new adventures

Sorry for the lack of blogging! Life just came and swept me away!

We went on that really fun trip to Houston, and met a few awesome members of Eric's family that he hadn't met yet.

Oscar (left) who makes the best grapefruit margaritas and told us all of the great restaurants we needed to eat at! It was our first time meeting him and his wife Shelah, and their two kids Simon and Madeline. Dane is on the right, who we see a little more often. By the way, coffee was a major part of this trip. There was always some brewing, despite the heat!

We also went to the live butterfly exhibit at the natural history museum. It was beautiful, but kind of sad...there are signs everywhere not to chase or touch the butterflies, but of course, kids are very excitable and cant contain themselves....lots of little torn wings!  However, I kind of wish I lived in the tropics. I loved the humidity there, plus all of the rad insects! Okay, maybe not all of the insects....

Dane's brother Sean, their Mom Sandi, and Sean's son Dade! Dade want to be just like his Dad- totally his little shadow. So cute, but so sassy. Sean is sketching some tattoos here, as he is a tattoo artist in Havasu!

 We walked to the Japanese garden after the museums- super beautiful. There were lots of birds, turtles and koi, and some smart folks who chose this quiet sanctuary to crack open their books in the shade. So lovely!

The Sam Houston statue! He pointed the way to the gardens/fountains. We had to do the tourist thing...

We stayed with Oscar and Shelah, and had a bbq at their house. Shelah taught us this game that Im obsessed with now called speed scrabble. Have you heard? It's just like it sounds- a super quick game of scrabble without points or the board! Probably some of the best times on trip, honestly.

Another great time- we all met up and went to a real Texas BBQ called Goode Company.  Pork and beef brisket, thick cut jalapeno cheddar bread, icy local beer...so good! Have you had Shiner Bock? Such a good summer-time beer from a little town called Shiner, Texas.  Wish we had it locally!  Also, the boy in the red plaid who's face is covered is Garron from a band called Eisley. I haven't heard of them, but apparently they are pretty big? He is dating Shelah and Oscar's daughter Madeline who is sitting across from him. So cute!

We went to the Houston zoo, which was HUGE! I dont think we even saw everything. Some highlites would be this guy- which I can't remember what it's called right now...he's a lot bigger than this picture is making him out to be. About as long as my arm! So sweet!

And this sea turtle, who only has a nub of his other fin. He swims just fine though! Have you seen their shells close up? Its like someone painted it with watercolors. Fantastic!
There was also a mole display- it was set up like an ant farm but with moles! Little baby ones, big ones bringing the food to them, etc. So so cool.  Red pandas and primates are always great to see too.

It was a great adventure. We almost missed our flight on the way home, but a woman pulled some strings and let us go through a secret super fast security check line that I didnt know existed! That was really exciting too. Reminded me of home alone. In fact, the music from the airport seen was playing though my head as we literally ran to our gate! I do love the airport.

Other than that, girl is still gone. I cleaned up her area out in the carport. Super sad out there. We got a new little tyke livening up the house, however. We have been calling him Brutus and Cricket and Lovebug and Baby. Nothing feels too right yet, though.

But my goodness is he sweet and lovey. He hardly lets you leave the room!  Truly, a new baby in the house. Jules is slowly adjusting- really curious, but he has little wines and growls as he watches the baby play. A whole house full a boys now. Oh my....Okay.  Time to work on my and Mallory's new etsy(!) and prepare for Eric's birthday tomorrow(!!)

Hope you are surviving summer's heat so far!

xoxo