March 2017

3/25 - Today we started with Landon's soccer game.  Spartans won 3-0.  Landon had to sit out most everything this week so it was good for him to get to run around.  We went to Elke's for quick lunch then it was time for girl scout pinewood derby.  Kasey won last year so we weren't sure how it was going to go.    We had 2 girls from our troop, 2 girls from one grade older and an older sister all racing.  

3/24 - I came home early so we could take Landon to get his staples removed.  It was healing well so that is good.

3/20 - Greg got a call in the morning that Kasey got sick at school.    I came home a little early to help out.  Had to take Landon to care now to check on staples.  Kasey got sick several times in the morning but was ok in the afternoon

That night Landon had boy scout meeting and we had parents meeting to learn about the troop.   There was an email that said we should all check the boys for ticks as several had been found.  So we checked Landon.  Unfortunately he had one on a private area so of course it hurt pretty bad.   Needless to say we had a lot of drama for a few days.   A bit to much for me

3/19 - We were sleeping in some but got a call from camp that Landon had fallen off a log and hit his head.  They thought it might need stitches.   We got up to get ready, Greg drove to Oklahoma, Kasey and I got showered and ready, cancelled our movie plans to see Beauty and the Beast, and grabbed a bite to eat.   The boys got back home so we could check out Landon.  His head had stopped bleeding but still looked bad enough to get it checked out.  We headed to Care now, and they decided that he needed some staples to close the wound.  4 staples.  He did well, but the needle to numb the area really hurt him.   The staples weren't to bad.

3/18 - Kasey had Cogat test for AIM.   Many families there and it took about 2 1/2 hours for them to take the test.  That's a long time for testing but Kasey thinks she did well.  We tried to explain that either way its ok.  We'll find out in April if she takes the 2nd round of testing.

After that we went to lunch at Elkes.

Greg and Kasey worked on her pinewood derby car in the afternoon.  That night Greg went to FC Dallas game and dinner with Doug.  Kasey and I went to dinner with Myers/Goodsons to celebrate Nanny, Pops and Johns birthdays.

3/17 - Today Landon was leaving on his first boyscout campout without any of us.   They all helped load the luggage and stood in their patrols.   We had ordered a magnetic game for the car that has backgammon, chess and checkers.   We got it as they were packing the trailers so Greg went to grab it.

We didn't wait for them to fully leave because we needed to eat and get Kasey to bed.   We decided to go to Durkins to eat (Landon doesn't like it for some reason).  Great pizza, salad, and we got to hang out with Durkin some.

3/14 - Boys had a football game - they played close, tied the game and went into overtime.  They lost unfortunately.  Landon pulled a flag and had fun

3/13 - Landon had boy scout meeting and they found out their patrols.  He's in one with William and it's called Bear.  He was excited.  First campout is next weekend.

Cruise 2017

March 4 - I got up to work out one more time before vacation.  Grammy, Gramps, Kasey and I left around 10 to head to aunt Mary's for some family time.  Greg and Landon stayed back because Landon had a soccer game.  

We stopped at Sams on the way down for lunch and some gas.  One of the things I'd been craving with eating better was fried chicken so I had a small piece but did pretty good other than that

We got to aunt Mary's and a few cousins were already there.  Kaseys closest cousin Ayla and her little brother were there.  Not long after Haley and Ashlyn came with their parents.  We haven't seen them in years and have gotten very tall.  It was fun catching up for a short visit.  Kasey for some reason didn't want to play with Ayla but wanted to visit with adults and older cousins. I'm glad she did with short visit.  

After that we started eating snacks and dinner was another craving I had enchiladas.  So I had salad and enchiladas for dinner with homemade guacamole.  Yum.  We had bday cake to celebrate some recent family birthdays.  

We went to hotel we were staying the night and got Kasey to bed late but not super late.  

Landon lost his soccer game but it was close.  

March 5 - cruise day

Greg and landon left our house a bit after 6am to get down in time.    Kasey got me up  before 7.  We got showers and got ready then met Grammy and Gramps for breakfast. It was ok breakfast but tea and coffee were bad

By the time we were done Greg and landon were 30 minutes away.  We got packed, checked out and headed to meet them in the rain

We put all the luggage in our car with kids and Grammy.  Dad and I rode together.  It rained the whole way down pretty hard. Grammys Bluetooth kept connecting to our car even though she was in the other car.  Gramps and I were staying behind a bus and lost Greg at one point.  

On the way dad was telling stories about growing up, going to college and the military.  He was drafted into the military and so he went to sign up for the Air Force.  In Air Force he was in a class around power and mechanics and finished top in his class.  Because he was top he got to pick where he was going to go so he picked Florida.  Mom and dad went to homestead Florida.  They had enough money to get an apartment, some food and gas then with $5 left until payday they went to a movie. 

From there one of the guys was trying to get him on a top secret project but it didn't work out.  He got orders to go to Alaska.  In the military he saw the difference in how people were treated and promoted who had degrees vs those that didn't.  So he got out of the military to get his degree and went for technology degree at U of H.   When looking for work he went to Houston power company where he had worked before to see if he could get credit for previous work.  They said no so he ended up at Schlumberger where he worked his post college career.  It was fun hearing stories.  We don't get to talk like that often

Once in Galveston Gramps and I parked and headed to terminal.  Greg and others and luggage were stuck in traffic.  We eventually all got there, turned in luggage and went to check in.  Somehow we got $50 credit per person for the 4 of us

We got our picture and got on the boat.  We went up to eat along with most others.  Saw a friend from high school

We walked around the ship some, went to our rooms and relaxed a bit.  We got ready for our first dinner.  Good food, wine and company.  After dinner we all went to show and Kasey and I got our picture with Po from Kung fu panda.  The show was comedian plus preview of acrobats

March 6

We slept in a little and met Grammy and Gramps in the dining room on 3 for breakfast.  

We did some slides on 13 then I took Kasey to the pool and Landon went to hang out wit Dylan.   Kasey played in kiddy area for a while then we went to get in the big pool.  I got in with her for a while.  We danced in the water but had to get out because the boat was rocking so much

That afternoon Grammy and Gramps kept the kids so Greg and I could go to a wine tasting.   It was fun.  Rocco from Italy was the host and sommelier.  He had interesting info and it's always fun to try different wines even if we didn't really like any of them. 

We got ready for dinner and had good food and service again

That night Greg took kids to get them to bed and Grammy, Gramps and I went to see comedian show.  They were ok.  Two brothers from New York.   

March 7

Today we started the day with dreamworks character breakfast.  It wasn't much but we had chocolate pastries and kids got to meet king julien and Alex from madegascar.  

After that we went to go ice skating. Kasey, landon and I got skates on.  Kasey for some reason was scared and didn't want to stay on.  Landon and I skated for the 30 minutes and it was fun.  My legs hurt by the end but it was still fun

After that we got into swimsuits.  Kasey and I went to see Pus in boots then headed up.  Landon was in the pool with Dylan.  Kasey got in as well.  She wanted me to get in with her so I did.  The ship was moving so much that with her on my back I was going under water some.  I suggested the hot tub :). It was calmer in there.  I got out to hang out with Greg.  We got a few drinks.  Landon and Dylan went up to play basketball and Kasey got back in the pool

Kids got soft serve ice cream then we went to lunch (were on vacation right?).  Lunch was in the windjammer today at the very back of the boat.  It was a pretty day

After lunch Kasey and I got showered and changed.  I went to an Italy wine tasting with Grammy, Kasey went to kids club for the first time and Landon was playing soccer with Dylan.  The wine tasting was good and fun but he sold me a bottle of wine for $75 that we bought at dinner for $59.   Hmmm

I got the kids and it was time to get ready for dinner.  Our travel agent had booked us a free dinner at specialty Italian restaurant.  It was amazing.   We had several appetizers to share including octopus, tuna sashimi, pork belly, tomato and mozzarella, and meats and cheeses.  We had meals then all shared pastas which were great.  

Gnocchi, mushroom risotto, carbonara pasta with egg and pasta with meat sauce.  Then we had dessert.  We had tiramisu, lemon cake, chocolate chip cookies with ice cream.   Needless to say it was a great dining experience and we were very full

That night Kasey tried to see the acrobat show.  We were going to let her see part but the cancelled it because the ship was moving to much.  We stayed for a few songs of the singing act but it was late. 

March 8

Kids sang happy bday to Pops on our balcony

We had an excursions in Honduras today.  We were going to a private island.  

We had quick breakfast then headed out.  We took a short boat ride to the island.   Once there we got our chairs, kids played in the ocean some.  Then it was time for animal excursion.  We basically went into a cage with baby monkeys.  We held food for them and they crawled all over us.  Kasey went in first on her own then the rest of the family.  We also got pictures with a parrot and another bird

After that it was time for an early island lunch.  We got in line.  They had chicken, fried fish sticks, salad and rice and beans (with a little spice).  Greg and I tried a few drinks and kids had virgin pina colada and strawberry daiquiri.   

After lunch Landon took off with friends and Kasey and I headed to the pool.  I had my phone so and nothing else so I couldn't really get in the water.  I tried to get her back to Greg and she didn't want to get out or do anything.  Eventually we got back to Greg.  We thought we were going to feed huge sea lions but that wasn't the case.  We stayed a bit longer at the pool.  Greg let me have a little time on the beach alone but people started smoking so I went to the pool too. 

Then we headed back to the ship.   We showered and got ready for dinner

Greg and I got to have a drink alone on deck 14 while Grammy and gramps hung with the kids.  Then we went to watch them untether and leave the dock from Grammy and Gramps balcony. 

That night after dinner we went to the ice skating show.  Kasey got her picture with Pus and boots.   The show was good but not sure kids loved it. 

That night Grammy, Gramps and I went to see the marriage game which is always humorous. A couple married 4 days, 25 years and 61 years. 

March 9

We were going to Belize today for the first time.  We spent a lot of time traveling.  We got the kids up early then had to wait in the theater for almost an hour before leaving for our excursion.  We got off the boat and had to get on a local tender boat to take us to Belize City.  This took about 25 minutes.  We had an hour and a half bus ride so everyone had to go potty then we waited for a while.  We did get a magnet on Landon's suggestion.   On the bus they took us around the city some telling us about the city.  How several countries like US, England, Taiwan and others help fund improvements to this 3rd world country.   Tourism is becoming bigger but they don't have a ton of infrastructure. In fact the bus we were on was an old dart bus (it had the logo on the seats).  They produce a lot of oranges for US and U.K. and some sugarcane too.  Some people there make $35 a day.  Gas is $5/gallon.  He talked about where people came from.  Mians, British, India and others contributed to colonization.   They are only South American country to speak English as their main language.   They speak a fast broken English that's similar to Caribbean communication. 

At then end of our bus ride it was time to go tubing.  We had to rent lockers put on helmets and life vests and walked in the jungle about 25 minutes carrying our tube.  The guide was nice to carry Kasey's.  he wasn't much for words but it was a nice walk.  We started out walking across a stream where we got our picture.  

We got into the water just ahead of many groups.  The guide tied our tubes together and we all got in.   He pulled us along and even used his arms some pulling us backwards on his innertube.  He pointed out a few formations they had named.  Apparently the Mians had done rituals in these caves. 

They had some that looked like a mother over her child, a huge jelly fish, ice cream cone, dolphin and a few others.  

After our tube ride it was time for lunch and we were hungry.   We had good flavored chicken (not royal rats that are another form of chicken they have there), rice and beans, Cole slaw, and sauce from the meat.    The meat and rice and beans were really good.  Greg and I tried a few local beers.  One tasted like colors light (the one made there) and the other tasted kind of like Heineken.  So not great

At the end Kasey wasn't feeling well.  We got a bag, had her go potty and got on the bus.   She slept almost the entire way which she needed. 

Our hour bus ride back didn't leave us any shopping time so we just headed back to the boat to get ready for dinner. 

After dinner we all hung out a bit.  Greg and Landon went to let Landon play soccer upstairs.  Kasey and I met Grammy early to get seats and a drink.   The boys got there right before people started demanding their seats.  They had also gone to the front of the boat.

The show was great with music, acrobats on ropes and scenes and movement which were great.  Landon didn't love it but the rest of us did

March 10

Today was Cozumel day.  We had not booked an excursion and decided to stay on the ship.   We face timed Grandma and Patch which kids were excited about. 

We got Grammy and Gramps moving to have breakfast in the windjammer.  It was our only choice after sleeping in after time change til almost 9.   

After breakfast we went to the arcade.  We were pretty much the only people in there.  Kids and Greg played some games, a few games stole money then we played air hockey.   Kasey beat me then Landon beat Kasey then Kasey beat landon.  Greg went to the room and the kids and I tried to find Grammy and Gramps.  We went to level 5 then 14 then 3 then texted them.  They were in suite lounge on 14.  We hung out a while then Landon went to play basketball by himself and Kasey went to get swimsuits.    Kids did slides then I changed into my suit.  Landon and I did tube ride and the three of us did big slides multiple times

Greg went to change, Grammy went to cool off and Myers crew went to the pool.  Greg and I had a few drinks and hung out with the kids in the pool.  We had dance contests, we did grand ole duke of York and down by the banks.   There were very few people so it was great

As we were about to eat Grammy and Gramps came down.  We grabbed food from windjammer for a late lunch

Then the boys decided to try flowrider.  Kasey rode the slides several times.  I watched the boys try to get on their knees on flowrider.  Landon did and Greg tried several ways.  I got to ride tube ride with Greg and race Kasey on the slide. 

Then we had to rush to shower for formal night.  Kasey last special drink and dessert for yelling at us about several things. 

We had a good dinner with lobster and nice Caymus wine.  After dinner we all got more comfortable.  Greg and I went out while kids hung out with the grandparents.  

Greg and I went to the show which was fun.  A guy doing impressions and singing song.  Then we went to piano ar for a drink and some music.  Then we went to short 70s singing thing on the promenade which was to get people excited about Saturday night fever musical the next night. 

March 11

Today was an at sea day and we took it easy.  Late breakfast in the windjammer, boys playing basketball, girls shopping on the promenade (Kasey got a necklace with free bracelet, I got a necklace and free bracelet for Kasey and Grammy got new clasp on her necklace).  We did some swimming.  Kasey, Greg & I watched some of the staff play pool volleyball against guests.  Fun to watch and not to shabby. Landon spent a lot of the day with Dylan playing basketball, lunch, playing at the pool & rock climbing.   I think having Dylan there was his favorite part. 

After that the boys went to do rock wall climbing and Kasey and I did the slides several times.  I kept beating her which she didn't like.  

We left there to shower and get ready for dinner.  One more dinner with our waiter and assistant waiter.   They were awesome knowing our names, things we liked like extra escargot and my parents coffee after dinner.  The brought kids fruit rig away to keep them busy.   They let Landon order off the adult menu

Kasey ate escargot several times (like 6).   She also had strawberry daiquiri each night.  Landon had a pina colada each night and tried a few steaks and appetizers but not escargot.  

That night we went back to pack some after dinner.  Grammy and Gramps saved us seats for the musical until I got there.   Grammy and I were the only ones who wanted to see it and it started at 9 so it was to late for the kids.  I thought it was really good.  I don't remember the movie much but enjoyed the music and dancing.  A few of the guys were ones that played volleyball earlier in the day

I had to go check on pictures after the show then it was time to wrap up and go to bed one more time on the ship

Fun day.  Amazing cruise.  None of us want to go back to the real world.  

March 12

We got up before 7.  Just put clothes on finished packing and headed to the windjammer for breakfast one more time.  

Then we went to get our luggage to head out.  Lines were long, weren't moving and people were getting frustrated.  At one point Landon wanted to go to the other side to see if the line was shorter.  We assumed he meant the other stairway.  He went from the back of the boat where we were to the front.  Oh my.  He still made it back before we moved.   Once we finally started moving it wasn't so bad

We got through customs and walked about 6 minutes to parking to get our car.   49 degrees feels pretty cold when its windy and it's been in the 80s all week. 

One of the days I asked Kasey to remember something.  We do that because she has a good memory.  She told me that she put it on a post it note.   So I asked, in your head?   She said yes she has post it notes, paper, markers, pencils and such in her head to use as needed when she gets bored 

I asked the kids their favorite parts of the cruise - I think they liked it all but Kasey liked being about to run down the hall and see Grammy and Gramps.  Landon like playing with Dylan.

3/2 - After work went to eat fast, work at the book fair at the school, go to open house at the school with kids.  Then Kasey and I went to the nail salon with Mindy  to get our nails done before Spring Break.

February 2017

2/28 - Landon had first football game of the season.  The boys played hard but lost.  Landon pulled 5 or 6 flags, and had a good catch and run.   Fun to hang out with families and watch the boys play

2/26 - We had a slow start to the day.   Finally we went to have some lunch.  Then we finished prep for crossover.

Kasey and I had girl scout meeting at 2.  We went to Compassion experience - went through a story of boy who was basically abandoned, very poor, stuggled with school then found a way to succeed and give back to others.   Then girls decided on their service project to help give shoes to people in need.  Then we headed to boy scout cross over.

I had made picture collages for each boy with cub scout pictures from start to now.    I had made some arrow of light cookies, and then made cupcakes with boy scout symbol on them.

We did decorations I used mason jars and put cub scout scarves on them + 1 with bobcat and 1 with arrow of light to show their journey.  On top I had a glass with candle and sand colored the same color as the badge for each step.

All of the sisters are girl scout and wore their vests and greeted people at the door to give them programs.

The younger Webelos did flag ceremony.  The boys were presented with their Arrow of light awards which is the highest award you can get as a cub scout.   The boys were presented with Arrow of light plaques as well.

Then they had a cross over ceremony with order of arrow from their new troop 1299.   It was neat to see them cross over.  The adults crossed over as well.

It was a nice ceremony and we are really proud of the boys.   Afterwards we all went to dinner at 5th street and enjoyed a great slideshow of the boys.

2/25 - Today was a good day for basketball and getting ready for Boy Scout Crossover.   The basketball team played at noon.  They played hard.  Landon got a basket and played hard.   They won which meant that they were going to play for 3rd place at 4:30.  Of course 1/2 the boys had a soccer game at 4:30 as well.  Most of the basketball team played in the 3rd place game and soccer team also played.    The 4:30 game the boys played against a team that had a few friends from school on it.  We had played them twice before.  The first time we won, the second time they won.   This time the Warhawks won.  It was a very close game.  Landon got a free throw and played really well on defense especially at the end of the game.   The boys were really excited to win and so was coach Greg.

After the game most of us went to Braums for some celebration ice cream.   Fun times with good families.

After that we went to have dinner the 4 of us at Spazo.   That night a few ladies came over and helped me get cupcakes and cookies ready for boy scout cross over.

2/24 - I got to have lunch with the kids because I worked from home.   That evening I had 2 girls nights.  We celebrated one of the girl scout moms birthday.  Then went to hang out with some girlfriends.  

2/23 - I went to an Allen ISD special presentation called Celebrate Calm.  Really good talk on dealing with strong willed Children.  A lot of good information.

That night I went with a few ladies to Bon Jovi concert.  We had a nice dinner outside at Meso Maya then walked to the concert.  It was fun and good concert.

2/22 - We took Kasey back to allergist to retest some other foods to see if we can figure out what is making her sick.   She's apparently allergic to vegetables that we eat often like Broccoli, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes.   We'll see how it goes.  We are supposed to not have those things for a month (after the cruise) and see if she gets sick any more.

2/20 - I overslept and didn't make it to the gym.   I took a call in the garage since the housekeepers were at the house, then went to meet Greg and the kids at Market Street.  After some discussion, we went to try and eat at a new place called El Pollo Loco.  It was ok.  Then the kids and I went to Main Event to do some bowling.  Then kids played arcades for a while.

2/19 - We went to get Landon's suit fitted, and then went to the outlet to get him some nicer shirts, and we got kids some shoes.

2/18 - We started out the day a little slow.  Then Kasey and I went to Kohls and Academy to look for bathing suits, dresses for Kasey.   We met the boys at Elkes for lunch.  

We headed home for a bit then went to Landon's first playoff basketball game.  They unfortunately lost to team that had a few friends on it.  Landon wasn't to happy.

Right after that Kasey and I went to Lovejoy elementary for World Thinking Day - the girls got to learn about, try treats and get a swap from several countries.  It was pretty cool.

2/14 - Valentines Day - We gave the kids a few things.  Greg and I got to have lunch together at Ali Baba.   For dinner Greg made homemade spaghetti and meatballs and sauce.  He even made me spaghetti squash.  Greg and the kids got me flowers.

2/13 - Today is mom's birthday.  We got to go to lunch together which always fun.  We enjoyed some good food and talking.   Fun times. 

2/12 - Today was movie day.   we had breakfast at home, went to see Hidden Figures in the morning, had lunch at Urban Crust in Plano, then went to see Batman Lego movie in the afternoon.   Kids and I got Pei Wei for dinner.

2/11 - We had a busy day.  Landon had an 8am basketball game.  They lost but played hard.   After that we went back to get 4runner full of cookies.  We added a late booth to our schedule and Kasey and i were the only ones who could attend.   We sold 188 boxes just the two of us.  While we did that Greg and Landon picked up 105 donations for scouting for food.     We ran around some in the afternoon and went for an early Hibachi dinner.

2/9 - I got to go to a movie with a few ladies from the neighborhood to see 50 shades darker.

2/8 - I pulled out one of Landon's teeth that had been sideways for a little while.  he said it hurt and bled for a little while.  For kids teeth the tooth fairy brought dollar coins.  It so happens that the tooth fairy was out of the dollar coins.   We decided to take the opportunity to let Landon in on "what parents do"     He kind of knew, but still wants to believe which we totally support.  We told him he can help us out now.   He did say he wished we hadn't told him til a little later which made me sad.

2/5 - Superbowl Sunday.  We went shopping to get food for the game.  Kids were making pizza rolls, and I made spaghetti squash with meat, peppers and marinara sauce.    We watched the first half and halftime together then got Kasey to bed.  We let Landon stay up til 9 but game wasn't over, but he needed some sleep. Crazy game, great halftime, I liked the Mr Clean commercial :)

2/4 - We had a really busy but good day.   We started the day with an 8am basketball game.  The team played really hard, Landon got a basket, and they kept the game really close.  Unfortunately they lost.   We ran a few errands to get Valentines for the kids.  We went home to get showers and then we went to Elke's for lunch.  She was having mac and cheese chili which is a family favorite.    Soon after it was time for the pinewood derby.  Greg was running the whole thing and it all went off well.  They started out by giving Greg an award from cub scouts.   They told some about the history of the pinewood derby, read a poem and got started.   They competed through the ranks.  Landon won first place in Webelos.   He was first in the top 12 to compete for the final across ranks.   They run 3 races each car.    It was really close.  Landon won 1st place overall by 0.003 seconds.  

We came home for a bit then had another evening basketball game.   They boys played hard again and won the game.  A few friends from school were on this team but we were rooting for friends and our team.

We came home, dropped Greg and Kasey and Landon and I went to Polo Tropical for dinner.   Nice to get a little bit of time with just him.

January 2017

Somehow its gotten to be November of 2017 and I haven't posted anything this year....

1/29 - we were pretty lazy in the morning, but had a busy day planned.  We had lunch with Greg's aunt and uncle and cousins.  Then we took cousins back to the house.  Kasey and cousin Macey played the whole time, Landon walked the dog, practiced piano and played on his ipad, and the adults enjoyed some wine and hanging out.

Late afternoon, Greg and kids took family to Cosco for some shopping and had dinner.  I headed out for girls night which is always fun at a new place called sixty vines.

1/28 - we had a busy day.   We had baseball in the morning.  Unfortunately  the team lost but they played hard.    One of the kids hit his head on the floor pretty hard.    We lunch at Elkes', delivered some cookies, worked on Landon's pinewood derby car.  Then Landon has soccer game.  Unfortunately soccer team lost 4 to 3, but kids played hard as usual.  

We had some family in town on Greg's side, but Greg and I felt like we needed a few hours to us.  The kids went to Grandma and Pops and family to hang out and have dinner as we went to hang out at a place called Texas for a few drinks and dinner.

1/26 - Landon had an indoor soccer game.  Greg was at the cub scout pack meeting, Kasey was at home with a sitter, I was at soccer game with Grammy and Gramps.  Landon scored a goal on a rebound shot.

1/22 - Unfortunately we didn't sell to many cookies this weekend.   We did have a 1/2 day journey in a day that 10 of the girls did.  We have an action part left but they were able to get through most of it which is great!

After that we went to Mi Cocina for dinner and wrapped up the weekend!

1/21 - I went to work out this morning because I missed a day this week.   We had a shorter but tough work out.   I came home to get ready.   We sent Landon out to walk the dog to get some energy out.   I got a shower and got ready and we headed to Elke's for lunch.  

After lunch we went to get some cookies, Greg checked in at pinewood derby workshop and we headed to basketball game.   We won the game but it was close.  Landon played hard, and we were proud of him.  The whole team played hard.

After that Greg went back to the workshop, we cleaned house, the kids took showers, and got ready for friends to come over.  Both kids had a friend spending the night.  Apparently it was a cheat day for me.  We went to have pizza - I had salad and 2 pizza rolls.  Then we went for ice cream.  Then we came back.  The kids all wanted to play a game they like to play together and there was a new TV show on they all wanted to watch.  Kind of fun to see them all interested in something together.

1/16 - Today was MLK day - I decided to take the day off since the kids were off.  I got up to work out early so we could start the day.  Kasey was already having a day trying to get out of the house to deliver some cookies to friends and at work.   We walked around got to see a few friends at work, had a drink from starbucks at 

the office.  Kasey even drew on my board (girl scout cookies) and made a sign for my wall.

Then we headed back to get Landon for lunch.  More drama between the kids - we ended up at Panera where Kasey said I got the wrong salad (which ended up fine).  After that we went to Target for a few things then headed home to hang out for the afternoon.  I worked on cookie stuff and kids watched TV for a while.

We went to early dinner at Roman Cucina which is always good.  

Landon had a soccer game but I stayed home with Kasey since she really needed to get some sleep.  They tied 1 to 1 and Landon had a pretty good shot on goal.

1/14 - Landon staying up late I forgot to turn his alarm off which was very unfortunate.   At any rate, we got up, had some motivation issues from young people but got out the door for basketball game (boys lost :-()  Kasey sold a few boxes of cookies at the game.  We went to lunch at Elke's with Grammy and Gramps.  Kasey sold a few more boxes of cookies there.   Then Greg headed to pinewood derby workshop, Landon took the dog for a walk for almost an hour, and Kasey and I took the cart and went to sell girl scout cookies.   We did pretty well on our street, but then Kasey wanted to head home.

1/13 - Today started cookie season for girl scouts.  I worked from home in the morning.  Greg and I went to pick up our cookies then went to have lunch at a small Mediterranean place in Allen that we had not tried before.  It was pretty good.   Then we organized the cookies and I headed to the office to deliver cookies in the rain and have meetings in the afternoon.

I came home a little early and we met the Cracknells at Mi Cocina for dinner.  After dinner Stephanie and I took 4 boys to a Pokemon tournament in Lewisville.  We weren't sure what to expect.  It was a free event for several people to play pokemon and trade cards - and there was a store next door to buy stuff.  There were 2 younger kids like the boys age (one being the owners' son).  One of the boys sat down to play with the owners son while the other boys went shopping.  The other boys mainly watched and traded cards with some of the guys there.   At any rate, on the way back Landon says maybe we can do this every other Friday.   Not that late, but it was a good experience for them and they seemed to enjoy it.

1/8 - We had our cookie meeting with girl scouts.  It's fun watching the girls learn about cookies, doing math with money, getting people to donate for troop to troop boxes.   Good times.

1/7 - We got up the morning and Kasey had UIL competition for Story Telling.  We had not picked out her outfit the night before.   We had to leave the house before 8 so when we started arguing over clothes because she didn't want to wear any of the choices.   We almost emailed her coach saying that she wasn't going, but she got dressed and we left.  We checked in and I went to sit in the bleachers and Kasey was taken to where all the students were.   Several of the moms got to chat while our kiddos competed.   Kasey did not make it to the finals but thought she did well and we are proud of her for trying.   

Landon had a basketball game overlapping but we got there for about 1/2 of it.  They lost but played hard.

1/6 - Kasey got Knight of the week!

2016 Christmas letter

Hello family and friends:

I hope this letter finds everyone doing well.  We’ve had another blessed year and hope you have as well.

I am at TI still and doing the same job of WW Product Training.  This year I built a small team and ended up getting some very positive feedback from management at the end of the year.  I’m enjoying what I’m doing and hope I can continue to add value at TI.  I went to China a few times this year and a little domestic travel, but not too much.   I'm still communications chair for the school PTA and co-leading Kasey's Daisy troop.   In October I decided that I needed to get back to the gym and work on losing some weight.   I started going to Dallas Underground Strength and Fitness on Halloween.  Not sure this is the best time of year to do this, but I did anyway.   I have been doing similar to whole 30 diet and working out 3 times a week (boot camp style).  I’ve lost 15 pounds.  I’m not skinny, but I’m going in the right direction.   I’m eating better and getting regular exercise which is always good.

Greg is still working part time, leading cub scout activities, and helping with all of Landon’s sports.  He’s still doing a lot around the house.  Trying to find food that kids will eat (sometimes challenging these days), helping run errands and keeping me sane (most of the time).  We had a disappointing A&M football season, but we’re still going to the bowl game in Houston. 

We took a few vacations this year.    We surprised the kids with spring break in Disneyland.   We flew into Orange County so they didn’t really know where we were going.   When we got there driving in the car they saw buses that said Disneyland and figured it out.  Loved seeing their faces.   We had a great time at both parks riding rides, getting our pictures with some characters and of course eating afternoon ice cream.

In the summer we took the kids to Hawaii for the first time.  It’s still one of our favorite places in the world.   We went to Kauai.    We stayed part of the time in the southern part right on the coast.  The place we rented had a patio where we could watch the waves crash into the shore.  We even saw turtles and dolphins.  Then we stayed up in the northern part for a while.  The place we stayed there wasn’t on the water, but the kids had their own rooms.   We had a great time horseback riding, tubing, deep sea fishing, and boat ride and snorkeling on Napoli coast.  

Kasey is now 8.   She's in 2^nd grade.   She’s still taking Hip Hop dance, playing piano and in girl scouts.  This year she also tried out and was selected to compete on 2^nd grade storytelling UIL team.   With her interest in theater and being dramatic in general, hopefully she’ll do well.  She’s at least enjoying it.   With girl scouts we went to Camp Bette Perot for the first time.  The girls slept in their own cabins which means they didn’t sleep a ton, but we all had a good time.   This fall Kasey needed some new clothes so my mom, Greg’s mom, Kasey and I all went shopping.  We had fun seeing her try on clothes and get excited about them. It reminded me of shopping with my mom when I was young.  Kasey enjoying helping with cooking and when she’s in the mood she has a great memory.   This year Kasey also started texting.  Just family some, but she really enjoys it.  She’s been pretending that she’s texting people for years now.

Landon is now 10 1/2, and is getting bigger all the time.  He's still playing sports year round including baseball, soccer, basketball and flag football.  He’s also still playing piano. Landon is also Webelos II in cub scouts.  He’s spent a lot of time this fall meeting and camping with boy scout troops as they decide which troop they will join next Spring.   About 5 of the boys from our Den are going to all join the same Troop together.   Our boys will join them on big camping trip for a few weeks this summer.  I’m excited about new opportunities and adventures Landon will on in boy scouts.  Landon’s fall baseball team placed 2^nd – such a fun group of boys and families.  Landon is doing well in school and having a pretty good year so far.  He enjoys playing video games more and more it seems.  Landon and I also enjoy watching superhero TV shows and movies.   The Flash is his favorite TV show and he really likes Iron Man and Captain America.

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 2016

11/29 - It was a week of all day meetings at work.  Tonight we had a celebration together with our WW team.  We had decided to do a small gift exchange people bring things from where they are from.   It was neat with a German bear, tea and ornament from China, Japanese coasters, Russian nesting dolls, Boston and LA coffee mugs, a few Texas ornaments, a pie server from Nicaragua  and some other things.  It was fun hanging out outside of work.

11/26 - I woke up at 5 something, didn't feel well and got sick.  Not good for a busy day and party at our house with family.   Needless to say whatever I had knocked me out and kept me in bed most of the day.  Not fun, but it was interesting to listen to Thanksgiving.  I came out a few times to say hi, sing happy birthday to Kasey and watch her open presents.  I spent the rest of the time in bed with the dog.

The family had fun though talking, eating, enjoying each other.  Kasey had a fun time getting lots of new clothes and a sewing machine.   

11/25 - We headed home and started getting ready for Kasey's family birthday and our Thanksgiving.   We went to Mi CoCina, made peaches, Greg made Pecan pie and we made apple pie together.   

11/24 - Thanksgiving Day.  We got up and had breakfast.  Greg made us eggs and bacon.  Then we headed to Conroe to spend a few hours with family.  We got to spend a little time with Skylar and got to meet our new cousin Bradley.  It was a short but good visit.  Kasey got to spend some time with the little ones and play with her cousin Ayla.   Kasey got a few sweet BDay presents from cousins which was very sweet.

About noon we headed back to College Station to beat traffic.   We decided to go to Wings and More for some food - bad decision - wings weren't very good.  Then we went to tailgate with friends and spent the afternoon eating some, having some drinks, boys played football, Kasey drew, we watched some football and got ready for the game.

Unfortunately A&M lost again.   Still having problems with the peanut guy above us.  Kasey got sick again in the middle of the night, but made it to the bathroom and was able to go back to sleep pretty fast.  She was fine the next morning.

11/23 - I worked the first two days of break.   Wednesday morning I went to work out, we got packed up and headed to college station.  We stopped outside Mexia to eat some BBQ.  They had lost power but could still do sandwiches and meat.  I was trying to stick to my diet so I had meat and tea.  We dropped our stuff at the house we rented, and went to do some shopping at a couple places.  Then we went back to get ready we had reservations at a steakhouse in town Republic.  Nice place.   We had some salads, kids got appetizers, and we got steaks.  Food was just ok, but we still enjoy nicer dinners.

The house we stayed at had a bunch of chickens in the back yard.  We could have taken eggs from back there, but kids didn't want to eat them they wanted the chickens to have babies.   

After dinner we went to Northgate for a little bit.  The Chicken was full so we went to Duddleys.  The Steiners were there as well.   We played large connect 4 and some pool.

11/19 - Kasey didn't really want much for her birthday and could use some new clothes so Kasey, the grandmothers and I went to Kohls birthday shopping.   We all had a great time with her trying on clothes, she got some jewelry, and a new watch.  Really a whole new wardrobe.   It was a lot of fun though and reminded me of shopping with my mom.  Afterwards Kasey said that the grandmothers really know how to help with picking clothes because they had experience with Cindy and I.  It was cute.

We all stayed home for the weekend instead of going to the A&M game.  We did some stuff around the house, watched A&M barely win (or it seemed they barely won).

11/18 - Landon got to go to friends birthday party, and we had a friend party at our house for Kasey.  9 girls 7 to 9 years old.   We started out hanging out and girls running around.   We spent most of the time decorating cupcakes.  Kasey wanted vanilla cupcakes and we made 10 different colors of icing of her choice.   We had all the girls try out the piping bags with different tips and colors on wax paper.  One of the girls made a flamingo.  Then they started decorating cupcakes.  They each got to do it their way, with the colors they wanted and they were all different.  Each of them decorated 5 cupcakes and got to pick the one they ate.   Each of them got to bring 4 decorated cupcakes home.

We played a few games during the night - we played telephone which is always funny, we played charades where they acted something out  which is funny.  All the girls had pizza and their cupcake.  We opened Kasey's gifts, and then it got a bit crazy.  Girls were running around, tearing up paper from gifts.  Maybe it was the sugar.  At any rate, I think they had a fun time and enjoyed something a little different.

11/15 - Yankees played playoff baseball game.  They ended up winning and get to play in the championship later this week.  Landon walked and got a run, and he also stopped a ball and 2nd and threw to first for an out.  Go Yankees.   It was a little chilly but luckily Greg brought me a jacket and Grammy shared her blanket with me.

11/11-11/13 -I started the day doing a day of impact with TI.  Several of us went to a neighborhood in Dallas where several veterans lived.   We spend time cleaning up their community garden, painting a house, helping build a fence, moving away brush.  It was a nice way to give back with United Way and Habitat for Humanity.  

Later we went to college station for the weekend.   After Landon's baseball playoff got scheduled we were able to go down the whole weekend.  We left right after school and went down.  We went to Fox and Hound to watch the US play Mexico - they lost.   We hung out Saturday watching football at the house we rented.  Got a late lunch then headed to northgate for a little while before the game.  Greg and Landon went to park the car.  They played some football then headed to the MSC.   A&M was leading most of the game til the very end.  It was very hard to watch and a bad week to lose.  We all went back to the house, got the kids in bed and stayed up a bit complaining.

There is a man that sits behind us that eats peanuts and the shells fall down on us.  Kasey is allergic and even with benadryl  she's gotten sick after 2 games we think with that.   Poor thing.  She got sick once at night, then got sick most of the morning.   By bedtime she was feeling better but missed a fun girl scout meeting today.

11/4 - 11/6 - Landon was playing as a guest player in soccer tournament this weekend with some friends from school.   The team played well over the weekend and ended up winning the tournament.  Landon enjoyed playing with friends and being out there.   We all got a little wet but it was good.  Landon didn't play very much but still got a medal with the team.

Landon also had a baseball game Saturday with a really good team.  It was tough and Yankees lost.  On to playoffs next

11/3 - Landon and I try to share favorites and some stories at bedtime.  One thing he has laughed out loud about was that I took speed walking in college - he still thinks thats one of the dumbest things he's ever heard of.  Tonight he told me it takes him a while to go to sleep.  i told him to turn his brain off (ha).  I told him to lay down and relax his whole body from his toes to his head.  He had another laughing moment saying that was almost as dumb as speed walking.  Made me laugh.   When I was young I would relax with my grandmother.  She had a tape that would tell you to relax your toes, then your feet, your legs etc.   I think it was some kind of weightloss thing but I remember it.

October 2016

10/31 - We had another fun Halloween.   Greg wasn't feeling great so he stayed home.  We went to the Cracknells for some dinner and drinks.   We got some pictures and then headed out.  The older boys decided they didn't want to trick or treat with the girls.   So most of the moms and I went with the girls and a few parents with the boys.  The girls had fun running around and getting candy.  We saw the boys a few times.  Landon was running with candy in his hand.  I told him to stop eating til we got home.   We ended up at Kasey's kindergarten's teachers house which is always fun.   We were all a bit tired but had a fun night.

The boys went back to the Cracknells and sorted and traded some candy.  They said they had a good time too.  Landon was really excited that one of our close neighbors gave him a full size candy bar

10/25 - Landon had a make up baseball game.  Yankees won.  Landon got an RBI and walked.  Go Yankees

10/23 - We slept in some.  Kids slept til almost 8,and didn't come down til 8.  We slept in some more and then went to bonnie ruth as a family.  Yummy, but made me want a nap.  We walked the dog but mainly chilled out.  Landon had a last minute mini basketball practice.  We went to Mi Cocina for dinner since we didn't get to go end of the week.

10/22 - Kasey and I had all day girl scout camping training.  We had to leave about 7:30 to get there in time.   We spent the morning and part of the afternoon taking sessions to learn about girl scout camping.  We started with cooking - we learned how to teach knife safety -passing and cutting with knives.  We learned how to make a box oven and made some cookies in one.   Then we moved to cleaning - learning how to clean dishes, use dip bags and then we learned how to to clover and square knot.

Next we moved to fire area - worked on building and putting out wood fires and using burner stove.  After that was lunch. We had a picnic together on a blanket under a tree.   After lunch we started with learning what kind of things we should take on campouts including what girls should bring and own and what the troop should bring.   Next we learned about buddies, how to walk with the girl to keep them safe, fire covers if needed.    Last we set up a tent and tore it down.  At each station ladies gave us suggestions and tips and tricks which were great.

Last thing we did was cook with a group of us.  We had 3 girls and 6 adults.  The girls cut up lettucs, tomato, avacado, and onions.   We made beef and cheese sauce to go on top of nachos.  Everyone enjoyed them.  We made smores with ice cream cones, chocolate chips and marshmallows.   All good.

The girls did great, cutting, mixing, stiring, stuffing cones etc.  Kasey told me later I didn't do anything - making sure she's doing thing safely is nothing :)

10/21 - We had Norton Fall Festival at the school.  We ate some burgers, some homemade desserts and then as soon as we barely had finished Landon was off the play.  Greg and I went to check out Landon's pinball machine that he made.   Then we headed outside to say hi to other parents and look around for kids.  They had tons of games, bounce houses, human fooseball.  The kids were running around having fun.   Good times

10/16 - We didn't get up til after 7 today.   I got up and got ready.  Had the girls packing, starting to clean up.    We headed up to breakfast - unfortunately Kasey lost it and had a breakdown (from being tired)

Before breakfast we looked outside our cabins and there was a deer that was walking around.   We all stood outside watching it.  It came pretty close to the girls cabin and one of our leaders.

After some breakfast tacos and thanking the cooks for the weekend, we headed back to our cabin.  We got packed up and girls had to sweep everything up in their cabins then get everything to the cars.  We got wrapped up and waited for them to check us out.   Once we were checked out we took off pretty fast heading home.

In my car the kids played card game and wrote stories to each other.   We were all a bit tired, but had a really good time.  I think the girls got to know each other better and we only had a few melt downs.  Overall a success

10/15 - I got up a little before 6:30 to get ready before the kids needed to get up.  Most of them were up already.   We all got ready and headed to breakfast.  We found our way, went to flag up.  The 10 girls sat together at a table - the adults ended up standing.  We had eggs, bacon and biscuits.

After breakfast we headed to the equestrian center.   The girls earned a horse badge and then we got to ride horses on a trail for a while.  For the horse badge they taught them about body parts (general ones), how to care for horses, what they eat, what they need to survive.  Then we got to help groom a few horses using different brushes.   Then we got boots on and helmets and were ready for our trail ride.   It was very peaceful and nice.   Some of the girls this was their first time on a horse which was fun.  The girls seemed to enjoy it.  With all the walking we had walked over 10k steps before lunch

After that was lunch - yummy nachos/taco salad.  The girls enjoyed it.   Keep in mind that after every meal the girls had to clear their tables of plates, silverware and cups.  Our afternoon activities got pushed a bit, but we started a big Bog tour after lunch.

Our guide helped look for some bugs for the girls, we helped clear out the path, and we were all looking around a bit.  It was warm but the girls did well.

After our hike we actually got some turtle time (rest time).  The girls got to hang out on their own in our camp area.  

Next we went to earn our bug badge.  One of the older girls did a good job teaching girls about bugs.  They made little lightning bug bottles with glow in the dark playdoh and sticks.  They also made posters of an ant to earn main body parts.   We ended this a little early so we went back to our cabins before dinner

Then we practiced our skit a few times.   Kasey had come up with the idea for the skit and the girls did great performing it and making it their own.

We walked to dinner for some spaghetti, meatballs and green beans.   After dinner our troop had cleanup duty with one of the older troops.   Girls had to wash off tables and benches and sweep the whole floor.  They all helped out and got it done.  Next we walked to campfire.   They sang some songs at the beginning.  then all the troops did their skits.  Our girls did great, they were loud and really cute.  So proud of them.  Their skit pretended they were at chick-fil-a ordering food (as various animals).  Then they figured out they didn't have money.  Super Girl scout came in to save the day.  Then they got their food and took off to celebrate.

We decided to not do the night activities because it was already 9pm.  We took the girls back.  Cabin 5 did their version of Annie its a Hard Knock Life.  Then it was bedtime.  At least they got to bed earlier.

10/14 - We were taking 10 Brownies (Girl Scouts) on our first camp out at Camp Betty Perot.   We left not long after school was out.  3 cars, 3 moms and 10 2nd graders.  The girls did well in the car.  We drove to Athens, TX and had dinner at Mooyah.   The girls had fun and were excited.

We headed on to camp and went to our camp area.   It was starting to get dark.  We got all the girls stuff into the cabins and got their beds ready.  At girl scout camp the girls sleep separate from the adults.  So we had a Leaders cabin with 7 of us and there were 4 girl cabins.  With our 10 we had 4 girls in one cabin and 6 in the other.   They set up by their camp buddies.   There was a separate cabin with bathrooms, showers, sinks etc.

We got the girls in bed around 9:35-9:45pm - a bit late, but then they didn't go to sleep.   They were up many times going to the restroom - little girls running across with their flashlights.  Finally they went to sleep - way late.  Then we got to go to sleep.

10/13-14 - We had  parent teacher conferences for both kiddos  Overall pretty good.   Both had at least to me interesting areas of improvement.  Kasey to stop talking like a baby - we've been bugging her on that for a while.  And Landon to participate more.   He usually does, but kind of seems in a funk a bit this year.  Might just be his age.

10/10 - I took the day off since kids had off.  We didn't do a lot.  Landon was still camping with cub scouts.  Kasey and I went to the nail salon - we haven't been in a long time.  Landon got home and we went to lunch and did some halloween shopping.  Landon still can't figure out what he wants to be for halloween

10/9 - We got up, headed to breakfast place that had over an hour wait time 3 minutes after they opened.  apparently people get there an hour early to get their name on the list.  We went somewhere else and had a good breakfast.  Then we headed back to pack up.  Went to do some aggie shopping and then drove home to get Patch and chill out.

10/8 - We got up and got ready then decided we were going to Northgate before the game.   We ended up in Duddley's.  After a bit we went to get Freebirds for lunch.   After yummy lunch, some beer and watching Texas vs Oklahoma.   Then we went over to our parking spot and tried to find my cousin Lauren.   We found her on the way to the game and got to catch up 

A&M played a crazy game.  It should have been 42 to 35 A&M, but at 1 yardline guy got ball stripped and turned the ball over.  Anyway, the game went into 2 overtimes.  A&M won with interception and the crowd erupted.  It was awesome but shouldn't have been that hard.

After the game we headed to Northgate and had a dinner at a cool brewery down there.  The girls played some bean bag toss and Kasey got really excited that she got a few in.

10/7 - Greg left early to go get camp sites for Landon's pack campout.   I got the kids to school in the rain (early) and then a co-worker picked me up to take me to work.  With the rain it took us an hour to get there.

Anyway, Greg got Landon off to camping with the Pack.  Then he came to pick me up at work about 4:30 with Kasey so that we could drive to College Station.  We had dinner reservations and got there just a few minutes late.   We had a good dinner.   We took the girls back to the house we rented to get them to bed.   Some of the boys went out for a few drinks.

10/2 - We had lunch with Grammy, Gramps, our cousin Erica and her friend.  Mexigo is always yummy.     Then we came back to the house for a bit.  The kids played a little piano and we hung out and talked.

Then Erica went with us to girl scout meeting.  She did an awesome job teaching the girls about about first aid.   She's a paramedic and helped them understand their first aid kits, understanding 911 and how to take care of minor scrapes.

10/1 - We got up not to early.  Kasey and I took Patch  for a long walk while the boys went to watch friends play soccer

We were all in town this weekend.  Landon got to play baseball which was fun - feels like forever.   Landon had a good game.  He played 2nd base.  He got a double play catching a ball then running to 2nd to get the 3rd out of the inning.  He got two hits and scored the tying run so that we got to play another inning.  Yankees were home so we were able to pull it out in the end to win.

After the game we went to Elkes' - feels like we forever as well.  Grammy, Gramps and Grandma came with us as well.  After that we did a little Bday shopping.

That night Landon had a friend birthday party.  Kasey and I went as well for dinner and to hang out outside.   Then Kasey, Chloe and I came home for slumber party while Landon and the boys went to have their own sleepover.   I think everyone had fun