Blue Bell and Bluebonnets

Today we attempted a trip to Brenham to take our annual picture in the bluebonnets. Heading out on our trip, we thought the weather was going to be the issue, but as it turns out, the lack of bluebonnets was the problem. We visited a couple of spots we have taken pictures at in the past, but found only a handful of flowers at each spot. Since we had driven all the way out there, we decided to visit the Blue Bell Creameries tour with our friends. Who wouldn't like a tour that ends in a scoop of your choice of the best ice cream in the country? After our tour, the tour guide mentioned a town about 15 miles further down the road that had bluebonnets. So, we decided to give it a shot. We found a field that had a decent amount of flowers, so we took a few pictures. Unfortunately, Luke had fallen asleep in the car at some point, so he wasn't in the best of moods for pictures. I wasn't able to get too many good shots of the boys together, but I did get a couple of solo shots of each boy that I really like. We will probably make a return trip in a couple of weeks and hopefully get some pictures with more bluebonnets in them, but for now, these will do.

Wienermobile

The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile was at our local Kroger today, so we took the boys to see it.

They got to take a look around inside,

and write Wienermobile postcards to show others their experience.

Of course, they had to bring their Hot Wheels Wienermobile cars too. The girls at the Wienermobile were very impressed with the boys' little cars. Hard core fans!

Last Soccer Game

Yesterday was Jacob's final soccer game for the Spring season. He had a great team this year with several very talented players.

Jacob enjoyed the season, but I think he is glad it is over. The best thing about YMCA soccer...they keep the seasons short, which is great for most young children who get bored easily!

The end of season party was at Joe's Crab Shack. The kids had a blast playing on the playground with all the other kids. Another fabulous trophy to add to his collection.

Next up...swim team!

Fish Fry Tailgate

Friday night, the moms group at our church decided to have a Fish Fry Tailgate in the church parking lot by the playground. The church sells fried fish dinners on Fridays during Lent, so we filled up the coolers, popped up some tables and chairs, brought some food, and enjoyed the evening. The kids had a great time running around and playing with friends, while the adults had a chance to visit and eat. We had a great turnout for the event and are looking forward to the next one.

To the Zoo

Another nice Houston day called for a zoo trip. The boys were excited since it had been over a month since our last visit.

Meercats always provide entertainment

The Chimpanzees in the African Forest is my favorite exhibit.We even got to see the lions get fed. Lots of raw hamburger meat, onions, eggs, squash, and a few other veggies were being offered.

Our zoo visit wouldn't be complete without a ride on the wild animal carousel.

A quick run through the children's zoo playground, finished out our zoo visit (judging by Luke's acrobatics here, it is no wonder the recommended height requirement is 48 inches)

And of course, after our picnic lunch, we had to ride the Herman Park Train. So fun!

Jacob's Pretend Birthday

Jacob celebrated his "pretend" birthday at school this week. That is what his teacher and friends called it since it wasn't his "real" birthday. Since his birthday is over the summer, he doesn't get to celebrate on the actual day, so he chose March 31st as his "pretend" birthday.

He requested a cookie cake with red icing, so I happily obliged. He put on the birthday hat, had a card signed by all his friends, and had the birthday song sung to him. He thinks it is pretty special that he gets two birthdays.

Underwater Camera

For my birthday, I got a new pocket camera (mine broke last spring.) Since I LOVE my DSLR and use it for almost every picture taking occasion, we wanted the new camera to have its own identity and specific use. We decided on a waterproof one. Though the "everyday" pictures it takes aren't spectacular, they do the job of capturing the moment if I don't have my big camera with me. I was quite happy with how the underwater ones turned out though.

In Honduras:

Haircuts

Today was haircut day for the boys.

Jacob: Luke (aka wild man):

As the stylist was putting gel in his hair and running his fingers through it, it was all sticking straight up at one point. Luke grinned and said "hair all done" and tried to get down from the chair. We asked him if he wanted it to be spidy like that and he said yes. She then put it into a faux-hawk. He loved it. (But he looks older than his 2 1/2 yrs, so it won't be staying....I like my little guy looking 2!)

Bowling

Yesterday I took the boys bowling. David and I took them once before a few months ago, so Jacob was very excited when I told him we were going. It is amazing what a difference 4-5 months can make.

Jacob attempted to bowl with his fingers in the proper holes,

though he still did a painful drop of the ball rather than roll it.

He even got a strike on one throw. He was excited he knocked them all down, but not excited that meant the end of his turn.

Luke, as is typical these days, insisted on doing it "all myself."

I was a bit nervous in the beginning that he would drop the 7lb ball on his foot (or someone else's) but he did great.

The ball didn't roll very fast, but except for one throw in the 8th frame, the ball made it to the pins every time.

Here's Luke:

And Jacob:

And one more of Jacob (with 'help' from Luke):