Japanese Tea Garden

Day 3: Japanese Tea Garden

There is a free garden by our zoo that we checked out one morning.

The garden has a bunch of plants, paths, 

 a waterfall,

 bridges,

 and ponds with lots of big fish.

 Rylee thought the fish were pretty cool.  She even tried to pet one.

 (I believe the last time Michael's parents were visiting we took a very similar picture by another similar yuka plant)

 We took the opportunity while in the area to take Rylee on her first train ride.

I thought the train went IN part of the zoo, it does not - not gonna lie, I was a little dissapointed.  Poc bought Rylee popcorn, so she was pleased.

We had lunch at a featured "Diners, Driv-ins and Dives" restaurant, Taco-Taco:  meh.

Then we turned his family in the direction of El Mercado/Market Square  or as I like to call it "Little Mexico" and headed home.

After dinner we fired up the chiminea and roasted marshmellows and ate smores. 

My bro-in-law had the fantastic suggestion of using a reeses peanut butter cups instead of regular Hershey's chocolate.  me likey the peanut butter.

It was actually a little chilly so we got to pull out a beanie for Kelsey.

 loving the snuggles, confused by the fire.

 Rylee enjoyed the smore, only slightly more than the first time she tasted one.  She much prefered changing seats every five seconds.

Enchanted Rock

As expected when Michael's family was in town we jammed the week full of activities.

First on the agenda (you know, after filling the freezer with leftover rudy's and blue bell ice cream) was Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock.

Enchanted Rock is a state park about an hour and half away.  Its a giant pink granite rock and its the "second largest exposed underground batholith" (too be honest I don't get how it's considered underground if its not, but whatever).

 We just start walking up the rock.

"come-on Dad, lets GO!!"

 There's puddles of water, patches of grass, and a cave on the way up.

 a drop off to the side

 Rylee did really well, and even walked a fair amount of the way.

She had to get in a better position to look at the map with Daddy.

 Kelsey slep the hike a way, shaded from the cool-ish air and sun.

After our little hike we had lunch in Fredericksburg and walked the shops of main street until they closed . . . . they close early. :)

Kelsey's Blessing Day

Since Michael's parents were coming for their spring break we arranged for Kelsey to be blessed on Sunday.

 I made her blessing dress, headband, and "barefoot sandals", My mom sent her bracelet.

(Funny, I wanted NOTHING to do with making Rylee's dress - the difference being blessed at 11 weeks instead of 3 makes when you have a 'surprise' gender baby)

 (I coudn't resist a pair of ruffle bloomers either)

My inspriation for the dress was none other than Fancy Nancy, and pre-ruffled fabric

 Its funny, Kelsey isn't a big smiler, but the times she does smile is usually when I'm putting on her headbands/bows or a ruffly dress. . . . . makes me laugh.

 I was really excited about the sandals, and think they turned out pretty cute.  

Perfect foot accessory for the Texas heat.

 We had a little photo shoot before church.

 Poc and Nana with their Texas Grand-daughters

 one with the lady of the day.

 Michael's youngest sister and brother came too.

 I wish I could say that the day went without drama or tears, but I would be lying.  Good thing I have a testimony to lean on when things don't go as smoothly as I would have liked.

But, the blessing was beautiful!

I feel really blessed to have such wonderful men in our lives, including those who weren't physically present (who were dearly missed). 

 

That baby girl is loved by many.

Stock Show 2012

As we talked about things we could do as a family for Rylee's birthday we contemplated taking her to the zoo (she's never been).  Then I remember that it was rodeo time (which lasts about 3 weeks) and Friday's are dollar days:  one dollar entry and one dollar rides at the carnival.  So we decided to do that instead.  Michael took the day off so we could go during the day and not fight the crowds at night (we didn't even have to pay for parking! that never happens downtown)

The fam inside the little petting zoo.

 Rylee was a little scared, and didn't want Daddy to let go of her.

 She liked looking at the animals.  Didn't care too much to be close or touch them (maybe the zoo would have been a better option after all . . .. haha)

 Kelsy thought it was boring.

They had a fair amount of stuff for kids to do.   There was one tent that handed out baskets at the front door, then there were stations to learn about different aspects of farming and gather items into your basket (milk a fake cow get a plastic jug of milk, learn about chickens, put an egg in your basket) something to keep her hands busy while we read up on how to improve our Texas gardening.  They had this box of gravel where you were to plant and water a pretend seed.  Rylee loved digging and dumping, she's was there for a while.  Then at the end you turned all your loot in for actual milk and a toy.

 At that point Rylee caught a glimpse of the Carosel and headed straight for it.  It was too cute.  Though interestingly enough, she didn't want to ride it again.  whatever.

There were a couple mini rodeo events we watched, and lots of walking around shops. 

We had a fabulous day together!

Been a little while

A few days ago Michael commented on how I hadn't blogged in a while, as I usually don't go a month without posting.  Its not that I lack content . . . . I do have a little one that is growing and changing by the mintue {if you want daily updates on THAT you can always move closer . . . . . there's several homes for sale on our street) I've been busy doing other things. . . . .

like reading.

The Hunger Games to be precise.

Michael read it last fall-ish and has had the book on my nightstand since.  It took a couples book club deadline for me to start, and then not doing any household duties for 11 days while I finished the series.  I loved them.  Another 'teen' series that after hearing the plot thought I would hate (similar to Twilight) and ended up enjoying.  Because I read them so close to each other (finished Catching Fire in 3 days - a personal record) it really felt like one book.  And although many warned me the ending was lame, I thought it was PERFECT!! I don't get why so many disliked it. . . . so if you happen to be one of 'them' feel free to explain it to me :)

At any rate, here's a few pictures.

 I love catching Rylee staring and smiling at Kelsey, its the sweetest thing, though I havn't been able to capture said moments on camera.

 The weather has been fantastic! Oh how I love a Texas winter!

 I have a billion pictures of Kelsey sleeping as that is still basically what she spends 80% of her time doing, gotta love a sleeping babe.

 And I've been experimenting with Rylee's hair. . . . .  shorlty after this hair-do I realized just how thin and fine her hair is, and she has a forehead that goes for miles.  seriously. she looked pretty boyish from the front which prompted a big milestone for that toddler:   Her FIRST hair cut.  Granted I just trimmed her bangs up a little so they're not in her eyes.  I'm not entirely sure I love them, but I didn't want to pay somebody to do it just yet.

I'll get to further details such as the birthday and other milestones another time, but that seems like a pretty good re-cap for now.