and missing school itself.   She did so many things for the kids.

 She had parent teacher conferences which not all teachers did.  She gave a few of the kids her address to write letters over the summer.  She made little goodie bags for them, thank you notes, poem, gave them composition books, cute challenge to read and write over the summer with pencil and bookmark.   She was wonderful at challenging the kids at their level.  She even came to one of his baseball games to see him play.

6/4 - When we got up Kasey was not in her bed and she usually sleeps longer.   So Greg went upstairs.  She had gotten sick in the middle of the night and slept most of the night on rug in the bathroom.  She didn't call us for some reason.  Other than getting sick she didn't have any symptoms.
Pretty busy day.   I worked from home to get some stuff done.  I went to Landon's school and had lunch with just him.   I didn't order his hamburger the right way, but he ate it anyway.  We had fun talking and looking at pictures on my phone.

That afternoon was the 1st grade party.   Even more than last year kids just ran around and moms/teachers got to talk.   We had to leave right when it was over so that I could get back to house for Grammy and Gramps to take me to the airport.

Of course my flight was delayed.  When I got to Denver saw a cool double rainbow, but that meant it was raining.

6/2 - We had lazy morning, and then went to fun birthday party at Heard museum.  Kids got to see animals, go on hike, and enjoy snacks, cake and ice cream.  They had a good time.  We ended up having cereal for dinner and just resting in the afternoon.

6/1 - Landon had baseball game.  Boys had tough game and didn't win, but Landon got a few hits.  We all went to Freebirds for dinner which is always good.  That night I organized a girls night one last time with Deepika and Jessica before they move.   We had 14 ladies to start out, and then 10 of us went to a 2nd location, and then 4 of us stayed out until 1:30am.  We had a great time.

May 2013 Pictures

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May 2013

Once again really behind...


5/31 - Kasey's last day of 3s at AppleCreek. Greg and I took her up there to get few pictures and give teachers gift.  It was fun.  Kind of sad to see those teachers go.  Ms Melinda's last day.
We went to one baseball game for some other 1st grade teams.  It was fun to watch, until Kasey threw complete fit because we wouldn't let her have piece of gum.  I ended up carrying her to the car.  Not fun times.

Landon got Knight of the week for the 3rd time this year this week.

5/28 - I had my last board meeting as President of AppleCreek Preschool. we had dinner at Mi Conina.  It was nice and enjoyed some time with ladies

5/27 - we had a pretty lazy Memorial day.  Slept in some, I had a short PTA meeting, and then we ate lunch at home.  Spent most of the morning watching how it's made and Magic Revealed with the kids.   In the afternoon we went to the pool.  The Cracknells were there.  I was one of few parents getting in water because it's still cool, and so I had several kids jumping to me and hanging on as we went around the pool.   We had fun through.  Greg was throwing football with the boys so they had fun with that as well.  Kasey is doing really well swimming but we still have someone in the big pool with her because she gets a bit confident.

We got home from dinner and Kasey says Landon's head is warm.  I will take care of him so you don't have to.  His head wasn't warm...

She laid down on blanket in the living room and both kids try to tell us they weren't tired.   Kasey says I'm laying here with no reason.  They were both tired though.  They had been up late for 2-3 nights.

5/26 - We had going away party for the Turners.  It was just the 4 families on our block that hang out together.   We had great food, margaritas (thanks Greg), and good company.  The kids had a great time in the pool and playing upstairs and the parents go to visit.  We really avoided the discussion of the Turners leaving because it makes all of us sad to see them go.  We wish them the best in their new adventures and hope to keep up on Facebook and such.

5/25 - Today was my last 8:15am aerobics class. They are cancelling it because of low attendance and they can't really find teacher for it.   I've been going to that class since after graduation so it s been a long time. 


Greg had bought some clothes for Kasey.  He showed them to her in the morning.  She really likes animal prints because one of her teacher really likes them.  One of the skirts was Zebra like print.  Kasey yells Oh Yea, give me 5.  It was hilarious.

Kasey was getting ready for bday party.  I asked her if we could brush her hair before going.  She said no.  I asked why not, she said because I'm a horrible daughter (not sure where that came from).

We split up for Bday parties.  Greg dropped Landon off at Cosmic jump for a class mate party.  Kasey and I went to a party where she got to ride a horse (for first time).  She had fun.  They also have miniature horse pulling a little cart that the kids got to ride in.  They played on playground, got faces painted, balloons (Kasey got a flower), and horse tattoos.

Greg took our kids and 3 other friends and a few dads to FC Dallas game.  It was raining, but they still had fun.  They got Moo Yah with milk shakes, and even candy at the game.  Doug and Solis' were there so everyone had a good time.  The kids got their picture with Hooper and some of the FC Dallas girls - Greg posted on facebook that they wanted their picture with the mascot :)

I got some time to myself.  I went and did a little shopping, got some Pei Wei and hung out at home watching the Ugly Truth with some wine.  It was nice!

5/24 - Greg and I got to go out on a date - it's been quite a while.   We were going to go to Chamberlains, and then Greg changed it.  Google often tells me where surprise dinners are.  Today it told me Greg had searched for Perry's steakhouse so I thought we were going there.  He kept it  a secret until we were basically walking up to it, but we ended up at Capital Grill.  There have been multiple dinners there that I have not been able to go to for various reasons.  I was excited to get to go. We had a great edinner, but ordered to much so boxed some stuff up to take home.  We decided that dessert at Seasons 52 sounded better with key lime pie and peanut butter/chocolate moose.  So we took our Capital Grill to go boxes over to the other restaurant for a drink and dessert.  Then we headed to movie theater to see Hangover III.  The movie had funny parts and the scene in the credits was hilarious, but overall I liked the other 2 better.

5/19 - That morning Landon's nose started bleeding just a little bit.   We had him lay down for a while which was really hard for him to do.  Kasey would take him water, kleenex.  She came up to me and said that she would take care of him so that we didn't have to worry about him.  She was serious too.
We got to have donuts for breakfast which the kids loved.   We got ready and headed out to Taste of Addison.  it was warm, but it was fun to have Fogo de Chao, Chamberlains, Empanada and Sangria.

We even had some ice cream.   After eating and hanging out with Dave and Elisabeth, we headed to the roller coasters so the kids could play.  Landon and i got to go on a few rides.  The Octopus and Storm.   The storm was a little much but was fun.

Then we headed back.  Picked up Tin Star for family birthday party.  We had 16 people to the house for dinner, cake and to open Landon's presents.  We had a good time, but we were all pretty tired.

5/18 - I went to work out.  Apparently they are cancelling my 8:15am Saturday aerobics class.  I'm sad.  I've been going to that class almost since I graduated from college.  A long time.  I came home to get ready and took Kasey to a friends bday party.  Kids had fun outside bouncing and playing.  We had to leave early to get to Landon's baseball game.  The boys played well, but the umpires stopped the game early so the team wasn't able to try and come back.  Landon got 2 outs at 2nd base in one inning that they held to team to no runs.

After the game we came home.  Kasey and I took little naps because we were tired.  We had neighborhood party to go to at 5.   They had street blocked off, had train for kids to ride on, a few bounce house type things,  a picture booth, 4 kegs, and a bunch of food.    The kids got to run around an dance with DJ, watch clown, get faces painted etc.  It was a good time for all.

Of course the kids got to bed late again.

5/17 -  I took the day off to finish decorating cakes for Landon's party.
I went to Kasey's class to read 2 books to them.  I read 5 little Monkeys and Robert the Rose Horse which the kids seemed to like.  They all did the jump up and down song at the end.
Landon turned 7 years old today.  He woke up and we put a small package on his clothes that were set out.   He opened it to find a #2 Johnny football shirt that he had wanted.   He told us when he saw it was maroon that he thought we had wrapped up his other maroon shirt he had out  to wear that day.  He was pretty excited.  That day at school he had World culture day where they got to learn about different countries.  I had taken the day off so I got to go up there and have lunch with him.  We had McDonalds as he wanted.  Kyle and DJ Lynch were there eating lunch as well.

After lunch I went home to finish decorating Landon's cakes.  Thursday night I had decorated a football and basketball, and then Friday I decorated baseballs (in shape of 7 per Greg's idea), and a soccer ball.

We had Landon's friend party.  It was at a park/pavilion near Landon's school.  We had several kids from Landon's class and some of their siblings as well.  The boys played kickball, basketball and played on the playground.  We had pizza, pizza rolls, fruit and veggies.  Then we all had some of the sports cakes which were great.

I think everyone had fun.  A few of the girls (Kasey, Peyton, Chloe and Aliie all made some mud and were playing in it. They got pretty dirty.  I didn't expect the girls in dresses to be the big mess :)
We also had a friend Landon has known since he was 2 come by at the end of the party to hang out for a little while which was fun.

5/14 - We had Pixie end of season party today.   Greg and I made softball field cake and some purple cupcakes for the girls.   They got trophies, played some kickball with the older brothers and dads.  We had a good time.  it's been a fun season with the girls.  We will see what Kasey decides to do in the fall :)

5/12 - We had good Mothers Day.  Kids let us sleep til almost 8am which never happens.  The kids gave me sweet homemade cards.  Landon also made me a fun few pages about our favorite things.  

The kids got me some earings an necklace for mothers day!
the kids and I made homemade card for Grammy - Kasey drew a person with a large belly button, Landon drew Grammy with Landon, Kasey and I, and I wrote down some things I think about a lot with my mom.

We went to lunch at Paesanos which we all love.  We had great food, good company and wonderful dessert. Grammy and I both got beautiful earings for Mothers Day..

5/11 - We had a busy day as usual.  I worked out then we headed to baseball/softball fields for most of the day.  Landon's first game the boys came back and won 12 to 11.  Landon got 2 outs at 2nd base to help get out of the last inning.

Then we went to Kaseys game.  She got a few good hits and girls played pretty well.  The team we played against only had 4 players which was a little weird.  During the game several of the girls sat in the dugout and played duck duck goose. Girls are a bit different than boys :)
After game we went to Sonic for a drink, sat at home for little bit then back to baseball fields.
Landon got few good hits.  The Volcanoes won 13 to 5 so boys were excited about it.

Landon missed his soccer game because it was same time as baseball.  His soccer team won 4 to 2 and several boys scored.  It was great last game for Coach Roy.

That night we had going away party for the Roys.  They are moving to Austin unfortunately.   Kids had great time on bounce house and playing ball, and it was fun for adults to get to talk as well.

5/10 - We had Kasey's school end of year party.  The kids got snacks (we even got to sing the snack song), and then one of the moms and I read all of them a book.  Kasey sat in my lap while I read book. I would read the pages, the kids would laugh outloud and then Kasey would should the class the pages.   She asked one of the boys not paying attention if he saw the pages.   It was fun.

Then the kids made bracelets with their names on them.   Then they sang the jump up and down song.  We still remember Landon doing that when he was her age.  Fun times.

I worked from home most of the day, and so Greg and I went up to see the 1st grade kickball tournament.  Landon's class won which was fun.

That evening was the Norton Carnival.  The boys were at baseball practice.  Kasey and I were headed to get dinner for all of us.  Kasey was crying and saying her ear hurt.   So when boys got home I took Kasey to Acute kids. She had ear infection but nothing else so we went home for some Tylenol and headed to the Carnival to meet the boys.

Kids had great time at Carnival.  They go to jump on bounce houses, try to dunk AIM teacher Mrs Szeryk, paint their hair different colors, get tattos (Kasey got drums, and Landon got 2 Angry birds), and some airbrush tatoos as well (Landon got dolphins, cobra and snake; Kasey got snake and dice).

5/5 - Kids played dress up in the morning.  Kasey dressed up as dinosaur and Landon dressed up as Power Ranger with light saber.
We rode bikes to last soccer practice.   That evening Kasey started feeling bad and  got fever.  She didn't have other symptoms, but had fever for few days.  Poor thing.

5/4 - Landon had 9:30am baseball game.  Boys had tough game and lost by 1 run.   Landon then went to soccer game.  Landon played well, but team didn't win which is ok.   His baseball team did not win 2nd game either (he didn't get to play because it was same time as soccer and team was low on players).

Then Landon and I went to one of his school mates birthday parties at Chucky Cheese.  One of my favorite :)  WE had to leave early to get to Kasey tball game.  Kasey got an out at 2nd base and had a few good hits as well.

5/3 - Greg and I got to go on school field trip with Landon to the Dallas Zoo.  Greg got Colin, Andrew, Landon and Jaden in his group.  I got 4 girls from his class - Jorden, Danny, Meagan and Makeila.  We had wanted to all walk around together, but the girls didn't want to walk with the boys.

We ended up staying together some, but not all day.   We got to see the lions training first and walk around in the new Africa section.  The kids wanted to eat by 10:30 even though they had had snack about 9:45am.

Kids had fun seeing animals, having lunch, hanging out together.   Of course they got warm and wanted me to carry everything :)
it was a fun day.  I also got to talk with Landons teacher some.  She really likes Landon.  She said he's really smart and has done a good job making some good choices even though some friends have not.

That evening Landon had baseball practice and soccer camp.