Bubble Bath!

I don't think that the kids have ever had a bubble bath... Not because we don't want them to have fun in the tub, but because of the kid's ezcema. This night I was battling the woes of not wanting a bath. So, I decided that they would be having their first ever bubble bath! Needless to say we won't be doing that again for awhile. Poor Huston broke out in a rash for the rest of the week. He had fun though while it lasted!!

Ellis Family

While Elise and her family were in town for Thanksgiving, they took their family Christmas photo in SA. Since she hasn't updated her blog in 6 months, I thought I would post some pics from their photo shoot. Robb was the official photographer and Clark was his handy assistant. Robb's usual assistant was taking a much needed break on the sofa back at my parents house.

Thanksgiving 2009

Shower Time!!

Shower Prep Work

Rock n Roll 2009

On November, 15th, Rachael Gray and I ran another 1/2 marathon. One of these days (before I turn 40) I plan on running a full marathon. Right now I don't have much time- as if I will have more time as the kids get older (ha!). The run began at 7:30am and it was ideal temps for the spectators. Last year it was about 30 degrees and there were some brave souls out there watching the runners! This year the weather was about 65 degrees, but it was very humid. They were expecting rain in the forecast, but it rained later that afternoon. My time in 2008 was 2 hours and 27 minutes. I beat my time this year by one minute! I finished the run at 2 hours and 26 minutes. Gotta say that I am at least consistent! At the run in '08, I ran by myself and this year I ran with Rachael so it made the race more fun. We had Clark and the kids cheering us on at mile 3, Rachael's hubby & fam at 4.5, Rachael's in-laws at 7, Clark & kids along with my parents at 8, Rachael's fam at 9-10 and then all the families at the end. What a fun morning!! I can't wait for the next one... maybe I will be my time by another minute!! :)

Side note: Clark is my biggest fan. He was out there with the kids bright and early. The first location they were at was in front of the Alamo. I had packed a "goodie bag" of things that the kids could do during the "down time" - since there was lots of down time for them while they waited to see me pass them. While they were waiting at the first location, Clark brought out the sidewalk chalk. How many kids can say that they were able to draw on the grounds in front of the Alamo?? Pretty cool. After drawing on the sidewalk wasn't fun anymore (all of 10 minutes, if that) they were getting restless in the stroller with their clothes all dirty. Poor Clark couldn't keep up with Huston's tiny bladder. Huston had to have his pants changed more than 3 times while the race was going on that he finally ended up in a diaper when I meet up with them at the end.

T-Ball Party!

Huston's team met after the last game for some lunch and a party. Each boy received a medal and a trophy from their coach. Huston was so excited to get a medal and a trophy- we tried to take a picture with him and his new trophy but his were glued to it. He wouldn't let anyone touch his trophy for quite some time. It was carried around with him for about a week proudly showing it off to all the grandparents and friends. Of course what party can be complete without dessert?? One of the moms made these cute "baseball" cupcakes. They were a hit!!

Last Game of the Season

The last game of the season was fun to watch because the boys are actually getting into the game. They are understanding the "rules" of the game and don't need much assistance from dad anymore! It's amazing what the boys have accomplished in 9 weeks! Huston played his best game all season in the the last game. Way to go Cardinals!!

Trick or Treat!

Clark went to a Notre Dame football game at the Alamodome on Halloween evening. This being my least favorite holiday- it was not a big deal. I had planned on staying at home and watching a movie with the kids. They had celebrated plenty this week for Halloween. Then I caved. It was 5pm and we needed something to do before it was time for bath and bed. So I got them in their costumes and we headed out for some candy. Hey, who can beat some free entertainment, huh?? I opened a bottle of wine and took my glass of wine with me as we started our adventure. We went around the block at 6pm- not much happening. Once we went around the block again- the action was starting. The kids had the best time and we probably only went to 8-10 homes. Their bags were STUFFED with candy. Once we got home they got to enjoy two pieces of candy before it was time for a bath. Then they went straight to bed without a peep!

Season is almost over!

I cannot believe that Huston has two more games for the entire season! Where has the time gone?? This has been an awesome year for him to be doing this. He has really blossomed and enjoys all the boys on his team. About half of the team goes to SACS! Gotta love my old alma mater! I am so thrilled to see such a progress in him. He has really come out of his shell- and he is becoming such a big boy! Today, October 31, Huston got to ride in Jim's "race car" to the game. He loved sitting in the front with the top down. While we are at the game- Clark enjoys sitting in the dugout with all the kids while they wait their turn to bat. We had some tired kids today- they were up late last night carving pumpkins with the White's. Huston gets a kick out of making "snow angels" in the orange dirt. He does this at practice and at the games. I have to get after him and tell him to get up and play the game- it's not snow. I guess since we don't get any snow we have to make up for it somehow. Today was my friend Shannon's turn to bring the snack after the game- Andrew's momma. She came with this Captain Morgan box. I think she was subtly trying to tell us something. She didn't think a thing of it until she arrived and all the dads quickly noticed and said something immediately to her (as a joke, of course). She was very embarassed- yet handled herself very well.

Pumpkin Carving Time!

On Friday, October 30, we went over the White's home. The guys were pumped to do a little pumpkin carving while the kids were excited to play together. We ate pizza and mingled with our dear friends. Then the time to carve the pumpkins was on! The guys chose some hard designs- Clark wanted to do one of Barack Obama's face. I told him no- I was out-voted. Good thing that time ran out- maybe next year! First, Tom cut off the tops with a new gadget that he had. Meanwhile Clark and Huston were in charge of scooping out the insides of each pumpkin. Huston had some practice from pumpkin days at school this month- he knew exactly what to do! Megan and Emery were playing with all the dress up clothes they didn't have time to bother with the pumpkins- other than joining us with a new dress on every 10 minutes or so. (Side note: I was outside checking out the work that the guys had done and noticed that the kids and Terri were inside. I went inside to see what was going on- only to see Terri helping Huston put on a pink princess dress. Thanks alot, Terri! Just wait until your payback comes!) Of course the finished product looks neat. Of course ours is complete with a background light up of the Notre Dame clover leaf... HA! We had the best time! Thanks, Tom and Terri!!

Halloween at Petroleum Club

On Wednesday, October 28, we went to the Petroleum Club with my mom. The kids were able to dress up in their costumes and they had pumpkins set-up to decorate. You could either carve your pumpkin or paint it. We stuck with painting our pumpkins. Huston wanted to be a superhero this year but wasn't sure which one. So, we dubbed him Super H. Emery loves wearing her ballerina swimsuit- so only fitting that she wore her swimsuit! After we painted our pumpkins we ate an Italian meal and finished our evening with a game of Musical Chairs. Huston and Emery have never played the game before. I haven't played in years and it was one of my favorites in my early elementary years. Huston got the hang of it and lasted pretty long in the game. He was the youngest in a group of 11/12 and younger. He had a ball!!