World Cup Trip June 2014 Brazil

 Greg went to Brazil for longer than I did - he left June 11th.  He went with Juan, Marissa, Doug and Dave.  They started in Rio - had a great private one day tour with a lady that lived there.  They got to eat at great places and see some cool stuff.

They headed to Natal for the first US game against Ghana.  The US won which was great.  They were on the beach there and mainly hung out watching soccer and spent some time on the beach.

Then they headed to Manaus.  This is a city in the Amazon several hours from other locations.  They started out that the tour they had booked was not booked for them so they did a tour from the hotel.  On boat ride their boat ended up catching fire which ended up being a mess.   The game was crazy hot.  While it ended up being a good game (even though US tied with late goal from Portugal), they were ready to get out of Manaus.   To the point that if something didn't go right we now say that you have been Manaused.

After 2nd game they headed to Recife to meet Tracy and I.

Here is when my trip started

6/20-21  Day 1

Kids and I slept in til almost 7:45am.  We had to get Kasey to camp by 9am.   I made cheese eggs because I had promised Kasey I would.  I told Landon we could go get a donut after we dropped Kasey off at camp.  We dropped Kasey off, saw Kristina and Carter to say hi.  Landon and I got donuts at place near the house and took them home to eat so we could let Patch out.  Landon watched some of Fantastic 4 then we took Patch for a walk.   I had to shower and get ready and finish packing.   We left with Patch, crate, Landon and Patch's stuff for the week and headed to Grandma's.  Patch tried to eat one of the birds in the back yard when we got there.   Then we headed to get Landon to Maxum's house.   Boys were going to Twilight Camp and then Landon stayed the night with Maxum since they got back late.   Then headed home to close up the house and get ready to leave.   Packed Grammy and Gramps car, went to pick up Kasey from her last day at Enchanted Tea Party camp then we headed for the airport.    Grammy and I got to meet Miles Austin (he was very nice) - just got in from Cleveland and was waiting on his wife.    I was there early and decided to repack so that I could carry on my luggage instead of check.   Got through customs.   Grabbed a Chai Tea Latte and some water and headed to the admirals club.  Tracy and I met there.  We had champagne and the game was on, people were asking where we were going which is always fun.   

Almost the last people on the plane were 2 people in first.  They wanted me to switch  to window seat (not my favorite) so they could sit together.   I agreed.   Man sitting next to me was going to World Cup with his two older children.  They were staying in Recife and going to a few games there.  Flying to Miami was almost 3 hours.  I got dinner and a warm cookie :)  when we got to Miami Tracy and I  headed to the admirals club for a glass of wine.   i called and talked to Landon for a minute at Twilight camp.  He had found  a grasshopper friend and named him Copper.   He was having fun.  Courtney Neighbor sent me a picture which was nice.   After a drink and some research we walked to our gate.  I was in business and once again asked to switch seats so a couple could sit together.   At least I was still on aisle.   Guy next to me was with his parents - they seemed to not know how he got into business which seemed odd.    7 hour flight, left about 10:30pm Dallas time, had a late dinner of manchego chicken and of course ice cream sundae.    I watched about 2/3 of American Hustle.   They went to sleep.   Slept on and off til they started waking people for breakfast.   Got off the plane, through customs quickly then went to get our ride.   we had a private car with driver who took us to hotel.  almost 45 minutes.  We both fell asleep in the car after not sleeping much on the plane.   We got to hotel and had to wait  a bit to get our room.  Room was not great and not air conditioned.   the window only had shutters and no glass.  The hotel grounds were very nice and the beach was across the street.  we took quick showers and headed to the beach.  We had beach chairs and an umbrella with some good shade.  Very relaxing.  It was still morning because we arrived in airport like 8am or so.   We ordered a few caipirinhas and had lunch out there.  Took little naps read etc.  People coming up all the time on the beach trying to sell stuff.  Boy came up painted scenes on a tile with paint and his finger.  We bought one each and they were pretty amazing.   

Started getting cooler so we walked up and sat in area they were showing games - Germany/Ghana tie game was on.  After game we went upstairs to  change and go to Village for dinner.  $5 taxi ride.  We walked around and found a cool place playing music to have dinner.   They didn't speak English or have English menu but we tried it anyway.  Food and wine were really good and they turned on next game while we were there.  We had to use google translate to order water and wine.  After dinner we walked around more, several local stores and some restaurants.   Then we headed back to hotel.  We sat by the pool in great weather with 1/2 bottle of wine.  they had entertainment and dancers who came over to talk to us and ask questions - We couldn't understand each other because they didn't speak English and I don't speak Portuguese.   we then went to call kids and sleep in hot room.

6/22 Day 2

After going to bed about 11:15pm we woke up about 9:20am - figured we needed to get up for breakfast that went til 10.    Neither of us get to sleep that late :)  good breakfast.  We Facetimed with the boys and chatted over text with the kids.   We complained about the air, booked a Dune buggy tour and then showered.  We had time so we went to patio by the beach.   Ordered caipirinhas.  Tracy was reading and I was writing blog as we listened to the ocean.  Very relaxing

So about 1 we went to our Dune Buggy tour.  We started out going by few beach hotels which looked really nice.  The driver took us to a beach area where there were tables and chairs set up right on the beach by the water.  Area called Muro Alto Cupe.  We sat down ordered a few beers and some shrimp for lunch.   It was really good.  We didn't really feel like getting in the water but the people watching was very entertaining.  People there from all over.  

We left there and drove back the other direction past our hotel.  To get to the next area they had to let us through a manned gate.  It was like we were driving on someones property.  We drove right by a little house which several people were in.   We ended up a little area on the water where they were giving little boat rides.  Area was called Portal De Manacaipe.  It was 20R each for boat ride so we said OK.  We got on little boat with benches for 6.  2 Croatian gentleman with their sons were on the boat as well.   They live in Argentina and spoke Portuguese and English.  The area was pretty.  Almost as soon as we left the shore it started raining.   The driver who was pushing the boat with a big wooden pole, pulled us over to get under little shelter.  Rain came down pretty good but only lasted a few minutes.  The area we were in was a mix of salt and fresh water.  We could see the ocean from where we were but were in water ways surrounded by land with different trees and bushes.  We saw several crabs on the land which was cool.  It was peaceful and beautiful.  Near the end we stopped by side and the boat drivers caught 2 sea horses and a baby crab.  we all got pictures with the sea horses and I got to hold the baby crab.  I could tell that when he got older his claw ends would be sharp.  Then we headed back.  We went through the village some on the way back to the hotel and then along the beach in Porto de Galinhas.  It was really pretty and overall a great day.

We got back and decided to go for a swim before heading to village to watch the game.  So relaxing just being in calm pool and chatting.   Felt great.  After swimming we got ready and went down to complain for 3rd time about our AC not working.  They agreed to change our room.  So we got packed quickly and moved rooms.  We turned the air on left to head to the village to watch US Portugal game.  We got to a Pizza place just in time to get a table up front for the two of us.  Several other Americans were there.  We got a big group picture that one of the guys was supposed to text me, but I never got.  They had TV projected on wall so it was nice.  We got some beer and ordered an appetizer (which took us over an hour to get).    The atmosphere was great.  Portugal scored first and was only score in first half.  At half ESPN sent me an update on my phone that US has never won a game when they are down in the first half.   Great stat thanks ESPN.  In 2nd half (64 minute) Jermaine Jones (who was having a great game) scored and amazing goal.  It looked like the ball bent around players then back in to score.   Place where we were went nuts.  Chanting USA, USA. High Fives everywhere.  Then 81 minutes Clint Dempsey used his body to score to put the US in the lead.  The crowd went wild.  Awesome! Hugs, high 5s, chanting USA.  This was amazing until 5 seconds before the end of 5 minute injury time Portugal scored to tie it.    After all the emotion and huge game being a draw made it feel like a loss.   As we left I told the guys next to us we were going to walk off the loss (even thought technically it wasn't a loss).  We had a guy from Mexico who lives in LA who was in Brazil on his own sitting with us.  He was very nice and his name was Juan.   Tracy and I left and decided to get some chocolate crepes - Yum!   Amazing people watching.  Lots of people from US and Mexico walking around the streets.  One US guy was wearing gold shiny pants.  One Mexican guy was wearing full mariachi uniform and hat.  He had to keep putting his beer down to take pictures with people.

We headed back to the hotel.   Very excited our room was cool and we had multiple power outlets.   We went to the poolside for a drink to end the night.

6/23   Day 3

Alarm had to wake us up at 9:30am - Breakfast ended at 10.   Went for breakfast, took a shower, put bathing suits on and headed outside.   Meanwhile the rest of our crew is sitting in a plane in Manaus waiting for landing clearance in Recife.  I think they are ready to get here and Tracy and I are ready to see the guys after almost 2 weeks

Tracy and I relaxed, got some lunch, and decided to have massages.  1 hour full body massage hearing the ocean and having wind cool with calming Enya music.  It was just right.   Then we showered and got ready for the guys to get there. 

As the guys were arriving there were 3 big buses and a small one coming to our hotel.  Of course their bus was last.   Tracy and I got in check in line before they got there because it was getting long.  They got there, filled out forms, checked in, moved my luggage to new room with Greg and got settled in room.   Then we headed to the village for dinner.  We found a great place to eat Gotta De Rua.  Great food, good atmosphere.  Then we headed down the street to the water and found a place to have a few beers right on the water.  We could hear music, see boats and do some people watching.  On the way back to Taxi's we got a few fun pictures.   Then we called it a night.

6/24 Day 4

We slept in til 9:30 just in time to get up for breakfast.  We got bathing suits on and headed to the beach.  

We started walking on the beach down toward the village.   Of course it started to rain 1/2 way there so we tried to take cover under over hang for a few minutes but it didn't last long.  We headed back to the hotel.  When we left all the chairs and umbrellas at the hotel were being used, but with the rain when we got back it was pretty empty.  We decided to have a seat and have a few drinks.  Rough life - sitting on the beach, listening to the waves, having drinks brought to us.  Doug wasn't feeling well so he went to his room.

We decided to head to town for lunch and to watch games.  We found in village that most places showing games were packed because the game had already started.   We finally found a place to eat but didn't have the game showing.  We split a bunch of appetizers including rice and beans, shrimp &  fish clusters.   Yum.  After lunch we decided to walk down the beach.  Juan found a guy that got us chairs, few tables and served us beer.   Again back to rough life chilling on the beach with good friends.

We decided to catch the later game.   We found restaurant Villa Brasil that Tracy had dinner at the other night and got out of the rain to have a drink and watch.  It was raining so hard the satellite TV feed went out for a while.  We unfortunately had some really bad wine.  We decided to move on.

We searched for a while for somewhere to eat dinner and finally agreed on restaurant for dinner.   It was buffet and churrascaria.  The food was ok, and Greg decided he wasn't eating.  He was on a 2 meal a day kick.

We headed back to hotel and decided to have a few drinks.  They were playing live music which was great.  some of the staff and others were dancing along.  Dave, Tracy and I all got in the pool for a bit before we called it a night.

6/24  Day 5

This was the day to go to the ponds at low tide.  So we woke up early, had breakfast and headed to town before 8am - that was early for us on this trip.   Of course it was raining.  Greg, Marissa, Tracy and I got in a cab and realized we had all the money with us.  The other boys made it and we headed to the water.  They had little boats for 6 people - 20R per person to go out to reef, feed fish, use masks and get in the water.  Since low tide you are basically walking on coral reef.  Saw several sea urchins - even got to hold one.   Saw few crabs and several fish.   We got fish food for the ponds so they all come up to you.  you could see beyond the coral reef where the waves were breaking.    As we fed the fish Greg and Dave were trying to touch and catch the fish.  It was pretty cool.  We got back on the boat and the driver pulled us to another area.  Marissa, Juan, Greg, Dave and I got in the water with masks.  We were feeding fish right in front of us.  We had masks to see under water even though you couldn't see very far.  Greg was Trying to catch a fish in his shirt.  Dave and I would put food near his chest and he would try to catch fish that came up.  He caught one that got away before we could get a picture.  Then he caught another one that Tracy got a picture of.  The boat driver was shaking his head at us :)

After our boat ride we went to beach to our friend from the day before.  We had umbrellas, chairs, drinks and beach.    Of course on the beach everyone is selling all kinds of stuff - food, drinks, jewelry, clothes, kits, etc.  The guys there hung a USA flag for us (or so they said).  They knew exactly with tide when to serve us lunch - we had great shrimp and Juan/Marissa had fish.  then they moved us back as the tide came in.  

We came back to change and freshen up.  Tracy, Dave, Marissa, Greg and I went to same place for dinner since it was so good (Gotta De Rua).   I wasn't feeling great but was still good.

6/25  Day 6 Game Day

So 3am I got woken up by heavy rain coming down.  It started sometime in the night and kept raining.   We got up early, grabbed breakfast which was crazy then got ready for the game.  As it was pouring rain outside I opted to leave my hat in the room :( and bring rain gear.  We were supposed to be in lobby at 8am to catch the bus to the stadium.  Stadium was about 22 miles from the hotel and in normal traffic could take about an hour to get there.   Buses started arriving after 8am.  Our group had 4 buses.  2 got there before 9am and left.  Ours got there but didn't leave til about 9:30am.   We were supposed to have someone on the bus to tell the driver where to drop us off and where to go.  She wasn't there yet and we kept hearing traffic was really bad (on Twitter).  The bus driver only spoke Portuguese so our friend Juan had to translate with him.  We left with out the guide.  The driver had been told to take coastal road which helped for a while then we ran into few spots that were flooded (up to peoples waists).  Cars couldn't get through.  Of course traffic was really bad.  It took us 3 hours to get to the stadium.

It was still pouring rain and game was about to start.  We didn't want to run but were walking fast.  Greg and I had to walk around to the other side of the stadium.  We were soaked when we got to our seats, but we were up high so our seats were covered.  Some in our group had better tickets closer to field, but they were in the rain the whole game.  The US lost to Germany 1 to 0, but luckily Portugal beat Ghana so the US & Germany went on to the next round.  On our way out I exchanged my USA scarf with an older German gentleman that was very nice.  After the game rain had slowed some.  We had 1 1/2 to 2 hours before our bus got there.  We hung out, took some pictures, and had a few beers.

We finally got on our bus about 2 hours after the game was over.  There was major traffic and even with driver going on the side of the road some, it took us 4 hours to get to the hotel (just 22 miles).   After that day we went straight to the hotel restaurant for the buffet for dinner.  We had on more drink by the pool and headed to bed.

6/26 Day 7 Heading home

We got late check out at 5pm since we were leaving on bus for airport at 6pm.  We all slept in headed to breakfast about 9:30am.  We decided to go pack and go to the beach some.  Greg and I were first ones on the beach.  We got umbrella, chairs and ordered a few caipirinhas.  Dave, Tracy and Doug (he was finally starting to feel better) came down.  The boys started playing football then...  it started raining.  We went under cover.

Marissa came down ready to go to village shopping.  I went to change and Greg, Doug, Marissa and I headed to the village.   We did some shopping, and headed back to restaurant we'd had lunch at before.  Doug hadn't been out with us for few days because he wasn't feeling well and had sinus infection.   We got Gambus, fried shrimp, pastels, rice and black beans, and some beer.  While at lunch it rained a little more.  we did more shopping and headed back about 3 to shower and finish packing.

Ready to head downstairs for one more caipirinha and check out.   As I walked down stairs with my luggage the top handle broke.   Well the side handle on this luggage was already gone and it was packed to check.  As we ordered drinks we started unpacking  the suitcase to see if it was fixable.  It was.  I went to check out and Dave was helping ask for a screw driver.  It was getting close to time for the bus to leave and people were getting on the bus.  My clothes are all over the table by the pool waiting on the screw driver.   Greg was about to try and fix it with a spoon  when the screwdriver showed up.  Greg fixed the suitcase we repacked and headed to the bus.

The bus took about an hour to the airport - with a few times the driver went off road to get out of traffic.

We were quite early so we checked in, did a little shopping, and headed upstairs to grab a bite to eat.  Greg got some cheese rolls and I got a ham and cheese pastry.  They were both really good.  We decided to head through security to try and facetime with the kids - we all missed each other.  We got to talk with them a bit but still didn't have great connection.

Juan, Marissa, Doug, Greg and I got chair massages.  They were ok but did some deep tissue which Greg and I think just hurts.

Then it was time to get on the plane and go home.  We were in business so that helped with long travel.

When we got to Miami, some of the group took showers.  We just headed to the lounge.   Got a snack, morning drink, did facetime with kids, Greg watched season finally of Game of Thrones, and I read my book.  Then we headed to our final leg.

We got to Dallas and headed to luggage area.  Juan and Marissa's daughter was there, Doug's brother and nephew were there, my parents were outside with kids.  Greg and I walked out there and kids ran up to us.  That's always been one of my favorite things from long trip is seeing those faces and getting a big hug when we get home.  They helped us get luggage and headed home. 

May 2014 updates

5/31 - we took it easy in the morning with breakfast, showers and getting ready.  Then we grabbed some lunch and went to the Marina to see Uncle David/Old Grandpa and Cheri.  We had lunch there and visited, then we were headed to Brazoria for the wedding.  We got to town, went to CVS and Walmart looking for an Apple Charger.  then we realized we had a while til the wedding.  We went to Sonic for a drink and drove around a little bit before going to wedding.


the wedding was very nice.  Simple but pretty reception that was very nice.  We got to catch up with family, have cake and punch, let Kasey run around, and then blow bubbles at the newlyweds.
Then Grammy, Kasey and I went back to Lorenda's for dinner and fun evening.  We had some great food, good catchup with family and Kasey and Peyton got to play.

5/30 - We slept in a bit, I worked a bit, we chatted a bit, and then we drove to meet Greg half way.  We ended up meeting in Buffalo.  Kasey was going with us to the wedding, and Gramps was headed back to Dallas with Greg.   We headed back to Aunt Mary's for the night.  We had good left overs.  

Uncle David was playing golf so came in late.  Kasey went to bed almost on time and we decided to watch a girls movie - We watched Failure to Launch which is really fun movie.   Mom and Mary and I also watched The Big Wedding which was good too.

5/29 - I got up at 4:30am after going to bed about 1am to get to the airport for my flight to Houston for Aunt Georgia's funeral.  I left in enough time to get there, but the security line was really long.  I ended up running to my flight and got there just in time.  Mom and dad also woke up at 4:30 in the morning to come get me at the airport.   I kept thinking running to the plane, my mom is going to kill me if I don't make my flight.  I made it and my parents picked me up. We went back to my parents hotel for little breakfast, and then headed to West Columbia.  We got there early so drove around to where my parents had lived, and we drove to Brazoria to see where we were going on Saturday for our cousin Natalie's wedding.

We had a nice service, went to the grave site, and then headed to church in Brazoria for lunch.  It was good catching up with family and seeing people we don't get to see often.
After lunch we drove back to Conroe for the night.  We had some good snacks, I got to have a few Manhattans.  We had good fajitas.  Then that night we played a game called Smart Ass.  We had a good time, lots of laughs!

5/27 - My aunt Georgia passed away today.  She was such a big part  of my childhood.  We went to her house every time we went to visit my dad's family.  We spent many Thanksgivings there.  She cooked for huge group, the whole family would come over at some point.  We would also usually celebrate my grandmother's birthday there which was fun.   She will be missed a lot by all of us.  It was good to see family, but sad time.

5/25 - Sunday we rested some more, and then went to have pool party with neighbors.  As we walked over there the rain clouds came in, and it rained for a while. The kids ate and played inside for a while then we all went outside.  the kids played in the pool, moms had yummy margaritas, and the dads chilled out talking inside.  We all had a good time.

5/24 - Another mom and I were texting through the day about how our boys were doing.  They both woke up sick in the middle of the night.  They talked about it on the phone.  then the sisters talked on the phone.  It was cute.
we've been doing electronics all day which we never do.
We had to cancel Landon's friend party unfortunately so we just hung out.

5/23 - I was about to go to bed after midnight.  Landon calls down, mom I threw up.   I told him to go to the bathroom as he gets sick again at the top of the stairs.  Poor guy didn't feel well.  He got sick again about 4am.  I went to sleep with him.  He slept til about 7:15am.   We had to turn his fan off because it made to much noise.   He woke up and got a little sick in the morning.   That day he was supposed to have baseball practice, go to a fun friends birthday party and have his own friend birthday party.  We had to cancel everything.


5/19 - Kasey wasn't feeling great when I picked her up.  She had been saying all day that her mouth hurt when she opened it.  When I asked where it hurt she said the front of her mouth so I didn't think much of it.  in the car she said her throat was hurting and her tummy hurt.  After many questions trying to figure out if she was faking or exaggerating, I got food for all of us and took her to Acute Kids which is called something else now.   She has just over 100 fever, and they did strep test.   It came back positive.  So antibiotics here we come.   She has a program at school Thursday.  hopefully nothing else gets worse and she gets to go.

5/18 - Greg had to get up because he volunteered at a baseball/softball event.  I had a work call at 8am with Israel.   Then kids and I cleaned up a bit and got ready.  I had to wrap presents, make reservations for Landon's birthday lunch and get Kasey ready.
the family went to BJs for Landon's birthday lunch.  We brought home a big pozookie which is a huge cookie with some ice cream - Landon wanted that over a cake.  We had dessert and Landon opened gifts.  Then we had to run Landon to a friends BDay party where they played laser tag and boys had a blast.
That evening

5/17 - Landon's 8th birthday.  Can't believe my little boy is 8 years old.  Kasey and I went to Elisabeths 3rd birthday party - Frozen themed which the kids loved.  Kasey got to watch the movie, hang out and have some cake.     For a little while she was walking around holding Elisabeth's hand.  It was cute.  They got a cute picture with stand up Anna and Elsa.
Greg and Landon went to baseball practice and then Landon had a friends birthday part at the park.   He had to leave a little early so he wasn't to tired for his game.
We relaxed for a bit, and then headed to Landon's game.  Greg was pitching because our normal pitcher couldn't be there.  Landon started off the game at bat.  He hit the ball down the 3rd base line and it went all the way to the fence.  He got a home run.  great start to birthday game.  Also during the game he caught a fly ball in the outfield, and had a few assists to get outs.  He had a great game.   He got a gameball which was awesome for birthday.

That night we went to neighborhood party.  Free food, beer, kid entertainment and good company.  We all had a good time.  One of Kasey's friends from school was there.  A little boy named Davis.  They spent a lot of time walking around playing.  Kasey asked me where he went.  Later Davis had his dad come up to me and ask where Kasey was.  It was like seeing myself in a little body.  Being very comfortable hanging out talking with a boy.     They will be in the same grade next year at Norton.   Kasey even said later, if he's in my class he'll be my boyfriend.   We are in trouble.

5/16 - Greg went to help get the Norton carnival.  I came home let Patch out for a bit, went to grab Chick fil a for all of us and went to the carnival.  It's always fun, kids running around playing, parents chatting.  We ate quickly and everyone went to play.  both kids got their hair painted, Kasey got pretty flowers painted on her face and multiple temporarily tattoos.   We all had Kona ice, some popcorn, and Landon won a dirt cake in the cake walk.
Of course kids were up a little later but we all had fun.

5/11 - Mothers day.   Kids made me cards.   Landon gave me a book of poems he wrote which was fun.  Kasey gave me a plant to grow.
We went to lunch at one of our favorite places Paesanos with my parents and Greg's mom.  The food is great there and we even got a mothers day mimosa.  We had fun and got a few pictures.
I also got some nice earrings from my mom and some flowers from Greg's mom.
We went home and decided to start putting together the kids new art stations.   Greg put them together and we started organizing all the art stuff.   Landon started labeling the drawers which I thought was funny.   Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Overall we had a great day!

5/10 - Landon had baseball game at 3:30pm.   the boys were kind of in a funk.  Couldn't hit, weren't fielding great.  We were playing the top team and didn't do so well.

5/9 - We split up activities tonight.  Kasey had her end of season soccer party with her team.  it was cute the girls had on skirts and their hair down so some of them looked a little different.  Their coach got all the girls ice cream which of course they really liked.  They had fun talking.  Kasey had an idea that all the girls should sit together.  

Greg and Landon had baseball practice and then went to Roughriders Baseball game with Norton dads club.   Several 2nd graders were there so they had fun.

5/3 - 5/4 - Landon had an early baseball game.  Coach wanted them there little early to warm up more.  Unfortunately they lost the game by 1 run.  Boys played hard.  They had a few innings that they didn't get any runs which hurt them.  We were also visiting team which didn't help.
then we went to lunch with Grammy and Gramps to Elke's.    we had a little time before going to Kasey's game.  We came to the house and let patch out a bit.  She was crazy as usual with Grammy/Gramps.   Then we went to Kasey's last soccer game.  She played sweeper and enjoyed it.  She knew what she was doing most of the time.  If she wanted to and could kick harder she's make pretty good sweeper.  
We went home and got Kasey and Patch packed up for the night with Grandma and Pops.  Landon and I were going with cub scouts to the Dallas Zoo for a campout.
We grabbed some food picked up Travis and William and headed to the zoo.     We ate quick.  Headed in to set up our tents.  Boys had their tent, and I had a smaller one.   After we got set up we headed out on a personal tour of the zoo with a zookeeper.  She was able to answer questions the boys had and tell them some cool facts about the zoo.  Kids got to learn about and touch several smaller animals.  At one point kids got to run around, they were playing tag with one of the girl scout groups.   We also got to make s'mores which were yummy.  That night we camped out  near the large cats and some birds.  We heard through the night several the lions roaring and then about 6:15am the vultures started sqaucking which woke the boys up.

We got packed up and took all our gear to the cars.  Then we headed to walk around some then had breakfast.   Then the kids got to see and touch some more animals.  They also got to see a baby alligator   We were then allowed to walk around the zoo.  We watched the lion show where they train the lions right in front of you.  then we walked around to see a few more things. 


We left the zoo and took Travis home, went to get Kasey and patch and then headed to the pool with Travis, Allison and the Kearns family.  It was pretty chilly but we all got in anyway.

5/2 - Greg went down to College Station for some Aggie Baseball with Dave.  Grammy got kids from school and I met them after work.  Kids talked Grammy into cooking tacos - which we all loved of course.  Good food and fun times.

April 2014 Updates

4/30 - Greg and I both got to go on 2nd grade field trip to Dallas Arboretum.  I got Landon and 4 other kids from his class.  Greg was actually helping out another class so he had a few kids he knew and a few he didn't.  Greg and I got to ride on the bus together which was fun.  It was a fun field trip.  Kids got to see some pretty things.  We got to be outside on a beautiful day.  The kids got to run around a lot.  there was one area with rows of flowers so the kids decided to have a relay race.  They would race each other.  There were a lot of boy/girl competitions going on.

Right after field trip I had to meet some of team for video storyboarding.   Then of course i had to work that night.  Good times.

4/26 - We had an even busier day than normal.   Greg left before 8am to go help move stuff to the AppleCreek Picnic/Auction.   Kids and I left about 8:30am to get to Kasey's soccer game.  Kasey was pretty much done with soccer, and then they started asking her to play sweeper (defense).  She really liked this.  She was doing a pretty good job, and she didn't have to run as much!   Here team did well - I'm not sure score, but they had good game.

Then I headed to AppleCreek picnic to help finish set up.  I worked registration for a while.  Greg and kits went home to shower and then headed there as well.  Kids had fun.   They got to meet a few Revolution football players, eat pizza, play games,make a craft run around.   We closed out auction.  My last AppleCreek Picnic - I've been doing this since Landon was 2 so it was kind of sad to be at my last one.  Lots of fun and great way to earn money for school.

Right after picnic we went to Landon's soccer game.  Since the boys won the last game the coaches had orange hair and coach Jason made a mohawk.  It was fun!

The boys tied the game and played hard.  This was probably Landon's last soccer game - He is playing baseball next week because of conflict time - He played soccer this week.

After this we were exhausted.   We went home brought in some Village Burger Bar, watched a movie and got everyone to bed a little early.  I even went to bed at 11:35 which is super early for me....

4/25 - We had a great time at girls night.  About 9 of us having a few drinks and hanging out.  Our friend Lyn moved to Richardson so we used this as an excuse to get everyone together.   Good times.  


I found out today that mom is having some tests because of a tumor in her stomach.

4/18 - Its Good Friday.  Kasey told me that I looked just like Barbi.  I was wearing 2 towels.  She said my body town was like Barbi's dress with no sleeves, and the tan towel on my head made my hair look like Barbi's.  :)  Landon had school as a make up day.  I got to walk him to school.  Then Kasey and I had breakfast together.  All 4 of us got to have lunch together at the school.    We did a little afternoon shopping then Kids and I colored eggs.  They tried mixing colors.  Kasey ended up with a sort of pink brown one, and most of Landon's came out some shade of green.

Greg went to see Dallas cup games so kids and I had dinner at home and watched Star Wars II.

4/13 - We had a lazy morning.  After we finally got up we showered got ready, and went to lunch at Mi Cocina.  Landon and I had brunch and Kasey and Greg had lunch.  Then we headed to grocery store (all of us which never happens),    We brought everything home, went to pick up some of neighbors kiddos and headed to movie.  We went to Rio 2.   Kids liked it, will be interesting to see if Greg sees anything similar when there.

We had a pretty lazy afternoon which was nice.

4/12 - We woke up and all had breakfast together  then headed to Landon's baseball game.  The team got there early to get warmed up.  He had 3 RBIs in outs from 3rd to 2nd and from SS to 1st, and some good hits.  Then in soccer he scored 3 goals.  The Bengals won 4 to 0 for the first time in my memory.  So happy for team.   

Greg went to FC Dallas game so kids and I went to eat dinner.  They were pretty tired. 

4/11 - after all day offsite at work, I met the fam at baseball field for Landon's baseball scrimmage.  Yankees were playing a good team.  Landon got a home run and few other good hits as well.  He played well which is always fun to watch.   I took Kasey home to get ready for bed.  Greg and Landon met Colin and his dad to watch Allen baseball game.

4/6 - Since kids stayed at Grammy/Gramps Greg and I got to sleep in a little.  We went to have breakfast at Frogg's to try out their new menu.  It was pretty good.   I love the atmosphere there.
We went to get kids and I took them to see Muppets most wanted.  It was ok, Landon really liked it.
That evening we celebrated with Greg's parents and sister.  We had good Mexican food and Grandma made German chocolate cake - yum!

4/5 - I had a good birthday!   We didn't have to get up to early.   Greg took kids and I go Cracker Barrel for breakfast which is always good.  Then we came home for little while.  Greg and kids all got me cards,new pajamas and new headphones so I am set.  We spent the afternoon at kids games.

 Greg headed for boys day to hang out and go to final 4 games.  Kasey played soccer.  Landon played baseball got a few hits and some good play in field.  We had to leave right away so Landon could get to 2nd half of his soccer game.  mind you we all ready for spring, and today was back to being cold.  we were all in jackets and blankets on top of us at games.  then we went to grammy and gramps house for great dinner from Babe's.  Grammy got me 2 desserts - one from baskin robbins - ice cream cake like she used to get me growing up - yum.  she also made snickers cake which was really good!

Kids decided to stay with Grammy and Gramps.  So I got to come home, have some wine, and watch a movie.

4/4 - Good birthday Friday at work.  Marisa made me chocolate/peanut butter cupcakes - yum!  Had lunch with a few people at work (in our cafeteria), but it's better than eating alone.
Kasey and I got to go to dinner just the two of us while the boys were at baseball practice.  We went to Spazo and had nice dinner.


Landon got Knight of the Week this week.  It's his 3rd time this school year!  Go Landon

March 2014 updates

3/29 - We had a busy day with 3 sports.    Kasey had her soccer game in the morning - she scored a goal, had an assist, and had a good time.   Then we went to lunch with Grammy, Gramps and Grandma.  We all went to Elke's which is always yummy.    Then we headed to Landon's baseball game -  his first game with the Yankees.   Greg had a hard time putting on shirt and hat, but he did it.  
Landon got a single and a double.  He played short stop, 1st base and center field.  His team won, he said after the game it was fun to win.   Then we had an hour.  Kasey went home with grandma to help finish Nanny's cake.   Landon, Greg, and I went to grab some yogurt then we headed to Landon's soccer game.  Landon was pretty tired, but he played hard.

We came home for quick clean up and headed to dinner with family for Nanny's 92nd birthday celebration.  We went to Red Lobster with Nanny, Grandma, Uncle Buddy and Aunt Jody and Cindy and Carlos.  We had nice dinner then went back to Nanny's for some cake.   Kasey was very excited that she had helped put the icing on top and put the coconut on.

3/26 - kasey did her dance performance for us again tonight.  Smiled the whole time :)   she found one of my old phones and asked if she could have it.  I said yes.  She called it an itouch.  I argued with her that she couldn't call it that since it was my Android phone.  I suggested she call it a phone.  She said, kids have itouches, phones are for adults.   She wins :)

3/23 - Only in Texas can you be outside at a baseball game one day in shorts, tshirt and sweating, and then the next day wearing jeans, long sleeves, jackets and hats to a game.   We went to the baseball game anyway.   Both kids went on the field for War Hymn and the National Anthem.  Landon went to short stop and Kasey went to the pitcher.   We got kids ice cream which was maybe a mistake, but kept Kasey calm for a little bit.   Aggies ended up winning in extra innings.  We left a little early since we were driving back and all of us have to get back to normal schedule tomorrow.

Kasey was really tired and took about a 30 minute nap and woke up much better and ready to see patch.  Patch was very excited to see us.  Scratched Kasey and I pretty good, but she was happy.  I think we were all glad to get home.

3/22 - We got up and all got showers.  We were heading to College Station for the weekend and Grammy was heading home.  We got to College Station and went to Dixie Chicken for some lunch and dominoes.   Then we headed to the baseball game.  A&M was playing Florida.   Landon went on the field for the War Hymn, and National Anthem.   He decided to go to first base and got to meet Aggie player.  Landon was enjoying watching the game.  Kasey just wanted to get ice cream and go to the playground.   Since the stadium is called Blue Bell Park they have several flavors of ice cream.  We got some yum!   It was fun seeing Landon get more into A&M baseball.  A&M won 5 to 4.

Near the end of the game camera caught site on Johnny Manziel in the stadium.   At that time Greg was watching from the playground.  After the game Johnny was signing autographs.  Kasey was so ready to go, but Landon wanted to try and get his autograph.  Greg and Landon waited on side where he was signing.  We figured he'd just stay for a little bit but he was signing a ton of autographs.

Landon was holding down his baseball.  Johnny asked him to throw it to him and he signed it and gave it back.  We were all pretty excited about it.  What a fun experience and cool memory.

3/21 - We again took it a little easy.  After everyone got ready the girls headed to the salon (Mary, mom, Kasey and I), and Greg and Landon went to the park to throw baseball around.
Greg and kids and I went to eat lunch after the salon out on patio overlooking Lake Conroe which was nice.   We headed back for the afternoon to hang out and kids played.  That night we were having Tacos - a family tradition.   We had some fun snacks and took some pictures with cousin Debby and the rest of us.   We enjoyed tacos.  I got to sit with Kasey again at the little table.

Enjoyed the rest of the pecan pie.  Kids wanted to play bowling again on Wii.   Kasey again was calling David old Grandpa, and Cheri Grandma.   At one point she was telling him how to bowl and asked if he had lost his mind.   It was pretty funny.

We had fun visiting that evening before everyone went to bed.   Good to have some family time!

3/20 - We started pretty slow that morning.  It took til after noon for all of us to get showers.   Greg was driving down and we had left overs for lunch which was good.  Kids had fun playing outside, on Wii, and around the house.

That evening we went to Gary and Mariselas to have dinner with them.  We had fun seeing them, having great dinner, and watching the kids play in the spa and pool  Kids haven't gotten to play together for about a year and a half so it was fun for us all to catch up.

Greg had made some desserts that everyone liked.  He made pecan pie - which according to mom and I is the best in the world.  He also made his famous chocolate cake and made it gluten free which was still really good.

3/19 - We had a late brunch at home since we would be on the road over lunch.  Grammy, kids and I set off for Montgomery late that morning.  Greg stayed home another day to recover more.   We got down to Mary's and kids wanted to go outside to see the dogs right away.   We hung out for few hours before David and Cheri got home from work.   Around 5 we got out some snacks, started drinks and then little later had wonderful dinner.  Landon decided he didn't want to sit at the little table anymore so I ended up sitting there all week with Kasey.

That night after dinner kids and David and Cheri played Wii bowling.  Kasey kept calling David Big Boy (which happened to be Cheri's nickname for him so it was really funny to the adults).  Then she started calling him old Grandpa.   She was pretty funny giving him a hard time.  Everyone had a good time!

3/18 - Greg wasn't feeling great again.  I took kids to Grandmas, and then picked them up from Grammy.

When I put Kasey to bed for I think the 2nd time, she called me her hero.   So sweet :)

3/17 - Greg called me at work in the morning that he was getting sick - of course kids were on spring break.  Thankfully my mom was able to take them for the day.  We got to go to dinner the 3 of us.

We picked a Chinese buffet - which afterwards we decided we wouldn't go there again - to much food.

3/16 - Greg and I got to sleep in a little.  We finally got up and got ready.  Ran by to get a quick breakfast on the way to get the kids.    We hurried some because we had tickets to go see Mr Peabody movie.   We got there in time.  The Dowdy's were also at the theater to see the same movie.  Cute movie.

After we got home we cleaned up a little then kids did puzzles.  Landon did a US puzzle so we were quizzing each other on the states.  He did really well and knows most of them.

3/15 - We had another busy Saturday.  I went to work out.  Greg took kids to park to practice some soccer with Kasey.  Then Landon had baseball practice.  I picked Kasey up and took her to lunch.  Then we headed home to get ready for soccer.  I took Kasey to her game - it was chilly and possibly rainy.   Kasey played a pretty good soccer game and scored a goal.  Landon had a game right after that ended up being delayed at least 30 minutes.  Landon played a really good game, and he also scored a goal.  His team came really close to winning, but ended up losing by 1 goal.   


After the games, the  grandparents took the kids home for the night.  Weather was bad so we stayed close to home and went to a new Mexican restaurant - Cafe Del Rio.  A few other families that we knew were there.  We stopped in to say hi as we were  waiting for our table.  It was ok, but we still like Mi Cocina and Mexigo better.   After that we went to a movie.  We weren't home to late, but was nice to be out and hand out together.


3/13 - I got home from Denver.  Gramps picked me up from the airport and I got to have lunch with Grammy, Gramps and Kasey which was nice.  We had a little time to visit then Grammy took Kasey and I to meet Greg.   We walked with Patch to pick up Landon from school.  Greg, Patch and the kids stopped to play at the park, and I went home to work for a little while.   That evening we had Open House at Norton.   We got to see several of Landon's projects in his class and his AIM notebook which was cool.  They had one thing where they only had pictures of kids teeth and you had to see who it was based on a QR code.   Kasey found Landon's for us :)

Then we went to dinner at Mi Cocina.

3/11 - Kasey had a soccer game on Tuesday of course I was out of town in Denver.  She did score a goal though and was very excited to tell me.

I was in Denver for a training conference.  It snowed for several hours while we were there.  It was pretty but didn't accumulate to much.  Luckily we were inside all day and evening that day


3/8 - Since Kasey wasn't feeling to well, our day was a little less crazy.   Kasey went to soccer pictures but not her game.  I went to work out, then Landon and Greg has baseball practice.  We had lunch at home then Greg and Landon went for his pictures.  The game before his was running really late.   It was raining some and pretty cold.  Grammy stayed with Kasey while Gramps and I went to the game.   It felt like it was in the 30s.  Kids were in blankets on sidelines and we were quite cold in the wind and cold.   Landon scored a great goal over the head of the defenders.  His coach did a somersault when Landon scored.  It was fun.  They other team scored several goals.

Greg went to FC Dallas game.  Landon was super tired so we went to pick up Pluckers and had movie night at home.

3/7 - Kasey woke up not feeling well.  I actually thought she was faking it.  She didn't have fever so I told her she needed to go to school.  Then right before I left for work she threw up. I guess I should have know she was really sick when she didn't want to listen to Frozen music.  As usual with Kasey she was sick for a while, but feeling much better by dinner time.   Kasey and Greg stayed home, and Landon and I went out on a dinner date to BJs.  It was fun to spend some time just us.

3/3 - schools were closed so I worked from home all day.  I never got out of my pajamas which I never get to do :).  I came down for dinner and Landon said I had to get dressed.  I figured it wasn't really worth it at that point :).    I had put on make up because Kasey brought me my make up during the day.

3/2 - Saturday was beautiful and almost 80 degrees, today (Sunday) the temperature just kept dropping and it was sleeting.   We got out of the house and went to see Frozen again.  Greg and I covered the windshield with a mat we use for kids games just so it didn't freeze over.  We were home the rest of the day.  Schools were actually closed on Monday.

3/1 - what a busy Saturday.  Kasey had breakfast birthday party at 9am, Landon had last basketball game of the season at 10  (he got 2 baskets), Kasey had her first Fireflies soccer game at 1 (she really doesn't like to run anymore, still shows some skill when she gets around the ball), and Landon had a soccer game at 2 (he played well but didn't score).  Then Landon had a birthday party at 5.   Greg and I got to take Kasey to dinner at Blue Fish while Landon was at his party.   Needless to say we were all pretty tired that night.

February 2014 updates

2/28 - We had Blue and Gold banquet for cub scouts.  We made a cake with blue/gold, paper airplane and with Pack 708 and sort of badges.  We had fun doing it.  they didn't really think Landon helped - he help make the cake, do some of the design and helped me decide on icing colors and where to put things.

Landon is now a Bear, which is cool.  I have a feeling we will need to become more involved in the pack next few years.

Kasey got to meet friend Violet who will be in her grade next year.  They colored together and were excited to have a playdate soon.  Kasey came back and said " I took her back to her parents".

2/24 - House keepers came and they rearranged all of the shampoos and soaps in the shower.  Kasey was in the shower and said something like let me just rearrange these like they are supposed to be.  She put them in the order we normally have them.  She's such our daughter :)

2/22 - This morning I went to work out, we had Landon's basketball game - he seemed a little tired, got 1 basket. then we went to lunch at Elkes.  We hung out some in the afternoon.  We did some Xbox Hip hop which was fun.  Then the boys went shopping for soccer stuff and Kasey and I hung out watching some Despicable Me.

That night we had mother/son dance.  6 of us went to Mi Cocina with are fun dates, and then headed to the dance.  We had fun dancing and doing a little singing.

2/21 - I was in Houston on business trip and was able to stop in and see Aunt Georgia and Lorenda in hospital.  Sad it was there I saw them, but it was good to see them.

2/20 - Landon was upset that the tooth fairy didn't come.  Funny that Landon thought that her not coming means she is real.  Luckily she came that night and brought 2 dollar coins instead of the usual 1.

2/19 - Landon lost another tooth.  We were watching TV and he just got it out.

2/15 - Landon had basketball game - he got 2 baskets and did well.   I went to work out afterwards so Greg took kids to Freebirds for lunch without me...  That afternoon we all went to Landon's baseball practice.  We left to go get ready.   We took Landon to Patricks going away gathering, we took Kasey to meet Grammy and Greg and I headed downtown for Valentines Dinner at Perry's.  It was a nice dinner - fixed menu which we were not aware of.  After dinner Greg had bought tickets to see Richardson Symphony Orchestra play the music of John Williams.  It was great.  They played music from Indiana jones, ET, Schindler list, Jaws, The Cowboy, Star Wars.  We had a really nice night.

2/12 - Kasey is very much into the movie Frozen.  She plays it with friends at school.  She wants to see music videos all the time.  We listen to the soundtrack and she knows most of the words.  She'll sing it like the people in the movie did.  It's really fun to see her get into disney movies as much as I did when I was younger.

2/9  - We started off the day with breakfast and then went to see The Lego Movie - Everything is Awesome.  Fun movie for the whole family.   After the movie we went to Big Easy for quick lunch.

Then Greg dropped kids and I off at Cosmic Jump for kids to play with Kearns and Littles.   The moms got to talk for an hour and the kids got to get some energy out and play.   Then Greg came back to pick us up and Greg and kids went to drop off Scout for Food bags.  During this time I was on the phone with American to fix a schedule change American had made on our Brazil flights.  
After Greg took Patch to training and kids and I made dinner and Dairy Queen blizzard.   somehow they didn't turn out to good.  We'll have to try again.  After dinner we played some Bunco.  Landon won because he got bunco.

2/8 - We had a busy day today.  I went to work out.  Then Landon had a basketball game - he played a little tired but got 3 baskets.  He got some break aways and took the ball away a few times.  Greg was coach because the regular coach was out of town.   After that we headed to lunch.   We all came home - Greg went to help set up Pinewood Derby, I showered and got ready.  I dropped Landon off with Greg, took Kasey to birthday party and then headed back to watch the pinewood derby.  Landon made both a racing car and art car.  In his age group, Landon got 2nd place.  He then got to race in top 12 of the entire pack.  He ended up 7th overall with everyone with the race car. He was pretty excited.   His World Cup art car got 2nd in his age group.  They will tell us who won on the art cars at Blue and Gold end of the month.  After pinewood derby, we went to friends little girl's 1st birthday party.  It was fun to see them and catch up.  Kasey was very excited to help her open presents and play with her.

2/6 - We didn't have much phone service at the cabin, but few ladies got something saying there was issue with their flights.  Dallas was getting snow.  So we basically got up and started driving back about 8am. We had about a 4 hour drive to get back to the airport in North Dakota.  Of course with weather in Dallas our flight ended up getting delayed about 4 hours.  We did make it home but made for a long day.  Thankfully my parents were able to pick me up at the airport when I got in after 10pm.

2/5 - After training our partner we were going ice fishing for the 10.  There were 10 of us that went from my company and partner company.  We got up and left about 6am to drive to the lake.   When we got there we had a good breakfast - eggs, biscuit and gravy and fruit.  Then we headed out to the fishing huts.  They were about 4 1/2 miles out onto the lake.  We had a few huts.   We had two we were fishing in and 1 we used as the bathroom.  The bathroom was a heated hut with a 5 gallon bucket with a trash bag in it.   The ladies used that and the guys just went outside the hut.   We were listening to music, fishing and having a few drinks and snack.  I 4-5 fish - I think I caught the same one twice :). After fishing most of the day, we headed back for some dinner and then to big cabin for the night.   We played cards against humanity and a little poker.

2/2 - We let Greg take Patch to training while kids got ready for bed and started watching the Super Bowl.  Kasey watched for a while, and we let Landon stay up to watch almost all of it.  It was fun watching commercials with them even though kids didn't get all the jokes.  Landon and I wanted Denver to win but that didn't happen.

2/1 - We had a busy but good day.  Started with 9am basketball game for Landon.   He got 5 baskets and played pretty well.  They get stars at end of each game for how they did.  He got an offensive one and Christ Like white star which means the coach thought he showed being Christ Like in the game.   


When we got to the basketball game it was a little chilly but the boys were ok in shorts and tshirts, when we left it was to cold.   We went home to change and then headed to baseball practice for Landon.   I left a little early to go to Zumba which was awesome.

The director of the kids preschool retired this week (Carol Thies) so we went to little reception for her at the school.  It was fun to see old teachers.  I created a little picture collage for her of the kids through their years at AppleCreek - it was fun to see how much they have grown.

Then we headed to Bavarian Grill for dinner which is a favorite of mine and Greg's.  Kids love the train and bread.  Landon had Bratwurst and Kasey had Schnitzel.  Daddy even let us have dessert :)

January updates 2014

1/31 - After day at work we ate at home, and then headed to Norton for Pinewood Derby test track.  Landon's car just did ok, but Greg & Landon still have some tuning to do.  Should be fun next weekend for the real race.


1/29 - I brought Kasey home from dinner.  Somehow the topic of how babies are made came up.  At first she got the impression that you just grow up and everyone has a baby.  I explained it was more complicated and we'd explain more when she got older.   i mentioned that it takes 2 people to make a baby.  she asked if two people hug and then have a baby.   I was not ready for that discussion with her, but I know it will be here before I know it.

1/26 - We were slow getting up.  Kasey came down about 6:45 and Landon about an hour later.  I made some breakfast - cheese eggs, sausage, and muffins. By the time we got showers and were ready it was time to head to lunch.  We went to have BBQ.

We came home to work on pinewood derby some.  Then we decided to go enjoy the weather.  We went to park near by the house.  We took the kids bikes, baseball stuff, and Patch.  We all biked or walked around for a while and then Kasey played at the park while Landon and Greg did some catching and throwing.  It was nice to get outside in the great weather.

We headed home and did a few things before taking Patch to obedience training.  She is doing well with sit and watch me.  Of course in class she barks at everyone else in the class. Hopefully we can work with her on some of her craziness.  We then came home for dinner, showers and bed for kids.
Both kiddos were pretty tired from being up late this weekend.  Both kiddos threw a fit going to bed.  Hopefully they can get some rest this week.

1/25 - Landon had 9am basketball game.   He played pretty well.  He got 4 baskets and covered his player pretty well.

After the game I went to try new work out class format - Zumba/Step.  It was good format but unfortunately the class will be Monday at 6:30.  We all went to lunch at Elke's then headed home to clean up some.

Landon went with neighbor to Stars game - his first Stars game.  Kasey and I went to the salon to get our nails done, and then met Greg for dinner at Grimaldi which was fun.  Kasey wanted Pacuigo so we let her get some which she liked

Greg and I got to watch a movie waiting for Landon to come home.

1/24 - Landon had 5:30pm basketball game.  It was first one I got to see this season.  He got 4 baskets and played some good defense as well.   Fun to watch with family.  All 4 of his grandparents were at the game to watch.

1/17 - We got to go to dinner with some friends tonight at Mi Cocina which was fun.  Kids got to hang out with friends and we got to have some adult conversations.   After dinner Greg and Kasey went home and Landon and I went to family fitness night at the elementary school.   Landon got to break a few boards, and then headed to the gym for basketball and cup building.   He also did a little hoola hoops.

1/16 -  The past several nights after Kasey went to bed, Greg, Landon and I have been playing iSpy a new game Landon got from friends for Christmas.  There are a bunch of ways to play.  Greg usually wins, but we all have fun.  Tonight I was doing something on the computer so Landon came in and said I wish we could write a story.  So we did.  I typed because he can't yet and we started creating a story of our family going to Hawaii.  It was fun to make up some things that we were doing on vacation.

Today Patch was spayed.   She has to spend the night at the clinic to recover a little more before coming home.

1/15 - I was helping Kasey wash her hair and asked her what her favorite subjects in school were.  She said she likes math/science and art.  As an engineer loved to hear that she loves math/science.  She talked about liking art because they get to use different things to do artwork.   She said she liked learning new things in math and science with counting and doing new things.
I started working out again today.  I joined 24 hour fitness to try it out, so far so good.  Good but tough step/circuit class today

1/12 - We were totally lazy.  We got up to eat breakfast but Greg and I basically stayed in bed until noon.   We finally got up to put Christmas stuff up and get laundry done.  We had lunch at home.  Boys went to make Landon's car for pinewood derby.   Then we all went to dinner at Mongolian Grill.   Pretty laid back day which was good.


1/11 - I got back from CES today.  Crazy week as usual.  We went to lunch the 4 of us and was good to see the family.  We spent some time talking with the kids about what sports they want to play this spring.   Kasey decided she wanted to play softball again and then probably do soccer in the summer.  Landon will play basketball this winter (played his first game 1/10), and then play baseball with friends this spring and is considering soccer.


1/5 - Today I headed to Las Vegas for CES.

1/4 - We had pretty low key day.   Hanging out at home most of the day.  I was packing, kids were playing with Christmas presents, Landon created his first NFL playoff bracket, and they filled out their yearly scrapbook page (with info on their favorites that year and how they sign their name).

1/3 - Landon had a friend birthday party so Kasey and Daddy went to get the new Keyboard they got from Grandma and Pops for Christmas.  The kids love playing music and dancing to the music it makes.  We'll start Landon on lessons to see what he thinks.

1/2 - Unfortunately with CES at beginning of the year I had to start back to work on 2nd.   I did meet Greg and kids for lunch though.  We went to JGs which is always good.  Landon got to  a friends house to play and Kasey wanted to do something fun so they went to Jump Street.  She found some older girls to hang out with so she had fun.

1/1/14 - Happy New Year.
After we got up and got ready we decided to go have some lunch at Pei Wei - One of my favorites that I don't get to often, but Kasey and I like it.  Then we went to see Frozen again which we both really like.

After that we came home a little while and headed to the airport to pick up the boys.   We decided to head to dinner the 4 of us.  We decided to go to Pie Five in Allen on the way home which is always a good one.

Everyone was pretty tired.  I don't think any of us slept to well.

December 2013 updates

Apparently I never posted this.  Probably because I just finished typing my blog entries from the cruise today.  Better late than never.

12/31 - They boys went to Atlanta with Doug for the A&M game so Kasey and I had a few days just us.  We took the boys to the airport in the morning.  Unfortunately had to wake Kasey up.  Then we ran a few errands getting dog food and some donuts for breakfast.    We got ready for the day, and then I had to run to work for a little while to print some stuff to get ready for my trip.  Then we had lunch with Grandma.  We then went home to hang out with Patch for a little while.   We had a block new years party to go to.   We all had snacks and drinks.  The kids took off playing and having a good time.  Luckily I got Kasey down to eat a little bit.    About 8pm we had a pretend new years with hats and blowers for the kids.   We headed home after that so Kasey could get some rest.

I started watching the A&M game which wasn't a good thing at the time so I decided to watch one of the cheesy Christmas movies I had recorded and never had time to watch.   It finished and I went back to the A&M game just in time to see them take the lead at the end to win the game.  Gigem Aggies.

I decided to let Kasey sleep in my bed just for fun.  Thinking maybe she's sleep in a little longer.   That didn't work.  Took her a little while to settle down, Patch and I woke her up when we went to bed, and then Greg's alarm woke us up at 6:30 (he left it on which I have done many times when going out of town) and I don't think she went back to sleep.   I let her watch some TV so I could sleep in a little longer.

Landon got to go to Ruth Chris with Greg and Doug.    He got to hang out with the guys watching football during the day.   By 3rd quarter of A&M game Landon really wanted to go.  It was late for him and A&M wasn't doing so well.   As usual Greg said no (We don't leave A&M sporting events early).  It all ended well.

12/30 - After our Cruise we had our Christmas back home.  We started off the day taking breakfast to Grammy and Gramps.  Greg made a great egg and crescent roll quiche which was great.  We all had coffee, hot chocolate or apple cider on the cold morning.   Then kids got to open presents from Grammy and Gramps.  One of the things they got was an Easy Bake Oven - oh the memories.  They made some cookies in it which were pretty good.   Landon brought over his Chinese Checkers from Santa so we played that, and then we played new scrabble game that Grammy and Gramps got Landon.  We had fun, good food and family time, and took a few pictures as well.  Kasey got a Get Well baby that tells her mommy she's sick and Mommy can give her medicine, a bandaid or just make her feel better.  Landon of course got Lego.  They got some other fun crafts, books and toys.
We headed home and then went to grab some lunch at Panera.   Silly kids have lots of energy. 
We headed home for some laundry and packing for the boys and then we had our own little Christmas at home for the rest of the gifts for kids.  They got a few games to share including Disney Apples to Apples.   Kasey got to open her just like home cleaning cart.  The kids decided that every other Monday when the housekeepers don't come they will clean the house.  It has a little vacuum that sounds like a vacuum but doesn't suck, a spray bottle and mop and scrub brush and broom and pan.   they went around cleaning the floors which was ok until there was water all over the floor.  We went back to more pretend cleaning.

That evening we went to have Christmas with Greg's family.  We had Mexican food which I've been craving since we got off the cruise.   Landon got another Lego and Kasey got some clothes and gift certificate to the salon we go to.

Kasey and Landon both got a big keyboard from Grandma and Pops.  We'll have to start piano lessons next year.

Kids said they had a great Christmas.    We  stopped listening to Christmas music and told the kids no more singing Jingle Bells which they do a lot.  


12/29 - We got up about 7 (although Greg had been up since about 5:30am), grabbed breakfast with mom, dad and aunt Mary.   I finally got new CD for pictures (which of course was missing the whole family picture when I got home).

Our number was supposed to be called at 9:30 but it was called about 8:45am.   We headed out got our luggage, went through customs, found the bus to our car and were on the road about 9:30am.  We had one rest stop to potty, quick lunch and Wataburger and went home to unpack.   Then we headed to Greg's grandmother's house to visit with her and some of his cousins and aunt/uncle.  Then we went to pick up patch and had quick dinner with Grandma and Pops.  We headed home to sleep in our own beds.

12/28 - Last day of the cruise and day at sea.   Of course kids woke up at 6am.  We went to breakfast I think before 8 with Grammy, Gramps and Mary.  We were glad Mary was starting to feel better.  After that Grammy and I went to do pictures.  Then we headed up to the pool.  We started in the hot tub then kids wanted to swim in thebpool.  Then they started a bean bag toss competition.  Landon and Greg entered as a group under the name Johnny Football.  Greg got them through the first round, and then Landon carried them and they won the whole thing.  In final round Landon got 2 in the hole for 6 points vs the other teams 5 points.  They were so excited and got little gold medals.  We had some lunch @ the pool.   Landon really wanted to do family scavenger hunt.  Kasey had a break down during it and we did ok but the team that won was a family over 6 members who kept having people bring stuff long after the time was up.   I had to explain to Landon how cheating was wrong.  Kasy was napping so Greg and Landon went to the pool area with David, Cheri, Craig and Lynne.   As we got closer to the US the temperature dropped.  It was chilly up top but those in hot tub were ok.  Landon enjoyed hanging out having a Pina Colada & doing math with David.  Kasey woke up so we played Uno, Bunco and a little Left, Right, Center.  I needed a 15 minute nap Kasey went to visit Grammy.  I went to get Landon.  His towel was blowing away in the wind.  Landon went to change and then went to Grammy and Gramps too.   Next was shower time before dinner.  Everyone came to dinner but Mary.  She wasn't feeling well.  We had good dinner.  Very cool tricks from assistant waiter balancing forks on toothpicks, moving straws in circles using only another straw.   We sang Happy Birthday to David which he wasn't thrilled about!  I tried to take kids to a show - kept them up late and they cancelled the show for technical difficulties.  Landon loved the cruise - he said multiple times it was awesome.

Kids got towel animals most nights monkey, stingray, lobster, rabbit, etc.  They got paper or napkin animals every night at dinner. They got special drinks, tried strawberry daquiris, shirley temples, pina colada (Landon).   Tried new foods - excargo, lobster, meats with sauces and many desserts.
Kasey today was pretending to be Barbie on the phone, in high heels, firing people - not sure Barbie movies are a good thing.

Landon liked Jamaica and Kasey said she liked getting strawberry daquiri's.  Overall we had a great vacation.

Mom and Dad seamed to have a great time.  Wish Mary had felt better.

12/27 - We had breakfast with Grammy and Gramps.  Then we did a couple things around the ship and got ready for our Couzamel excursion.  We had dolphin encounter planned.  We got off the boat, did a little bit of shopping and headed to the encounter in one of about 20 taxi vans of cruise people.  We got checked in and ready to get in the water.  About 16 of us in a group walked onto a platform where water was up to our chests.   There were 2 dolphins in our area.  Ours was named Diego.  Each one of us got to pet the dolphin, have him kiss our cheek, kiss him on the snout and shake his fins, and have him jump up and touch our hand.   Of course they took pictures all along the way.  They also talked about some facts about the dolphins like their blow holes, ears, their skin sheds every 2 hours and heal 3x faster than humans.   They showed how fast they can swim and how they can jump.  Then each person got to choose to tell the dolphin to dance, spin around, sing,wave or do water fight (spitting water).   After that of course they take you into buy pictures right away.  Then we sat down for lunch - guacamole, hand fried chips, tacos and nachos - Yum.   Greg and I even had some Cerveza.  It was really good.   Then it started pooring rain.  We stayed under umbrella at our lunch table for a little while eating lunch.  I got pictures and we started walking along the property.  Landon wanted to go play on beach and Kasey didn't.   I took Landon to sand to play and Kasey and Greg went to walk through botanical gardens.  Landon got to play about 10 minutes and it started raining pretty hard.  We headed back to the front.   Greg and Kasey got to see crocodiles on their walk.  We took the taxi back in the rain.   Did a little shopping before heading back to the ship.  Kasey got a new purse made from candy wrappers and Landon got a little seal.  Then we walked back to the ship in the pouring rain.   We got soaked.   We went straight upstairs for dry towels and got in the hot tub.
After showers we headed to dinner.  8 of us were there (6 of us plus Craig and Lynne).  We had great dinner with lobster - yum.  We ate enough for those that weren't there.   Grammy, Gramps, Lynne, Craig and I went to the show - Savannah Jack.  They were really good.  We sang along with many songs.  Great group that writes for many artists and have some of their own.   They were great singing with guitar and fiddle.  After that Greg and I went out while Grammy stayed with kids.  We went to the pub for a drink then headed to the Quest - Game with groups - lets just say people were showing thongs, guys dirty dancing, bras were being taken off and guys were dressing up like women.   It was a good time :)  It was fun and we enjoyed it including seeing one of my cousins dress up like a woman.

12/26 - We woke up early and we were already in Grand Caymen.  There were 6 cruise ships coming in that day and we tried booking excursion to late so they were sold out.  We had breakfast just the 4 of us.  Then we headed into town with David, Cheri, Nina, Craig and Lynne.  We walked around doing some shopping and then headed to Margaritaville for a little lunch.  Kids were pretty tired and whiny.   We went to one place for tshirts after lunch then headed back to the tenders and ship.  It was raining a little but not to bad.  We got back and kids instantly wanted to call and go hang out with Grammy and Gramps.   So kids went to their room to play games and Greg and I got to rest for a little while.   After that we all had showers and had dinner just the 6 of us.  Greg and I stayed in and crashed early.


12/25 - Merry Christmas!  Little weird since wasn't our usual Christmas Eve and Christmas at home.  We were in Jamaica.  We got to see the ship pull into the dock from our balcony.  The pier crew was yelling Merry Christmas to everyone.  We went to breakfast with Grammy, Gramps and Mary.  We booked an excursion to beach in Montego Bay.  It was a private beach where we got chairs for each of us.  We paid $6 for an umbrella.  Included in the excursion was lunch - Jerk pork, salad, hush puppies with dessert and all the drinks you wanted.  The kids just wanted to play in the ocean and build in the sand.  Landon and Greg swam out to a big trampoline in the water.  They had to crawl on top of it and jump off.  I took Kasey for a few piggy back rides.  We spent some time sitting on the sand letting the waves hit us.  Overall we had a good time in the sun on the beach.  We had about  a 30 minute ride back to the boat.  Kasey fell asleep.   We all got showers and headed to dinner.  Kids got to have a little Christmas with Grammy and Gramps.   Mom and Aunt Mary came over to our room to be with the kids and get Landon to bed.   We met David, Cheri, Craig, Lynne and Nina at the hot tub for drink and hanging out.  We had fun and even did a little dancing.   Nina tried to get everyone to go out afterwards, but I think she was the only one that went.


12/24 - We got up after 8 and went to breakfast with Grammy and Gramps.  Landon and Gramps were wearing their matching Rangers shirts.  After breakfast we went up to the 14th deck to play games.  We played bunco for a little while then Landon wanted to play Apples to Apples.  Grammy and Kasey played Princess Go Fish while Landon, Greg, Gramps and I played Apples to Apples.  Then we went to get kids faces painted.  The lady was great.  She made Kasey's face a rainbow butterfly, and drew a fire breathing dragon on Landon's.   We had lunch again in the Windjammer.  Went to say hi to family by the pool and then headed down for ice dancing show.   Greg, Grammy, Mary, kids and I went.  It was the best show we had seen on this ship.  Fun music and themes for the ice dancing.  One act (I think from Russia) changes clothes several times on the ice very fast and some of them were very difficult to figure out they did the change the fast.  We had formal night at dinner so we got  picture of the whole family dressed up.  We had a time change so we let Landon go to the show with me that night.  It was a group from the 50s/60s (the original Drifters) so he wasn't to impressed, but the rest of us knew at least some of the songs.  He did have a Shirley Temple though.  After that took Landon back to get ready for bed.   Grammy and Gramps came over so Greg and I went out for a few drinks.  We walked around some and went to the piano bar to listen to music, talk and have a few drinks.


12/23 - We had breakfast with Grammy and Gramps in the dining room.  Kids got donuts, eggs, bacon and hot chocolate.   After that Landon and I went ice skating.  He did pretty well, but I was pretty much holding on to the edge the whole time.  I guess it's been a while or something.  After that we went to play miniature golf - Nina, David, Cheri, Craig, Greg and kids and I all went.   We all had some silly shots and laughs.  Some balls ended up in bushes or off the course completely, but it was fun.


Then we all headed upstairs to play games.  Most of us played Apples to Apples, and Grammy/Gramps/Greg and Kasey played dominoes.

Since we had 5:30 dinner we decided we should have lunch.  We headed to the Windjammer with Grammy and Gramps.  Then we headed to Grammy/Gramps room to play Go Fish.  Kids liked their room because it was bigger and had bigger balcony.  After that Grammy took kids for a walk around so I could take a little nap.  Grammy and I then took the kids to pool deck to hang out in the hot tubs.  The pools were closed for some reason.

There was a lot of movement in the ocean so the boat was rocking back and forth quite a bit.  I often get sea sick, but was ok surprisingly.   The water in the pools and hot tubs would move back and forth and flood the decks.   Just sitting there you could see the water moving as the boat moved.

Greg came up and got Grammy and I the drink of the day and we watched some salsa lessons on deck.  Then it was time to change for dinner.

With 12 of us now we were in a different dining room than the first night, 2 tables but waiter said he would put them together for the rest of the week.

I went to show with the family - it was ballroom dancing which was just ok.   We went to bed before 11, and slept til about 7:40 except for Grammy's 7am wake up call.   I had woken her up the previous morning.


12/22 - Cruise Day!   We got up about 6 and Kasey came down about 6:15am saying we told her she had to get up early.

We left about 7 to head down to Galveston to catch the Navigator of the Seas - Royal Caribbean.  We texted with Grammy and Gramps on the way down and met them in the parking lot.
Once we got through dropping off luggage we headed on the boat.  We had to get special arm bands for kids and drink packages for water and such on the way.  Our cabins were ready so we went and dropped off everything then headed to the Windjammer for some lunch.  Huge Buffet, what's not to like!

They always have safety drill before leaving and so we headed down for ours.  We got to our location and saw our cousin Craig and Lynne standing there.  We were surprised to see them and didn't expect them to be there.  No one on the cruise knew they were coming.  We had 12 in all from the family.  4 of us, my parents, my Aunt Mary, Cousins David, Cheri, Nina, Craig and Lynne.   Good times.   Mary, David,Cheri and Nina were at elevator it opened up and there were Craig and Lynne - Surprise.  After the drill we took them to my parents room to surprise them as well.

We had our first multicourse dinner with the kids.  Kasey tried spinach salad and liked it.  We told them we wanted them to order off the adult menu and try new things this week.  Landon did more than Kasey, but they both did good.

We got the kids to bed after dinner and I went out with the family.  We went to the first show which was intro and comedian, we went to watch some Karaoke which is always amusing, then we headed to piano bar for a while and ended up at the Casino.  Good times!

12/20 - We had a great dinner with the traveling crew.  We  went to Al Biernat's which had good food, fun atmosphere and great friends.

12/19 - what a fun day.  I worked from home in the morning.  Went to get Freebirds and had lunch with Landon at his school.  Greg and I went to Landon's class party at school which was fun with games, craft and snacks.  Landon wanted to stay and go to PE so I let him. Then I took Kasey to her dance class.  They played games and then performed part of the nutcracker which was really cute for 5 year olds.   The nutcracker gave all the girls a little candy cane.  After that Kasey and I went to get our hair cut.   We stopped for a little shopping and the parking lot was filled with birds.  Ugh.  They got bird poop all over the car and Kasey was not happy about it.  She wanted a wash down right then. We were in traffic on the way home so we didn't have time to get home for dinner with the boys.  We stopped for dinner at Razoos in Plano which was fun.


12/15 - Kasey had her Christmas dance recital today.  She had fun doing ballet and tap dances.  All of the grandparents were there to see her too.  Was a cute little show and they had cookies and lemonade afterwards.  Kasey was excited to get flowers.


12/14 - Today was the father/daughter dance.  Greg and Kasey went for the first time.   They seemed to have fun.  From what I was told they both danced and had fun :).  Kasey wore one of her new fancy dresses and Greg wore a suit.  They both looked very nice.   I put Kasey's hair in a bun which with a Bun donut is actually pretty easy.
while they were dancing Landon and i went bowling and then went to dinner just the two of us.  It was fun to catch up on what's going on in his life and for him to try to convince me of reason just like Greg.

We were discussing that if weather is bad before the cruise we will need to go down early and stay in hotel.  He said he didn't want to stay in a hotel, it was a waste of money with all the money we were spending on the cruise.  Sounded just like a little Greg :)

12/13 - Kasey had her friend birthday party.  She just had a few girls over for Girls Just want to Have fun party in pajamas.   They had pizza, watch Madagascar 3, we had to stop in the middle for some cake and a dance party, and then finished up the movie at the end.  It was fun.  first drop off party we've had for her.  I can't believe how big she's getting.  She was so excited and had a good time.
Landon got Knight of the week for 2nd time this school year.

12/12 - Greg made Kasey's birthday cake and I got to decorate it.   We made a butterfly out of Heart shaped cakes.  I think it turned out really cute.

12/8 - kids made a fort in Landon's room using comforter.  They put just about every pillow from upstairs and many stuffed animals in the fort with them.  We finally got out of the house to have dinner. Streets weren't great, but we needed to get out :)

12/7 - We are still stuck in house from ice on streets.   Next weekend Kasey and Greg will be going to their first father daughter dance.  She thinks they are getting married at the dance.  I've tried to tell her they are not.  Tonight as she's going to be she says, you know what?  I said what.  She said, your married days are over.  When I dance with Daddy we will be married and then I can kiss him.   I told her I'd fight her for him :)   Silly girl.


12/6 - Since had to stay home we all go to have breakfast and lunch together today.   Fun to get to see the kids some during the day.

12/5 - I had another crazy work week.  We had 80+ FAEs in town for training so I had work dinners Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.   All day trainings and evening events made me tired :)   thursday the weather started getting bad in Dallas.  It was almost 80 degrees on Wednesday and then was below freezing on Thursday.  It started raining, sleeting and didn't really stop.  so we woke up Friday morning to white ice outside and really cold weather.  Needless to say no school, and I'm working from home.

12/1 - We have an Allen event center about 10 minutes from our house.  They play minor league hockey, indoor soccer and have performance events.   I took kids to see 100 years anniversary of Disney with Disney on Ice.  It was great.  They had many of the princesses and their stories with some of favorite songs, Toy story, Lion King, Its a small World after all, and of course Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and the chipmunks