Dallas World Aquarium & Ft. Worth Zoo

We took the boys to the city that will soon be theirs. Although they had been to Dallas before, they hadn't truly experienced it. As you know, Joe has been living in Dallas (in a corporate living apartment) since the first week of December. So, the 4 of us stayed in his 400 sq ft apartment like sardines. :) We visited the Dallas World Aquarium. We visited our friends Tony and Amy. [May I add that I am so excited that I once again get to live in the same city as one of my BFF's and college roommate!?!?] We went to the Fort Worth Zoo.  We took tours of their new schools and started the registration process. We showed them their new home. We had a picnic in a really cool park that's exactly a mile away from our house. I am so glad that they are on-board with the move! 

The Dallas World Aquarium

This alligator doesn't look big but it was ENORMOUS! 

This owl reminded me of my Grandpa. He loves (and collects) owl figurines. 

The Fort Worth Zoo

Pretty Reese! 

Bengal Tigers.

A very cool exhibit. 

The bears. All the animals were pretty close!

Looking down at the lions.

Picture taken by Cole. :)

Amy, Tony and Ryan. Reese was in her stroller. 

Papi's 70th Birthday!

Although vaguely, I remember my Dad's 40th birthday. I was a couple of days short of turning 5. I just remember lots of laughing and everyone wearing black hats. I can't believe that this year, we celebrated his 70th birthday.  My mom threw him a party. She ordered Paella, made tons of sangria, hired help to assist with serving cocktails and appetizers.  She also hired a Tuna group.  The group showed up around 10pm and surprised everyone, including my dad. We celebrated like Spaniards and we all had a  BLAST! Click on the link to see a small sample of how the night went.  :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaRQIkrIfYM

XOXOXOX :)

Not sure how my babies lasted this long. It was around midnight in this picture...

Feliz Dia Papi! Te quiero mucho!
PS/. Yes, my teeth are purple from the vino. 

Turtle Thursday

My baby!

Treasure Hunt at Tara's moms house!

Don't kill Paul!

A couple of months ago, we visited our friends Tony and Amy in Dallas. We took the boys and had a great time! One of the days while we bbq'd outside, a fly snuck into the house. Later, as we sat watching a football game on TV, a fly landed right in front of Tony and Cole. Tony instantly looked at Cole and said "Oh have you met Paul, our pet fly?" I still laugh at how nonchalant he was about it... As you can imagine, the kids went along with it. Or at least we thought they were just going along with it. We didn't really think that they would truly believe it. On the drive back to Houston, a fly snuck into our car while getting gas. As soon as the boys saw it, they became ecstatic. "Paul wants to go to Houston with us!!!!!!" Eventually, we got rid of the fly and told them that "Paul wants to go back to Dallas with his family" and thought that was the end of it. It's been months and the kids cry (yes, real tears) and beg "Please don't kill Paul!" when we bring out the fly swatter.
I have a feeling that Paul will come up at some point. Hopefully, we are around so that we can explain. I can hear one of their friends telling their mom "But Cole has a pet fly. Why can't I have one?".

I'm so grossed out by *ANY* Paul!!!

I came across this quote and think it's incredibly true. Love it!

"While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about." - Angela Schmidt