:: to space and beyond ::

We visited NASA in Houston (very cool) and learned all about the space program, the international space station and had a lot fun with all the hands-on activities!

With Grandma and Grandpa

Touching a real moon rock!

Alden heading into a real shuttle. They were more roomy than I thought.

Life inside the shuttle.

A connection between space stations - so cool!

Yes! New diet motivation! My weight and reflection on Mars :)

Seth and his mom taking down some poor child on the snowboarding simulation...haha!

Giant Lego pit - in other words, heaven.

:: arriving in texas ::

We decided to make a business trip for Seth into a family vacation to Texas. It was Alden's first airplane ride - very exciting! We traveled to Houston for three days, and then down to Galveston for a day at the beach. The weather was less than hot, but we achieved plenty of stares wearing shorts in 62 degree weather. :)

Baggage Boys!

Bayou next to our condo rental where you can rent a kayak or canoe - beautiful!

Each morning, the boys got some energy at the playground nearby.

:: a glimpse of spring ::

Sunday was such a warm, sunny day, and a welcome sign that spring will come someday after this loonnnggg winter. We spent the morning snow hiking around Hartley. How lucky are we to have all these trails, singing birds and plenty of opportunities for inquiry, right outside our backyard? 

These are types of pictures I get when I ask for nice smiles...

 

Of course there are wrestling matches along the nice peaceful trails. Why would I think otherwise....

It was so mild out on our walk back that jackets, mitts and hats needed to go!

Helping a brother out.....climbing trees is hard work.

We can't wait for you spring!

:: dinner for.....18 ::

Last year, we had our friend Russ come in and cook for Seth's 31st birthday: steak and lobster. It was amazing. We had family over and it was literally one of the best times ever. Check that out here.

This year, we thought we'd have a group of friends to share in such a fun experience. So, for Seth's 32nd birthday, we went Cajun style! We had gumbo (yum!), red beans and rice, crawdad etoufee and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Oh....and wine....lots and lots of wine. Deeeeelicious!

As a last minute idea, Seth wanted to have a guys table and girls table. Interesting idea, I thought, so we tried it. It really was a great way for everyone to get to know each other.

I don't know what they were doing at the guys table, but I bet they didn't get a full-on scarf tutorial. Sara finally got it - thanks, Kim :-)

Oh nooo.....the wine's all gone. Poor Seth.

Dessert time!!

Seth getting comfortable between Brian and Melissa......

Yes. We thought this was very amusing... I blame the wine.

Fab Night. Fun friends. Great food.

Annnnd.....adding 'large entertaining space' to the necessity list for the house hunt this summer.