After Christmas, the boys went back to Ft. Worth with Larry and Debbie… to spend a week! While they were gone, Nathan spent time catching up on work. I completely overhauled Shutter-Happy’s website and photographed three maternity sessions. We also scouted out a 
new walking/running route that turns out to be 5.5 miles. And we went out for the first New Year’s Eve in ten years (dinner at the Welfare Cafe).
After we got the boys back, they still had two more days off from school! We spent one day at the apartment (in our pj’s) and one at the children’s museum. The boys had a blast playing in all the exhibits. And I really enjoyed that we were one of only a few families there. It was great!!!
On Friday the 13th, Ben had the day off from school. First, we let him tag along to Evan’s music class. And then the three of us set out on a mission for guinea pigs! The boys both adopted their own piggy. Ben’s named his “Bevo” (after the Texas Longhorns). Evan’s is “Ranger” (named after the Texas Rangers). 
We have since built them an awesome cage out of wire 
cube shelving and enclosed our patio, so they have lots of room to roam when they’re not being held.
Last Sunday we headed down to Sunset Station for Amtrak’s 40th anniversary celebration. They had a Chuggington play area for the kids to enjoy, a John Deere model train set up for everyone to watch, one antique train to view, one train set up like a museum that we could walk through and see memorabilia, and one passenger train that we got to tour. The boys loved it!
This weekend was our scout pack’s Pinewood Derby! Ben raced his 
green speedster against all the other Bears and came in 12th out of 14. Evan raced his lego car against all the other siblings and parents, and came in 7th of 18!
And yesterday, Nathan drove the boys out to Lost Maples for a long hike and picnic lunch.
Something I’ve experienced or noticed these 
last few weeks….
I have been able to jog the 5.5 mile route three times each week! It feels SO amazing to be able to do that… and my clothes are starting to fit better. What a sense of accomplishment!
Ben is a great guinea pig “mommy.” In the 2+ weeks we’ve had the piggies, Ben has cleaned their cage four times. He is constantly checking 
and cleaning their water dish, giving them hay and pellets, and treating them to fresh veggies. He and I are also giving them lots of love so that they really warm up to being a part of our family. We are starting to see more of their personality as they’ve gotten more comfortable with us. And Ben seems to be a little kinder and more affectionate thanks to them. I’m very happy with our decision to get these pets for the boys (so far). I even splurged a little bit today and bought the boys some really cute chapter books, all focused around main characters that are guinea pigs! Can’t wait to read them!
PS- Our fortune cookies from the other day… Evan (Listen these next few days to your friends to get answers you seek). Ben (Time heals all wounds. Keep your chin up). Me (You will soon be crossing desert sands for a fun vacation)!
Entries (RSS)