New Braunsfules, we have fire!

So with staying at a place on property that has a full kitchen and bar-b-que grills, we decided that we wanted to cook hamburger and hot dogs. Mike had told Debbie and I that when we were at the store, if we could grab matches and charcoal, he didn't mind cooking the meat on the grill. So when Debbie and I were at the store, we found charcoal, and what we thought were matches. Oops, they weren't matches, they were toothpicks. Thinking we had matches, we came all the way back, and when we got ready to cook the meat realized it. Thanks to Mike's smart thinking, and a few handy things we had in the kitchen, Mike was able to make fire for the BBQ pit! I was very impressed, and not to mention, no one got hurt! YAY us! Well, hope you enjoy making a fire with toothpicks 101. (Sorry it was so hot there was some condensation on my lense when the guys went outside and I followed with the video).





Until next post,

The Raging River

This past Sunday we got back from a fun filled weekend in New Braunsfules, Texas. (For those of you who have never gone, you should check it out.) We met our best friends Lance and Debbie there with their three kids, Dristan, Gage and Lillie. All I have to say is WOW! All the kids did amazing with sharing, playing, and swimming together. We arrived in New Braunsfules on Thursday afternoon and checked into The Resort at the Bahn (definitely worth it as it is on the property, and has a kitchen!) We emptied out the car, and greeted our friends. Cassidy and Lillie immediately started playing, Lance and Mike started talking, and Debbie and I started planning the meals. We decided with the number of us (7), and the cost of eating out, we would cook, and eat it all our meals. It worked great! We did NOT EAT A SINGLE MEAL OUT!

On Thursday, we simply hung out, and played. The guys took the kids to the pool while the Moms went to the store. We were able to get everything we needed, but I have to say, there was only 1 BAG OF HONEY WHEAT HOTDOG BUNS LEFT! I guess everyone was shopping at that Walmart. Luckily, we were able to get that bag. We did joke saying the kids would probably notice, and low and behold they did, but it was better than nothing. Once we got our groceries, we decided to head back to the house and get dinner started. The kids (including Mike and Lance) came in for dinner, and played inside.

On Friday, we all woke up, ate and got ready for the park. Cassidy was a little scared, and had no idea what to expect. Mike and I tried to calm her nerves and let her know how much fun she was going to have. We started off with a tube shute /ride called Hillside. As you can imagine, we were in the Hill Country, so Hillside is just that. They have built a tube shute into the side of a Hill. I turned around after the first drop to see Cassidy smiling and laughing! I knew we were in for a good trip. As soon as we got down, Cas wanted to do it again. We did, and got the same reaction. Here is a picture of Hillside, what do you think?



Here is the Raging River Tube Chute, it’s making you want to go swimming isn’t it? I know it is me. I wish we were still there!!!



Cliffhanger Tube Shute – This hill was so much fun, and those are little bumps, which makes for an interesting ending.



We also rode a non-tube ride called Soda Straws Body Slides. Those were not good for toddlers or younger kids, but older kids and adults would love them! Every evening, we even took the Congo River Expedition back to our room! Just be prepared, the Congo water is Spring Fed, and COLD, COLD, COLD!!! If you get cold easy, I would suggest laying in the sun prior to leaving on your expedition.



Saturday, was more of the same, we got to the park when it opened at 10, and rode rides until lunch. Then came in and ate, and headed back out for more fun. By about 5:30, the kids were done, so we headed in for dinner, and pool time. (The nice thing about Schlitterbahn is they have photographers taking pictures as you are headed down the slides, or are in the park. I was very thankful because I did not have my camera in the park, I was keeping it at the room.) I did however get a few pictures of our happenings, so here they are…

Hanging out and feeding the fish =-)





Here is Cassidy with her friend Lillie. They are so cute together!



Here are Lillie's brothers Dristan and Gage. Dristan is the oldest, Gage is the middle child.




With that being said, before the picture place closed, Debbie and I headed over to review our pictures. They took quite a few of us, so we had a lot to look at. We decided on the pictures we wanted, and well, as moms with no kids at the point decided we would check on the length of the lines for slides. There were hardly any!!! So you guessed it, we grabbed a tube and headed down some of the rides KID FREE!!!! It was so nice to not worry if your child has flipped out of the tube, or is having fun, or needs something. We rode the Hillside Tube Chute, the Soda Straws, and the Whitewater Tube Chute again. It was so much fun just having “Girl Time”.

Sunday morning we woke up and decided at 10:00 we would do a few more rides when the park opened, before we had to head home. When we walked in the park, there was hardly anyone there, so we hoped on the Bahnzai Pipeline Tube Slide. We were able to ride that one probably three times without even having to wait in line!!! It was AWESOME! All weekend, Cas had been so patient with that, along with all the other kids, so she loved being able to walk up and hope on. Anyway, here are the maps of the park. They have three different areas, we spent time mostly in two.


So if you are planning a trip to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels any time soon, leave me a comment. I am happy to give you and ideas or suggestions on where to stay, what to bring, and what rides to get in line for, and which ones you can pass on.



Until next post!

Daddy's Birthday!

On July 14th we celebrated Mike's birthday. I promised myself I would be nice and not tell Mike's age. Anyway, Cassidy and I decided to pick up cupcakes on the way home since Mike's birthday was in the middle of the week. And can we say YUMMY! They were some of the best cupcakes I think I have ever met. They were sweet and creamy, and just all around deliciousness! I was AMAZED. Now a six pack of cupcakes does not come cheap at Frost, but I figured for under $20.00 it was a pretty good deal. We got chocolate, carrot, vanilla, red velvet, key lime and strawberry. I know that is only five, but we got two vanillas. I would definitely say if you are in the area, you should look them up. It is well worth it. Anyway, back to my story, so we picked up cupcakes, and headed back to meet Mike at home.




We actually just hung out since his birthday was in the middle of the week. It was really nice. I got Mike a watch, and Cassidy got him a game called ladders and boche ball. They are a lot of fun to play, so if you want to know more about them, leave me a comment. They are great party games. Of course I could not leave you without some pictures! So here you go =-)

Here are some more pictures of Mike's celebrations.



Until next post!

Swim Time!

My cousin Chris and his wife(also one of my best friends) Kelly, just built a pool in their backyard. It is absolutely beautiful! When Kelly asked us a couple of weeks ago if we would like to come over and take a dip, well, I just couldn't resist. Cassidy and Bailey aboslutely love playing together, and are just like sisters. We went over to their house, unfourtanetly for Mike, Chris was not home at the time, but we still haad a wonderful time, even without him. (Sorry Chris). The kids loved swimming together, and Cassidy was able to practice a little more, which she definetly can use. Anyway, here are some fun pics from the pool!

Here are some of my favorites, and then of course, there are more below!

From July 2010 Uncle Chris & Aunt Kelly's House

From July 2010 Uncle Chris & Aunt Kelly's House

From July 2010 Uncle Chris & Aunt Kelly's House

From July 2010 Uncle Chris & Aunt Kelly's House

Where we went...The Greatest Show on Earth!

We went to see The Greatest Show on Earth! The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. And boy, was it a show. I can say that we were not disappointed. If this circus comes to a town near you, I would highly suggest it. We had a great time. Cassidy got a Smore on a stick, we saw the animals up close at Animal Alley Pre-Show, we saw lions and tigers and bears oh my! I would say, there was so much to see, it sometimes was a little difficult to follow all that was going on. I got some good video with my camera for your enjoyment, and took a lot of great pictures as well. Cassidy's favorite part about the circus was the elephants. In the pre-show one even painted. It was so cool! Overall, we had a great time. There were a couple of mishaps, one of the performers fell off of a moving platform, the tiger tamer almost got swatted by a tiger, and one performer almost fell off of the metal rings he was walking on, but luckily, Cassidy didn't see any of it.

It was definitely worth the money, and the effort to drive into town. I know we are all glad we did it! Here are some pictures from the show! Hope you enjoy.



Until next post

More hints on where we were this past weekend...

Well, I was feeling bad because the hints I gave earlier were pretty hard, so here are some more! Keep guessing until tomorrow's post.

Talk to you then!

Where did we go?

So this past weekend we took a trip into the city. We usually don’t do that with our daughter, simply because it is about an hour away, and there is nothing that we can’t get where we live, Except this...



Do you recognize this place? I will give you a hint, it is the world’s first domed sports stadium. Sadly, now it is not used for that. It is empty, and they are trying to figure out what to do with it.

Anyway, back to my story we went into town and saw the place above. We were driving by to another place to see a show that was in town. Here are a couple of hints from where we were.

Can you guess?



Sorry the pictures to guess from are so small, I had trouble with my sizing today. =-)
Tune in to my next post to find out where these pictures were taken. Guesses welcome.


Until next post

Bella Black

We really only have one human daughter, but we also have a four legged daughter as well. Bella is our adorable, somewhat crazy, somewhat mischievous Boston Terrier. She means well, but she always seems to be in some sort of trouble. Ever now and then I will take pictures more for us than anyone, but decided that today was her day to get a post. So here is our Bella. She thinks she is a big tough dog, but really she is a complete scardy cat! She is Cassidy's best friend, and loves being part of the family. At least that is what she acts like. =-)



Until next post

Ami Ye and Aunt Shannon's Visit

My sister came in town a few weeks ago for her 20 year High School Reunion. So while she was here, I had Ami come over to our house to play. Needless to say, Ami LOVES clothes, and loved dressing up in all of Cassidy's clothes. I got some really cute pictures. The girls had a great time playing together. Can't wait to see them again soon!



Until next post

Happy 4th of July 2010

With yesterday being the 4th of July, and having just had my birthday, I always love this time of year. I just have to get on my soapbox for a second. I am so proud to be an American, and I am proud to tell people I am. Although I don't always agree with the government, we are the land of the free and the home of the brave.

We spent yesterday with our friends the Charles' Family. We had a great time. We went and saw Toy Story 3 during the early afternoon, then went to a pool party, and off to see fireworks. We had a great time, and I can't believe it is over. Well, I guess it will just have to happen again next year!

Here are some of the pictures from our fireworks and pool fun!

Here are a couple of my favorites, they are in the slide show too!

From 4th of July

From 4th of July

Until next post!

Cassidy's New Bike

I have been a little behind with getting my posts up in a timely manner. So, here is another one that is late. Anyway, guess it doesn't really matter when it is posted. We got Cassidy a big girl bike early. We were going to wait until her birthday, but since it is in September, we didn't want to wait. Cassidy was with her Gammy and Poppa, so Mike and I went to Academy in search of the perfect bike. I think we did a pretty good job. Cassidy loves it. We made her go to her room and wait until we called her down. She loved the anticipation. It was a total surprise! It is getting pretty hot here though, so she doesn't ride it as much as she would like to. I know in time she will though. I just have to be patient. What do you think?

From Cassidy's New Bike

My 34th birthday, and other June and July Happenings

So we have had many things going on in the first five days of July, and finally today we get a little reprieve. To start, my birthday always starts the month of with a bang, so we spent some time celebrating my birthday. The 1st (my actual birthday) fell on Thursday this year, so I was lucky enough to receive some delightful chocolate covered strawberries, and some peanut butter chocolate covered bananas. They were SCRUMPTIOUS! Mike got them for me along with a cute bear from Edible Arrangements. If you have one near you, I would suggest checking them out. I had many birthday wishes on Facebook, and on the phone as well. My Mom and Step-Dad Garth took us out for Mexican food on Thursday night and I have to say that was a hit as well. They gave us our presents jointly, as Mike's birthday is July 14th. We got a gift certificate for a cooking class at a Viking Cooking School. I am soooo excited. I also received a spa day from Mike, and an adorable cup with my initial on it, and a really cool salt and pepper set from Cassidy. Mike said she picked it out all by herself. That's my girl! My sister, brother in law, and niece got me an adorable monogrammed bag that I used yesterday as well. For those of you who know me personally, know I love adorable bags.




Along with my actual birthday, we spent some time with some friends on Saturday night. So, in order to get ready for that, we finished painting out bedroom. I can't take a lot of the credit, Mike finished what I started. But I do have to say I think it turned out pretty well. The color is called Peanut Butter. Guess we should have painted it celery, because I love peanut butter, and just talking about it is making me hungry! I put in pictures of the old and a little of the new. I will have to post a finished picture soon. I just need to take one first.





Until next post!