January 2016

1/31 - We slept in some. By the time we got up for showers etc it was about time for lunch. Somehow while resting kids got breakfast, practiced piano and read for the day.

We went to Freebirds watching some girls set up a cookie booth.

After lunch we worked on painting pinewood derby cars. Then the boys went to soccer and football practice. Kasey and I went to see my friend Marisa and her new baby Aubrey and family. Aubrey is about the size Kasey was when she was born. So little and sweet.

1/30 - We tried to sleep in some, but didn't work very well. The car dealership called at 7:30 to tell us the 4runner was ready. We got up, got ready, took Nanny's car back to Grandma and Pops, then went to get 4runner. The kids and I went to drop off cookies and went to Walgreens for a few things. We all went to lunch. After lunch I was crunching number for girl scout cookies, Greg and Landon went to practice football and Kasey was playing with her toys. Then we got ready for basketball. Landon's team had a tough game and loss, but overall I felt Landon played stronger than he had been.

Landon got to go home with Colin for dinner and some boy time. Kasey and I got to have dinner at Zorbas with Tracy and Elisabeth and then we went to Pacuigo. It was fun, but a little different without some wine. The girls had a good time at Pacuigo drawing on napkins and making a fort with kids tables and chairs.

Greg, Dave and Doug went out for boys night. They tried a new place called Knife.

1/29 - Landon had a soccer game. I barely got home in time to go with them to the game, but I made it. FC Knights won the game. It's fun, but wish we could have dinner with friends on a Friday night. Soon.

1/24 - Greg and I got to sleep in some. Went to get the kids. At my parents house we had some fun playing with Alexa (my parents Echo). Pretty cool. Then we went to get Kasey at Grandma and pops. Kasey had gone to church to sell and distribute girl scout cookies.

We got some lunch and got ready for pinewood derby workshop. We went to lucy's house to work on Kasey's car. Landon got to do some with power sander. Kasey got to help Greg use dremel tool, scroll saw, and hammer nails

At the end we took Landon to football practice, then Kasey and I rode bike/walked to practice with Patch. After practice we let Patch run in practice area - she was going crazy.

1/23 - Greg had all day scout university. He had to get up about 6 and left about 7. He left his wallet so came back for me to meet him at the front door. Of course the dog went crazy barking even though it was just Greg. Needless to say that woke up both kiddos. We all got up. I got showered as the kids played piano and got ready. There was some issue with my plan to go to starbucks for breakfast. Landon didn't want to go, then he didn't want breakfast, then he didn't want to get dressed. We discussed/argued until he got dressed and we went to get simple drink (hot chocolate for kids) and small breakfast. We got home to eat let the kids watch a show. We got ready for Landon to head to cub scouts and Kasey and I ran a few errands. Then we came home. Kasey and I started to play a game til Landon got home. We all played together. Then we decided to head to lunch. After a bit of argument we agreed on La Madeleine. We had a good lunch. In the morning the kids practiced piano, but they still needed to read. So they did. Then it was about time to get ready for soccer and packing for overnight at grandparents.

We left for basketball game with everything for overnight with grandparents. We got everything distributed. The kids went home with grandparents, I went shopping a little from Kohls, and Greg finished up university was mentioned.

We went out that evening to a friends 40th birthday party. It was fun to catch up with friends and be out with just adults. After the party a few of us went to have a drink at Mi Cocina - we had a nightcap and closed down the place.

1/22 - We had another Friday night soccer game. We had dinner at home, I got home from work and ate quick before we left. We were short a few people at the game. During the game, Sutton hit head to head with one of the boys from another team. They hit pretty hard. She was crying, but got right up ready to play. The other kid was down for a bit and walked off the field. Strong girl. She had a pretty good black eye the day after. Needless to say the kids won their game (love this team and families). It was Micah's birthday so his parents brought cupcakes for all the kids. One of 4th grad teachers Ms Wheeler also showed up to cheer on the team.

1/17 - of course kids didn't sleep in. I tried to :) We finally got up and showered so we could have lunch. After lunch Landon had a friend over. Kasey and I went selling some more girls scout cookies. Several people were home so that was good. Greg went to help with pinewood derby and kids and I hung out at the house. We ate dinner at home and just chilled.

1/16 - We tried sleeping in, but kids didn't sleep in to much. We got up and Kasey and I got started selling girl scout cookies in the neighborhood. Most people weren't home, but we still sold several. We came home so we could go to Elke's for lunch. She was making yummy burger special so we all got it. Kasey and I shared one. We went and did a little Kohls shopping to get Landon more sweatpants since he keeps tearing holes in them. After that we went to Grandma and Pops for a bit so Greg and Pops could shop for pinewood derby stuff. Landon worked on lego and Kasey played a game with Grandma while I tried to sort cookie money :)

Then we went home and I took kids to friends house. A family that used to live near us and played sports and scouts with us was visiting from Austin. The kids got to visit and so did the adults. It was fun to catch up some until we had to leave for basketball. The boys played hard and won the game. Go Warhawks. Of course the game started an hour late and we hadn't eaten yet. We settled on Spazo for family Italian dinner. Again we got kids to bed little late.

1/15 - I left the office in Shanghai at 3 to head to the airport. I couldn't get connected at the airport to tell anyone I was leaving, but I did. Almost 13 hour flight on the way back. I got to see a few good movies. I saw the Martian, Ricki and the Flash, Trainwreck, We are your Friends. When I got back a car service picked me up and took me to Landon's indoor soccer game. Our team played good and won. Fun game to watch. After the game most of the families from the team went to a burger wing place. We all ate and then they started karaoke. Landon and Kasey didn't, but several of the kids got up to sing. Landon and Kasey sang too, but from watching. At any rate, we all had a great time. Love the families from our neighborhood and school. Kids went to bed late, but it was fun.

1/11 - I was flying to China. We took the kids to school and Greg took me to the airport. Its almost a 16 hour flight to Shanghai, but its direct. I was on new plane so had lots of good movies I haven't seen, I got to see the Intern, Straight out of Compton, Magic Mike XXL and a few others. I even got some work done.

1/10 - We had a good day. We slept in some. Went to Bonnie Ruth for brunch which we always love. Then we went to do some shopping. Kids bought a few things with Christmas money and got Landon some football gloves. That afternoon the boys had flag football practice. Kasey and I walked/rode bike to the park. We played with patch on the blacktop. I had to fix bike chain for a boy out there. After I fixed it Kasey said, both of my parents are engineers - made me smile :)

Landon and I walked Patch back home. We hung out and ended up just eating left overs at home for dinner.

1/9 - Landon had a basketball game later in the day. Kasey was starving even before the game. We made it through. The boys played hard, but lost this one by a bit. After the game we went to dinner the 4 of us at Cotton Patch Cafe. We had a few laughs and all split chicken fried steak and grilled chicken with sides. It was yummy. We spurged and got chocolate cake for dessert - yum!

1/8 - Landon had a Friday night indoor soccer game. FC Nights won 4 to 0. It got a little rough at times, but kids played hard and had fun. After the game, Landon and I went to dinner at Roman Cocina for dinner. We waited for a while, but had a good dinner and enjoyed it. We had to wait a while and the kids were tired, but it was nice :)

1/4 - We had a busy day. We woke up and Landon and I decided to go see Star Wars: The Force Awakens in IMAX 3D. It was really cool of course. We came home and went to lunch. Then Kasey and I had girl scout meeting with her troop - we practiced selling cookies :) The boys were at basketball. After that we finally went bowling. The kids had been asking all break. We went to Splitsville, bowled a few games and had some dinner. Good times to end holiday vacation!

1/2 - The dog woke me up about 5am. I wasn't sure I could go back to sleep, but then later woke up and it was 9am. Greg had made eggs with the kids. I had a meeting with my co-leader for Daisy scouts. We met at Startbucks and did good planning for the spring. Of course the family was texting for me to come home, but they didn't like that I smelled like Starbucks. Oh well. I picked them up and we went to lunch together. The kids wanted to go bowling, but Kasey didn't have socks on. So we came home and instructed her to always wear socks with closed shoes.

Greg and I spent some time looking at some vacation options for 2016 and the kids got bored. They did spend some time playing, but mainly complaining :). Then we did some bowling in the house and made some dinner. Kids picked okra which I roasted and celery for vegetables (neither of which Greg will eat). But they went well with Greg's chicken enchiladas.  

1/1 - We all slept in. Landon slept til 8:30, Kasey slept til 9:38 and they woke us up after that. We got up and showered and decided to go to lunch out. We watched some football in the afternoon, played some Clue and Greg and I enjoyed some wine. The kids went to play outside some and Greg made his chicken enchiladas since the kids asked him to. We had enchiladas, homemade guacamole, black eyed peas and baked okra. Good dinner and good start to the new year.

December 2015

12/31 - I had to get up in the morning and go to work for 1/2 day. I had to get my office ready to move and work on a few things without distractions. I met the kids and Greg for lunch. I ended up taking a nap in the afternoon. We were going to New Years Eve parties and taking the kids with us. As we were about to leave Kasey told Greg that I might kiss him at midnight. It was funny. We all went to neighborhood party for a while, then Greg went to McKinney to another friends. We enjoyed food, football, friends and few drinks. Greg came back around 11. The kids were around watching movies, playing games and hanging out. A little later the ladies started dancing which is always fun. Greg thought we were funny and for some reason the kids didn't want to dance with us. Close to midnight we got out hats, noise makers, leis. We gave the kids some sparkling cider and the adults got some champagne. We counted down to midnight and I got to kiss the kids and Greg. :) Fun to bring in the new year with the kids.

12/30 - We had a bit of a lazy morning. Kids were playing, Greg and I slept in. We had some crackers, sausage and cheese for lunch (thanks to aunt Mary). Kasey and I really liked the spicy honey mustard that went with it as well. After lunch Landon had a friend over who had been out of town for a while, and Greg was watching football in the bedroom. So Kasey and I headed to the salon. She got two color mani and pedi and I got a nice Pedicure. Kasey had gotten a present from aunt and uncle that was a silver necklace and it came with an oyster in a shell with an oyster inside. We had to crack open the oyster and get the pearl out. Then we put the pearl in necklace so she can wear it. Kind of cool.

12/29 - We got up early so we could get ready. Landon was going to have a play date for the morning and Kasey and I were going to see early showing of Star Wars: the Force Awakens. Greg was going to go with us, but of course we have 3 wine shipments coming today so he had to stay home. I loved the movie, Kasey thought it was to scary, but think she was over reacting. Kasey and I went to chick fil a for lunch just the two of us. When we got home Greg was able to shower, Landon came home, and then a few friends stopped by for play date with the kids.

That afternoon we had some of Greg's cousins come over to the house. They didn't have a car so Greg went to pick them up. Kasey had fun playing with her younger cousin Macey. They played with babydolls, chased Landon around and had a great time. Landon tried to stay out of the way. The adults chatted and enjoyed a bottle of wine. Then we planned a family dinner. There were 17 of us. They couldn't fit us in at Abuelos so we went to Paesanos for some Italian which is always good. It was a bit late for the kids, but we had a nice dinner. Its fun to get to see and catch up with family. We got the kids home and in bed even if a little late.

12/28 - We had to get up because the house keepers were coming. We had a few options for us to see Star Wars today - I was so excited. Kasey and I wore our Star War shirts, and Greg even wore his new darth vader shirt under his other shirt. So I decided Kasey and I wouldn't go to early show so we could go with Greg. Landon had a BDay party and we weren't sure we could make the time work, but a few moms at the party said they would take him home if we wanted to go. So Kasey, Greg and I went to lunch and were going to see it. Then we got a text that cousins were coming in town for lunch so plans changed. We picked up Landon and eventually and then headed to Nanny's to visit Greg's cousins. The kids had fun horsing around, squishing each other, and making each other laugh. To bad they don't get to see each other more.

On the way home we stopped off for an earlier dinner at Chuy's - YUM. Kids got showers and we got Kasey to bed. Landon, Greg and I started watching Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arc - kind of weird watching moving that's not in hi def, but fun to watch all together.

12/27 - We decided to sleep in again some, got up late, went to lunch then headed back home for more cleaning out :). We finished cleaning out the playroom upstairs. The kids organized the play kitchen and food. We cleaned out 2 shelves of Landon's Legos. We had boxes and boxes of recycle that we had to put in back of the 4runner. We also had several bags of toys to donate. It's not done but we made some good progress. I can see the floor under most of the pool table, we've seen the floors in both kids closets. It rained all day long and was getting cooler.

12/26 - The day after Christmas was a bit crazy in Texas. We slept in some, wore shorts and tshirts, went to lunch and then I was on a mission to start cleaning up the house. I started with Kasey in her closet and room, we made room for her new Callico Critters and reorganized all of her stuffed animales, and cleaned out some of the playroom upstairs. We also started organizing some of Landon's Legos (which is a big project) and cleaned out his closet and desk. By dinner time we really just had a bigger mess but I was determined to make some progress. About this time there were some severe weather storms coming through the area. We had a tornado warning. Kasey was sitting beside the toilet in the 1/2 bath scared, I was sitting on the toilet seat and Landon was on my lap. Greg was sitting in the hallway with the dog and ipad. It wasn't to long when it passed. We all sat down to eat some dinner. We had some yummy leftovers. Not long after dinner we had another tornado warning. This time Landon had bing bag chairs and both kiddos were doing note trainers on their ipads. We were watching the weather and waiting it out. Luckily nothing major happened in Allen. Unfortunately that night there were multiple tornadoes and quite a bit of destruction in Garland and Rowlett.

12/25 - We had a bit of a rough night. Kasey came down about midnight not feeling well. I got ready for bed and went to sleep with Kasey in case she got sick. Well she did. She got sick multiple times during the night. Poor thing. Needless to say I didn't sleep much. Then at 7:41 she woke me up and said we should go see what Santa had brought like nothing had happened. We went downstairs and Landon and Kasey were excited about what Santa had brought. Landon had been up but hadn't come to wake any of us up. The kids started opening Santa gifts and playing with them while I went to rest for a bit. Greg got up a bit later and made some breakfast. We all had breakfast together as the kids played with their toys from Santa. Then we all opened presents at home. What a mess the kids made but they enjoyed it. Patch even got a huge candy cane bone.

We slowly got showers and got ready for the day. Then we headed to Richardson to celebrate Christmas with Greg's family. We had great lunch with ham, turkey and all the fixings. Kasey had helped to make apple and pecan pies. She even put a K in the top of the apple pie. After that we opened presents as a family. Landon got some Legos he really wanted, cool Star Wars shirt, indoor basketball and FIFA 2016. He was excited. Kasey got a few of the Calico Critter sets. She was really excited, opened them all and played with them for a while. She also got some fun gifts to make jewelry and a bunk bed for her baby dolls.

We came home to clean up the mess some. The kids played a little and we decided we wanted to go out to dinner. Not the best idea on Christmas. We ended up going to Durkins which is one of our favorite pizza places. We ate dinner and headed home for the night. We got Kasey to bed then Landon and I played Disney infinity until it was time for him to go to bed.

We had a very blessed Christmas. I continue to feel that way as it seems many friends and family around us have lost someone close to them recently and I'm sure that's difficult on those families.

12/24 - Started off the day with a text from Landon that he missed us and couldn’t wait to see us.  Can’t wait to get home and celebrate with the family.    We got up early and took 6:19am shuttle to the airport.  We got bags checked and through priority security in time to sit down for breakfast.  We enjoyed a mimosa and yummy breakfast.

Our flight was a bit bumpy but we survived. I was able to write the blog some from our trip, then I took a nap. Greg played candy crush at least while I was awake. We got in a little early. Greg went to get the car and I waited on luggage. We ended up done about the same time. We went to pick up Kasey and Patch and headed to Grammy's to celebrate Christmas.

Kasey came right to me hugged me big and said she really missed me. She's not feeling great and wanted to hang out all evening.

We got to Grammy's and had nachos and margaritas. Then we got to open presents. The kids really enjoyed what they got. Landon got BB8, some Legos he wanted, a new book in a series he's read and a few smaller things. Kasey got a few fun things for Callico Critters, a purple unicorn she calls rainbow, and a few other things. She was excited but wanted to lay with her tiger under her frozen blanket.

Grammy and I got to give each other earings which is always fun. We also made calendars for each other which is always fun. We got Grammy and Gramps some new mugs with pictures from our Disney Trip and a blanket with pictures of kids from young til now. I also got a nice gift certificate to Salon which I love. We had a great Christmas.

After that Grammy and I finished getting tacos ready so we could eat. We all love Grammy's tacos and its our Christmas Eve tradition. Then we had some yummy dessert Grammy made apple strudel and had a yummy pumpkin strudel pie.

12/23 - We had to get up packed and check out when we left.  We had another yummy breakfast, packed the car with all of our wine and suitcases, and headed to Miner.  We had done a tasting once before at Miner.  This time we did a tour and tasting.  We basically had a private tour.   Miner wines are good, but they grow very little of their grapes on their property mainly because they legally can’t (mountain is to steep).    They get grapes from neighbor and other regions for different varietals.   We enjoyed the tasting and tour.  We ended up getting 4 bottles to make our total to ship 1 ½ cases.   We also joined the Miner wine club getting 4 bottles 3 x a year.  We are thinking of reducing or dropping one of our other wine clubs :)

Today was also the first beautiful day since we’d been there.  We did our tasting on the patio and enjoyed the sun and nice weather.

After that we went to Buffalo shipping to send our wine to our house.    We still had chicken from Ad Hoc and peach preserves from Frog’s Leap and breadsticks.   We sat at a park and had that for lunch.   Then we headed to our last appointment - we had decided to do Tapas pairing with Artesa wines (recommended by a friend). 

This winery is Spanish owned by people that have very large wineries in Spain.  They make a few different varietals that most others don’t.  We enjoyed the tasting with a Taiwanese family.  The dad told us that when he started speaking English well that he’s had enough or to much to drink :)   We decided to get a few bottle of their Tempornillo wine because it was different.    Before we left we tried a few of their cabs and sat on the patio enjoying the weather and wine.

After that we headed back to San Francisco.  There was some traffic, and I fell asleep for a while.   We got to town, got gas, checked into our hotel, then went to return the rental car.  After that we walked around trying to find the best spot to get Uber to take us downtown.    We ended up traming to the international terminal for pickup.   Uber took us to Schroeders.  Its a cool German place co-owned by one of my high school friends.  Greg had never been there.  We enjoyed a few beers and some yummy Jager Schnitzle.   After dinner we Ubered back.  The driver was from Poland.  He knew more than Greg about MLS and talked about it the whole way back.  He even tried to drop us at the airport instead of the hotel.  Funny though he really likes FC Dallas, watches almost every MLS game, and even is thinking about moving to Texas.

We tried to stay up for a while but we were just tired and he had to get up early.   We went to bed before 10 which is crazy, but we have sort of been staying on Dallas time (at least where bedtime is concerned).

12/22 - We got up about the same time, yummy breakfast and headed out for the day.  We started at a bar tasting at Del Dotto.  One that we’ve been to multiple times and enjoyed every time.    We didn’t do cave tour like we have in the past because we didn’t want quite that much wine.  They did let us taste a few extra things though like a Cab from Spring Mountain that we had bought before and Cave blend.    We weren’t able to stick to our 2 bottle plan here.  We bought a few bottles of various wines and look forward to enjoying them.

After that we headed to another favorite Frank Family Winery.   We found this winery based on recommendation at bed and breakfast the first time we went to Napa.  We did reserve tasting.  The gentleman doing the tasting (Liam) was very dynamic and fun.  We were tasting with another couple celebrating their 20th anniversary. They had 4 kids and a driver that day, but this was their first time in Napa.   We talked about how on our Anniversary that we had a 2003 Winston Hill which was really nice.   We bought a few bottles and headed to favorite lunch spot Taylors Refresher.  It’s a really good burger place that’s just outdoor seating.  Luckily it was dry enough.

We had some time before our appointment and so we did a little shopping in St Helena.   Then we headed up to Spring Mountain.  We had decided for our anniversary to treat ourselves to an Ellivette tasting - this is the top wine at Spring Mountain Winery and one of our favorites.   We got to see the caves some, then have tasting in the big dining room of the house.   We got to taste 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2012 Ellivettes.  There were 2 other guys there tasting one was a wine club member as well.   We had planned on buying more wine there as well because it gave us free tasting (which wasn’t cheap).   We got some more Ellevettes, Cabs and Syrah as well.

After that we headed back to shop at the Bottega area for a bit.  Then we headed back to face time with the kids before heading to dinner.  Always fun to see their smiling faces.  Landon has also been texting some which is fun.

That night at Bottega for dinner we had a 4 course fish dinner.  We both tried a few different things.  I had sushi served on a cold rock which was good, Greg had a salad, we both had small crab cake, Greg had lobster pasta and I had another small fish dish.  Then we both had salted Trout.  It was all really good and filling for sure.  

We then headed back to the room and watched episode 2 of star wars.

12/21 - After going to bed early and sleeping in some.  I woke up on my own 6 something and rested until close to the alarm at 7:50.  We got ready for the day and headed to breakfast.  We had yummy omlettes, spanish casserole, fruit and pastries.  Then we headed back to head our for our first tasting.  We started out at Frog’s Leap which was recommended by a few friends.  It was raining but still nice out.  They put us at a little table on the back patio.  The grounds were nice with barn, garden and some vinyards in site.    One of the differences with this winery is that they dont do irrigation.  Meaning that the vines have to go deep to find water especially in the drought they have been having the last few years.  She said the roots of their vines go about 25 feet vs around 8 of other that have irrigation.   We enjoyed a few of the wines. They had a Zin that we didn’t hate, and we ended up getting a few bottles of the petit Syrah.   We had decided we would get just a few bottles at each place and then ship them home all together at the end.   After Frog’s leap it was still raining and we headed to another winery also suggested by friends to Alpha Omega.  They had a bigger tasting room and it was pooring rain and windy outside.  We enjoyed some of their red wines and he even let us taste a few of their single vinyard and top wines.  We again got a few nice bottles and headed to lunch.   We ate at Travigne pizzeria where we shared a good pizza and salad.   Greg didn’t complain to much about the Gorganzola cheese (which he doesn’t like).   After lunch we had a tour and tasting at Chappelett - another new winery to us recommended by friends.   It was still raining so we didn’t get much of a tour other than the barrell room.  Cool history to the family starting out in that spot in the 50s, and starting to do something that others hadn’t done much.  They are know more for their cabs, but we tasted several varietals.  The tour and wine guide was really funny. She reminded us of Mrs Szeryk.  She had moved around many places and kept things lively.   The other people tasting with us were playing hooky from work to go tasting.    By the tasting room they had library of wines from back to 1970.    The building was also really cool with a staircase in the middle leading up to the office which was pretty high with skylights.    

After Chappelette we decided to do one more quick tasting at a favorite Silver Oak.  I’ve always loved Alexander Valley Silver oak.  We tasted a few, got our picture in front of the Christmas Tree made of lights and all Silver Oak wine bottles.  They had some library wines and 2007 were $5 more than what they were tasting so we got a few of those :)

Then we went back to hotel for a bit to talk to the kids.  We got to facetime and see them.  That night we had dinner reservations at  a place called Ad Hoc.  It’s Thomas Keller restaurant where the menu changes daily.  This was a bit of a risk since Greg is pickier, but we survived.  It started with an amazing salad that had rice, lettuce, squash (what Greg didn’t like).   Then we had buttermilk Fried chicken - yum, we had to take some with us.  Followed by cheese and foccasia bread.  We finished off with a blueberry tart with sour cream ice cream (Greg didn’t like the ice cream either).  Overall it was great experience.

We headed back to the hotel, lit a fire, watched part of Star Wars 2 and actually went to bed pretty early.

12/20 - We had to get up a little early to drop Landon off and head to the airport.  Greg and I were headed to Napa to celebrate our 15 year wedding anniversary.   The kids were spending 2 nights each at the Grandparents.   We dropped Landon off, had to Tell Grammy a few things we forgot and headed to the airport.   We had some Starbucks at the airport.

Grammy kept kids for a little while that morning.  Later Landon went to see the new Star Wars with Pops.  I haven't seen it yet, but glad he got to.  Hopefully he'll go see if again with me.

Once Greg and I got to San Francisco we drove up to Napa, checked into the Villagio in Yountville, and then headed to our first winery.  This trip we wanted to try a few new ones.  We started at Pine Ridge.  Which was pretty nice.   We liked a few of the wines.  Our goal was to get a couple bottles at each place and then combine them to ship home.  Next we went to Maisonrey in Yountville,  This place is really cool.  Its an art gallery and a wine tasting place for very small wineries.   They had a really cool sculpture for rock paper scissors that I loved.  Of course it was $4500 so Greg wouldn't get it for me.   :)  We tried a few different wines.  We liked a Syrah and I liked one of the Cabs.  Greg didn't like any of the cabs he tried. 

After that we went back to hotel for a bit before dinner.  We got to facetime with the kids.  That night we went to dinner at a new place to us called R&D Kitchen.  The food was pretty good.  We had deviled eggs (we didn't like as much as our families deviled eggs)   We shared some sushi and Filet with broccoli and mashed potatoes.  Dinner was good but the service was a bit weird.  They brought us eggs twice, brought our steaks with no silverware.   After dinner we went back lit a fire and went to bed early :)

12/19 - Landon had a soccer game.  We ended up with a tie game.  The kids played hard and were up 2 to 0 but the other team came back.  We were able to hold them and had several more shots on goal Kasey decided she wanted to stay with Grammy so she didn't have to get up early.  Grandma and Pops were nice enough to take Patch home.  That meant Landon got to spend the evening with us and not Kasey.  We went to Spazo for dinner which is always good.   And we got to hang out a bit too.

12/6 - We went to pick up the kids because we had to get ready for the Allen Parade.   We had lunch and then had to be there around 1pm.  Greg was helping to get Pack 708 situated - they were 8th in line.   We were with Girl Scouts service unit 108 - We didn't really know we needed to bring candy or anything else.  Some of the girls didn't really want to walk in the parade, but they survived.  Luckily and somehow we kept them all together.  We basically walked a large block plug some in our Santa hats and girls had on Daisy vests.   

Needless to say we were a little tired when we got home.  That's a lot to do in a weekend.

12/5 - Landon had an 8am basketball game - ugh.   We made it all together even.  The boys played hard but lost the game.  Landon got a basket, several rebounds and I think played pretty well.

After that we went home for a bit to shower and get ready.  We had an early lunch at Elkes.  Landon, Greg and I all got the special buffalo chicken wrap.  After lunch Kasey and I had ice skating with Santa event with the girl scouts.  They gave us some treats and reindeer food to put on our lawn on christmas eve to get them to come quicker.  Cute!  We went to get our ice skates on.  We ended up staying on the edge for a while then we had some pictures with Santa and then we started ice skating in the middle of the ice.  I didn't really get any pictures because I didn't trust carrying my phone around in case I fell.

Then we headed home from there to get the boys and head for indoor soccer.  They moved stands around so they are downstairs now.  The kids had a really good time playing.  They won and had a good time.  They were a bit tired after running all game, but came out smiling.  Go FC Knights!

The grandparents took the kids home afterwards because we had an adult party to go to.  We enjoyed some catered Babes, margaritas, wine and good company.   And of course there were some dessert pudding shots!  Yum   good times with fun friends.    The boys were mainly watching football and the ladies were talking and enjoying ourselves.

12/4  - started off one of the busiest weekends we've had in a long time.   I worked, kids had school, and then we had Kasey's friend Bday party at 4pm.  She had it at a paint and pottery place.  Kasey had picked to do animals.  So the girls got to pick an animal.  Kasey wanted a monkey, a few did dogs, cat, turtle.   Some of the girls wanted 1 or 2 colors and to make the animals close to real life.  I told them they could paint it anyway they wanted.  Kasey got 6 colors and made her monkey a bit crazy :)

The girls had fun painting.  Then we had a snack, some monkey cake, and seemed to finish up in record time.  So we improvised and played a few games.  We played iSpy then had the girls talk about themselves and tell us something new.

After Kasey's party we took Mattie Grace with us, Kristina dropped off Carter and Landon and we headed to the neighborhood party.  There was supposed to be a Taco food truck but it cancelled last minute so they got Pizza.  We enjoyed some good local beer, pizza, pretzels.  The kids got hot chocolate and got to take pictures in the photo booth.   they also got to see Santa.  Several 4th graders were there so we got their picture together with Santa.  The kids were telling him what they wanted.  Somehow several of the 4th graders wanted hooverboards.  We told Landon Santa doesn't have enough.  Santa asked Landon if he still believed and he said Yes.  Kasey told Santa that daddy touched Chip (our elf on the shelf).   It was fun.

The 4th graders - boys and girls - were walking around in a big group hanging out.  They went into the tennis courts for a little while.  I commented that it's probably ok right now, but in a couple years we won't want them going into dark tennis courts.   Wow they are growing up fast.  It's time to start discussing the birds and the bees with them - how time flies.  We all had a really good time.

12/3 - It was almost Kasey's friend bday party time.  We had decided that Greg and I would make a monkey cake.  Greg made the cake and icing and it took me about 4 hours after Landon went to bed to decorate it.   It was fun but a lot of work.  Kasey loved it though

12/1 - I officially got my promotion and started in new job as the WW Product Training manager for all of TI.  New role, great team, and I'm very excited about what next year brings.

2015 Christmas Letter

Hello family and friends:

I hope this letter finds everyone doing well.  I feel like this year we've had more prayers for friends and family who are sick or have lost loved ones than in past years.  Here's to health and happiness in 2016.

Overall we have had a really good year.  Always busy.  I am at TI still and have changed jobs a few times this year.  In August I transitioned to do overall training and product field communications for several businesses at TI.  As of December 1st I was promoted to be WW Product Training manager for all of TI.  I am very excited about this new challenge and look forward to what next year will bring.   I will likely be traveling about the same as this year.  Some international and some domestic.  I'm also communications chair for school  PTA and co-leading Kasey's Daisy troop.

Greg is still working part time.  He's leading a lot of the Cub Scout Pack activities so he's very busy with that.  He's also still helping coach all of Landon's sports teams.  Of course he's keeping me sane getting kids to school and activities, running errands and making sure we have food for most meals. 

We had a few very fun vacations this year.  In March we took the kids to visit our cousins in Las Vegas.  The kids had a great time playing with cousins and we enjoyed the visit for sure.  Then we drove to the Grand Canyon for a few days which was neat.  We traveled a little around and went to a wildlife park and drove through beautiful Sedona.  After that we headed back to spend a few nights on Las Vegas strip.  We got to be tourists.  We went on a gondola ride, went to the top of Paris, Siegfried and Roy's secret garden to see dolphins, tigers and lions and went to see a show (Boys went to Blue Man group, Kasey and I went to see Michael Jackson One show).  We all enjoyed the trip even though we drove quite a bit. For more details you can read the March Update post

Then in August we went to Disney World for the first time.  We stayed on property and went to all 4 parks at Disney World.  We also spent 2 days at Universal and enjoyed Harry Potter World. Landon has read all the books and we read the first Harry Potter book with and to Kasey so she knew some of the stuff.  It was awesome, but parts were for sure scary for Kasey and some to scary for Landon.  Lot's of 3D stuff flying at you.  If you want to read more details - Go Here

In October we went camping for the first time as a family.  Landon's cub scout pack went to Broken Bow in Oklahoma.   We enjoyed cooking out, going fishing together, playing around.  I had to leave early but the kids and Greg got to do some stuff on the water too.  Fun times.

This December Greg and I will celebrate our 15 year anniversary.  We are going to Napa Valley for several days to celebrate.  One of our favorite places to go and we are looking forward to enjoying some time just for us.

This year for A&M Football we were in our new seats in the updated stadium.  We now have 4 seats and we have seats with backs and arm rests which is great.   We are also at top of our section so the kids can move around more without bothering others.  We are further down the field than we used to be, but it's still good.   

Kasey is now 7.   She's in 1st grade.  Her teachers theme in her class is monkeys.  Kasey loves monkeys.  She wanted a stuffed monkey for her birthday, she wanted a monkey themed birthday party and even painted a monkey at her party with friends.   Kasey is taking jazz and hip hop dance now.  She's enjoying both but likes hip hop better.  She also started taking piano early this year and got to perform in her first recital in May.   Kasey is also in girl scouts as a Daisy.   We have a pretty low key troop, but I think the girls enjoy it.  We are starting to let them plan more more activities.  Our holiday event ended up as a Halloween themed tea with mini sandwiches, cupcakes and grapes.  Fun!  Kasey is reading better now even though she often tells us she can't read.   Kasey had many firsts this year - sold girl scout cookies, went to Las Vegas Show (Michael Jackson One), went ice skating and loved it, did sparklers on 4th of July, rode bike without training wheels (pretty much on her first try), went camping and fishing, and went to Grand Canyon and Disney World.  Kasey loves pretending and playing with toys, driving her brother crazy, helping people do things.  She's started watching Hallmark movies with me which I love!

Landon is now 9 1/2, and he seems to be growing up very fast.   He's about the same height as my mom and still growing.  He's still playing sports year round.  In the spring and fall he played baseball and soccer.  Landon is playing catcher, short stop and 3rd base in baseball.  In soccer he plays midfield and forward.  This summer and winter he's playing indoor soccer and basketball.  In addition to sports Landon is now a Weebelo 1 in cub scouts.   And because he didn't have enough going on he also started piano this summer.  Earlier in the year both Landon and Kasey did a lego after school activity once a week building different things each week.  Now Landon is doing a programming class using Scratch that he really enjoys.  He comes home and wants to work on in creating various things like simple game or animals that make sounds and move.  Landon also had some firsts this year - augmented reality experience with Marvel, Las Vegas show (Blue Man Group), first overnight camp with Weebelos camp and Allaso Ranch (they had Star Wars Theme), camping at Broken Bow, fishing, sparklers at 4th of July, programming, seeing Grand Canyon and Disney World.  Landon enjoys playing Xbox with friends (or his sister when he has to), playing outside, playing math games and programming, & reading.  Landon and I enjoy watching superhero movies and shows like the Librarians and The Flash together.  He still has many legos and unfortunately they are spread across much of our upstairs.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year.  May God Bless you this coming year.

Love,     Dana, Greg, Landon, Kasey & Patch Myers

November 2015 update

11/29 - We started off with family portraits and JC Penney.  I keep thinking I'll do something else outdoors but its just to easy.   They turned out well.  Today we had Daisy Scout Tea.  The girls had decided they wanted to have a Halloween Themed Tea with mini sandwiches, cupcakes and grapes.  And so we did.  They made Santa hats for when we walk in the Allen Parade.   Fun group of girls.  We've almost doubled since last year, but Kasey and one other girls are the rowdiest so its all good.    The moms were learning about cookie selling time so Julie and I helped to keep the girls working on Santa hats and entertained.   I had the girls talk about themselves and tell something we didn't know.  Fun group.

11/28 - Kasey's birthday - turning 7 years old.  We had to finish cleaning up and getting a few things ready.  The kids wanted to help make Green Bean Casserole.  Kasey wanted to wear her birthday candle headband.  We had 13-15 people over for 2nd Thanksgiving and Kasey's birthday celebration.   The food was good as usual.  Kasey was really excited and had fun opening presents.  Kasey is really into monkeys.  She got a larger stuffed monkey from Grammy that she calls Monkey Do.  She also has a smaller one named banana and a little finger puppet monkey called Cutie.  It was fun to watch her play with those as well as monkey Nested Russian dolls.  We all had a good but tiring day

11/27 - We got up to head home so we could clean the house and cook for 2nd Thanksgiving and Kasey's family BDay party on Saturday.  Kasey wanted to help make her pumpkin pie.  She made most of the inside with a little help, and Greg made the crust.  The kids helped make peaches (with red hots).

We went to dinner at Mi Cocina for something a little different.  We told them it was Kasey's birthday so they sang to her and she got a free Flan out of it.  Yum!

11/26 - We had brought some pumpkin bread and Greg had some juice and bananas for us to eat for breakfast.  We were pretty lazy and all had to take showers so it was later than expected when we headed to aunt Mary's.   We had a great day visiting with family, taking some pictures, eating great food, kids playing together.  And this year we all got to hold baby Skylar.  We haven't had a baby around since Kasey and Ayla which was almost 7 years ago.  So fun to see a little one.  We all took turns holding her  and feeding and changing her.  I think it was about an hour all day that she wasn't in someones arms.  Always good to be loved that much.

Kasey and Ayla had a blast playing.  Ayla brought Kasey fun BDay presents of Best Cousins necklace and a game where you splash either a wet sponge or whip cream in someones face.   They talked several adults into playing and there was a lot of laughing.  Some of the boys were watching football and playing electronics.  All of us ate well and we all had smiles on our faces.   Such a blessing!
11/25 - I had worked the first two days of the week.  Landon was in a soccer camp for a few hours each morning from 10-12.   We were mostly packed, went to get Landon, headed to lunch together.  Then headed home to pack and head down south for Thanksgiving.   My aunt had had surgery so we were just going to drive down and chill out on our own, but she was doing well so we got to spend the evening with family and eat some yummy Mexican food.  We had a room at hotel nearby and headed back to get kids to bed.   Greg and I had closed door room which is nice so we don't have to sit in the dark and quiet with our electronics for a while.  The kids didn't really want to sleep in the same bed.  Landon told Kasey to get out so she was on the floor and on pillows etc.  Needless to say they didn't sleep as much as usual.

11/22 - I had bought tickets for the 4 of us to go see Sound of Music at fair park.   Landon and Greg weren't thrilled but Kasey and I were excited.  In the end I think we all enjoyed it and we go to get some culture in and do something a little different.

11/21 - Landon had slumber party so we took him over and then got to take Kasey out to dinner.  After dinner got Kasey to bed and I headed to Savour with a few of the ladies for a few drinks and appetizers.  It's always fun to catch up.  We even got to see Lyn who was in town for the weekend.  That week there was a program at school about discussing the Birds and the Bees with your kids.  Of course that was part of the discussion :).  

11/20 - It was a nice warm day before it got cold.  Greg and I got to meet for lunch and eat outside at Razoos.  Then for dinner several families ate together outside at Mi Cocina.  Good times.   Then Landon asked to have 2 friends spend the night.  They were a little rowdy, but had a good time.

11/19 - Landon had a cub scout party at Jumpstreet for den selling the most popcorn.  After that I drove Kasey to Landon's soccer end of season party at Braums.  On the way a song came on that reminded me of my wedding.   Kasey said that it will be so much fun when we go shopping for her wedding dress.  I told her that I couldn't wait, then said yes I can wait but it will be fun.
Then she asked if Greg dressed up for our wedding.  I told her that he wore a Tuxedo.  She let me know that Daddy just likes to wear casual clothes now :)

11/14 - We had a really fun girls day.  Kasey woke up earlier than I wanted.  She let the dog out and I finally got up.  Kasey danced on Xbox while I took the dog for a walk.   After that we headed to Starbucks for hot chocolate/tea and small breakfast.  Then we headed to the Yankees game to cheer them on. Unfortunately they lost the game.  Then Kasey and I went to Toys r Us to build a wish list for her bday and christmas.   Then we ran home so I could change. Kasey wanted me to drop her at the park while I changed clothes.  She was on the swing and I picked her up to head to lunch.  We had a fun lunch with Grammy and Grandma at Chocolate Angel.

After lunch we headed home to let Patch out.   Then is was salon time.  We haven't been in a while, but Kasey was really excited.  She gets a virgin strawberry daiquiri and i usually get a glass of wine.  Kasey got pink polish on one hand and foot and purple on the other hand and foot.  she told the lady what she wanted and even corrected her nicely when she started to do it wrong.

Then we came home to hang out with Patch.  We cleaned, played piano, and then started watching a Hallmark movie and finishing our Chinese food.  We finished up with some popcorn with Kasey, Patch and I before bed time.

Kasey slept in our room and Patch went to bed at the same time.  Of course like an hour later Patch barked right next to sleeping Kasey which scared her so I had to drag Patch out of the room

11/13 - I worked from home today so I got to have lunch with the kids.  I took Panera to them and we also got to visit the book fair with them.  They each got something for now and I got a few things for Christmas.  Kasey got a Disney comic book that she loves.  Landon got a book that's part of a series about a dog's story.

We had to run something to a neighbor.  Kasey wanted to go on her own down the street.  She went down on her own, and came back with big smiles.  She's growing up.

11/12 - Tonight the Yankees played in the championship baseball game for their league.   They ended up losing, but played a tough game.  Landon got a good hit and played catcher pretty well most of the game.  Still pretty good to get 2nd place tournament trophy

Kasey during the game had some of the other sisters and was teaching them.   She was pointing to a sign like a white board and all.  Pretty funny.

11/10 - Landon and the Bengals got into the soccer playoffs for the first time.  We were ranked 5th and were playing the 4th ranked team.   The team we were playing is team of my co-worker.   He bet me lunch.   I'm not sure Greg thought we'd win, but the boys played really hard.   They scored first, went into half time tied 1 to 1 and then finished regulation tied 2 to 2.  The other team scored a goal in overtime which ended up being the end.   Our boys played really well though.  We are all really proud of them.

I found out today that I got a promotion.  I have been in new group for about 3 months working with multiple groups on training and TI field communications.  Now I will be managing training for all of TI.  I'm really excited :)

11/8 - We got up to head back home.  Had breakfast in the hotel even though Landon really wanted donuts.  We headed back to get Patch and Kasey.   Landon and I went to get some things from the store so he could make a nutritious snack for his 3 mile cub scout hike.  While the boys were hiking Kasey and I watched a Hallmark movie which is always fun.  Then we played a game.   Landon came home and Greg headed to the FC Dallas game with the boys.  They won in penalty kicks.  Kids wanted to eat at home but I wanted Pei Wei.  I ordered it and went by myself to pick it up.  Showed kids how to call me, told them not to answer the door, etc.  They called me about 10 times.  And of course they called me about 10 times, mostly laughing.  Kasey then called Greg to tell him what I had done.  At any rate we all survived.

11/7 - We got up, Greg took Patch for a walk while I started getting ready.  We basically packed up and headed out.  We took Patch to Janice's, Grammy came to pick up Kasey and we headed to College Station.   Kasey didn't really want to go to the game so she got to hang with Grammy and Gramps.  They went shopping at craft fair and had a good time.   We headed to College station and it rained almost the entire way down.  We got to eat at Wings n More.  We checked into the hotel and headed to Northgate. We went to Duddley's so Landon brought his own dominoes to play with.  He had fun spelling names and building things.  We went to look in bookstore but didn't really find anything.

We headed to the game which ended up being a mess.  It was chilly, sort of raining, and the Aggies didn't play very well and lost.  We got to be part of the largest card stunt in the world.  We were maroon, but it was pretty cool (http://247sports.com/Bolt/AM-completes-worlds-largest-card-stunt-40896549).   Landon and I actually left a little early to go back to the hotel.  The boys and Tracy went to Duddley's for a few drinks before coming home.

11/6 - I was at work and Greg and I decided to go to lunch together.  We thought they might reschedule baseball playoff games that were cancelled for rain today.  At lunch about 11:45 we started getting texts that they wanted to play tonight.  After trying to get 4 teams to ok that they could play 7 hours later it was decided we had baseball game at 6pm.   Landon played catcher all game.  He did a pretty good job.  He got an out at home and kept a few people from steeling home.  Yankees won 13 to 9 so they will play in the league championship game next week.   As soon as the game was over, we rushed to soccer game -regular season game.  Bengals were losing 3 to 0 when we got there.

Game ended up being 5 to 2.   Boys play hard.  We think we will be 5th in the league and get to play in playoffs next week :)

October Updates 2015

10/31 - Greg got up really early to drive to College Station with Doug.   A&M was playing at 11am.    Kids were up by 6:30-6:45.  They played XBOX.  I slept in a little bit.   We all got dressed and went to Panera for breakfast.  We came home and took Patch to school for a walk.  We didn't have to much time before Colin's parents got there.   After that it was shower time and time to watch the A&M game.   Kyler Murray was starting as Quarterback for A&M for the first time.  Kasey sat in living room with me watching the game and carving her pumpkin.  I was explaining it was kind of hard to do, but she could do it.  She wanted to follow a tough outline, but ended up doing her own thing.  She told me that she could do anything that Landon could do.  I told her that was correct.   Landon was in the bedroom totally vegging out.  After Kasey finished her pumpkin carving she joined Landon.   We all decided to eat lunch at home.  Greg was really surprised that we didn't go out. :)   Aggies won.   We chilled out some more then got ready for trick or treating.   Landon was Iron Man, Kasey was Tinker Bell and I was a leopard woman.   We headed to Cracknells about 5 for some pizza dinner and few drinks before trick or treating.   Fun group of kids and families to hang around with.  After trick or treating the boys wanted to exchange some of their candy.   It was also daylight savings so we let kids stay up a little later.  Landon and I headed to friends how who was having a party.  All the kids were in rooms playing video games.  The adults were hanging out having a few drinks.  We had a good time.

10/29 - Landon got Knight of the week.  We had to read about it in the newsletter - he forgot to tell us :)   Landon had a friend over to spend the night so they were playing xbox.  Kasey wasn't happy so Kasey and I got to watch a Hallmark movie.  Greg just chilled out on his ipad.  We all went to Mi Cocina and then Greg got us some ice cream for nice treat.

10/28 - Landon had another baseball game.  We got to 2nd inning and the boys were losing 10 to 4.   I was guessing it was pretty much over.   Landon played catcher multiple innings.   He got an out at home, threw and out at 3rd and did a good job holding runners at 2nd.   He got a walk, then on 4 errors got to home.  As he was coming home, he touched the bag and his back foot got tripped so he ended up flipping over into the dirt.   I was a bit worried, but he got up and went to get on his catchers gear.   We started the last inning just in time.   The boys held the other team to 4 runs so we got to bat again.  Yankees scored 5 runs to tie the game.  After that night we were ok to tie

10/26 - Landon had a make up baseball game.   It was a tough one.  Landon got a hit with 2 RBIs.  He had a few tough things happen and the team lost.  Rough late school night.

10/25 - We had cub scouts and Daisy scouts today so we didn't do a lot in the morning but get ready for that.  The boys went on a hike with cub scouts.    Our girl scout troop added a few new girls.  Today the girls planned a tea we are going to have in November.  It's fun to watch their minds think through what they wanted.  They settled on a Halloween theme with cupcakes, mini sandwiches and grapes :)

10/24 - We had a ton of rain on Thursday so the whole weekend of sports and cub scouts was cancelled.   We got to hang out most of the day on Saturday.

10/22-  I was traveling in Detroit, but Landon had a soccer game.  Crazy rain started in Dallas.  Bengals were winning 3 to 1 and they called the game because of lightning.  So they count it as a full game.  Kasey was sitting on the side line with the grandparents under an umbrella.  

10/21 - They forecasted a lot of rain over the weekend in Dallas.  On Wednesday they rescheduled baseball games for the weekend.  Friday they rescheduled soccer game.  Landon also had a cub scout event which was also rescheduled because of rain.

10/18 - we got home so Greg could do some cub scout stuff and soccer practice with Landon.   Kasey and I went one of her friends bday parties.  The girls painted a unicorn.  It was fun for all.

10/17 - The kids got up a little early but not to bad.  We all got up  and got ready to get out of the house by 9am.   We first headed to Agglieland Outfitters.   Landon and Kasey both got a shirt.  Landon got some shorts and Kasey got a small purse that we thought was about $10.  Come to find out the next day it was a lot more than that so we made it a birthday present.   After that we headed to Northgate.   Doug and the 4 of us went to the Chicken.  We started with some Tijuana fries and some drinks.  The kids got dominoes and then a little later we played pool.  We hung out, had lunch, and then headed to park for the game.  Unfortunately A&M lost to Alabama.    After the game we headed back to the house.  Greg cooked out burgers and we ate, got kids ready for bed.  We were all pretty tired...

10/16 - Kasey got Knight of the Week.  She was so excited and got to bring home Coco and coconut (stuffed monkeys) to hang out with over the weekend.

We picked the kids up about 2:30 and headed to College Station for the weekend.  We rented a house in College Station with the Steiners, Doug and Dave's dad.   When we got into town we picked up Double Daves pizza rolls and headed to the house.   It was really nice outside so we sat on the patio and ate our dinner.   The Steiners and Doug came back from dinner.  Landon and Doug (and sort of the girls) played some football as the sun went down.   Tracy, Nancy and I sat outside most of the evening drinking wine and visiting.

10/11 - We got up early about 6am the next morning to go fishing.   The 4 of us went with Landon's Den leading Rob.   We went fishing with salmon eggs.  We didn't really catch anything but had a good time.  Rob caught one that he brought back. Kasey got to watch him prepare it and Greg and I got to try the rainbow trout.

After that we hung out at the camp site.  Landon played some football and hung out with other boys.  Kasey hung around.   In the afternoon we let the kids go swimming then they went to ride paddle boats, canoe and kayak.   I actually went home with another family because I had to be at work early the next day.

That evening Greg and kids had chili a little in the dark.  Then they went up to the dam to see the stars

I got home went to get Chinese food and some ice cream.  I got to have some time along with food I wanted to eat, some wine and a Hallmark movie.  I enjoy those times.  It was very quiet but I slept pretty well until 4 something am

10/10 - We went to Landon's baseball game.  Yankees won.  Landon had a nice out throwing from short to first.

After the game we went with grandparents to Elkes for lunch.  She had Philly Cheesesteak special which Greg, Landon, Gramps and I all got.  Then we went home, packed the car and headed to Oklahoma for our first family camping trip.  It was cub scout camping event with several people from the pack.  

Greg had made chili that we were able to warm up and eat, cornbread and brownies.   We enjoyed it.  Then we had campfire.  The area had a burn ban so the boys made a campfire with flashlights.  At campfire several of the boys told jokes - including a few that got a little scary for Kasey.  Kasey and I went back to the tent to get ready for bed while there were some stories told around the camp fire.
Kids slept in our tent on mattress.  I slept on camping pad which I apparently didn't blow up very well.   I don't think I slept well.  Kids got cold a few times through the night.  Kasey woke up about 2:45am and said "I want to do something other than sleep".  Silly girl.

10/9 - Greg got up and left at 6am to drive 3 hours to help set up tents in Oklahoma at campout.   They set up, had lunch and he drove back in the afternoon.  We went to dinner when he got back and then packed up for camping trip.

10/5 - Landon was getting ready for bed and called me in telling me there was an ant on his faucet.  As I have done in my bathroom I squished it with my hand and washed it down the sink.  Landon got really upset and sad for the ant.  He really doesn't like animals of any kind being hurt.  I'm predicting Landon will become a vegetarian at some point.  He mentioned not liking seeing all of the meat in stores that we waste it.  He's also really upset that they are supposed to dissect frogs this year.

10/4 - The soccer team (Landon's Bengals team) was going to the FC Dallas game in theory to watch the game instead of practicing.  On the way home Kasey decided she wanted to go too.  It was nice day so I was for sure up for it.   It was a nice day, all the kids got FC Dallas winter hats.  Some of them watched part of it, and others just talked.  It was a fun activity though.   Of course when Greg went to get some food he stood in line for almost 20 minutes and missed 2 goals that were right in front of us.  FC Dallas won 4 to1 against Houston.

Good times!

10/3 - What a day!  Greg was helping set up for Popcorn Blitz.  Kasey and I walked the dog. Landon went to sell in Popcorn Blitz.  Then it was time for lunch at home and getting ready for baseball.   The boys won 10 to 7.  After that we headed home for a quick change and then drove to College Station.  We got there just in time for the 6:30pm game.  We got to our seats right before it started.  The Aggies won - YEAH!   After the game the boys went out.  I took the kids to hotel.   It was after 10:30 so very late for them.  I had to go park the car and told them to get in pajamas and brush their teeth (guess who forgot their toothbrushes 0oops).  We had pull out couch and King bed.  I tried putting both kids on pull out couch - after at least 30 minutes of he's touching me, she won't move over, laughing, talking etc.  I moved Landon to the other bed.   By this time it was almost midnight but they finally went to sleep.  I was tired.  I read a bit and went to bed just before Greg got back

10/2 - We went to First Friday after work.  Yummy food truck, beer, friends and the kids got to run around in the great weather.  I think we all had a good time.

10/1 - Being an engineer I have worked mostly with men and groups that are majority men.  My new team is almost completely women.  At the end of the meeting everyone was giving one thought from the last few days.  A few ladies were talking about feelings and hugging.  The other engineer in the room looked at me and said, we're used to working with dudes.  There aren't discussions on feelings or hugs much with the guys.  It was pretty funny and so true.

I had 2 days of staff meetings with my new team.  It was good to meet the WW team and get to know them some.   I was excited that I could participate in the meetings (talking) even though I haven't been with the group much.

The first night we went to an outing.  We had a tour guide to take us through Trinity Groves.   We started at Souk for appetizers and a drink, had good BBQ at the place down there and then went to Community Brewery for some beer, mini cakes from Cake and a brewery tour.  It was pretty cool.  The tour guide was a little much, but she knew a lot of information.  It was a fun night

September 2015 update

9/27 - We had Birthday celebration with the Myers family.   We went to Abeulos for yummy food, then back to the Myers house for some Greg Dessert (even though it was Cindy's birthday celebration).  After that we took the kids to look for Halloween costume shopping.  Kasey is going to be Tinker Bell and Landon is going to be Iron Man.  We got back just in time for boys to go to soccer practice.

That evening Landon put on his sunglasses with multi color mirror lenses on under his mask and walked around with his gloves on playing iron man.

Kasey and I have started trying to sit down several days a week to read - having her read outloud.   I think she really needs this to help grow her reading.  She has found that she likes Dr Suess.  He's good for having weird made up words that you have to try and sound out, and also using words that are similar.

9/26 - We started the day taking a long walk with Patch.  Kasey took a bike ride with me.  Greg and Landon went to hit some baseballs.

Then we went to lunch and got ready for baseball.  The boys played the Dbacks and ended up losing 12 to 7. They were all a little off today.  Landon did score a run.

After that we chilled out at the house til it was time for soccer.  The team won big again we think 12 to 1, and Landon scored 2 goals.  Boys have really enjoyed the last few games, but we thing the remaining few will be tougher

9/25 - After work we decided to try out McKinney Oktoberfest.  We had some food, got to try Tupps beer.  Then the kids wanted to ride a few rides. Kasey wanted to ride the dinosaur roller coaster, and Landon wanted to go on the little ferris wheel.  I went with Landon.  Before that Kasey and I waiting in line for another roller coaster, but they had to shut it down for some safety reason.

Also in the ride area there was a game where you throw a ball at 3 bottles to win something.  They guy let Kasey play for free and she got 2 down.  Landon tried and hit it low so missed.  Of course the guy rubbed it in telling Kasey she could always remember when she did better than her brother.   On the way out we got some Helmuts strudel for breakfast.  1/2 apple, 1/2 cherry.   We also bought a fun pumpkin A&M sign for the front yard in the fall

9/21 - Landon had soccer game.  I had to leave a little early, pick up Kasey from piano, get the two of us dinner, and then get to soccer game.   The boys ended up winning 10 to 0.  Landon got a hat trick (3 goals).  Apparently before the game Pops told Landon if he scored 3 goals he would get him a Star Wars Lego. Needless to say after Landon got 2 goals he was really trying to score again even though the team didn't need to score again.

9/20 - we got up, Greg got our old TV out of the house and to a friends for a garage sale.  Patch and I went for a walk during neighborhood garage sale.   We then went to get the kids, had lunch and Elke's and raced home to get ready for baseball.  Kasey and I were about to leave and they cancelled the game for rain.  We got to hang out some watching A&M football and doing laundry/cleaning.

Landon still had a soccer game at 4:30.  We all went to the game.  The Bengals won 8 to 0.  Landon scored 2 goals, Dylan C got a hat trick, Mike scored 2 goals, and Micah score one.  Great games for the Bengals.  After the game we went with the Dowdy's to Mi Cocina for dinner.  It was homecoming so we got to sit outside and watch kids take pictures before their dance.

After that we came home and Landon/Mike wanted to spend the night together.  They only had about an hour before we made them go to bed.  Landon got out a big Lego, but Mike wanted to sit with Greg and watch football.

9/19 - I left work later than I wanted, but went home got Greg and the kids and we headed to Addison.  We met Grammy so the kids could eat and spend the night with them.  Greg and I met some friends as Oktoberfest.  We enjoyed some beer.  For food we mainly ate outside the big tent.  We had Schnitzel sandwich, and then we got skillet potatoes and Spaetzle with toppings (yum).   We had a good time.  I even bought a new A&M decoration for the house.

9/13 - We got up, Greg had to run to store for some shampoo and got som sweet rolls.  We had them in our room, all showered and then right before we left Greg brought out clothes in so we could get dressed.  We got dressed, checked out and headed hom.

9/12 - I got up to walk the dog before everyone got up.  Then we all got ready to go to College Station and head to Landon's bamseball game.   Landon had a good game.  It was bases loaded, 2 outs, 2 strikes and Landon hit a double to center field.  He got two RBI.   Yankees beat the Leopards even with head coach in Poland.  Greg and others coaches did a good job and boys won 11 to 8.

After the game we went home to change and headed to College Station.   We ate lunch in the car to get down faster.   We checked into Motel 6.  Somehow I booked a smoking room, oh my.  We basically left everything in the car and it was still gross.  Our kids are spoiled staying in nicer hotels.  This was only one we found that didn't require 2 night stay.  It was ok.

After that we headed to give parking passes to the Steiners.   We were able to stop on University in traffic and have Landon run out to give it to them.  Then we headed to North Gate.  We sat on the patio and had a few beers before going to the stadium.

Then we headed to new parking in E lot and walked to the Stadium.  Kasey had a bag of dolls with her to play with elizabeth.  We took the Escalators up to our area.  It wasn't to bad once we got on escalators.   Then we got some food and headed to our seats.  We are further in the endzone now, but we have armchair seats that have a back.  Yea!  Even Kasey said the seats were better because of this.  We have a little ledge behind us that we can put things.  Also there isn't anyone behind us so the kids can stand up without bugging to many people.

The Aggies had a good win.  The game wasn't to loud, but we weren't playing to tough of a team :)
We walked down the ramps on the other end of the stadium.  Greg, Doug and the Steiners went to North Gate for a few drinks.  I took the kids back to our smelly hotel because it was late.   It all worked out

9/11 - I had to work all day.  Greg had to lead baseball practice at Dbat from 4:30-5:30.  So Kasey went home with a friend and Landon brought a friend home.  I picked Landon and a friend at 5:30 and headed to Mi Cocina for dinner.  There were several of us sitting outside.  The adults got to have a few drinks, and the kids got to run around.  Greg got to wrap up early and joined us as well.

At some point the husbands decided they were going to try out the new bar in Watters Creek area.  Landon and Kasey started fighting and so we had to leave.  The guys had fun and stayed out for a while

9/6 - Kasey came in about 7:10 to wake Landon and I up.  We made some bacon, and cheese eggs and had that plus fruit and toast for breakfast.  The kids went out to play with the dogs.
In the afternoon some of our cousins came over.  Kasey got to play with her cousin Ayla who is about 3 months younger than her all day.  They had fun playing games, wii, going outside and just playing. 

The grownups got to chat and spend time together.  Landon kind of hung out on his own, but he was ok and went outside with the dogs some.

Travis was there after working all night.  He was tired, but hung in there and was a trooper.  It was fun to hear what everyone was up to.  We talked about the kids and everything going on.   Later Kasey came in after playing with the dogs.   She said that Bella was being mean to Abby and that she had knocked Kasey down a few times.  She said to me that she needed to talk to the parents.  And she did, she told everyone.  She even told Nina that she needs to be careful for her baby with Bella.  It was pretty humorous.

We had great food as usual.  We had brisket and Craig brought ribs, sausage and chicken.   We all hung out talking later.  We laughed a lot.   Good times with family.  It had been to long since we had visited.

9/5 - We slept in some.   Landon and I went to breakfast because we didn't know what time it went til.  We let Greg sleep some.  We all had breakfast then went to chill out for a while.  Landon and I watched the 2nd Iron Man and Greg and Doug watched Sports Center.  Then we got ready for the day and packed up.  We took all of our luggage to Doug's room for a while.  We walked to Flying saucer for lunch and some drinks.  We played some darts and hung out.  Then we headed back to hotel so Landon and I could watch the rest of Iron Man 2.   Then it was time to head to the game.  Landon, Greg and I drove, and Dave, Doug, Tracy and Elizabeth took the train.    In the Stadium we got to see Greg's Sister Cindy and her boyfriend, one of my friends who I went to school with from elementary through college, and then later saw one of my cousins I haven't seen in a very long time.    The Aggies won so it was a good game.   After that we headed to Conroe to Aunt Mary's house.  We got out of the parking lot pretty easily and got on the road.

Everyone except Grammy were in bed when we got there.   Landon was asleep and we let him sleep in the bed so Greg slept on the blow up mattress.

9/4 - I worked from home, got to have lunch with the kids, and then we picked them up from school a little early to drive to Houston.  We dropped Kasey off with Grammy and Greg, Landon and I headed to Houston.  On the way down Landon watched Iron Man 1.  We got to Houston, checked into the Magnolia, had a drink with Doug.  Landon even got a a shirley temple.   After that we went to a restaurant around the corner.  We ate on the balcony for the experience.  It was a little warm for me, but I'm all for the experience.  After dinner Landon and I walked back to the hotel.  They had milk and cookies in the lounge so we did that.   The boys came back and Landon and I headed up so he could go to bed.   I finished watching Iron Man and the boys walked over to the Saucer.

9/3 - Went to curriculum night at the school.   It sounds like 4th grade is going to be pretty tough, but the teachers are great.  Kasey's teacher said that she is sweet and a good helper.

August 2015 update

8/29 - Today started sports season.  Crazy day.  Landon had a baseball game at 9am.   It started out a little slow.  Landon made a mistake - on 2nd had a guy on 3rd and he tried to steal 3rd. He got out.  But boy did he make up for it.  His next at bat he got a triple that went all the way to the fence.  He also got a double play - caught pop fly and ran to 2nd for double play.  He played well at catcher as well.  Good game.  Yankees won 8 to 7.

Landon is now at Boy scouts for some activities.  They did some running, jumping and other physical activities.  While they were gone Kasey and I watched girl scout cake wars.

Then we all went to lunch at Elke's.  We came home and chilled out for a little while then Kasey and I went to girl scout event.  I had some training and she got to hang out with Violet and make some swaps.  She had a good time and we learned about some ways to get girls to lead and decide what they do.

After that Kasey and I got to have a quick dinner the 2 of us at Chick Fil A.  Then we headed to Landon's soccer game.  The boys played hard, but lost 4 to 2.

Then Landon went with the Dowdy's to friend party.  Greg went to FC Dallas game with a friend, and Kasey and I got a small treat finished Girl Scout Cake Wars and got her to bed.

8/25 - Kasey got on pink today and was really excited

8/24 - First day of school.   Greg and I both took the kids.  We dropped Kasey off and did a drive by with Landon.   They both had good days at school.  They like their teachers.  Landon has a boy in his class that is a bit of a trouble maker.  Kasey had them last year.

8/20 - Back to the Castle.   Kasey got to meet her teacher Ms Carter.  She was excited.  Kasey has several boys in her class that she knows and has "liked" over the years.  Friend from preschool, boys from last years class, boys from the neighborhood.   Hope she doesn't get in to much trouble.
Landon got to see his new AIM rooms - she has 2 now and look great.   He got to meet his homeroom teacher Ms Dreher and his math teacher Ms Dobson and science and social studies teacher Ms McGraw.  Landon wasn't sure he'd have any guy friends in the class, but he has a few.
It should be a fun year.

8/17 - I started my new job today.  I've been in Wireless connectivity for about 5 years at TI and enjoyed the ride.  I'm excited about new adventures.  I will be managing training and field communications across several business units at TI.  I'm excited to get started.  Biggest change is that my new group is almost all women.  That's a new one for me, but several of them I have known or worked with for years.

I started out heading to Houston because one of my bosses lives and works there.  We spent a day and a half doing brain dump and starting to transition things to me.

8/4-8/12 - See Vacation post - Walt Disney World