Away we go...

Our plane left at 7 am meaning we had to leave the house at 4:30 am. This was the kids' first time flying and to say they were excited would be an understatement. Bobby and I joined in the giddiness when we were bumped up to first class --for free--. (a first for both of us.) So, not only are the kids in the air but they are riding in style. Away we go! Patty soon decides shedoes not like this whole flying thing and wants off....now. The whole thing feels like a roller coaster and shes does not like roller coasters. Those of you who know Patty know how easy going and sweet she is, how much like Nanny Plaster she is. We all know what a strong spine Nanny can have when she makes up her mind. Turns out Patty inherited that too. She told her father in no uncertain terms that she would NOT be flying back and we could all find another way to get home. (I still grin uncontrolably when I think of her saying those words and watching Bobby's face) She finally relaxed with the help of some medication prescribed for her migraines that is actually designed for motion sickness. (thank you Donna for sending that along!!!). I am so proud to say that she did not use any on the way back and made it through the return flight like a rock star.

Fun in the Cozumel Sun

We had so much fun on vacation. The kids really loved it and want to go back soon. Maybe a different hotel though. We've definitely set the bar high for next year. These are some pictures of the beaches in Cozumel. I always feel like I do nothing but take pictures during the vacation then wonder why I didn't take more once I get home to look at them. The kids in th following pictures belong to the friends we met that I introduce below. This trip was a lot of fun for me because of all of the nice people we met. Not only did we get to know the people in the following pictures, we also met some of the locals. Hopefully I can do another entry just on them!

Reggae Bar

Very cool open air bar on the southern tip of the island. Supposedly they have the best fried fish in Cozumel.

Decorated with t-shirts from former patrons. (Bobby made me take this)

Ok, I know this is a picture of a dog, but he's the bar dog. On top of that...check out the face. 1/2 black, 1/2 white straight down the middle. He was too lazy to keep his head up long enough for me to get a better picture.

Our Austin friends, Vicki and Bill. They just got married at the resort. The kid behind Vicki was waiting tables and doing a really good job at it.

The wild side of Cozumel

We rented a jeep and drove around the island on Sunday with our Austin friends. See the picture below. The sea side pictures are from the eastern side of Cozumel that's not buffered by Mexico. The undertow and force of the water is unbelievable. Most of this side is empty. The beach that is swimmable (not covered with rocks) is used by the locals. We found one lagoon area that was a lot of fun. Bobby and the kids jumped off a rock into the water after watching a few cozumelenos do it first.

Chankanaab

Chankanaab is a national park in mexico with a protected coral reef and "replicas" of mayan ruins. The real things were too far away. Notice the iguana behind Patty's head on the wall. They're everywhere! We spent the day with another family we met at the resort who happened to be from Austin. Along the reef the park has placed several cannons and a statue of Jesus. Pres was so into it that he dove down twenty feet and touched one of the cannons. We saw angelfish, stingrays and crab. Patty caught a sea urchin in a coke bottle. We snorkeled and sat around in the shade. What a great day.

Playa Del Carmen

On the ferry

Ferry ride back

Shopping in Playa del Carmen
Notice Prescott's new Ray Banz

Patty and the monkey.
She held him in her hands, then he crawled up her shoulder and ended up on top of her head.
There are stands like this set up all over the market. They take donations for conservation groups in exchange for a photograph with a monkey, iguana or macaw. I really wanted the experience as well and held a beautiful red macaw at Chankanaab. He sat on my hand and bit me, crawled up my shoulder and scratched me, settled on my head and pooped. Go figure.

Identity Crisis

What to be when I grow up??
A baseball player..
A doctor...
A cowboy....
Why not all three?

Barnum and Bailey

Barrett loved the elephants

Tigers

My clown

At the Circus

We went to the circus about a month ago. Just a few pics.






I love this picture. It's the only one of it's kind. Prescott is smiling and Patty is giving a dirty look.

That is one goofy little boy.

The countdown continues

We are all now officially eligible to board the plane. The kids both have their passports! Hopefully we will be greeted with nice weather!

COUNTDOWN TO COZUMEL

We are 6 days away and can't wait! The kids can't wait to fly for the first time. I can't wait to snorkel. Bobby can't wait to hit the beach (and the bar) and Barrett.....Barrett can't wait to stay home. But he'll be with Lala so I'm sure he'll have a good time too.
Patty managed to get stung by a jellyfish in Galveston. Hopefully she won't shy away from the water. I AM SO EXCITED!!! Did I mention that yet?

Bruschetta - Bobby Style

Here's the recipe for the bruschetta we brought to Meredith's for those who wanted it. I (ahem) hope I can get that Red Rooster mix too.

1 package crumbled feta cheese. (I prefer the flavored type. My favorite is tomato basil)
2 medium size tomatoes, diced and seeded
italian or oil based salad dressing (I like Kraft Greek Vinagrette)
lemon juice to taste

optional
diced onion
diced black olives

Mix tomato and feta in a bowl, stir in dressing until mixture is moist. Serve on toasted baguettes.

4th of July- friends and family

Levi Lentz, what a looker!
Levi gives Nanny some sugar.













Friends and family.

Ok, they're just family :)

4th of July - Dog Days

Water Dog
























































Happy Dog

4th of July at Mimi's

We went to Bobby's mother's annual 4th of July Party this year. She lives in a beautiful home on Lake Limestone. We had a wonderful time. It was so good to see family and visit. Mert's place is gorgeous.


Barrett and Bobby on the water slide. Mimi surprised him with a CARS life jacket and he didn't want to take it off. period.








Nanny and Shell. Two of the Plaster beauties.
Prescott relaxing on the porch.



Lisa and Romi. What you don't see is the purple cast complete with rhinestone decor and Texas flag toenails. Romi's so fancy.

still changing and still the same

Well I have decided to help Carrie with blog thing, so here is my first go. Things are pretty much normal, but the recent changes are:
Barrett is in day school three days a week now.
Barrett took swimming lessons.
Prescott has spent some summertime with his mom and our house doesnt smell like axe spray for now.
Patty has changed her hairstyle, a little more "grown up" and has started to notice other things. I am so not ready for this.
I am about to start a month of off and on traveling Vegas twice and Mexico all before the end of July.
I took Prescott to the deer lease I have in Freer, he shot my rifle 22-250, and my barretta silver mallard shotgun. he did great with both and I am sure Daddymac would call him a dead eye dick like he did for me when we rabbit hunted from the back of a pickup. in typical Prescott fashion, after doing well with the shotgun he asked if there was money to be made shooting, and if he could have my shotgun.
I got a great now watch for fathers day, and of course Prescott asked if I really wanted a rolex. Keep saving money son there are other fathers days coming.
Patty is on a swim team and taking a volley camp.
lastly I have a friend that is going on a mission in Wales, his name is Gene Baker, please keep him in your prayers, for good work and safe return
I hope this finds you all well.
Bobby

Barrett's Birthday

We went bowling! Had pizza, cake and played lots of games.

You know what they say about the best laid plans......We were planning on eight kids....two showed up including the birthday boy. Let's just say there was plenty of cake and pizza to go around. Lala, Papa and Aunt Angie made it along with Kevin, Mandy, Joey and William Strickland. Mimi got held up in traffic and road construction and made it to the house after the party was over. The Mikosh family made it as well. Josh and Cody were a welcome sight to Prescott and the three spent 50 dollars in tokens on games. (included in the party package). I think next year we'll try the park......

Mother's Day 2008

This Mother's Day weekend was what you could call "nontraditional." My mother agreed to keep Barrett, Patty and Prescott were, of course, with their mother, and Bobby and I went on a little vacation. We decided at the last minute to go to San Antonio and try Sea World without any kids. We had such a good time. We rode roller coasters, went down water slides and spent the day together with no distractions from one another. We made it back in time Sunday to pick up Barrett and spend time with Prescott after he came home. He even bought us a fried chicken dinner for Mother's Day.

Barrett's Lullaby

When Barrett was a baby he had recurring ear infections. To be honest, I think it was one big one that never when away. He was on one antibiotic after the other and never seemed to get rid of fluid in his ears. This led to two sets of tubes and removing his adenoids.
He had this one set of footie pajamas with a matching blanket that were always my favorite. I think I went and bought the next size up when he grew out of the first set. They were blue and said "Little Buckaroo" on the breast. I think I like them so much because whenever he was fussy or not feeling well Bobby would say, "Go to sleep my little buckaroo, what's wrong with you?" as he held Barrett.
His phrase stuck in my mind and eventually led to writing Barrett's lullaby. I was asked to include the lyrics which are written below.

Go to sleep my little buckaroo.
May the western breeze be your lullaby.
And the lone coyote will serenade you,
as you dream 'neath a Texas sky.

Dream of Longhorns and yellow roses.
Dream of Mockingbirds and their songs.
Dream of the Alamo and your forefathers.
Who gave their lives to call Texas home.

A mother's prayers linger over you.
A mother's arms hold you tight.
Without a care, my little buckaroo,
Dream your dreams through the Texas night.

Our family is so steeped in Texas heritage and her history. My family's blood was spilled at the Alamo. Bobby's ancestor manned one of the Twin Sisters at San Jacinto. Through the combined history of our families Barrett, Prescott, and Patty can lay claim to being related to heroes, horse thieves, dirt farmers and millionaires. And it has all happened right here in the Lone Star State. I wrote the song as a nod to our heritage, that our children might not forget.

A side note about the lullaby. It does have a pretty and lilting tune. (If only I still played an instrument) For as pretty as it is, and the meaning behind it, Barrett is not a fan. He refuses to sit still and will talk through the whole thing. He loves songs at bedtime and will listen to this one...only if I skip the first line, "Go to sleep"

Finger Painting

Boy Style