4th of July Weekend

To celebrate the July 4th weekend and my father-in-law's 60th birthday, we took a family road trip to San Antonio, TX. We headed out Thursday afternoon into the hot-hot Texas heat. Traveling were, my father and mother-in-law, sister-in-law, Kathy, and chihuahua Daisy  in one car; myself, hubby, and two wild and crazy kids in the back in our car.
While in Texas we visited Ernie's cousin, Edgar and his wife Barbie. Yup, that's really her name. Abby thought this was the best thing ever! They have three BEAUTIFUL girls, Madelyn, Alyssa, and baby Lily. Seriously, I wanted to baby-nap Lily. I woulda if it weren't for the fact that she has two loving parents and two sisters that just adore her. Dern!!
Lily gave Ernie and I a HUGE case of baby-fever! I totally miss all most things baby. Their smell, little toes, two little bottom toofers popping thru, baby smiles, happily kicking baby legs, rocking the little one to sleep. Ah.. the list could go on.

And watching Alex and Abby interact with Lily was pure magic. Minus the times Alex was a bit over-bearing.

So maybe a third child is not out of the question for us. We'll still need to think and pray on that one.

Also while in San Antonio we visited the Riverwalk, the Alamo, Fort Sam Houston, and SeaWorld. I went to SeaWorld in San Antonio once as a kid and it is not at all as I remembered, but that was about 21 years ago. They did have a really cool Sesame Street kids area where both the kids rode their first roller coaster ever. Alex was seriously shaking in his shoes just waiting in the line. Abby was calm, cool and collected. BUT... they both had the same reaction once on the ride. Sheer terror. After the ride was over (a good 5 seconds) he proclaimed "THAT WAS STUPID!" Poor Abby just cried and cried. Just like their mama. Maybe Ernie will find someone else that shares his joy of roller coasters.
All-in-all it was a fun trip and a nice little get-away. Also a huge eye opener. We thought we were done having kids but who knows. There may be another little one in store for us.
And also, I will never-EVER-again stay at a LaQuinta. N-to the-ASTY. Just sayin.

 Alyssa, Madelyn, Lily, Abby, Alex

The Girls 

Love this face!  

TEXAS!! (Boomer) 

He looks good holding a baby, huh? (And yes, he has to sport his Sooner gear in the Longhorn State) 

Soooo sleepy

Iowa

This past weekend, my family and I took a road trip to Iowa. My friend Megan lives there with her husband and daughter, Addison. We went to an apple orchard, chilled out, visited some old bridges, and ate yummy yummy food. It was a good little trip. Thanks guys for having us!!!

Beatutiful Iowa farm fields, soy beans and corn

Happy Children.... (we shall not discuss how often they were fighting)

We visited the Center Grove Apple Orchard, and met this handsom fellow.

Abby at the Apple Orchard. Peek-a-boo



On Sunday we took a drive thru Madison County to see the covered bridges, and found this little "castle".

My cuties being silly in one of the bridges. I dunno why, but they sure thought this was fun.

PURTY!

This was the bridge in the movie, Bridges of Madison County. A special thanks to Chris and my husband, who I'm sure could have lived without making the trip to see the bridges. Thanks for humoring me and letting me get some pics. ;)

Vacation Pics....

We recently (um... a month ago) took a family vacation. We drove to San Diego, CA with a stop in the Palm Springs area on the way there and a stop in Yuma AZ on the way back. It was a fun vacation - minus geting strep throat while there, but hey... Here are just a few of the more "pretty" pictures that I took while on our travels. Enjoy.

Just outside of Shamrock TX

Somewhere between Flagstaff AZ and Phoenix

Alex overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Oceanside CA

The Pacific Ocean

Oceanside Pier

I WILL retire here someday!