Leaving Texas

My last full day in Texas we decided at the last minute to not do anything. Jen and I  took Lily shopping and to get a steak for lunch while Shawn let the big kids play together one more time then took them to a movie.

Had a great time with two of my girls. Bought Jen her Easter outfit. She's much easier to please than she was as a teenager.

Silly girl wanted to wear my glasses to read the menu.

Shopping wears a girl out. Maybe it was the quick high from the blue ICEE.

Then we met up with the rest of the group after their movie at the playground in the mall

The next morning we were all kinda down

We had such a bonding day the day before she didn't want to leave me.

I think she felt how sad I was getting. She got very upset when I left, crying and saying she wanted to come with me. I thought it was going to be Jack who was upset because he was telling Sami how far it was back to Maryland. To Sami, it just took a few hours to get to Texas. It took Jack five days to drive and he understands the distance a bit more.

Lunch at the airport.

At the airport gift shop we spied the confetti eggs we had gotten at Wal Mart to take back. We paid $1.84.

 

We had to get a new coloring book at the gift shop for ONLY $4. Nothing like a new coloring book, snack and drink from a gift shop.

She's an old hand at this flying thing now.

I did have to hold her to get her to nap though. I didn't mind.

I wish we could have gotten a video of her seeing her family when we got off the plane. She was so excited. Ella was glad to have her back!

The next morning she slept in a bit but things were back to normal for the most part.

He loved the outfit I brought back for him.

Wyatt liked his too. You can't really see his vest since his is black. I loved these vests we got at The Saddle Blanket souvenir store but it wasn't until later I noticed they were made in India, oh well.

While Charlie and Michele were visiting and Tom was taking Ella to school we got the phone call placing our little 'Z". So much for vacation.

She looked so sad those first few days. Couldn't get her to smile and she very rarely would look up.

So back to normal for the most part. Always something to do. Next trip to Texas will be June 12th and Tom will be taking Ella and then she will be flying back by herself so that she can spend some extra time there. I love my family!

Happy Birthday John Robert

The morning of John Robert's birthday party was no different from any of the other ones while I was there. I was still on Maryland time so I was up at 5:30 and he was up with me most mornings withing the first hour I was up.

It was still dark when the other kids got up and Daddy had let the air out of the bouncy house

Jen made this cool sign to show where the party was and the yellow ribbons still adorn the house. Shawn wasn't ready to take the ribbons down and get down to a normal life.

The kids were pretty pumped over the decorations

The cowboy for the quick draw game, silly string, with his dinosaurs corralled

playing dinosaurs inside the dinosaur tent

Shawn getting the campfire ready for the hotdogs

Samisaurus looking over the safe campfire for the marshmallows

Soon after this he decided to move the grill outside the fence for true safety.

The party started a little late. We were a little worried no one was going to show up. This is the first party that he didn't have the cushion of cousins to count on. Besides putting us off the schedule everythingthing went better than planned though.

CRAFTS

HATS AND BANDANAS FOR EVERYONE

FOOD

Finger torture all around. What a hit!

Some of their fingers were too small though.

Even the moms had a great time with them

Only picture I got of the cake is upside down. It's It's Tyrannasaurus Tex.

Then there were water guns

The moms were a bit hesitant at first to let their kids play with guns but it was such innocent fun that they evem joined in.

Shawn got the big gun

Then the birthday boy got the big gun.

The we traded the water in for silly string

Shawn was organizing a 'quick draw' game with the silly string.

Thae game didn't last long and neither did the silly string.

Then we had cake

and presents

a great time was had by all

Then we had naps and got ready for dinner.

More hotdogs.

I even shared my cheese.



Since we had no real campfire for marshmallows, Shawn put them in the microwave.

Then Shawn got the mail and Jack had three cards and a package.

Thank you Nikolai, Uncle Chuckles and Grandma Joyce & Grandpap Steve.

Thank you Uncle Tommy and Aunt Natalie for the stomping dinosaur slippers

A great day and another celebration the next day for his actual birthday.Sunday March 17th

Birthday breakfast

Look what we got at church. Just like home.

 Then we went to the PX complex to celebrate St. Patrick's day

St.Patrick's Day wouldn't be complete without green beer. Even though Shawn thought it was over priced.

Lily made a friend

They had a leprechaun who led us in some games and dances.

A trip to the PX means getting wet.

They filled up their hats with water.

Jack and Shawn were missing in action. They had to run back to the house for a delivery of fruit from Chicago.

You would think we would have figured out to bring towels with us when we went to the PX. Oh well, Nenni shared her sweater.

They're back. Ok, now time to go open presents.

Talking to Papa on the phone.

From his Chicago family!

Always time for the Ipad

Talking to Grandma Sharon & GG

Shawn skyped the opening of the presents for his family. Sami loved seeing them too.

Lily was being shy though.

The kids loved the fruit basket, especially the chocolate covered ones.

Presents from Mommy and Daddy.

The outside for the big surprise.

Jen was a bit irritated that Chicago got a better view than me but we get the idea. We don't need a perfect picture. So great they could share the moment.

I think Daddy enjpyed Jack's toys as much as he did.

Sharing my pecans with Lily.

Facetime with Maryland

He picked spaghetti and meatballs for hid birthday dinner.

Happy Birthday Lucky Monkey. I was so glad to be there to share it with you.