18 hours

We took an 18 hour rode trip to see our families in SD and MN. The girls actually did quite well in the car and LOVED spending time with their cousins and all of our family and friends. A few highlights included strawberry picking, a drive in movie (on the longest day of the year), played in the pool, rode around in a electric car, went to the beach, made homemade ice cream, and even did a few fireworks. Why no pictures?? Because I somehow transferred them ALL onto Grandma Diana's computer and then proceeded to delete over half of them. So, this is the ONE that I currently have. Hopefully we'll have more to share after some "recovery" efforts. :)

We decided to make the most of the drive home with a route through the Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas. It was very beautiful and well worth the extra time. The first night we stayed on a cliff, as seen above. We all had to sleep in "big beds" and I was quite concerned when I heard a thump. Jocelyn fell off the bed and didn't even wake up; just curled up and stayed asleep...I guess she was tired.

The second day we stayed at DeGray Resort. It's part of a State Park and gorgeous. We spent some time at the beach in the very warm water. Julia loves floating in her life jacket. The girls think hotel rooms are as cool as amusement parks and were giddy with laughter...the ice machine was magical.

We enjoyed a boat ride around the lake. However, the girls found the sunset cruise a bit too relaxing and just wanted to go to sleep by the end of the ride. Overall, a WONDERFUL trip...thank you to everyone for your hospitality. ;)

Happy Birthday Daddy

Happy Birthday Daddy from your girls! Or as they say Happy Day. You already know how much they love you. I want you to know that I think you're a hero. :)

Miller Outdoor Theater

I took the girls to their first theater production on Friday. We went to Miller Outdoor Theater and enjoyed Pinocchio. Surprisingly, the girls were VERY attentive for the first 30 minutes. However, after 45 minutes they decided they were "all done" and "too hot." I agreed and as an added bonus we even beat traffic. ;)

Memorial Day weekend

Our friends from SD Troy and Des came for a visit. We really enjoyed our time together and gave them a lot of advice about the upcoming arrival of their twins.

We took them to the beach in Galveston. The girls enjoyed playing football with the boys, watching the birds, and playing in the sand. We also enjoyed watching the dolphins jump just off the shore.

Tim also took them on a mini tour of NASA and we ate a lot of good food...one of my favorite hobbies.

We are so grateful to have such wonderful friends. We can't wait to meet your little ones soon!

butterflies & penguins

On Wednesday we decided to go to the Butterfly exhibit at Moody Gardens. We did get to see some beautiful butterflies, but unfortunately we got eaten by mosquitoes in the process. I asked the girls if they wanted to watch a penguin movie instead...they replied enthusiastically. The vibrating chairs made them tense, the snow made them wonder, but the water splashing in the face was enough to almost make them flee. By the end of the movie they were both on my lap. However, they left the movie proud and couldn't wait to take their picture to prove what 'big girls' they are.

splish splash

A warm evening...a blow up pool...and a little slide...who knew life could be this good? I just love it when life exceeds my expectations. I think the girls went down that slide fifty times. :)

Belle

Belle hasn't been in as many pictures as she used to be...but she's still here...always by our side. (Even if she has to dig out from under the fence to get there)

Japanese Garden

I admit, I took a ridiculous amount of pictures today. I just can't help myself...


I cannot begin to explain how much fun these two had chasing squirrels.

I felt like I was taking "senior pictures" 16 years too early...

the paddle boat and a train

I think this might be my favorite family picture EVER. ;)

Jocelyn wasn't sure about the life jacket and boat at first, but it took about two minutes for her to have fun.

Julia was a natural co-pilot and had fun trying to help steer. I'm not sure I ever took my hand off either of them.

We rode the train around the park. The girls kept saying choo-choo and waving at people. They were so excited the three times we stopped that we got to stay on for "more."

Happy Mother's Day to me...

I consider myself the luckiest mother in the world.

We spent the day at Hermann Park...it was WONDERFUL!

The annual Mother's Day photo...just try not to notice that Jocelyn is trying to show you my underwear.

I'm also lucky to have him. Tim got more than a few hugs from Jocelyn today...precious.

Bayou Wildlife Refuge

Adventure Friday was quite adventurous this week. We went to Bayou Wildlife Park in Alvin, TX. They had many exotic animals from all of the world. We rode in a "tram" (otherwise known as the back of an old pick-up) and toured the refuge. The kids could feed the animals...by "kids" I mean Anna. The Ruppster's have no interest in touching an animal, let alone feeding one. We also had a little picnic lunch and enjoyed the already hot Texas heat and humidity. Anna ended the day by taking a pony ride while we all cheered her on.