Mo Ranch

We just took a wonderful vacation with some of our best friends, Rebecca and Bryce and their little boy Thatcher. Mo Ranch is an incredible place right on the Guadalupe River with swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, and playgrounds. It was very scenic and peaceful. Although we were busy the entire time, it was so relaxing and great to get away for a few days.

So I had a bit of a brain lapse and lost our camera the day before we left and found it under the couch the night we got back - I am still kicking myself. Luckily, Rebecca had her camera and got a few great shots. Spontaneous kissing - we got to watch those two!

This is the 38' tall Mo Slide and at the to - Adam. You sit on a wheeled sled and it takes you literally straight down into the Guadalupe River. No, I didn't try it - maybe next time :)

Adam's splash.

No, they are not shipwrecked. This is a cute boat in one of the playgrounds and it provided hours of entertainment and pretending.

Nothing like Socks, a Cheesestick and a Monkey

The Beach

No, we didn't go on vacation to the beach. As much as I dream about it daily. Ella was visiting my parents the last couple of days so we went up to see her. We went swimming at one of their neighborhood pools. It is one of the best pools I have ever been to. It has a beach entry and it is perfect for kids. Both Clara and Ella had an terrific time. Here are some pictures from today.

This is the most incredible safety float - the Puddle Jumper. My friend Lee recommended it. I am not very comfortable in the water (I prefer to sit and tan). Clara being very independent want to do everything herself we constantly butt heads and argue because I want to hold on and she wants to let go. Gone are the days where I can plop her in a baby floaty and have her be happy. This gave her full range of motion and gave me piece of mind. I honestly haven't seen her more happy in the water. We had a blast.

Happy Fourth of July!

Yes, a little late but better late than never! We have been playing catch up since we got back from visiting some of our best friends from college, Shelly and Joe. They recently had their first baby, Taylor, three months ago and she is an absolute doll - a little mini-me of Shelly. It was a great weekend - we were a bit nervous about the six hour car trip out to West Texas with Clara (the child who doesn't stop moving) but she was a trooper. We were prepared with snacks, videos, new, never before seen toys, and of course, books. Clara doesn't go anywhere without a book. Both trips, going and coming home were uneventful, thank goodness.

We had a great time just hanging out and catching up and playing with our kids. We definitely took advantage of their parks and duck pond. Yes, and what visit to Midland would be complete without a visit to Rosa's Mexican Cafe? (Insert, angels singing) I know. I know. I live in Dallas, restaurant capitol of the world, but that is what I look forward to eating - call me crazy.

We had a total downpour on Saturday night and Clara was able to enjoy a real West Texas deluge. The streets and the sidewalks flood like crazy in Midland and what rain would not be complete without splashing in the the puddles? I have great memories of splashing in the puddles and racing homemade sailboats in the gutters growing up.

Clara was just smitten with Taylor and was so considerate and affectionate with her. It was too sweet. The video below was too funny not to share - Taylor's first swim.

Oh, and I promise I did remember to bring pants for Clara. She just didn't want to wear them very much, so many of the photos below she is just wearing a shirt. A little redneck, but hey, it's West Texas.

Shelly and Joe, we had a great time and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Bookworm

Our little bookworm has been loving her bed. Besides sleeping well, she enjoys spending (usually about an hour a day) just reading in her bed. She spends time emptying her bookshelf next to her bed and placing all the books in her bed and then crawls up and turns on her music and just reads. She is really funny because I crawl into bed with her to read, somehow she knows which books she has read and which ones she has not in a single sitting - this girl doesn't just have 20 or 30 books, this girl has probably over a hundred.

I Want a Beer

Clara was in the bathtub the other day and said out of the blue (and I quote) "I want a beer." WHAT??!!?? I asked. Again, she said, "I want a beer." Hmmm...How do I respond? We call beer "Daddy Juice" in our house - how does she know what a beer is? Why is she asking for a beer? So, after about a minute of being speechless, I say "Okay, Go for it" This is what she does:

Sister Mary Clara vs. Cousin It

Larry and Elsa

Adam's Uncle Larry and Aunt Elsa stopped by for a short visit a few weeks ago (I know I am behind on posting!). They haven't seen Clara since she was about three or four months old. It was great to catch up with them since we rarely get to see them - they currently live in South Africa and will be moving to Shanghai, China soon! We hope it isn't another two years until we see you next time! We love you!