Final Four–Atlanta Style!

Atlanta WOWED me. Both Gus and I had an unbelievable time in this very urban, fashionable, artsy, and very lively city! Plus, it was final four weekend, and the mayhem of famous coaches, crazed fans and everyone in-between is truly a spectacle worth embracing at least once in your lifetime.

We experienced some hilarious nights on the town with the future newlyweds, Justin and Suzanne.

And we WALKED and WALKED all over downtown and then some, and fell in love with Atlanta! This is the COOLEST kids’ play-scape, right?

We got in some MUCH-MISSED alone time.

And some AWESOME SIL time!

And on Sunday afternoon, we walked to Inman Park, which is the first suburb of Atlanta, and the brunch scene was LIVELY say the least. We had the BEST, the ABSOLUTE best breakfast. And the people watching was too much fun!

But, then, for dinner that night, Alma Cocina, in downtown Atlanta, was possibly the best dinner we’ve ever had. I am not a foodie, but after our Sunday meals, I don’t know why I’m not?!

Our parents-only vacation was LONG overdue, and so much more fun than we could even imagine. But on the 3rd day, I was missing my guys. Apparently, they were too busy sipping pink lemonade and wearing costumes with Papa to notice we were gone.

But Poppa and Nana got in some amazing bonding time with their grandkids, and it means so much to us that they took off work and flew across the country to be with them! The boys had such a great time, though Nana and Papa were most likely EXHAUSTED by day 2. Thanks so much for making our vacation possible. Gus Sr. and Ger Bear, you are so loved, and your time means so much.

Easter 2013!

It was a rainy weekend, so we did a quick impromptu backyard hunt.

Bo was AGGRESSIVELY enthusiastic…SHOCKER.

Ace was initially confused, but as usual, copied his big bro and got the hang of it quick!

 

 

Cheers to a wet, but warm SPRING! We HEART Houston.

Bayou Bend Gardens

My friend Jenny and I went on a LONG (too long) stroller run with 4 kids. Not only did we get to smell Guano under a bridge that houses “the largest urban, non-migrating, bat colony in Texas” (STINKY) but we impulsively crossed a beautiful single-lane bridge and ended up on a Garden tour…

The best part of all? Bo became the most focused and enthusiastic 3 year old tour guide to ever walk the gardens; he may have just been putting on a show for his buddy Greg. Either way, Bo was mapping out the entire tour and held on to that precious folded paper the entire day.

Miles later, but almost to the car, I made Bo hop out to take a quick pic of this AWESOME sculpture. Has he been secretly watching America’s Next Top Model?
And of course, the map, is still in his clutches!

This random adventure was fulfilling and EXHAUSTING, but Bo’s infectious enthusiasm for tactile learning made it FUN and totally memorable. Also, the gardens are gorgeous and worth a trip:

http://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/

My 3 Amigos

My Love. My Life. My Happiness.

St. Patty’s with the Lads

Despite some meltdowns, our walk to Rice Village for lunch, libations, and celebrations was hilarious for us and exciting for the boys. Thanks to an awesome St. Patty’s day package from Grandma, we also had some great green gear to sport.

And though I couldn’t get Luke Skywalker to put down his light saber, Han Solo and Chewbacca hammed it up in the back during the walk back home while they worked on Jedi balance tricks.

Surfside, TX

We ventured away from Galveston, based on a tip from a parent that Gus befriended at the park (shocker) and found another fun beach! Surfside, just east of Galveston, was brilliantly sunny, clean, and even had blue waves!

The best part about this Saturday adventure was that Gus missed most of the College Basketball Tourney Finals, but he didn’t care at all. His season had just ended and our family time on Saturdays had been limited since November, so he wanted to make memories at the beach instead. He ALWAYS puts us first, and we couldn’t possibly ask for a better daddy or husband. Happiness for our little family is always prioritizing what truly matters, and no one is better at that than him.

Adventures: Waiting for Daddy

When Gus is on a roadtrip, Sunday mornings are full of ANGST and excitement, because Daddy, a.k.a. best playmate ever, is coming home. Houston has some pretty awesome parks, and Hermann Park is one of our favorites. It’s only a few miles from our house, and with exceptional museums, the Zoo, a huge duck pond, reflection pool, a kid’s train, and water features all connected by Hermann Park, we never run out of adventurous options to pass the time waiting for Daddy.

Today, the boys spent two hours playing with Sam Houston…

and then the reflection pool. They spent at least a half an hour “sailing leaf  ships” down the current…

and then of course…we break a rule or two.

We also stumbled upon the Japanese Tea Garden that I didn’t even know existed and we can’t wait to return in full bloom in April. Houston is truly an all-inclusive city for all ages; we are still finding new adventures daily and considering we get out to explore almost everyday, that’s saying a lot. And no adventure could have a better ending than when Daddy arrives and sneaks up on the boys by the Koi pond.