Our first play!

We ventured into the city to visit Miller Outdoor Theatre to see the play Cinderella. I was skeptical and first since it was their first live performance, but we went with Andrea and Leah, so we figured if the kids didn't cooperate we'd ride the train at Herman Park. We rode together which was much better than making the 20 minute drive alone and the kids loved it too. We were a little late, but once we got there the kids really got into it. They sat quietly except when they got excited about the characters. But it was geared toward kids so it was pretty interactive. After the play we got to meet the actors. Max didn't want to take a picture, but he shook hands with most of them.

The girls meeting "Prince Charming"

The kids with Cinderella

 After the play we had a picnic in the park. The kids were more interested in chasing the pigeons though. After they ate we walked over to the zoo area to catch the train. It was my fist time to take the kids and it was really fun to ride around Herman Park. There is so much to do and some great play areas. One thing we did notice though was the large number of homeless people that are taking shelter in some of the covered areas. Overall it was fun, the kids had a blast and napped on the way home. We are looking forward to doing it again for sure!

YAY, train ride!

The kids and the birds

Take 1 - Me and my girl

Take 2 - the kids and I

First day of MDO 2012

So it was the first day of school and the kids were all smiles this morning. Max couldn't get out of the door fast enough. Maddie just tagged along really. They were both really excited about their new backpacks. My sweet friend Andrea monogrammed them for the kids so that was extra special. I was a bundle of nerves because I had a feeling Maddie would have a hard time today. We loaded up in the Expedition and drove to school and kids watched Little Einsteins on the way.  Once they got unloaded Max said bye, Maddie had no idea what was happening but she went along with it and didn't even look back. All is well....?? I thought so.

Right before pick up Maddie's teacher called to let me know she had had a rough day, crying off and on throughout the day. It started when she wanted to sit by Max in his class line in the morning. She doesn't like to hear the word no, so I assume that set her off. Ms. Letty said sometimes she did not and throwing tantrums. She was so tired during lunch she almost fell asleep at the table. She was not happy when they changed her diaper either. They finally found her pacifier after she cried during nap time. My heart sunk when I got off the phone, I may have even cried. I felt terrible. Needless to say I was ready to pick her up. When I saw her, she looked okay, pacifier in her mouth. 

After we headed to Menchie's for a frozen yogurt treat. I know it will get better, but I am not looking forward to the in between phase. I know she is in good hands because they were Max's teachers. :( Lord give me strength. By the way, "Max had a great day, he was happy all day" - teacher note :) 1/2 isn't that bad I guess.

Totally 2!

It's hard for me to even get started talking about Maddie because she is literally all over the place. We refer to her as the instigator because she typically starts all  screaming, wrestling, and dangerous games. She loves playing with her brother and he does too, but sometimes he gets annoyed. She has just discovered dressing up. She's not into dresses, but she loves bracelets, hats, crowns, shoes and bangs. What a diva!! She likes to collect her treasures in her purses or bags. In the mornings she likes to take our her paci and give it to they bunny she sleeps with and then covers the bunny up. She tells the bunny "night, night". When she is tired or relaxed she loves to twirl her hair. The cutest is when she is with her daddy and they cuddle and he twirls one side and she twirls another. Priceless!

Maddie is very musical and memorizing songs easily. She often sings different songs, i.e., twinkle  twinkle little star, ring around the rosy, ABC's, I like to Move it, Ai se eu te pego, cowboy cumbia to name a few. :) She is potty training, and she's doing pretty well. We are still using pull ups and she tells me about 50% of the time. If she's having fun she won't go potty, but she's been a good sport. She is starting MDO next week, which I'm excited and nervous about. She still LOVES her paci, but we are trying to cut back. She loves to scream! Sometimes its funny, other times annoying, but SO Maddie.

Speaking so much!! Maddie says:

Sanga sanga li - When one of the kids has a booboo, I say the old Spanish song "Sana, sana". Maddie loves to touch my freckles, then she gets this concerned look on her face and rubs my face saying "sanga sanga li" MOST PRECIOUS THING EVER!!

When reading her bedtime story, if there is an animal on he page. She likes to get possessive of her pacifier or her bunny. "No tiger, it's my bunny not yours"
"Take a bite Max, you can do it" - trying to deflect attention away from herself at lunch

"Be nice Max, I sad" - This is her pleading with Max when they aren't being nice. It goes both ways

"I big gurl" - After going potty and wanting to act "big"

"Get outta here right now" - when she is "going" potty or just wants to be alone.

I don't know

I can do it

Help me

She enjoyed watching fish at a baby shower. We practiced saying "Hola pececitos"

Such a big girl in her car seat that she has almost outgrown

She loves accessorizing!

I caught a "terrible two" tantrum on camera. Sad moment, but I couldn't resist.

Aprés tantrum, she fell asleep waiting on lunch. Tired girl!

RWP Foundation Luncheon & Museum fun

We made a quick visit to College Station to attend a luncheon for the RWP Foundation that my father in law established before he passed away last year. It was bittersweet to be old co-workers, his side of the family and friends. It was a good experience though and I hope to become more involved in the future. It was held at the Brazos Center in Bryan which also has a museum. Since the kids wouldn't stay still for a luncheon we decided to check it out. The kids loved seeing all the animals (dead & alive). It was small, but the kids were excited. I remember taking my students there on field trips, so it brought back great memories.

Max & Maddie

A few cute moments I wanted to share.

Max at 3.5

"Mom, that's enough!"

This is what my big boy tells me sometimes if I want to give him hugs and kisses. It's so funny to hear him say it and it does kind of make me happy, yet sad to think he is growing up. I guess because he is my oldest I think he is such a big boy. He is so smart and communicates well. He speaks in complete sentences and is practicing his Spanish more and more. He understands some simple instructions in Spanish too. I'm working on it. He has trouble always counting to ten with no mistakes, but when he is really focused, rather when I'm not asking he can do it. Same thing with colors, he can usually pick the right color when asked, but he has trouble recalling the name. He can write an M and recognizes his name. He prefers to be called Maxwell. He likes to shake her hand and say his version of "Hi, I'm Shawn Terral, nice to meet you." Poor guy might get confused with all these names!

He is long and lean. HE is really getting too big for a few things. I pulled out the johnny jump up for a friend and he wanted to try it. He looked so silly, but I let him have some fun. He loves talking about his muscles and he is excited that one day he'll be big and strong "like my daddy". :) He is still a pretty picky eater. He loves chicken, tilapia, mac n cheese, sandwiches, chips, apples, carrots & hummus, celery and chocolate kisses. He'll eat the tops off broccoli, but that's about it. I keep explaining how all the veggies will make him stronger, hope it gets easier!

He cut his own bangs!! I was right there too!! I was putting on my makeup in front of my mirror and he was next to me. He grabbed the scissors and went to town. By the time I looked up it was too late. He was pretty proud! Still looks cute though.

He is a great friend, he loves playing with friends at playdates and the gym. I've noticed him playing "kung fu" or "tag" with bigger boys and he can definitely hold his own. Kinda makes me proud, kinda makes me worry. I don't want him to get hurt, so I try to discourage it. He still has a hard time wanting to share, but I know he understands. He usually listens and makes the good choice. Him and his sister usually get into it pretty good when they fight over a toy.

Still loves his cars!

Summer Time Fun

We are in the peak summer heat and boy are we feeling it here in Houston. The kids are keeping us on our toes and we (i.e., Shawn, my dad, RJ & Ian) are still working on our back porch. We added a swing for Maddie because she loves to swing and literally throws a fit when has to stop. I think this picture pretty much speaks for itself.

Happiness.

I also got the kids this playhouse which they love to play in. They like to play pretend that they are in the market, gas station, school, house etc. Max loves to sell me eggs fr $20. Whoa!! I love seeing them play make believe together and use their imaginations. We've had a few friends over to play which the kids love.

Playhouse fun with Jaxen.

My dad had a training in Cy-Fair so we got to see him more than normal and the kids loved it. I think they are a bit spoiled. I love it he could just "drop by" and meet us for lunch. That is one of the things I miss about living in our hometown.

We've enjoyed a few hot days over at Andrea, Leah and Emily's pool. The kids get along great and its a great way for the moms to cool down after our Zumba!

Pool fun!