Cowboy in the making?

Saturday we went to Katie's 3rd birthday party at The Barnyard at Park Lane. There were rabbits, goats, and chickens to pet. There was a bounce house and snacks and juice were avaliable inside the air conditioned "barn". Then there was the main attraction: Cinnamon the pony. Kids could ride cinnamon guided on a lead up and down a grassy path. Rett fell in L.O.V.E. with Cinamon. He rode her three times and wanted to stay by her and pet her the whole time. He was always very focused when riding and would say: Good girl, Cinnamon. You're nice, Cinnamon. and Yee-hah!! I think he might grow up to be a cowboy just so he can ride a horse all the time.
On the trail:

Riding with intent:

Petting the bunnies:

Ellie on Cinnamon

Science Museum

Yesterday we took a "field trip" to the science museum at Fair Park. It was met with mixed reviews because some of the girls we went with said alot of it was not open. We didn't know any different because we had only been once before when Rett was 20months. His favorite activity was driving the fire truck....pretending to drive really fast so we could be "safe". I forgot my camera...but these are a few pics Wendy and Courtney took.

Look what I can do!

Guess who's taught himself how to turn the water hose on and off? Rett is so proud of his newly accquired skill. Everytime he goes outside he turns on the hose and sprays everything in sight. Ellie and I have to hide in the house to keep from getting sprayed!

Circus!!!

Today Rett and I went to the circus in Ft. Worth. One of our wonderful former neighbors in Casa Linda called me earlier in the week and told me that she had two extra tickets (she had bought them for her daughter and son-in-law, but they couldn't get off work) for Friday's 10:30am show. She wanted to know if I would be interested in taking Rett. I jumped at the opportunity!
Rett and I were out the door at 7:45am and didn't hit ANY traffic (a miracle) we arrived just before 9am to go to the "animal open house" so we could see the circus animals up close. After making two trips around to see all the animals we headed over to the arena to see the "preshow". We were the first ones in the door and walked right down to the circus floor where we met the performers, saw poodles jump through hula-hoops (which Rett asked if Bodie could do that),watched some amazing jugglers,and saw an elephant paint right before our eyes!
Next we found our seats and they were spectacular! We were only 8 rows back from the front row! Rett did great despite a really long morning. He stayed surprisingly focused on the show for a long time. We left during the last perforance and beat the traffice out of the parking garage. It was a fun day-just the two of us, and one I will remember forever.

Look at how small Rett is compared to this poster:

At the animal open house:

The only picture that Rett requested that I take...in front of the chopper!

Trolley Ride

Yesterday Rett, Ellie and I met up with Courtney, Will, Wendy, Collin and Graham to take a ride on the M-line trolley. The M-line is a fully restored, vintage trolley car that will take you on a tour of the uptown neighborhood for FREE. The boys were in awe as the "train" pulled up and Rett's eyes were glued to the window most of the ride. We had SO.MUCH.FUN! This is the perfect activity for a 3 year old boy. You don't have to sit in a car seat...you can look out the window and it sounds like you are riding on a train.
We rode from the west village stop all the way down to St. Paul and then turned around. We got off halfway home and ate lunch a Potbelly's. The boys shared a lunchable(as an appetizer) and then shared a grilled cheese & baked lays(as their main coarse). :) My camera battery died after one pic...so Wendy was kind enough to send me these pics. Thanks Wendy!
Here comes the trolley:

Rett & Ellie sharing a seat:

Collin & Rett

The "moms"...one of the boys took this pic...pretty good!

The boys

Walking to lunch

Ellie LOVED the trolley too!

On the way back....can you tell how hot is was?

Crafty

Sunday at the lake it was really HOT. The lakewater was so warm it was hardly refreshing when we would get in. So, we did alot of hands-on activites to keep Rett (and ourselves)engaged and entertained. We finger-painted, made tye-dye clothes for Ellie, put on temporary tattoos, made play food with play-doh and french braided our hair. :) :) :)

Hangin' at the lake!

My parents got Internet (and cable!) this summer at their lakehouse. With all these modern conviences here there is never a feeling of needing to rush home to "get things done". We came out this weekend to relax and spend time with our family. Most importantly the kids have had a blast. We have gone on an adventure hike looking for bugs and sticks, gone swimming in the lake and kiddie pool, played soccer and frisbee, taken a boat ride around the lake and much more. It's been such a carefree/laid back weekend...(easy meals and easy childcare b/c many hands make little work!)....I'm not looking forward to Monday when everyone goes out of town and I am alone with two kids for four days. Yikes!
Here are a few of my favorite pics I have taken this weekend:(yes, I am uploading this from the new lake computer :))

National Night Out

Tonight Rett and I went to "National Night Out" at one of our neighboring neighborhoods. They host this event every year in an effort to create a sense of community unity and promote awareness about keeping the neighborhood crime-free. It's super kid-friendly with a petting zoo, pony rides, multiple bounce houses, and hot dogs, water and snow cones galore. It was HOT but we had alot of fun!