Sand, Shells, Ships & the Sea

So I think I have recovered from our fantastic trip to the beach of Port Aransas. It is just north of Corpus Christi on Mustang Island. Our family has been going there for years, and we have since outgrown the 2 bedroom condo and had to rent the 3 bedroom condo. We had so much fun, thanks to a heated swimming pool, and the guys trip to the U. S. S. Lexington (Aircraft carrier in Corpus Christi). The ocean was still a little too chilly for our liking, so we enjoyed the sand castle building in the morning and swimming in the pool in the afternoon. This was Tye's first time to the beach and I was hoping he would enjoy it as much as I do, which he did. It actually took him a little while to get used to the sand between his toes. At first, he would stick out his foot and make that "uh, uh, uh" sound to get it out, but once he got used to it, he loved it. He enjoyed learning about the seagulls that make that "eeh, eeh, eeh" sound, and he loved getting dirty. He especially loved the aircraft carrier. I mean what 17 month old BOY would not enjoy a whole runway overlooking the water to run around on and planes with a gazillion buttons to push. We all enjoyed getting away for a few days before the rush of the summer hits. Enjoy the pictures!

Tye on day 2 getting used to this sand thing...check out the hand full of sand.



Getting our feet wet for the first time and whew...chilly water!



After every pool time is snack time...of course!



Flying one of the planes on the aircraft carrier.



The family picture :)



Blessings...
Bethany

Gardening Day!

We spent a good part of our day today, planting some new flowers, re-mulching and just enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Tye loves playing in the dirt and watering the flowers, over and over, and over. Here are a few pics from the day.





We also took a trip to the zoo on Thursday, which we also called "Field Trip Thursday" because we were joined by 100's of school kids from all over Houston. It was quite crowded, but the boys enjoyed the kids as much as the animals. We had a great time visiting nonetheless. Here are a few pictures, courtesy of Misty. Thanks, Misty.





Love and Blessings,
Bethany

Sidewalk chalk...

Last week, I let Tye play with some sidewalk chalk in the backyard. He loved drawing on the patio and trying to guess what I was drawing. Not only that, but he just loves being outside, period! So this morning when Tye woke up, I took him in to see daddy, and Tye proceeded to get out of the bed, go into the bathroom and get a pair of Russ's jeans and put them on the bed next to Russ. So I thought...awe, that was cute. Then, Tye went into the living room and got Russ's sandals and brought those in and put them on the bed, next to Russ, as well. Now I am thinking...he is up to something. Next, Tye looks up to Russ and says "side" (which means "outside"), then makes the "more" sign, and says "color". Oh...we finally get it! So I said, "Oh, you want to go outside and color!" He then ran over to the back door and started trying to unlock it. Just when you think they could care less in what you try to teach them, they go and impress you like this. Kids are so smart...he knew that dad needed pants and shoes to go outside. Needless to say...Tye had a great time playing "side" with his "colors" this morning. Just wanted to share that with you.



Here is Tye taking quite an interest in my shoes. It is becoming a daily occurence while am getting ready in the morning. He seems to choose different pair each day. Thought these were a pretty funny choice for the day.

Sit and Spin...

After many attempts of sitting with no spinning and just pushing the button to change the music, Tye has finally figured out the "sit and spin". Let me tell you...they don't make them like they used to. There is no spinning so fast you almost throw up. It is now good fun and a good arm workout for the kids. Here is a short video of Tye conquering the coordination of the sit and spin. Enjoy.



Blessings,
Bethany

Brace yourself, Grandparents!

I have been going back and forth on uploading this video, or not. Tye has been doing so great on the playground lately, and so I thought it would be cute to show him off a little, and of course, the one time I video...watch what happens. He did not skip a beat...and kept on going, but it will make you gasp a bit, nonetheless...especially if you are a grandparent.





We also had a wonderful Easter weekend, and here is our family photo with little "squirm bug". He just does not know what sitting still means anymore.



Do we look a year older? This was Easter last year.



Blessings,
Bethany

Happy Birthday Grandma!

We celebrated my Great Grandma's 104th birthday on March 8th, up in Fredericksburg. For those of you who have not heard of this historic German town, it is about an hour west-ish of Austin. It is a very touristy town with lots of little antique shops and bed and breakfasts. It is the home of the Nimitz Museum and Enchanted Rock is about a 20 minute drive outside of town. We have been going up there since we were kids and my aunt and uncle have restored and added to my grandma's old house. The whole family can now stay up there at the same time. That is 13 of us total. We had a great time and Grandma got to pick the menu of pork roast, mashed potatoes and a fantastic chocolate cake. Obviously the nursing home cuisine is a bit lacking. Here is the family photo we took at grandma's nursing home as we were heading out of town.




Just for fun, here is a video of Tye laughing hysterically at a tickle session with Russ.



It reminded me a lot of this one...when he was about 5 months.



Since we have been back from F'burg, we have been busy, busy with playdates and rodeo festivities and a wonderful visit from Grammy and Pappa. Here are a few pics to enjoy.

Rascal Flatts at the Rodeo.



Play date with some of Tye's buddies (Joshua, Josiah, and Asher). He has so much fun. You can tell from their sweaty hair and pink cheeks.



I loved this pic. Tye loved watching the little chicks hatch at the Livestock Show. It was so cute...Tye could barely peek his head above the glass, and this little chick appeared to have noticed him and was staring right back at him.



Russ and Tye checking out the huge "taa-ters" (tractors in Tye talk)



Love and blessings,
Bethany

random pictures...

Let's see...here are a few random pictures from the past week or so. He now has officially gotten 2 more teeth, so now we are up to 6, wa-hoo! He has gotten both of them on the left side on top and bottom, so if the right ones don't come in soon, we are going to a little asymmetrical for a whle and if you know me...I am checking for the right side every day :), I enjoy symmetry and balance. Enjoy the pics...

Doesn't everyone have a picture like this?



Picking front yard flowers...he never noticed the one tucked behind his ear, and yes, he was trying to put another one IN his ear...boys!




Playdate with Travis and cousin, Charley. Tye LOVES to hug, but you have to limit it, otherwise the hug becomes a wrestling maneuver.