San Antonio - Sea World

On Saturday, Andy's birthday, we headed to Sea World. Unfortunately they didn't open until noon, but we were still able to get in our favorite shows and enjoy exploring the park as well. We went on a few big roller coasters and quite a few of the little kid rides. Since we'd been last (back in 2010) they'd added a whole new section of kid rides and playgrounds called Sesame Street Bay of Play. So, when we weren't enjoying a show, the kids had fun in that area.

For some reason Audrey and Ian were being grumpy right as we entered, so we grabbed a picture of Rachel and then Jace and Weston joined her as well:

 

We went to check out the dolphins first:

 

 

The kids had fun watching them swim and jump around and luckily no one ended up in the water! :) Next were the sharks...

 

At 2:00 we headed to our first show, called Azul. This is always a fun show with acrobats and dolphins. The kids were definitely excited and entertained throughout the show.

Ian really enjoyed his first show. He humored us for one quick picture and then was off to watching again:

 

 

We then walked through Sesame Street Bay of Play and rode some of the rides, including the carousel:

Rachel was the only one brave enough and willing to get a picture with Zoe and Abby:

There was trick or treating throughout the park. We didn't make an effort to go to all the different stations, but if we happened to run into them we got some candy:

Ian is a really good stroller toddler. He doesn't mind his stroller at all and actually welcomes it most times. Here's some fun pictures I took while we were waiting for everyone else to go on a water ride:

Andy was able to convince Audrey and Rachel to go on the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster ride. I was quite impressed they actually got through the line and no one backed out. Here's a video of what the ride is like at the end:

After the ride both the girls said it was fun, but neither of them wanted to go on it again. Here's a pretty entertaining video of the kids watching others go down after their ride:

I love the pictures showing the same thing, but at a better angle:

 

 

 

 

I was glad Audrey was all giggles after this happened. We took off her tights and shirt and laid them out on the stroller to dry for a bit. Luckily we had brought jackets into the park and she just wore that for awhile. 

Love this picture of Weston helping Ian stay hydrated: 

 

We then went to watch Clyde and Seymour. They had a Halloween themed show going on and we didn't enjoy it as much as their classic show. Ian wasn't as entertained this time, but luckily snacks were able to keep him occupied (and I guess the people behind us):

 

Our last show of the day was going to see Shamu, which is always a favorite. By this time though Ian was spent. He hadn't napped and didn't really want to sit. So, I took him out after the first few minutes of the show. Here's Andy trying to take a picture of these cuties by himself:

Then I grabbed the camera:

 

We then had some dinner and headed back to Sesame Street Bay of Play. The kids had fun playing on the playground and riding some more rides. Around 8:00 I got to take the kids on one last ride, their favorite, the kid Shamu roller coaster. So here we are waiting in line:

We definitely enjoyed our day in Sea World celebrating Andy's birthday! We thought for sure at least two of our kids would crash on the way back to the hotel. It was a quick drive, but we thought they would be exhausted. Not so, they were all still wide awake and got baths that night. Sea World is definitely one of our favorites and we're glad we got to enjoy it with the Bills family!

San Antonio - Riverwalk & Alamo

For Andy's birthday weekend, we went to San Antonio with some friends. It had been a few years since we had been to Sea World and we wanted to do something a little different to celebrate Andy's birthday. We pulled Rachel out of school a little early on Friday and made our way to San Antonio. Before going to our hotel we stopped off at the Alamo and Riverwalk. The past few times we've been to San Antonio we haven't visited the downtown area, so it was fun. It brought back memories of the first trip Andy and I made to San Antonio back in 2003 when we had just moved to Texas. Crazy that 10 years have flown by... We decided to splurge and take the river cruise. The girls enjoyed the boat ride for the most part. I think they were expecting something a bit more exciting, but Ian definitely enjoyed the sights.

A bit concerned about our tour guide at first:

Too busy looking around to look at Mommy:

Best I could get:

The girls (getting a bit restless by this point):

Lots to see!

The girls after the river cruise with flowers in their hair:

We then walked over to the Alamo. Due to time we didn't go in, but we grabbed a few pictures in front of the Alamo. Rachel was the most cooperative. The other two weren't interested in taking pictures.

Best picture of the 3 of them:

Rachel trying to get Ian to cooperate:

Cute Rachel in her "Don't mess with Texas" shirt:

We then headed to our hotel planning on getting some dinner on the way there. We didn't think about 5 pm traffic. You tend to forget about those things when you're on vacation. So, it took us quite awhile to get to our hotel. We had promised the kids the chance to go swimming in the indoor pool. So, we ate dinner quickly and then headed to the pool. The kids enjoyed swimming and then we all crashed for the night. We were excited to go to Sea World with our friends the next day...

Crazy Hair Day

As part of Red Ribbon Week, Rachel's school has a different theme every day. Today was crazy hair day and Rachel was pretty excited to do this:

Luckily it was pretty easy to do! Thank heavens for the Internet where we can find ideas like this. What would I ever do if I had to come up with something myself??? :)

Preschool

Traditionally for our little ones I do a year of Joy School when they are 3 turning 4. Then that final year before kindergarten we splurge and pay for preschool at a local church. Kindergarten is all day in Texas, so we feel like it's important for our children to get used to a school setting before sending them full-time. And with Audrey, it has definitely proved to be soemthing we needed to do to help her gain confidence and thrive away from Mommy. She is attending the Methodist Day School, which is just a few minutes from our home. She goes to school Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Tuesdays and Thursdays she's there from 9-2 and Wednesdays are 9-12. Audrey favors Wednesdays! :) However, that being said, she's doing really well. It was definitely an adjustment the first few weeks. She cried a lot at drop-off and during the day. However, she has seemed to settle in now. I actually had a parent/teacher conference last week and her teacher was very positive and impressed with Audrey. The only thing she's really had to help Audrey with is not doing the other students' work. Since she can write all her letters and get through her work quickly, her friends were recruiting her to write things for them. Too funny! A lesson that needs to be learned, though. 

I've had the opportunity to go into Audrey's school twice since she's started. Once I went in and helping during Open Door time. It's a time where all the doors (4 classes) for the Preschool 4's are opened up and the children chose where they want to go and what they want to do. Basically different stations at each classroom. As soon as Audrey saw me she started crying. Uh, oh! She cried several times while I was there. But we got through it. I was busy helping kids, so she just had to kind of figure it out. I got to help her, but it's not like I could just console her the whole time. The following week Rachel had early dismissal and wanted to go eat lunch with Audrey. What a sweet sister! I was a bit hesitant about it, because of the Open Door incident. But we surprised her and it went well. No tears and she was excited to have us eat lunch with her. I think Rachel really enjoyed it, too. And it was fun to meet some of her classmates. I've signed up several more times to volunteer the next few months, so hopefully all continues to go well. 

Before preschool actually started there was a Meet the Teacher day and here are some pictures of when we did that:

Audrey's spot to hang her backpack and her checklist she does every morning when she arrives at school (it's upside down):

Audrey was excited to check out the art easels and even Ian joined in:

And then of course, the adorable Audrey on her first day of preschool:

I'm so glad that Audrey has this opportunity to learn and grow. We've also started reading lessons at home and we're flying through them. She's so lucky to have Rachel as an older sister. She has learned and continues to learn so much from her. She likes to learn, but Audrey also LOVES to play. Our house is full of play time every day. I'm really pleased with this preschool. We switched from where we sent Rachel. I feel like this preschool is much more hands-on and worksheets don't even really exist (other than practicing handwriting once a week). I like that! I want my kids to enjoy school and I feel like this school is a great fit for Audrey. It's going to be fun to watch her progress this school year.

3 out of the 5

Back in September, Steve and Rachel came to Texas. It was a great excuse for Paul's family and my family to meet up at my parents'. Paul and Cristy moved to Dallas in July and we still hadn't gotten together with them. Getting all of my siblings together is quite the feat, so we'll take what we can when we can. We enjoyed our time with 3 out of the 5!

We drove up Thursday evening since Rachel didn't have school that Friday due to Fort Bend County Fair Day. We were hoping after a few hours in the car everyone would crash. I believe Ian and Audrey did a good job of sleeping, but Rachel stayed awake the whole time. On Friday we went into a nearby town to a place called Leapin' Lizards. We've had fun there in the past. Grandma had to work that day, so Papa helped show the girls how to play some pool:

 

We met Grandma up for lunch and then headed back for Ian's nap. Friday evening Paul, Cristy and their kids arrived. The kids had fun with their cousins. It was still warm and the kids enjoyed the slip n' slide on Saturday:

There was also plenty of fun inside:

It was interesting to watch the cousins play. They definitely enjoyed playing all together at times. But Rachel and Aaron really hit it off and so did Audrey and Ashlyn. It was nice because they all had someone who had similar interests. I think everyone had a good time and everyone had a playmate. Jacob and Ian got along pretty well for the most part. I just didn't get any pictures of them together...

 

A quick picture with Steve and Rachel on Saturday night:

 

Everyone had to head back home on Sunday. Before leaving on Sunday we put the cousins in birth order and grabbed a picture:

  

Even though the time was short, it was great to spend time with Steve and Rachel. And now whenever someone comes to Texas, we for sure see Paul, Cristy, and their kids as well. We're glad they live closer now and hope the rest of you come visit when you can!!!

Second Grade

Here's Rachel on her first day of 2nd grade:

She even let us walk her back to her classroom! Above is the picture of her at her desk. We had met her teacher the previous week, so she was feeling pretty comfortable. And one of her church friends was sitting right across from her, so she was happy about that. Although by now Rachel pretty much knows all the kids in her grade. So far Rachel has done a fabulous job. We've already had parent/teacher conferences and hers went well. She is already reading at the level that she needs to be at by the end of 2nd grade. I was surprised by this, since I sometimes worry about her comprehension. But the teacher said the test actually had comprehension and it wasn't just reading. Go, Rachel! Even though she's a strong reader, she doesn't care for it that much. She whines and complains every time I suggest that it's time to get her reading done for the day. We've tried a variety of different series of books and still haven't found any she really likes. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Rachel's in Mrs. Rosenzweig's class this year. It's her 2nd year of teaching and she seems quite energetic and excited. Rachel really likes her and that's all that matters.  I'm dreading the year when she doesn't like her teacher.... Maybe that will never happen. So far, so good. Rachel really enjoys school and I'm glad about that. Her favorite subject is science. She loves doing hands-on stuff. She always aces her spelling tests (and we don't even study at home). This week she came home with a few words I hadn't even heard of. I guess they go along with their current science unit. This is Rachel's last year before she has the pressure of the state-mandated testing. I hope she enjoys it! I've actually signed up to be room mom this year. I don't have any excuses this year, so I figured I better sneak it in while I can and while it's still "cool" for mom to come into her classroom. I'm looking forward to helping out with activities in her classroom this year. I'm excited to see all that Rachel will learn this year and I know she'll teach me plenty!

My Boy

Andy took this picture after dinner tonight and I love it. Not much make-up is left from a long day and Ian's down to his onesie, but I still love the picture! Andy and I have both realized that we don't have many pictures with our Ian. So, we're trying to be better about that. I love everything about this boy; the good, the bad, and the really ugly stuff. He's my bud. If he's not following me around helping me out, he's quiet somewhere and getting into mischief. So, then an investigation has to take place... I'm so grateful that I've gotten to stay home with my kiddos and am so grateful for memories I have with each and every one of them.

Calling all princesses!!!

About a week ago I was driving through the Chick fil-A drive thru and noticed a sign about a prince and princess night. I got home, looked it up, and made reservations for our family. The girls were so excited. It worked out perfectly that they are both planning on being princesses for Halloween (well, Audrey's technically a fairy, but that's close enough). Chick fil-A had reserved us a table for our time slot and the tables and chairs were covered with linens. The girls were very impressed! Our table even was labeled with our name. There was also a "real" princess walking around and talking to everyone. The girls were thrilled to get a picture with her and of course the Chick fil-A cow. :) I think the highlight of the night was the free ice cream they got at the end. It was low key, but fancy enough to make theses princesses feel special. And we actually purchased costumes this year, so I was happy to have them used more than once.

 

 

We had to make sure to catch a picture of our prince as well:

I love it when I discover fun little community activities like these!

Pledge of Allegiance

This smart girl came home from preschool today waving the American flag. She was quite excited that she's learned the Pledge of Allegiance and passed it off with her teacher. Her prize is her very own American flag. Yay, for success at school!

Conference Weekend

We enjoyed General Conference this weekend. We enjoy listening to our prophets, apostles, and other leaders. The kids thought it was pretty fun to eat popcorn while watching conference this morning (it was like a movie night, but earlier in the day):