Dylan and Allyson's Baptism

Today Dylan and Allyson were baptised. We have been wanting to have the kids baptised for a while now. It seems like we have waited for a time when family would be in town and yet it never coincided with a time when Kevin was off on the weekend.

All week long I practiced with the kids so they would know what to expect during the baptism. I was nervous Ally would cry when the pastor put water on her head like she does when I give her a bath.

Mimi made Ally a pretty white dress. Dylan had a daddy shirt, a.k.a. a white oxford Ralph Lauren. They both looked so cute all dressed up. Kevin looked great in his suit and of course, I had to go shopping to find a dress. Of course Kevin wasn't surprised when it was black. Obviously, he hasn't been shopping lately to see what is available.

We were so fortunate to have our friends the Slocums come to watch the kids baptised. Ally's teacher came and took pictures for us.

Dylan and Allyson were so precious. They did amazing. No tears. Just smiles. It is tradition at our church for the pastor to walk the kids around the sanctuary. Instead of holding the pastor holding Ally, Dylan offered her his hand and they walked together. Dylan and Ally stole our hearts a long time ago, but they sure won a whole church service over with their love for one another.

It is customary at our church to give the kids a special crochet blanket and a prayer bear to remember the special day. The kids love their bears and blankets. Dylan has already named his bear Olive.

This was truly a special day.

Back to Reality

Ahhh! It is always with bittersweet feelings that we go home from visiting our family. Our vacations to Texas are almost always about two weeks, so we always are there for plenty of time. It is so nice to be in a familiar place where we know where everything is located. It is also nice to catch up with family and friends that don't make their way up to Maryland. It is also wonderful to catch up on sleep, watching movies, and feel completely pampered the way my mom and William make us feel.

Special highlights of this trip include my AWESOME new Keurig coffee maker from Uncle Chuck, the incredible hospitality of Mimi and Papa, all the special visits with friends and family, and the fact that I didn't end up in the hospital near death with some middle eastern acute gastrintinitis attack. My best memory is the precious time I had with Kevin, Dylan, and Allyson. If I could choose any three people to walk this journey with..I would pick each of you. Thanks for sharing this incredible life with me.

But, it is nice to go home to the routine and familiar way of life that we live on a daily basis. This time, I planned a three day break before I had to go back to work, which was smart. Our flight was very choppy. It was a clear, beautiful day. Strange. Dylan is an expert traveler at his young three years. He has already made 6 trips on the airplane and has been to five states. I know these kids have some big trips ahead of them as they get older. We can't wait to show them the world.

While we were gone, Uncle Bob and Aunt Debrah came and stayed at our house and enjoyed the sites in the area. It was great to have a visit with them before they went home to Canada.

Scot's 37th Birthday

Day nine: The kids were happy to see us return from our date night. Scot, Aunt Lou Ann, and Uncle Chuck were at the house when we arrived. Ally really enjoyed being held by Aunt Lou Ann and Uncle Chuck. We found a great chocolate cake for Scot's birthday, his favorite!! We enjoyed a great dinner made by William. My mom is so lucky to have a husband who loves to cook and does well with it. Maybe I can hope that will come with time!!!

After cake, Scot wanted to meet my dad at Katy Mills. The kids were thrilled with that idea as they would have another opportunity to ride the Merry Go Round. They loved checking out all of the animals at the Rainforest Cafe. They were most curious with the aquarium, which gives me ideas for our next visit. Last time I had dinner at Rainforest Cafe, I was not impressed, but I guess through the eyes of a child, they would be thrilled to eat there.

It was great to be in town to share Scot's special day!

Date Night in The Woodlands

Day eight: Tonight is date night...a much needed date night. Kevin and I went to the Woodlands to enjoy a kid free 24 hour date. Mimi and Papa watched the kids and we had a great time! Kevin accumulates hotel points through his travels so we stayed at the Hilton. We had a great time.

Our first stop was to Lone Star Supply. WAY TOO MUCH testosterone for me. It was overwhelming and we stayed WAY TOO LONG!!!! Kevin was happy as he was able to purchase several items he needed for work. We decided to have a late lunch at the Olive Garden, Kevin's absolute favorite restaurant, and one that is not where we live. We then checked into our hotel and got ready for the evening.

Once we went out, we shopped at the Woodlands Market Place and the Woodlands Mall. I had a few things I wanted to pick up and a few places that I must go to when we come to Texas. The funny part is that we have the same stores in Maryland, but I really love my familiar shopping spots where I have enjoyed shopping many years in the past. I guess it is just for memories sake. We enjoyed stopping by Barnes and Noble, which was a favorite weekend spot for Kevin and I to enjoy coffee and books before we had kids. We enjoyed strolling during the nighttime breeze by the Woodlands Waterway. We had a fabulous dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and shared a very sweet piece of cheesecake.

Of course our stay would not be complete without sleeping in since we didn't have the familiar cries of mama that usually wake me in the morning. My objective was to be up and in the restaurant by 10:00 because as Diamond Hilton members they had breakfast waiting for us. Boy, it is funny to see them jump when you ask for something as a diamond member. Kevin took a siesta after breakfast and I had to check out the pool. I am not use to having so much free time to myself.

We checked out and made our way back to Mimi's house. First we had to check out HEB and pick up a few things for Scot's birthday. Boy, I miss Texas grocery stores. The store that resembles a Texas grocery store the most is Wegman's and I don't make it to Hunt Valley very often. Hopefully, they will build the one I keep hearing about in Crofton. They are just not the same in Maryland. The kids were thrilled to see us when we got home.

The kids had a great time with Mimi and Papa. I never worry when I leave the kids with Mimi and Papa. The kids are familiar with the house and know the routine and expectations. Mimi had a cooking project for the kids. The time they made sugar cookies with sprinkles, Dylan's favorite!! They played games, read stories, and enjoyed ice cream cones.

Big Grandpa Comes To See Ally

Day Seven: It seemed strange to not have Dylan with me. I am so use to hear him calling for me in the morning. Kevin would be there early in the afternoon with his Dad and Dylan so I tried to enjoy my slower pace. Three year old boys certainly keep you on your toes. My sweet Ally was looking for him all day. Darryl brought the girls over and I knew Dylan would be thrilled to see them.

Mimi and Ally decided to we needed a fabulous dessert in honor of Big Grandpa coming to see Ally. They decided to cook brownies to have with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. Even though Ally is only nineteen months old, she is so into cooking.

Dylan was so happy to see me, but he let me know how much he enjoyed his boy time. He quickly decided girls were okay when he saw Ally and his cousins, Gabriella and Isabel. The played bubbles and somehow ended up having water play..which is fun on any summer Texas day.

Darryl and William made their incredible Angus steaks that only be found in Texas. There is definitely something different about steak in Texas. It is just not the same in other parts of the country. We all enjoyed a fabulous meal thanks to my mom and William. Thanks for hosting a great dinner. We all enjoyed the company and great food.

Big Grandpa was thrilled to see Allyson. With three sons, he had to wait to have a granddaughter to have that little girl in his life. Unfortunately, we don't get to see him often so this was a fun visit. He enjoyed his time after dinner relaxing on Mimi's property, visiting, and watching the kids play.

We all enjoyed this evening.

Dylan's Big Adventure

Day six: This morning my mom and I went shopping at some of our favorite stores in Cinco Ranch. Black House White Market, Ann Taylor Loft, Brighton, and Gymboree. It was a nice chance for my mom and I to go out on our own and a great chance for Kevin and Papa to hang out with the kids. While we are in Texas, I usually knock out my major shopping trips. We have the same stores in Maryland, but I am really able to find the items I want and I usually have a chance to shop on my own or I have help with the kids. It was a great morning.

Our plans were changed for our trip when we received the news that Kevin's grandmother in Ireland passed away. His mom was already on her way to Northern Ireland when we arrived in Texas. I know Kevin was so disappointed not to see his mom and I know that Nana was so disappointed not to see the kids. Usually, we spend several days in Huntsville visiting Kevin's family and good friends. Kevin decided it was best for him to bring his dad to us instead of going up there. Kevin was going to make a trip to Huntsville to bring his Dad to see Allyson on Sunday. I started to think about it and realized that it would be a great idea for Dylan to go with Kevin. Of course, this was not an easy decision for me. I can count the days Dylan has been away from me on my hands. He was so excited when I asked him if he wanted to go. It was a great bonding trip for my boys.

Since my boys went on an all boy outing, I thought it only appropriate that Ally and I go on a girls night out, with Little Grandpa in tow. We ate dinner at Mission Burrito. I really liked it. She was quite fond of the guacamole, her Little Grandpa, and the college boys she was flirting with in line. After dinner, we went to Toll House and she enjoyed her signature favorite chocolate chip cookie and I enjoyed Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream. Ice cream is something I rarely allow myself to eat unless I am on vacation. Ally and Little Grandpa enjoyed hanging out at the fountains at Cinco Ranch.

It was a quiet and strange night not having Dylan there. I have to say I really missed his spunky, sweet personality. It was on the other hand fun to give all of my attention to my beautiful girl.

Children's Museum Houston

Day five: Today we went on a great journey to the Children's Museum Houston. There were a few stops along the way. Kevin had to have an MRI done on his knee from injuring it at work last week. If only had I known that it would take so long, I would have taken Mimi and the kids to Town and Country Village to go shopping (one of my favorite shopping spots.)

After waiting what seemed like forever, Kevin was finished and we made our way to James Coney Island for Dylan's favorite...hot dogs. Boy, he was excited!!!!

We made our way to the Children's Museum and boy was it crowded!!! Way to many people for us to have really enjoyed it!! It seemed as if every summer camp had their campers there that day. I know we will make our way back when the kids are in school and we are on vacation and it is not so crowed. The kids LOVED Kidtropolis, a city made for kids, by kids. Dylan even had a chance to be a cashier at HEB. This was a great adventure for the kids and had fun playing with them.

We met Little Grandpa at Barnes and Noble in Town and Country Village. The kids love the books and I love Starbucks, so it met all of our needs for a visit with Little Grandpa. It was a great day!