Houston tourists

Last weekend we had something that rarely occurs here: a free weekend with perfect weather.  We took advantage of the down time, and I took James to NASA and Brad took Luke and Natalie to the zoo.

James has been to NASA once with a summer camp, but I had never been.  The inner nerd in me quickly came out, and I think my expectations of James were a little high.  Of course I wanted to do the audio tour, and I wanted him to love every little detail like I did/do.  The place is absolutely incredible, but all of those fascinating details can be lost on a 6 year old.  He did humor me and pose for some pictures.  We capped the afternoon off with a trip to Five Guys.

spaceship Liberty

Sally Ride's space suit

 

The astronauts sleep in these spacesuits that are like stand up sleeping bags

actual space simulation

exhausted on the simulation tour 

  



















We watched a short video presentation of the history of space, which included a part about the Challenger.  I explained to James what happened, and now he says that he never wants to be an astronaut b/c he doesn't want to get blown up.  I guess my plan to inspire him kinda backfired.

Brad is the zoo enthusiast at our house, and he and Natalie and Luke had a great afternoon.  When I got home from NASA, Natalie told me all about the animals and what a great time that had.  I'm pretty impressed that Brad took so many pictures! :)

of course Natalie made a friend1

 

We had a great relaxing weekend!

Brad's birthday and a dinosaur project

We had a lot of fun celebrating Brad's birthday last weekend.  I think my love of birthdays has rubbed off on the kids because it was all they talked about for a few days.  Well, that and the cupcakes.  Priorities.

Brad and I went to Karbach brewery, a local brewery of craft beer, for a beer tour/tasting and dinner.  The weather was just perfect, and we had a great time at a very fun place.

I developed the flu the next day (Saturday) and stayed home from work for a couple of days.  By Tuesday I was much better, and the kids and I made the most of the afternoon home and made cards and cupcakes (red velvet) for Brad.  I miss this.....

I have to point out James's card.  He was so proud of it (rightfully so) and in particular that he folded it like a card and it read "To: Dad, From: James".  Biggest boy

We love Brad/Dad!

And Luke loves cupcakes!

Ok, I have to mention James's dinosaur class project.  Brad was so excited for this project, and they researched and discussed the diplodocus for weeks.  James had to make some sort of visual and give a presentation of five facts (1. it's the largest dinosaur, 2. it weighs as much as four elephants, 3. it's the size of two buses, 4. it's a plant eater, and 5. it has a small head and brain).  He drew the poster himself, and Brad ordered a model for them to assemble together.  We didn't exactly wait until the last minute, but just FYI: it's impossible to do a dinosaur model in one night.  It didn't help that this thing was apparently manufactured at the same place as Ikea furniture---no instructions, just two "helpful" pictures.  This model was such a pain, and Brad and I ended up super gluing it (and my fingers)!  In the end, it was a memorable project for all of us.  Look how proud this boy is!!

step one: sand all 150+ pieces

practicing his presentation 

proud boys!

Lagniappe: Natalie's teacher brought in worms one day last week.  Natalie, being the girl that she is, wanted to make them into a bracelet.  I just love her smile

Start of Baseball and the Final Four!

We are in full on baseball mode here.  Back again are the multiple day a week practices, games spent trying to watch James and keep two little ones entertained and late bedtimes.  We kinda love it though.  James is on the same team again this year-the Redhawks-but the change and growth since last year is amazing.

His biggest fan

James's favorite part--he runs through both team's lines

 During the first weekend in April Mrs. Georgia and Gary came into town for the Final Four!  We had such a fun time at the games and spending time with them here at home.  Thanks to Gary, our seats were a-mazi-ing.  Brad and I were lower level, and Mrs. Georgia and Gary were fourth row.  FOURTH ROW!

Gary had to fly back before the championship game, so Brad and I shared his seat for the unbelievable championship game!!  It was, without a doubt, the most thrilling sports moment I have ever experienced.  The energy was indescribable, and the finish.......

Joe and Jill Biden were there for the final four game (as was George H. Bush), and they sat three rows in front of Gary and Georgia

And Michael Jordan sat two rows back and a section over from us during the championship game.

Such a thrilling game and weekend!!