Zoo Day

A few weekends ago (Feb 21st), we decided to make a little day trip to the zoo in Victoria.  It's only about an hour drive and we had never been before.  Brady was so excited!  I think we were all a little excited to do something different and spend time together - outside the norm.

We ate breakfast that morning then loaded up.  Brady looked at books, played with his trucks, while AB and I chatted.  We made it to the zoo around 10am.



We weren't sure what to expect since Victoria isn't a very big town.  But the zoo ended up being perfect!  We got to see lots of animals, mostly native to that area but we also saw a tiger, lions, alligators, monkeys, and lots of birds!

It isn't a huge zoo like the Houston Zoo we've been too.  But it was the perfect size for a 3 year old to walk and not get uninterested.  The animals were also really close so it was easy to spot them.  There were also lots of opportunities to stop and feed certain animals which B really enjoyed.

We spent about an hour and half at the zoo then headed across the street to The Pump House for lunch.  It sits right on the river and we ate lunch while overlooking the river.  The weather was perfect that day.  Other than a little brisk breeze, it was great for south TX.

The restaurant used to be an old pump house that they restored.  It was really neat.  And the food was amazing!  I'll go back to the zoo, just so we can eat there again ;)

He said the deer were his favorite! :)

My favorite was the tiger.  His paws were massive and just so majestic.  God truly creates some of the most amazing creatures.

Checking out the wild pigs.  And I just love my people.  They get me, they love me (despite my crazy), and they are just plain fun!

They even have a little train ride!  B was not going to miss out on a train ride...

Birds and peacocks...roaming everywhere!

After lunch, we went back to the zoo for a live animal show.  We got there late, but basicially they brought out different zoo animals and talked about them.  Brady lost interest after a few minutes so we just strolled back through the zoo one more time.  And spent more time checking out "Tony the Tiger!" :)

We left the zoo and headed to the nearest Chick-fil-a for some free coffee!  We're already planning and talking about our next fam-bam day outing.  But next time I think we'll stay somewhere over night!!

Weekend Recap

I haven't blogged about real life in a while so I thought I would.

We've had sickness going around our house.  First me, then B and daddy.  The weather has been the pits lately.  Cold and rainy with very little sunshine.  I'm normally a huge fan of winter (boots, scarves, big sweaters, and all the above), but I'll be honest I'm ready for some sunshine & a little bit of warmth.  I'm not completely ready for the south Texas heat though.

We had a low-key weekend, which is always great.  Especially when I look ahead to the rest of the month and the month of April.  It is jam packed, plum-full.

And so I can't even remember what we did Friday.  Ha, how sad is that?!  Guess is wasn't too exciting.  I probably went to bed early since I was still fighting a sinus infection and headache that would.not.quit.

Friday, I did have a Dr's appointment that morning and while I was waiting for the doctor- I thought to myself how sad is it that I'm enjoying the time by myself and the extra long wait.  Haha.  It was like a mom vacation!

Brady fell asleep on the way home.  Thankfully, he transfers easily to his bed for naps.  He slept for 4 HOURS and I caught up on Downton Abbey and The Voice!

Saturday, AB had to go into work for the morning so B and I hang out then went over to check on my mother-in-law.  She recently had neck surgery so we've been going over periodically to keep her company.

After lunch, AB came home and we took Brady out on the gator.  He insist that he will drive.  Driving to him is holding onto the steering wheel, looking out everywhere but ahead of him with his safety glasses on.  :) Fun times!

I even raced him by foot a few times.  He got a big kick out of it and I got a good out workout.

Then he wanted to go ride the tractor w/ his D.  So daddy took him to go ride for a bit, while I curled up on the couch and took a glorious nap!

I had an urge to try a new Pinterest recipe so I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart to get a few things I needed and went back to my in-laws and made this one pot chili mac and a fruit salad.  It was a hit!!

After B went to bed, we decided to check out what House of Cards is all about.  So we started season 1...we only watched the first episode so I haven't decided if I like it or not.

Sunday was the dreadful daylight savings time.  B and I didn't make it to early service, but we did get dressed and made it to Sunday school.  Daddy was already there for his men's service breakfast.  We took B to eat pizza after church then all came home and took a long nap!  Sunday naps are the best!!  We went back over to my in-laws for dinner and to visit for a bit.

And it's been raining ever since...for over 24 hours and our street looks like a river.  So today we're hanging out in our pjs, still trying to fight off sickness.  Happy Monday!  Hope your weekend was great!

Grand Cayman - Departure & Arrival

Saturday, we got home from a trip of a lifetime.  We spent seven glorious days in paradise with my family.  My parents, my brother and his family, my sister, and my little family.  We missed the others who couldn't make it...next time we all will make the trip!

We got to spend a week with each other - laughing, loving on each other, and making unforgettable memories.  God truly answered our prayers and we were able to go and just be.  Forgetting mom's current condition.  Mom felt great most of the time, even got to enjoy some of the local food without feeling sick.

I can't tell you how much this trip meant to all of us.  We've had this trip planned for 6 months prior to finding out about mom.  She was determined we would still go and God will take care of the rest.  And that he did.

 
On the way to the airport.

The boys were in awe over all the planes.  Waiting to board.

 Ready for take-off!

We flew out Saturday, the 13th a little after noon.  It was B's first plane ride.  He did so great!  The flight was a 3 hour direct flight.  About 20 minutes before we landed, he started to get a little ancy.  I think we all were ready to hit the beach! 

We spent lots of time watching Paw-Patrol, eating snacks, and playing games with Mimi & Papa!

We're here!  Getting ready to land...

Landing selfie

We landed and made our way to the rental car place.  We rented a van where we all crammed in.  It was quiet comical.  Mind you drive on the left side of the road.  My dad did a great job driving us around the island!  Roundabouts and all... 

 

We hit up the local grocery store which was an experience all itself.  Then we made the 45 minute trek to the north side of the island to where we'd spend the next 7 days.

 I mean could we just live here?!?!

 View off the back deck.

Ani-mules, funnel cake, & popcorn...oh my!

Last week my mom came to town and it just so happened it was also our the county show.

We took Brady for the day to see the "ani-mules" and he loved it!

The day she came into town, we went to eat at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for lunch.  Yum!

We saw turkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, cows, and pigs.

He went up to all the pens.  He would say, "Hi!  Tractor!" haha!  Such a sweet boy!

I took our DSLR but when I got there realized it had NO card.  Ugh!!!  So phone pictures it was...

Two must have fair treats...funnel cake & the best lemonade ever!  Hand shaken and lots of sugar!  Strawberries make the funnel cake, healthy...right??

He got to snack on funnel cake & kettle corn while we shopped.  I think my heart might burst looking at in with his big bag of popcorn...LOVE!!!

After some fun seeing the "ani-mules" we went into town so my mom could get her phone checked out at Verizon.  Then decided to grab some coffee and a snack at my new favorite place, The Corner Bakery.  We then walked over to check out our new HomeGoods.

Life is good.  And life is especially good when Mimi is here!!!!