9 Year Anniversary

(Can you tell I've been waiting until I have time to finally post all these updates?)

For our 9 year anniversary we headed to Glen Rose. We have been north, south and east, we thought it was time to head west.

For the first time, we got a sitter to stay with the kids.  It is just easier for them to be home with all their stuff here. Melissa has babysat for us many times and kept our good friend's kids overnight before.  She knows all about Liberty's allergies. I wrote everything out and especially since she is a Christian we felt peaceful about it.  It is always nice to hear your babysitter pray with your kids. The kids did great, unfortunately Melissa did not get much uninterrupted sleep.

OK back to the trip - Glen Rose is such a peaceful, quiet town.  We didn't have a plan, we were just going to get up and enjoy not having to be anywhere, and have uninterrupted conversation.

Glen Rose is known for Dinosaur Valley so we headed that way. On the way there we saw The Creation Museum. We decided to check it out! We are big fans of Ken Ham's Creation Museum in Kentucky, (and hope to one day visit it). This was a scaled down version of that.  The main point of the museum was proving we did not evolve but were create, the flood with Noah really happened, and how dinosaurs are not millions of years old.  The museum pointed out how some of the dinosaurs, probably younger ones, were even on the Ark. The flood could have wiped out many of them though. There was a model replica of the Ark in the museum (see picture).  It was really neat to see the water filtration system and the many levels and rooms on the Ark.

We then went to dinosaur Valley where there are actual footprints of dinosaurs.  I even heard a guy say, "How could this still be here if dinosaurs died millions of years ago?" to his wife. I am looking forward to researching and teaching Hallister what really happened to the dinosaurs.

Our next stop was Stephenville for some oh-so-yummy BBQ at Hard Eight. Oh it was so good!

We made dinner reservations at Rough Creek Lodge for that evening.  One of my Jamberry team members recommended it. It was a full course meal, appetizers, dinner, and then dessert, and SO GOOD! We felt a little out of place because this was a nice, nice place and we were the only ones taking pictures of our food. HA.  We would only spend this much on a meal once a year, but it was worth it.  Here is what we got to enjoy:

• Liz - Duck Sampler, Duck Prosciutto & Ham, Seared Foie Gras & Smoked Duck Biscuit
• Jon - Assorted Cheeses
• Liz - Swordfish
• Jon - Steak
• Gluten Free Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Normally I would not choose duck but I don't think I've been in the position to ever try duck, so quack quack, I gave it a go.

Sunday we leisurely got up and ate breakfast, then made our trek back home.  It was nice talking all the way home, but we did start to miss the kids.

Now we are looking forward to our big 10 year anniversary trip next year, either a cruise or going to an all-inclusive resort! Woohoo!

It Pays to Have Connections

My x-boss Michele, who I still do occasional work for, contacted me and asked if I wanted VIP tickets to the Circus here in Waco. HELLO?!?! Of course!

Ringling Bros advertised in Central Texas Hooray for Family and gave her a certain amount of tickets to use for giveaways.

We had a fun evening at the circus and we were as close as you can get to the show. Liberty loves elephants so she got super excited when the elephants came out.

Hallister loved when the motorcycle got inside the steel cage. Preston seemed to like the dogs and when they jumped on top of the ponies backs.

It was a lot of family fun!

Preston Turns Four

Every year when the kids birthday is coming up I try to plan something big, design the invitations, decorations, food or snacks, drinks, cupcakes (To me cupcakes or cake is the most important part, that is what people remember - if they are good - so I just can't do store bought it has to be from a skilled baker which is a little more pricey but you get more variety), and a gift or two. When you add it all up it is about $200/birthday.

Now don't get me wrong I enjoy seeing all our friends that we barely ever see except at birthdays but this year we wanted to do what would most bless the kids, and for Preston that was go on a real train.

My talented mother made the kids engineer outfits and hats.  It was so adorable.  We traveled to Palestine to board the train for an hour and a half train ride.  We stopped in Rusk for lunch then an hour and a half back.  It was so much fun.

It did get a little hot in the afternoon but it was bearable.  By the time we got back to Palestine the kids were wiped out.

We enjoyed cupcakes when we got back home. My baker lady wasn't available so I made gluten free ones myself.  And then the kids went to bed early. Preston still talks about that day and asks when we are going to do it again!

Sea World - Wedding - Father's Day

We decided to plan a mini-vacation in the midst of going to Jonathan's friends' wedding close to San Antonio.  We though Hallister could handle Sea World and thanks to finding a Preschool Pass he was able to get in free!

We went down on that Friday night to get settled in our hotel. We even took the scenic route down to San Antonio going the "back way" through small towns and ate a good home style cooked meal. It was a lot of fun.

Hallister enjoyed having the couch bed all to himself and getting cozy with all his "lovies".

Saturday morning we headed to San Antonio!  Hallister got to ride his first "roller coaster" which he went on I think 5 times.  We headed straight for the kids area so the lines weren't long.

I wish we could have stayed longer but we needed to head back to get ready for the wedding.  At least now we know what rides Hall can and can't ride.  Next year he should be taller to be able to ride more.

The wedding was outside then the reception was in a beautiful old dance hall. It was fun to see Travis, who was a groomsmen in our wedding, get married.

Sunday we got up early to head down to Walburg to celebrate Father's Day at Zion Lutheran and meet my parents, who had kept Liberty and Preston.

We then headed to Florence for lunch.  I am so thankful for our family and love how well we all get along, keep in touch, and are there for one another.