Kauai, Hawaii Vacation - July 2016

7/17 - 7/27 - Kauai summer vacation

Sunday arrive

Monday 18th - beach/grocery shopping

Tuesday 19th-  - fishing - $900 - booked

Wed - Waimea Canyon

Thurs - 21st tubing - booked - 1:30pm, be there at 1pm - booked

Friday - move from one place to another

Saturday - Hanalei bay, beach

Sunday - 24th horseback riding - $99 - 90 minute, 9:15 - http://www.silverfallsranch.com/ - booked be there at 8:45am - correct weight

Monday 25th  - napoli boat ride - $180 each. Noon-4pm, cash for tip - booked

Tuesday - beach

Wednesday - head home

7/17 - We had a long day of travel to Hawaii.   We drove to the airport and Grammy and Gramps took our car home.  We got to say hi, give them hugs and have them take our picture.   We ate lunch at Friday's in Dallas airport, we had dinner at LA airport.    In Dallas Greg started playing Pokeman Go just for fun.   Lets just say this became a bigger deal during vacation :)

Our flight landed after 8pm Hawaii time in Kauai which was after 1am Dallas time.   We got upgraded to a 4 door red jeep which was fun.    We drove to area we were staying - Poi Pu and decided to stop at the store quick for some water and breakfast items.  The kids were pretty tired, but stayed awake.

We got to our place at Poi Pu Shores, got everything upstairs and got the kids to bed.   This place didn't have AC except in the master bedroom, but it was right on the water and patio looked out into the ocean.

7/18 - With the time change Greg and the kids woke up about 6am.  They had a little to eat at our place then went exploring down the coast.  They were gone about 3 hours, saw several turtles, chickens, a few seals and even had 2nd breakfast.  They were gone until about 9.  Since I had just been in China and hadn't slept much the night before I was still alseep :)  I finally got up, ate the rest of Landon's pancakes and we got ready and headed to the beach.

We all did some snorkling and we saw many fish is all kinds of colors.  Kasey liked the pink fish and I liked the green one.  The boys even saw an eel.  

We went back to shower.  I had gotten pretty burned on my top half and the kids even got burned some.   We had a new sunscreen the we decided we wouldn't use anymore.  We didn't have dinner reservations so we went to a nearby area and ate at a place called Savage Shrimp.   It was pretty good.  Greg and Landon split a platter, I had shrimp tacos, and Kasey ended up eating salad because she didn't want shrimp or fish and chips.

We went to a shop and Kasey found a new dress and flower barrette that she was excited about. 

We got kids to bed close to 8 to see how they did.

7/19 - We had scheduled a 6 hour fishing trip - trying something new.  Originally we were supposed to meet them at 5:10am.  With some rain and weather they wanted us to call in the morning and see how it was.  We ended up meeting them at 7:45am.  I had taken Bonine the night before and that morning.  The kids took natural dramamine.   I was still a bit sick at times - just didn't want to eat, drink or be inside.   

We started out and didn't catch much for the first few hours.  It rained on us some.  Then we started catching fish.  They were larger fish most were 20+ lbs.   They had 4 big fishing poles set up on the boat with fake bait on each of them out in the water at different lengths.   Once we did start catching fish they would have whoever was doing it sitting on the chair at the front with the pole in front of them and reel the fish in.  Kasey started out and we took turns.   A few times there were 3 or 4 on at a time and we were all trying to reel them in.    Greg and I enjoyed being on the water, fishing, catching cool fish, and enjoying the scenery.  Kasey enjoyed it at the beginning help catch the fish, but then she was sick quite a bit over the side of the boat.  Poor thing.   Landon enjoyed it as well reeling fish in and seeing the fish.  He did not like at all that they killed the fish.  He didn't like seeing them get killed or once they were dead.  I still think that Landon will become Vegetarian at some point.   He's very conscious of cruelty to any kind of animal.

Greg and I got picture with all 13 fish that we caught.  Landon didn't want to see them, and I think Kasey thought she would get sick again if she saw them.

We took a little more scenic road back to the house that afternoon.   We had some snacks instead of lunch.   We went to the pool for a little while then showered and headed to dinner at Eating House.   Kasey and I wore flowers :)

Yummy dinner with cauliflower and brussel spouts.   We had short ribs, fried chicken and teriyaki fish with rice.   Very yummy.

7/20 - It was Greg's Birthday.  Kids and I got up and made kids breakfast.  Kasey made scrambled eggs.  Landon and I made bacon.  We also had orange juice and cinnamon rolls.  We had yummy breakfast together.

We got ready to head out and for first time the kids played by themselves some.  They were playing Go Fish.   We played some games on trip.   The kids played go Fish several times just the two of them.

Our day had planned to drive to Waimea Canyon.   We drove up a scenic way and stopped a few times along the way.  There were a few overlooks that were pretty.  Then we got up to the main lookout.   It was nice but a bit cloudy.  It rained a few times throughout.  It was fun doing a little hiking.  We even took a .3 mile Iliau trail which was nice.  Kids found a plant that looked like mini palm tree.  They were cute.  During this we took a panarammic where kids stayed on one side and then ran to the other side to be in both ends of the picture (fun idea from co workers).  We got to see the waterfall from a few angles which was cool.  At one lookout there was a big puddle of water.  The kids thought it looked like mickey mouse or mickey mouse pancake that wasn't quite finished. :) 

We went to the very end of the road to Pu'u O Kila lookout where you are supposed to be able to see the top of the Napali coast.   The Napali coast side was fogged in.  We hiked around for a bit hoping that it would clear up some.  No Dice this time.  I guess we have to come back :)

On the way back down the mountain we made a cool stop at a good place to see the waterfall or Waimea Canyon.   It had been raining so there was a rainbow that was cool.  We even got a picture of Greg pointing to the waterfall :) which is a joke from previous trip.

That night we went to a restaurant called Keoki's.  It was a greg restaurant.  Greg got fish special prepared two ways and I got Ahi which was really good.  We had yummy Mint Chocolate chip and mac nut ice cream cake (2 separate ones) for Greg's BDay.  Yum and fun place to.  There was a lady singing live which was nice

7/21 - We started off the day walking down to closest beach for a little boogie boarding.   Both kids did it for a little while and then Kasey got beaten up a bit.  There were 2 local kids there.   Their dad said to them "I'm going to work for a few hours I'll be back".  Interesting.  They were really good in the water, but kids were Landon's age and younger.

Greg also lost his sunglasses in the water.  This happened in Kauai 11 years ago last time we were here.  Greg was sure they were gone then a girl next to him found them and handed them back.  He's lucky :)

We came back after the beach, jumped in the pool for a bit and got ready for tubing.

In the afternoon we went on a fun Tubing trip with Kauai Backcountry Adventure.   They fitted us with helmets with lights on them, gloves and we all wore water shoes.  We started on a ride onto their property.   We had a funny tour guide BJ and another guy name Kai.  They were fun telling us about the property and some of the plants.  They showed us one plant that you could squeeze and get liquid that they used as a good conditioner (so they say).  They also joked about red rock sidings being good for skin.  :)

Anyway we got to the loading area, left our dry bag with them and got into the intertubes.  No one really wanted to go first so we did.  I went first then Landon then Kasey then Greg.  They had us stopped in an area and Landon and I ended up getting out in the front with some others.  We tubed for about an hour.  We went through 3 or 4 tunnels where we had to turn our headlights on.   We kind of got separated but we were able to find each other ok.   At the very end they go through the last tunnel without lights - Kasey somehow was away from us and wasn't to sure so she told us.  The guide said she was one of the first to turn her lights off and be ready.   At the end they took us to a little area for a snack.  sandwiches, maui onion flavored chips from Plano, TX and chocolate chip cookies.   Our guide BJ gave us a few extras.  Overall it was a lot of fun.  Pretty greenery all around and the tunnels were fun too.   The water area is on an old sugar cane plantation.  Only one plantation for sugar cane is in Hawaii in Maui and they won't grow sugarcane after this year.

After that we went home to shower and get ready for dinner.  We had dinner at Brenneke's.   Good Mai Tai, good Ahi Shashimi, and overall good meal.  Open window and we could see the ocean a little bit from our table.

After dinner we headed to Lepports for some ice cream and a little Pokeman Go of course.  Yum

7/22 - Today was the day for us to switch from the south side of the island to the north side.  We hung out in the morning getting packed up and enjoying our view.   We had lunch at Olympic Cafe in Poi Pu.  We then stopped by Spouting Horn to see what happens when lava tube from the ocean spouts up water every time a wave comes in.   It was pretty cool, but it was hot

Then we said goodbye to the southside and headed North.  We checked into our new place.  In the south our place was nice, but wasn't air conditioned and 

was pretty simple.  Our place up North was bigger (3 bedrooms), had AC, full kitchen with Granite countertops.  It was really nice - but no view but little garden area and part of golf course.

We then changed into our best Hawaii gear and headed south some to Luau Kalamaku.  We checked in, got our seats for the show and went on a little train ride.  First we got drinks to take with us.   We learned a few things on the train ride.  Cashews raw from the plant are poisonous,   Hawaii's made production these days are coffee beans and macadamia nuts.  Not much pineapple or sugar cane anymore.   We stopped and got to feed chickens, pigs and a donkey some bread.  The kids enjoyed that.

7/23 - Today was a beach day.  We went to Hanalei beach for the day.    We did a little snorkling, some swimming, some playing in the sand.   Greg walked to get us burgers to each for lunch from Bubbas.   The kids and I walked down to the pier.  Its pretty high up but you can jump off then climb a pretty scary slick ladder back up.   Landon jumped, Kasey jumped.  We had to help Kasey up some because she thought she would fall.  We decided we'd all jump in and swim to the shore.  Landon jumped in, I jumped in, and Kasey couldn't jump in.  She got scared and thought she would get hurt.  So I was rushing up the scary ladder to get to her.   Kids were pushing Landon out of the way so he was treading water for a long time.   We made it to Kasey and walked back.  She was fine, not sure what scared her the 2nd time.

We played a lot of frisbee in the water and enjoyed just hanging out.  Sometimes in rain, sometimes not.

That night we had dinner reservations at Happy Talk at Hanalei resort.   Fun restaurant with menu that changes, live music and normally a pretty view.  It was raining a lot but we enjoyed the music, food and drinks there.

7/24 - today we had to wake the kids up because we had an appointment to go ride horses.  It was at Silver Falls Ranch.   We were just doing an hour and a half ride because we weren't sure how much the kids would enjoy it.   We got there and it wasn't raining, but was supposed to rain most of the morning.   Landon got a horse named Chloe, Kasey's horse was named Kayle, Greg's horses nick name was Elvis and my horse was named Ikaika.   We enjoyed our ride.   It was pretty muddy with all the rain they have been getting but the grounds were really pretty.   We saw many different plants including several types of palm trees, we saw a small waterfall and e.

njoyed being on horse ride.   My horse didn't like having another horse behind him so I had to be in the back.   Kasey's horse started up front and was sweet but sometimes slow.   Greg's horse really wanted to be in front.    It rained a few times on our ride.  Landon and I put on our rain coats a few times but it didn't rain to long.   I asked Kasey if she wanted us to stop so she could put her raincoat on.  She responded no, you don't get to do this all the time in Texas.  This is what we keep telling the kids in Hawaii and made me laugh.

Kasey loved riding the horse.  They also got to pet a chicken and cat on the ranch.   Overall we all enjoyed it.

There was a tropical storm coming our way so we weren't sure what we could or couldn't do our last few days.   We had some lunch - left over pizza for the kids, Greg got a sandwich and I got some sushi.  Landon tried the sushi and liked it.   

After lunch we went to do a little Snorkling at Anini beach.  We basically had the whole place to ourselves.   Snorkling wasn't as good as it was on the south side but we saw a few fish.  There was some wind, but no waves at this beach.  Greg and I remembered being there from 2005 with the boys.

We left about the time is started raining.   We headed back so we could all take showers.  We didn't have reservations so we headed to Dolphin Restaurant early to get in.  We got there a bit after 5 and waited til they started seating at 5:30.   Landon shared some sushi with us - he tried Ahi shashimi, Ahi roll and ate most of the shrimp tempura roll.  Kasey even tried a few rolls and ate 2 pieces of Ahi Shashimi.

The kids are enjoying having fun drinks.  Landon likes Pina Colada and Kasey likes Strawberry Daiquiri.

We came home and started playing some poker, teaching the kids the play.    Kasey shared that her favorite things so far are the tubing and horseback riding.  Landon's favorite was the chickens or so he said :( 

7/25 - We had yummy breakfast - bacon, eggs and cherry turnovers.   Today was Napali coast Hanalei Boat Tour.  We went out on UFO boat with Captain Tyler and Red.  They were pretty cool.   We went by several parts of Napali coast on the way out.  Beautiful.  We also got to see some dolphins swimming by the boat which is one of my favorite things in the world.  My video was horrible, but it was fun to see.  They even had a little baby with them.  So cool.

They shared with use about the coastline, some history, some about major hikes along the coast.   A few hours in we got to go snorkeling.   We all got in the water.  Kasey got freaked out a bit because her mask wasn't working right a few times.   Then they got it figured out.   There were a bunch of cool fish right by the boat waiting for food.   We saw a few other fish, a few turtles and a longer skinny fish that we don't know what it is.   Pretty cool overall though.

After snorkeling we got back in the boat had some lunch and then headed back.   We fed most of Kasey's sandwich to the fish and they ate it in about 4 seconds.

we had given Dramamine to the kids so they didn't get sick.    Kasey was ok on the way out but tired and slept most of the ride back in.   Landon was pretty tired most of hte day - bummer. But no one in our family got sick on or off the boat.

On the way back they didn't really stop, but had good music on and we had amazing scenery to look at.   Definitely one of my favorite things even though I've done it before.  When we got back the van was full so we had to wait a bit.   Greg and Landon went and jumped off te pier which Kasey and I waited.

We headed home and Greg cooked a great dinner for us - steak, corn, sweet potatoes, shrimp and salad.   While he cooked I took the kids to the pool.   I got in to cool off then sat out.  The kids finally found a way to play together in the pool.  I had to threaten that we wouldn't play poker if they didn't get out.  I'm sure other parents thought i was horrible but whatever - poker is a good life skill :)

after dinner the kids and I did play poker.  Greg took a nap though.  He was a bit tired.

7/26 - Today we had yummy pancake breakfast.  We had beach day so we were taking our time.  By the time we headed out it was 10:30ish.  We decided to stop at Bubbas for some burgers so we didn't have to worry about lunch later.  We ate at Ha'ena State park then walked to the beach.  The sand was hot but there was a little stream there that ran and went into the ocean.     

Landon and Greg went snorkeling.  Kasey played with water and sand as I stayed with stuff.   After the boys came back I went and did some snorkeling.   I saw a few turtles.
One looked upset with me.   I was where he would have floated to, so I moved and he floated to where I was and took a breath.   Pretty cool.  I was a few feet from him.  Big over 1 foot turtles.   

I made my way back and we spent the day watching and being in the water with the kids.  The current was rough in some places which the kids liked.  They both got knocked around a bit but enjoyed it.

After a fun beach day - no sunburns, we headed home to shower.   We had dinner back where we were for day at the beach.  We went to Mediterranean Gourmet for dinner.  Food was different but pretty good.  They had guy singing and two younger girls dancing.  They asked Kasey to go up with them but she wouldn't even if I went with her.   Makes me sad when she won't try new things. Although I'm pretty sure as a kid I woulldn't have done it either.

That night getting ready for bed Landon hid in Kasey's room under several pillows.   As I told her goodnight he popped out and scared both of us.   I was pretty impressed that he did that (they had been playing hide and seek in the house), but he really scared Kasey.  

7/27 - Our last morning in Hawaii.  We woke up and had another really good breakfast together.  We finished packing up then we headed to the light house.  We got there just before it opened.   There was a lookout over the ocean looking out on cliff with many birds.  Also in the area of the lighthouse is a bird sanctuary.   It was pretty cool to see the birds flying around, see the water and the light house up close.

After that we drove into Lihue to do a little last minute shopping then we headed to the airport.  We got through everything.   We decided to get some food.  We had one more Firerock beer, I had Ahi tacos.   Our flight was delayed a while because they had to find 13 volunteers to get off the plane because we were over weight.   They were offering $1100 and rebooking - we thought about it but lady behind  me said she wasn't sure they would for sure get you booked on the next flight.

Then when we got to LA we were supposed to leave at 12:50 on a red eye.   We ended up eating chips and snacks for dinner but waiting for a while.   First the plane wasn't there, then an empty plane showed up.  They had to get trash out, but then we had to wait on pilots and flight attendants.  I kept thinking they would be over their time and not be able to fly.  We finally got on the plane then they said we couldn't leave until they put catering on the plane - really they couldn't have done that in all the time we were waiting.   It was after 2am LA time that we left. 

Gramps texted me to ask if we were still on the ground.  This was about 3:30am his time :)

June 2016

6/30 - Today Landon got to go to Grammy and Gramps house and said he had another great day.   He got to build a lego, eat breakfast with them and hang out for the day.

Kasey got a surprise after camp.  She got to get her nails done with her teacher from last year. - we bought her pedicure GC for end of the year and Kasey said she wanted to go with her.    She was so excited and got to spend a little time with her.  They even got a little bit of ice cream.  Fun to have such awesome teachers.

Kasey didn't want to go to bed and complained of tooth hurting.  We thought she just didn't want to go to bed.   She came down and Greg was looking at her tooth.  He just pulled it out.  She was surprised.

6/29 - Landon didn't have camp this week so he got to go to grandparents for the day.  He went to Grandma and Pops today and had a great day.  He helped mow the yard, fix the chain saw and wash grandmas car

6/28 - Landon had a football game.  The boys played hard and only lost by 1 point.  Landon caught 2 balls and pulled a few flags as well.  I think they had fun!   I left late from work so Grammy and Gramps brought me some dinner (they were nice to share their extra pizza from dinner)

6/26 - We slept in some and chilled out most of the day.  Greg had to get the Webelos off to camp without Landon :(   That afternoon Kasey and I went to see Pinkalicious the musical at Dallas Children's Theater.  It was cute but not as good Fancy Nancy was.  It was still fun though.  We came  back, picked up the boys and headed to dinner at BJs.

6/25 - We didn't do a lot today. We mainly chilled out during the day.  Kasey had a pool bday party then went home with the hosts for a little while.  Landon and I went to see Now You See Me 2.  Greg went to soccer game and dinner with Doug.  Kids and i decided to go to ihop for dinner.  Landon wanted breakfast and I didn't want to cook it.

Kasey on the other hand seems to be throwing a fit about everything.   I mean everything.  We are going to have to find some better ground or her teenage years are going to be horrible.

6/24 - We had quick dinner and then I went to a friends surprise bday party.  I just went for a drink since Landon was home sick.

6/23 - Landon woke up with a little bit of fever and a cough.  Greg took him to the Dr in hopes that he could still go to Webelos Resident camp.  No such, he has a virus and so being out in the heat at camp wasn't a great idea.  In addition Landon had to miss a friends birthday party and Greg and I wouldn't be able to go to a friends surprise bday party together.  Changed up the weekend a bit :(  At least Landon has some time to recover.

6/22 - I had to leave early so Grammy got the kids to camp.  Tonight Landon had flag football game.  Our team lost but played really well first 1/2.  Landon caught a tough ball and held on to it. 

6/21 - Greg went to Houston with Doug to see US play Argentina.  The game didn't go well.  Grandma picked the kids up from camp and kept them til I was done with work.   We went home and ate.  Then Grammy came over to help out since I had an early morning and Greg was gone.   Got kids to bed and Grammy and I watched a Hallmark movie which was fun.   Patch kept putting her head up to Grammy's neck like she does to me.  Silly dog.

6/20 - Kasey started reading Magic Tree House Books and loved them.

6/19 - we slept in some again today and kind of had a lazy fathers day.  The kids and I made toast and cheese eggs and served Greg breakfast in bed.   We chilled out during the day getting a few things done around the house.   Landon had a soccer game at 1:45pm. The FC nights won 1 to 0 on an own goal.   Both teams played hard.

We came home so the kids could get showered.  Then we headed to Babe's to celebrate Fathers Day with my dad.   We had to wait a bit outside, but it was worth it.  We played charades with my phone for a little while.  Food is always very yummy and we got to spend sometime with family

6/18 - after crazy week.  Landon woke up 7:40 which is late for him.  Kasey slept til 10:30 after going to be after 11.  Greg and I woke up around 10:45 after quieting the dog around 7 something.

we slowly got ready, went to lunch, ran a few errands.  Greg went to watch some soccer with Dave and kids and I chilled out at the house.  I also took the kids to get their hair cut.   Kasey got probably close to 3 inches off so now it's closer to shoulder level.  That way she can be cooler in the summer and hopefully take care of it mostly herself.   Landon also very much needed a haircut.  We got the sides cut quite a bit but not as much on the top.  He likes it that way but really needs to brush it if he wants it longer.

We went to dinner at Kelly's and tried to get kids to bed early to help recover from the weekend.

6/17

Dana's twilight night

1. We started out hanging out, doing mail, playing with bubbles and little water guns

2.  We started out on a scavenger hunt.  The girls did great, we walked almost a mile around camp, and got 4th place.   One clue and where the prize was didn't add up so it held us up, but we stayed together and worked as a team which was fun.

3.  Some of the girls did face painting

4. We did some rock climbing and going across rope bridge again

5. Then it was time for hot dogs and s'mores.  

6.  Then the girls decorated masks

7. At 11 we went on a night constellation hike.  We learned some on constellations and used our flashlights and ropes to get through the woods.

8. After that we got to look through some big telescopes.   We saw Jupiter with 4 of its moons, Saturn and its rings, Mars, and the moon up close.  The guys helping out also had some cool laser pointers to show us the stars.  We learned how to find the North Star from the big dipper.

9.  The girls ended the night doing our unit chant one more time in front of camp.

Landon's twilight - don't have day by day but they got to do some really cool things as well.

Landon got to do archery and bb guns.  He got to build a box from wood and nails with a shelf in it.  He got to make nunchucks.  They  played human foosball 

6/16

Dana's Twilight night

1. We started with a craft - girls made Nebulas

2.  The girls finished quick so they went on the rock wall and ropes

3,  They then got to go to the maze for our official time.  Since they had been there before they had to come up with something more challenging - leading someone through the maze with blindfold on :)

4.  We went on a hike in the trees along the creek learning about planets

5. After that the girls were kind of tired so we hung out for the rest of the evening

Kasey's twilight night

We were very busy cutting, washing, and cooking tonight!  We had apple slices for an appetizer and tortillas filled with chicken, onions, and peppers for the main dish.  For dessert we had rocket campfire cones (ice cream cones filled with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and sliced bananas).  The food was yummy and everyone went home with 10 fingers and 10 toes. 

6/15 - We were walking to Twilight camp and talking about activities like the rope walk -which one of them is high.  Kasey said it wasn't her favorite.  I told her she was taller this year and to give it a try.  She said to me "you know how you tell me to be confident, that's what I say to myself when I try things like that"   I was so proud of her.  She does listen.  Chloe said she does similar things telling herself that she can do it.

Dana's Twilight night

1.  We got our picture taken today.  It should be coming home Friday.

2.  We did archery.  The girls did a great job and we got to shoot longer than in past years.  Several of the girls got bulls eye, and some of them got several.  They did get a patch for this today.  I wasn't great but ended up getting 1 bulls eye and a few in the ring around the bulls eye.

3.   The girls competed in a planet war - which involved some water that the aliens used to get the humans.  They had a good time

4. Then we did pocket rockets - girls got to make a small concoction that rocketed up and they taught us some about the atmospheres

5. The girls then decided they wanted to do the rock climbing wall.

6. Eeyore and Tigger ended the night leading camp in Linger

Kasey's twilight night

We had another fun day at camp!  We climbed a space rock wall, walked a rope bridge, did a space relay game, learned about moon craters, and saw the inside of “Eagle 23”.  Also, it was our unit's turn to be "Latrine Queens".  I've never seen anyone so excited about cleaning toilets!

6/14

Dana's Twilight night

Tonight was Cook night.   The girls worked on lighting fire with matches and coal.   They cut up onions and peppers then made foil packets.  They made cones with banana, chocolate chips and marshmallows for dessert.    The girls also did a great job with flag up and flag down.   They even lead the camp in singing linger

Kasey's twilight night

We had another great night at camp!  Pocket Rocket, Water Wars, and we even made our very own nebula!  We came up with a chant for Unit 3 and proudly sang it while walking between events.  Kasey came up with the change for her unit.  Kasey made up the Chant for her unit.  It was - We are the best at Eagles Nest, Unit 3 Shooting Stars

6/13 - Today was the first day of twilight camp.  Here our schedule for the week.

I worked all day.  Greg worked 3 days

Landon and Kasey had camp from 9-2.  Landon had PE rocks and Kasey was in slumber party camp.

Greg left with a full car of cub scouts at 3 for their twilight camp that was about 30 minutes north.  Their camp was from 4-about 9 each night.  

I left work at 4 came home and ate, changed and went to pick Kasey and Chloe up and head to our twilight camp that was at Ford Park in Allen from 6-10pm

At cub scout camp (boys) the parents/leaders take kids around to different activities and its adults that plan the camp.  For girl scout twilight camp, its 8th grade girl scouts that plan all the activities and help all the units around at different activities.   We have 2 leaders per unit of 10-12 girls and the leaders are not related to the girls.   I think this is good for the girls because they get some independence and get to try some really cool things.

I had 9 girls from my troop that were at camp which was fun + Chloe from down the street who is one year older.

Let's just say that we were all a bit tired this week.  Here's summary of what girls in my unit (6th graders) and what Kasey's leader sent out about what they did.

What my unit (6th graders did)

1. Eagles 23 - Girls got to go into a mock up spaceship, interact with it to turn on different lights, use a microphone to make different things happen

2. Stranded spaceship - race between teams in space boots with a bucket and doing a knot

3. Girls created moon craters with rocks and flour

4.  They also got some extra time at Eagles 23 and trying out the maze that ended with some special Goo

5. Several of the girls said the girl scout law to camp leaders

6.  Girls made up our unit chant - our unit was Shooting stars so our chant was Shooting Stars - Flying High, Shooting Stars - Reach for the sky, Shoooooting Staaars - Pew Pew Pew (like from Star wars) 

It was kind of funny my unit and Kasey's unit were both named Shooting Stars and we both picked chicken pockets and cones with chocolate, marshmallows and banana for cook night.  

6/12 -  We got up and Kasey decided to put on her German dress for the morning.   We had lunch together and then Landon and Greg went to Landon's soccer game and Kasey and I went to get ready for Daisy to Brownie crossover for our troop.   It was pretty hot outside.  Landon's soccer team won!

Girl Scout Crossover:

We started off saying the promise and law.  We had some older brownies come to talk to us about what they liked about brownies and teach us a brownie song.  I remembered the song from my days as a brownie.  Fun times.

After that we handed out awards to the girls for what they earned based on the number of boxes of cookies they sold. Kasey sold the most boxes of all the girls and the only one to sell over 300 boxes.  I went over why we were crossing over to the next level and that the girls were getting rainbow crossover patch, the crest they picked (pansy which stands for loving thoughts and special friendships).  They also got stars for each year they have been in scouts.

We voted among the girls if we go outside in the heat and cross the real bridge or do it inside in cooler area.   The girls voted to go to the bridge.

The older brownies and I said a brownie poem to tell the girls to crossover.  I stood on one side with the parents and called the girls one by one.   We did girl scout hand shake, the girls took off their daisy vest and put on their brownie vest.   They got a certificate and got to take pictures.   Greg was a life saver handing me brownie vests.

I was smiling big and one of the girls asked me why.  I said I was very proud of them.

After that we came back in, kids got snacks and then we went swimming before it stormed.   Kids swam for a while, Greg got Pizza, we ate right before it pored down rain.  We cleaned up the clubhouse and as we were about to leave it poured down outside.  We had to wait some before leaving.

6/11 - The boys got up and headed to camp Wisdom for a water gun fight and some cub scout time.   Kasey and I worked on Swaps, watched Hallmark movie and had lunch together.  Then it was time for dance recital.  We were running late and had everyones tickets.  It all worked out ok.  We got Kasey's stuff in her little stage dressing room.  We met up with family. There are 10 of us total to see Kasey dance.   We had told her to try and not watch the teachers but do her dance and mile at the audience.  She had been practicing a lot so we knew she could do it.  Her first dance was jazz.  She did a great job with a pretty tough dance.  I was smiling from ear to ear watching her.  She had a quick change then did her hip hop dance.  She did great in that dance too.  Afterwards we got a few family pictures.  With our craziness we didn't have time to get her flowers, but all the grandparents and Cindy did.  She was smiling and happy.

After the dance recital we went to celebrate early fathers day with pops while Cindy was in town.   We went to JGs for some good burgers.  Pops had to go to work, but the rest of us went to Braums for some ice cream.

6/10 - Started a very busy weekend - seems like we say that a lot, but this was is busier than normal.   I took a half day to help Kasey with her dance recital rehearsal.  

I was able to get to the end of Landon's Hydrous camp.  His last ride he decided to try one of the ramps.  He came close to hitting his head, but did it and came back saying it was Epic.  It was pretty epic :)

We did make up, hair, got everything together and went to Kasey's dress rehearsal.   Kasey had a 2 dance change so we had to put her stuff in a small room beside the stage.

She then went to room with girls from her jazz class.   They practiced in the hall with their teacher and she couldn't quite remember the routine.   At any rate, I stayed on stage between Kasey's dances and helped her hip hop teacher do quick change for her.  At rehearsal they weren't doing all dances so they had 1 dance to change.  She got out there in time and did great.  Most of the girls weren't event looking at the teacher who was in the wings marking the dance.

That night Landon had FC Nights game.  The team won, and played hard.  Landon was playing striker and helped get the ball a few times.

6/5 - A busy day for us.     We started out I made breakfast.  We had regular and Blueberry pancakes and cheese eggs.  Kids helped make the pancakes.  

After that we went on a family walk.  We went to the school.  Landon and Kasey rode their bikes and ran around.  Greg and Landon threw the football some.  I walked Patch.  Kasey tried out Landon's bike. Now she feels like her bike is a baby bike after riding Landon's larger bike.  

We went home and got ready.  We had lunch then got some stuff done at home.  Landon had his first indoor soccer game of the season.  They won!     All the grandparents got to come to the game.  And FC knights won 6 to 2

Kasey and I had to leave early to go to Build a Bear for girl scout troop.   All the girls built a bear or animal that we will do something special with for their crossover from Daisy's to Brownies.   So excited.  The girls had fun.  Their host had them do the girl scout promise and played a few games.  Even sang Make new friends song.  I think the girls had fun.

Kasey got invited to go see one of her friends dance recitals.  She was excited to get in a dress and go.  She'll be up late, but should have fun.

Landon had flag football practice.    He came home and got a shower, had dinner and started watching Aggie baseball game with us.     Fun to sometimes just have one kiddo to hang outwith and give attention.   We let him stay up til 9.  He asked if at the end of the 3rd inning if he could go to bed.    I think he was tired after running at soccer and football practice.

We are getting ready for a crazy week with baseball tournament, flag football, getting ready for dance recital and twilight camp and various other things going on.

6/4 - We started off the day Greg and Landon went to baseball practice.  Kasey and I took Patch for a long walk.  We went to lunch at Elkes, yum.  We hung out in the afternoon watching some college  baseball and kids played down the street.  Then we headed to Mi Cocina for dinner.   Kids got to play outside with a few friends and we had good food.  We even went to Paciugo for some Gelato.  

A&M played late baseball game again that went to 1am with rain delay.  Aggies won though.

6/3 - We went to Roman Cucina for dinner and then headed home.   A&M was playing their first game in regional and US soccer team was playing in California.  A&M won, but US team lost. 

6/1 - Today the kids had end of year parties.   they were at the same time though.  Greg and I got to have lunch and then we went to parties.  We had to split up.  I went to Kasey's first.  She got a snow cone and we hung out under the overhang.  They got fun buckets with snacks, jump rope and bubbles.  They then got to hang out and play around the blacktop.  The rain held off so they got to be outside.

Kasey got awards for being always helpful and amazing reader.

Landon's party was in the gym.  They had a bounce house and played games.  They got an ice cream from ice cream shot.

Landon got awards for perfect attendance and overall for coding club, mighty mathematician, A honor roll, Conscientious character

Funny how Kasey still wants us to be with her.  Landon and older kids barely noticed we were there.

One more day of school Landon is so ready for this year to be over.

May 2016

5/29 - We didn't have a ton to do this weekend.  Patch woke me up before 7 even though kids were sleeping in some.  Then Greg let me sleep in while he made breakfast.  He said I wouldn't wake up when he told me it was ready.  Not sure how hard he tried :)  We finished our bunco game then started cleaning up the house.

We were going to friends house for a pool party.  I made 7 layer dip and Kasey and Landon helped some at the end.  Kasey spent more than 5 hours in the pool. She played with another girl and they were jumping off the edge and getting judged who did a better jump/performance.   It was fun.  Her fingers and toes were a bit raw by the end.  Landon got to play with the older kids.  They played in the pool, ran around upstairs and then ended up playing marco polo back in the pool.   I think we all had a good time.  Good food and drink, good friends, and good time.

At the end there was a thunderstorm coming and people were reporting hail.   We headed home but didn't get caught in hail.  We had a little food at home and got the kids in bed.  I think they will sleep well tonight.

5/28 - We finally got to go to Mi Cocina on a Friday night.  It had rained a bit but kids still got to play.  After all 4 of us started a game of bunco.  We haven't played in a while.

5/23 - Today both kids participated in the school talent show.  Kasey played a short piano piece she liked and Landon played his Harry Potter piece.  We were really proud of them.  Grandma, Grammy and Pops came to watch them.

5/22 - We had Landon's family birthday party.  Per Landon's choice we went to MexiGo.  Then we came home and had Dairy Queen ice cream cakes and opened presents. Landon was happy.  Grammy got to come for a little while.  We got to catch up with Scott who's graduating from High School. He's going to UTD in the fall. 

5/21 - Landon had a morning baseball game.  Kasey and I went to the hospital while the boys went to the field early.   Kasey was full of energy.   I walked around the floor with Gramps while Kasey and Grammy hung out.

Kasey and I went to Yankees baseball game.  Yankees won.  Landon played pretty well at Catcher, walked and got a run.  Second at bat he got to first on 3rd strike dropped ball to end the inning with 5 runs.

After the game we went to lunch at Elke's.  Then we went to order pizza and get ice cream cakes for Landon's birthday celebrations.  We spent most of the afternoon resting.

Gramps got to go home from the hospital.  I was a bit worried since he had been having tough nights and still pain.

Then is was time for Landon's friend party.  We had a big party with him and 2 of the girls in his class.  Everyone invited some friends.  We started off kids playing Nukem or playing on the playground.  Then we went to the pool.  Kids are getting rougher as they get older.  They had pizza, grapes and we had fun cookie cupcakes for everyone.  I think everyone had a good time.

There was even some dancing with no music

5/20 - Gramps was still having a rough time.  liquid food, pain and trouble breathing.  Grammy was able to come to Landon's baseball game.   Unfortunately the team lost.   Gramps had a long night again.

5/19 - Gramps had his gallbladder surgery today.   I worked at our event in the morning then met Grammy and Gramps at the hospital.  We got to visit for a little while.  The nurses were very nice and overall experience was better than last hospital stay.  We got to visit for a little while.  Mom and Dad were joking about not remembering things.  We talked about trips from when I was younger when my dad was flying planes.  I remember flying with him as a kid.  I would sometimes get sick.  I remember doing a touchdown on the way to Jim and Mary's house.   We talked about going to Death Valley near where my aunt and uncle lived which I also remember.  I got to help them take care of horses which was awesome.  When dad was talking about flying and stories he had a great smile on his face.  Wish I could have captured it in a picture, but didn't think it was appropriate with him in hospital gown.

Nurse and surgeon came in.  Dad warned the surgeon that he had a long appendix scar because they had issues finding it.  We kissed him and he went to surgery

It took quite a bit longer than expected.  Dr finally came out and said that the gallbladder was quite inflamed and that it was difficult.  He said men don't let go of gallbladders as easily as women.  He even commented about dad warning him about things not quite being in place.  They decided to keep him overnight to make sure everything was ok.  He was in some pain, did ok with liquids but solid food caused more pain.  He had a long night with pain so he had to stay another night :(

5/17 - Today at 8:02pm Landon turned 10 years old.  About 5 minutes after 8:02 he came to tell me really excited that he was officially 10.  I can't believe that I have a 10 year old.  This morning I went to get Happy Birthday Landon donuts which was fun.   Landon had a field trip to the Rodeo.  He wasn't thrilled and I think he thought that the animals weren't being treated nice.

that afternoon he had some batting practice at DBat.  Then we had dinner at home and started walking the last Castle.  Kasey has been acting out more after a weekend without much sleep

That night the 4th and 5th grades had recorder performance.  It was nice and enjoyed it.  Landon got to play the drums in one song, and sung in one of them.  They enjoyed some cookies after the performance.

Landon got a fitbit from us for his birthday.  Hopefully he takes good care of it.

5/16 - this is my 20 year anniversary at TI.  That includes co-oping while in college.  Lots of big things this year - Turning 40, 20 years working, having a child in double digits.

5/15 - Kasey and I went to donut place to order donuts for Landon's birthday.  Then we went to Starbucks for our Tea and hot chocolate.   We hung out then did a little exercise as the boys came home.  I walked Patch and Kasey did some xbox dancing and clean up.

When the boys got home we got showers and then headed to Taste of Addison.  There weren't many people there.  Many of the good food places like Chamberlains, Fogo, ice cream shops and others weren't there.  There was still some good food and we liked that the crowds were lower.

Kasey wore my fitbit for the weekend.  She was super excited about getting steps for me.  I tried to explain that her getting steps for me didn't do me a lot of good :)

5/14 -  The boys got up and went camping at camp wisdom with dub scouts.  Kasey and I got up, hung out some.  Then we went to lunch with Grammy at Freebirds then the three of us went to get our nails done which we always enjoy.  Fun times just us girls.

We chilled out in the afternoon and then went with Cracknell irls to the neighborhood spring party.  Another favorite.  Kasey got dolphins and butterfly tattoos, butterfly and unicorn balloons, we had some yummy food from the food trucks, and kids ran around playing.  We all had a good time but stayed out a little to late.    Kasey wanted to sleep with me, but Greg didn't want her to stay in our bed.

She got to bed around 9:30.   I tried to take Patch to Kasey's room so I could sleep in her bed.   I tried to settle Patch down for a few hours.  That didn't work, Kasey didn't want me to leave so we all went downstairs. Somehow with all that Patch and Kasey still were up before 7am.

5/13 - I didn't get picked for chaperone for Kasey's trip to the zoo, but she wanted me to go with her.   I met a new lady from California and we rode down together to the zoo.    I got to walk around with Kasey's group which worked out well.  We had fun seeing the animals, having lunch and walking around.  We had a fun day and weather was pretty nice.

Tonight was the school carnival and the weather turned out great.   Everyone was outside.  the kids were running around getting their hair colored, playing little games, bounce houses, cake walk and just hanging out with friends.  Kasey convinced her teacher to get a red streak of color in her hair.  With her blonde hair hopefully it will come out.

5/12 - tonight 4th grade AIM students from the district presented the projects they have been working on all year.  They had to come up with an invention, built a prototype, make a commercial for it, make business cards, and a backboard to talk about and sell the product.  Landon created a baseball that would tell you how far you hit or throw it.   It came in different colors if you wanted and he had a brochure all about it.

It was fun to see the different kids came up with.  A few others - bug spray inside shoe, special mouthwash/toothpaste combined, a tube with all office supplies and many others.  Very fun night.  So proud of the kids and what they have done.

5/11 - Bengals had playoff soccer game.  The boys lost 2 to 0, but there were some pretty bad calls and 1 was a penalty kick.  Boys played really hard.  Landon played defense.   This might be the last game for the bengals to play together.

5/8 - Kids and I got up, we went to get Starbucks for us and Grammy and took it to the hospital.  Luckily Gramps was being released after 3 nights in the hospital.  We hung out and wished Grammy a quick happy mothers day.

Kids and I went to Kohls for a bit then headed home.  We went to lunch with Greg for burgers then Greg dropped Landon and I off at the movie theater to see Civil War (which is what I wanted for Mothers day).  Greg and Kasey went home and watched Shrek.   AFter the movie we headed to have dinner with Grandma for mothers day.  We all decided on Mexican.

Grandma and Pops just had a big tree cut down as part of it had fallen on their house.  Kasey decided she wanted to make it her tea party table :).  Landon just wanted to climb their other tree.

5/7 - I woke up about 6am.  They were waking everyone at 7am.  We packed everything up and headed down to eat a small breakfast before heading home.

We stopped at Starbucks on the way home so the girls could get hot chocolate and I got a tea :)

Landon had a baseball game he played in at 10.  They lost in the last inning :(.   Landon had a double and played pretty good at catcher.   His soccer team also played at the same time and tied 3 to 3 :)  This put the soccer team in 5th place for the season.

We got to go to Elke's for lunch.  Most of us had meatball sandwich special and we took lunch to Grammy at the hospital.   I stayed for a while in the afternoon.  Landon went to a friends house for afternoon and evening.  Greg took Kasey swimming at the neighborhood pool.   I went home to have dinner with Greg and Kasey before Greg went to get Landon.

5/6 - The Daisy's earned money from selling cookies and the big thing they chose to do was spend the night at the Perot museum.  This was the night for that.  All 11 girls and 8 moms went.  We met down at the Perot museum around 6 to eat dinner.  We went in to check in after and had a bit of a wait, but then got started.  We started out at a movie about a chipmunk - went through how they collect acorns for the winter, then an older chipmunk steals its acorns and fights it.   An owl also almost kills the chipmunk.  In the end the young chipmunk won and got his acorns just in time for winter.

After that we went to the live science experiments.  They were talking about electricity.  They had a girl hold her hand on a plasma tube then hold a florescent light bulb.  The light bulb lit up both just getting close to her and brighter when she held it.   They also showed how rubbing a rod with fur can move a coke can back and forth.  Then they showed something more like lightning which scared some of the girls.  Then they had several moms stand up with lightbulbs and all of them list up.  Pretty cool

After that it was time for snack.  We all got water and a few snacks to recharge.  After that it was free time.  We kind of split up into different groups going around the museum.  we started out making friendship bracelets.  The girls made them for each other which was fun.  We had about 5 girls with us and spent a long time on 3rd floor playing with different robots, air machine, area that showed heat vs cold, pressure, musical instruments.  Lots of fun.

Then Kasey and Sienna wanted to make birds on 4M floor.  Kasey made 2 birds and Sienna made one.  Then we walked around on the dinosaur floor for a little while.  We ran through the space area for a few minutes before heading downstairs for the dance party.  This was about 11 which was a bit late for these girls.  We had a few very tired girls and a few that were dancing away.  We joked that we know which ones will be party girls (of course Kasey was one).

Then it was time to get our stuff and head to get ready for bed.  We got sleeping bags out, changed into pajamas and brushed teeth.  Lights out at midnight.  Late night for the girls, but it was fun

5/1 - I spent 1/2 a day at Twilight training.  Greg had to get Kasey to daisy meeting where they finished off their last petal as daisy's.

April 2016

4/30 - We had a friend birthday party for my birthday and one of the other moms.  40th is a big deal :) We had several friends come with us to Rustic for dinner and drinks.  It was a lot of fun!  After fun dinner we went to the Loon for a drink. Greg and the Steiners bought everyone  a kamikaze which was fun.  We had a good time and enjoyed spending some time out with just adults and friends.

4/24 - After Greg let me out of bed (if I got up he had to mow the yard), I went to get Kasey.   She had cooked eggs on her own and was very proud of it.   She had a good time and was watching some Barbi.

We went home to take Patch and went shopping before picking up the boys.  We had to leave clothes there because we had to get boys.  After fun night.  Landon went to friends house for an hour.   Kasey and I went back shopping for some new dresses/skirts.  She's fun to shop with.

We picked up Landon on the way home.  Then they got ready for soccer practice

After soccer boys took showers and we went to another birthday dinner with Greg's family.  After dinner we had yummy german chocolate cake pie.

Needless to say kids were tired.

4/23 - Landon played soccer game.  he played defense and boys played hard, but they lost to the Heat.   The Yankees played at the same time and won in the last inning.  We hung out most of the day.  That afternoon we took Kasey to Grammy's to spend the night.

Landon went with a few friends for a birthday overnight at lakehouse.  A few boys went and they got to have a big nerf gun war, ride in and drive a boat, drive 4 wheelers, sleep in a tent and eat good food.  They had a really good time.

Greg and I went out with our traveling friends for our April celebrations.  3 birthdays and anniversary.  We went to Del Friscos which is always a favorite.   We finished the night with the piano man from there who is awesome.  Good times.

4/22 - Tonight we had cub scout crossover.  Fun night.  The kids got to play a few games.  We had BBQ from Rudys, trail mix station, and samoas with a chocolate fountain.   Of course the boys got to cross over the bridge to go from Webelos I to Webelos II. There was also cake contest and we got to see a fun slideshow of activities the boys have been doing.  So fun and such great group of boys and families.

4/17 - We had flag football playoff game.  the boys played hard but didn't win.  Landon caught a few catches and played offense and defense.

That night kids and I ordered pizza and hung out at home while Greg went to FC Dallas game.

4/16 - We had a busy SAturday as usual.  Bengals had a rough game in the morning.  they didn't win but played hard.  We went to early lunch and Schlotzsky and then went to Landon's baseball game.  Yankees won.  Landon had 2 hits (left field triple, line drive to first baseline).  Playing catcher he got some outs including out guy steeling home.  He also pitched the last inning  which is stressful for me.

That afternoon we went to STEM activities at the Roughriders baseball game in Frisco.  All 4 of us went, but it was for a girl scout night.  We got there when it opened.  They had stations that talked about how throwing, hitting, dancing and consturction all have something to do with STEM.  Kids got to through a ball, hit on a T, learn the cotton eye joe.  We heard one of the ladies at Roughriders who has her gold pin talk about how girl scouts is cool and she used her Gold project to be her platform in pageants.

We also got to see our friend Durkin who apparently is at Roughriders games all the time for several years.

3 girls from our troop were there.  I took the girls on the field for the National Anthem which was fun.  We were right there close to the players.  Then we stayed for first 5 innings of the game - we had hot dogs, brats, chips, beer and funnel cake.  Fun night.

Then we got home.  Landon got sick in his room after midnight and then Kasey was downstairs an hour later getting sick.  That wasn't fun, but they were fine after that.

4/14 - We had Watch Dog award ceremony.   Greg was selected from all the dads at Norton as one of two to be awarded.   They gave him a certificate and played audio of some kids commenting why he was a good watchdog.  They talked about him playing sports with them and being nice.  It was really nice.   We got pictures with our principal and the Allen superintendent.  It was a nice evening and we were all very proud of Greg

4/10 - We had a busy afternoon.   We had soccer practice and Daisy Meeting in the afternoon.  Then Landon had a football game.  The boys played well and won.  Landon caught 3 balls, got 1 or 2 flags.  They are having a good time.  This was our last regular season game, but there is playoff.

4/9 - I really wanted to sleep in but of course the kids woke me up around 7:30.  Kasey wanted to watch Dancing with the Stars so I couldn't turn that down.  Eventually we got up to get ready.   We went to lunch with Grammy and Gramps to celebrate.  We tried Wild Salsa which was really good.  Grammy and I enjoyed some Sangria.   After yummy lunch we headed back to the house.  Grammy had made hershey bar pie (regular in a bucket) for the kids and a special one with peanut butter and reese's peanut butter cups on top for me.  Yummy.

After that Greg and Landon went to a cub scout thing and Grammy/Kasey and I went to the salon to get pampered.  We enjoyed the massage chairs and getting our nails taken care of.  Good times.  

Fun birthday week :)

After we got back we had a quick dinner and kids went to friends houses.  Greg got me some dinner and then I went to where the kids were.  We enjoyed some wine and hanging out.  Fun Saturday night

4/8 - Kasey got Knight of the week and was so excited to bring the monkeys home again.  We had to glue eyes on the little one - someone else's dog had chewed them off :)   

We took the daisy troop to recycling center in McKinney.  The cub scouts had gone before and said it was pretty cool.  We were a little underwelmed but it was good for the girls to see.

After that we went to dinner the 4 of us.  We got the kids to bed and I met a few moms at Village Burger Bar for a few drinks.  Its always fun to get out and hang out with other moms :)

4/7 - We had a fun mother daughter lunch with my birthday friend.  Linda and I have known each other since 4th grade and have the same birthday.  We also celebrated our 16th birthdays together and have gone to eat for several other birthdays.   We had a fun lunch at Chocolate Angel with mom, Linda, her mom, Fredel and I.  Good times catching up and of course yummy food.

4/5 - My 40th Birthday.  Crazy that I'm getting that old.    Greg made biscuits and eggs for all of us.  We actually ate breakfast together at the table - doesn't happen much. Kasey had made me a huge card and Landon made a fun one as well I did have to work but I got several nice texts from friend and facebook love of course.   My team figured out it was by birthday and went out and got cupcakes from nothing bundt cakes.  We even had a virtual call with Boston.  Awesome team.   

When I got home Greg and the kids had gotten me two huge balloons and my favorite flowers

Landon had flag football game.  They were playing a team that was 0 and 6.  but they were losing most of the game.  Near the end the other team turned over the ball near our endzone.  We ended up scoring to tie the game and it went into overtime.   We ended up scoring and boys won.  Landon caught 2 passes and played some offense and defense.

Mom had brought me some yummy cookies from Cafe Max and a sweet card.

After we got the kids to bed, Greg and I opened a 2004 Spring Mountain Ellivette wine - Very good.   It was a good birthday :)

4/4 - We went to Mi Cocina for birthday dinner since we'd be out late at football on my birthday.  We had a yummy dinner and got to sit outside because it was so nice.

Fredel brought over a yummy cookie cake for my 40th birthday

4/2 - They woke us up just before 7.  We got dressed, packed up and ready for breakfast.  Landon had a 10am baseball game so a few of us had to leave early at 8.   We still had fun.

We got home about 8:50am, cleaned up, and dressed.   Then we headed to baseball.  The team lost, but Landon had a pretty good game - 2 outs playing catcher at 3rd, 1 assist flipping home to pitcher, hit, 2 rbi, played good catcher.

After the game we went to Elke's for lunch with Grammy and Gramps.  The special was a sausage with mac n cheese with a few extras.  The kids got the sausage with mac and cheese.  Greg, Gramps and I all got the full special. Yum.

Then we went home.  Landon took a long bath to relax.   I took a shower and sort of a nap.

Kasey came down asking if she could give me an early birthday present.  She made a huge birthday card.  She had drawn a bear, chip and dale who she knows I like, and she drew our family as a lion family (I love lions).  On top it said Happy Birthday Mommy.  The bottom had labels for the picture saying the pictures were taken in Texas and that she loved me.  So sweet.

Then it was time for Landon's soccer and football.   Bengals won soccer 2 to 1.  They played hard today.   The games overlapped a bit so we got to football with about 9 minutes left. Unfortunately boys lost quite a bit.

After that we took pops back to our house to get his car.   Then kids and I went to get food to take home.   We chilled out and then got the kids to bed.

4/1 - I had to leave work early because it was night at the zoo for cub scouts.  This was the 3rd year for Landon and I to go and we were looking forward to it.  We've stayed at different places each time.  First we camped in tents by birds and big cats, then we stayed inside in African area, and this time we stayed in Tent area.  They have 6 tents that hold 10 people each on bunk cots.   They put us there because we could all fit there.  Only down side was that it was going to get down to 43 degrees that night.   We enjoyed walking around the zoo learning new things about animals.   The Cougars and a few of the bigger cats were active.  We also got to see a few of the snakes moving around including a cobra.

We enjoyed getting to meet a few smaller animals, having snack.  Then we went to the tents - they had lights.  We got our sleeping bags ready and then had smores before bed.   By the time everyone got ready for bed and we turned the lights out it was after 11:30.  Not long after that Williams' cot fell on top of his dad.   Hurt his foot some, but everyone was ok.  We got it fixed and turned the lights out again.   Finally Landon settled down and people went to sleep.

Not sure any of us slept very well and it got cold especially late.