Texas Visit

 One of our first stops was the new McKinney Trader Joe's.  The mural in the back is the Arts Center (formerly county seat) where Anna takes dance lessons.  It was great seeing everyone and how the kids have grown up.  Sam is very curious (about Grandpa's walker) and beginning to talk.  Eli has lost so many teeth, I teased him Sam had more.

 Eli was eager to show me his Lego creations including a swim pool with water slide above.  We also played Scrabble with little help from Grandma.  Grand-daddy came over for dinner---the weather was beautiful so we ate outside a lot.

 The Warren School of Awesome had a substitute teacher this week (me) a few times.  The school is going great---the Dining Room never looked better.  I love the National Geographic map on the wall.

Texas Fun

We had a great time in Texas just being with family and friends.  We even got to baby sit Sam while the older children and parents went to a Rough Riders baseball game.

 

 We also went to a German restaurant in Plano which the kids loved---good food, a train going around the ceiling and the accordion music which Sam and Eli loved!

Easter with Texas Cousins

 We had a great St. Louis-based Easter with Pork Steaks, gooey butter cake and Panera bread (St. Louis Bread Company).  We celebrated Easter with lots of games, a tea party, a birthday and Easter egg hunts.

Before Disney Wonder Sail-Away

 We arrived in Galveston a few days early staying at the Hilton on Seawall Blvd. which was a great place to stay. Kroger, Walmart, IHOP, Landrys, Rainforest Cafe and the beach were all within walking distance.  The kids really enjoyed the pool and practiced snorkeling before their excursions on the cruise.

At night, there was musical entertainment which everyone enjoyed.

 Embarkation was so quick and smooth (after Rachel's passport scare) we never even took photos. Soon, we were in the Buffet having lunch, checking out the ship and enjoying the warm November day.

 When we got to our rooms, we discovered some great Disney swag since this was our 2nd cruise.

November in Dallas

 My sister, daughter and I had a fun day in downtown McKinney--just us with no kids---a rare treat.

 Not that the kids aren't a lot of fun!

 We also went to a friend's house for a weenie roast, with a tour of their new garden.

Art in Dallas

While visiting in Dallas a few weeks ago, we went to the art museum which has an awesome children's section with lots of hands on and child friendly exhibits.  We made buttons for a happiness tree.  Each person got to hang their button and take someone else's which they were to then give to someone else.

 Then, there were places for the children to sketch tableaus.