Ski Patrol

Our family will reconvene in Breckenridge tomorrow for our annual pilgrimmage. We can't wait. Just finished packing. Hope to post videos of Little K's progress in skiing and maybe photos of the fireworks reflecting on the snow.

Happy New Year to all! Until the next nap time...

Ohio Trip 2009 Concludes with a Grin

Well, our Ohio trip is quickly coming to a close. It's been wonderful. I realized toward the end that because we have a slower schedule here, I've realized how tired I am. As such, I have been able to go to bed at a decent hour, sleep in a bit and take an occasional nap. Ahhh. I'll now return to Houston better rested and ready to conquer a 2-day work week.

Today, I helped PaPa Don remove the old pea vines, till the garden and plant some new vegetables. Little K helped pull up some of the old vines until she fell backward onto her rump. PaPa Don & I roared with laughter. Suddenly, Little K claimed that something bit her leg & she was going inside. I think something maybe bit her pride but that's about it. The rest of the gardening was quite a workout. After a shower, packing and an early lasagna dinner, we'll head to the Dayton airport to begin our return home to Houston. What a wonderful trip. Now I just need to make sure we don't hold off for a year before coming back.

Little K is negotiating her pay with PaPa Don now. It's somewhere between $100 and 40 cents. I'll bet she settles on the lower end of the spectrum. Better go help.

Happy flying. Until the next nap time...

I Eat the Peas. PaPa Don eats the Pods & more from Ohio

Not everyone gets to know their great-grandparents but Little K is different. On Friday, Little K and I flew from Houston to Dayton, Ohio, where we were greeted by PaPa Don & Grammy (my mom's parents).

Now I have to fill you in on the lead up to this trip. As a child, I'd visit Ohio once each summer to bake with Grammy and pick peas in PaPa Don's garden. PaPa Don even wrote a song about our pea-picking adventures that detailed how I ate the peas and he ate the pods. As I grew older, who ate the pods became a bit of a game.

Today, Little K continues by telling PaPa Don that he's stuck eating the pods because she eats the peas. Weeks before our "trip to Mecca", PaPa Don sent her a name tag. He said he hadn't seen Little K in SO LONG that he might not recognize her without the name tag. Artificial pea pods hung from the necklace-like name tag which read: "Hey, PaPa Don. It's me, Little K. I eat the pods." My whipper-snapper daughter quickly instructed me to edit the name tag so that it correctly read "... I eat the peas."

So yesterday, Little K ran to PaPa Don & Grammy, wearing her edited name tag AND a T-shirt that read in large pink letters: "I eat the peas. YOU eat the pods." PaPa Don's camera snapped photos quickly as his great-granddaughter sported her digs. Somehow, I don't think we'll forget the "gotcha" moment at the Dayton airport.

Before heading to PaPa Don & Grammy's house, we stopped by Aunt Kenny and Uncle Brad's house for a delicious chicken dinner. Cousin Lauren, called "the other kid" by Little K, was soon convinced to participate in drawing instructions led by the youngest family member. Interestingly, Lauren is no little kid. She graduated from undergrad at the University of Miami in Ohio in May and will work with children with ADD and ADHD in Cincinnati starting next Monday. Still, she must have been the next youngest attendant at the dinner party so Little K immediately took to her.

The teasing continues today. Uncle Sean made an appearance after riding his bike to PaPa Don & Grammy's house. P U! After Little K scarfed down all the raspberries by herself, we picked peas in the garden. She repeatedly scolded her mother for eating them, saying we needed to save them for inside. She clearly doesn't grasp the concept of finding the fattest pea pods and eating them before PaPa Don does. I, on the other hand, remain the master. We also picked more raspberries and a bright red tomato (for you Mom).

Next up, we began baking a chocolate cake that we later frosted into a 3D Barbie doll cake wearing a pink sun dress. Grammy & I shoved her into the freezer so her icing wouldn't melt. (It's in the 80s here today.) I joked that the two old bits got tired of the pretty princess with the skinny waistline so we SHOVED her in the freezer. It felt good.

A quick trip to an estate sale resulted in treasures for PaPa Don and a cross necklace for K. Who knew $1 necklace would bring so much joy?

Tonight, we'll have ham and stuffed mushrooms with the greater Ohio clan, followed by the dissection of a pink Barbie doll cake. If I don't gain 5 or more pounds this trip, I'll be floored. But the memories are sure to last a lifetime. If only everyone was as blessed as we are.

Until the next nap time...

Road Trip Weekend

Little K has made leaps and bounds at swimming lessons over the last two weeks. I think the ration of one teacher to 3 kids is wonderful. Plus, Little K listens better to an instructor versus a parent when in the water. She's so proud of herself, too. She's finally putting her face in the water (YEAH!) and yesterday she opened her eyes under water. This is a big deal for my 4-year-old. Plus, the instructor's backyard is an oasis and melts away my stress as I watch from the patio, the fan blowing a breeze across my face. Ahhh...

This weekend, we are heading to Sulphur Springs, TX. to visit my mother-in-law's sister and extended family. (Thanks to Karen at Pet Pals of Houston for house sitting and pet sitting all weekend!) While Little K met two of her Sulphur Springs cousins a few years ago, she barely remembers them. I'm excited for her to see the small town in east Texas where her grandmother, CiCi, grew up. Of course, getting to know her (now) three Sulphur Springs cousins is important. I've been amazed at how many people don't know their first cousins. Our family has been blessed to even know fourth cousins. Maintaining those relationships has provided such connection in my own life that I believe it's fundamental for my daughter. Enough of my soap box.

So small-town Sulphur Springs will host the Dairy Festival this weekend, which includes a parade, hot air balloon race and more. Since my mother-in-law was crowned the Dairy Festival Queen many moons ago (yes, everyone giggles. It's great!), we thought this would be an ideal time to visit. I can't wait to report back.

Hope you all have a great weekend whereever life takes you. Until the next nap time...

Who's That Skiing Down the Slopes?

Hopefully, this will work. My photo camera apparently also has the ability to shoot video so here are two clips of Little K skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado with her instructor Nico. At 3 years old, this was her first time. You can tell by the way I hover in the background!

Applause, applause.

Until the next nap time...

Family Visit to Breckenridge Brings Skiing Surprises

Our trip to Breckenridge has been too fun. Little K took her first ski lesson with a family friend who is also a Breck ski instructor named Nico yesterday. Nico said if Little K did well, they would maybe try a ski lift on Wednesday. By the time the adults got to our ski lift, Little K and Nico were already headed up. She did great.

Last night, we went down to the mountain base at about 6 pm to watch the ski team ski down the mountain holding poles with red flares. It was so beautiful to see the red glowing lights gliding down the mountain. Everyone cheered when the skiiers arrived at the base. We returned to the condo at the base of Peak 9, had dinner and then at about 9 pm, we watched the beautiful fireworks glowing on the snow. Little K had already been in bed but woke up to the booming. Once she realized what the sound was, she came downstairs with Mommy to watch the fireworks.

Today, Little K and Nico went up the Quick Silver lift and then the A Lift today. She skiied what we consider a "baby bowl"today. I couldn't believe it. When I skiied it yesterday, I was a bit nervous. Like most kids, she has no fear and doesn't understand why I would be scared. My sister-in-law reminds me that our distance to the ground is much greater than a 3-year-old's but it continues to surprise me how little my daughter fears... even if she does much of the mountain in a snow plough. Ouch! My knees would cry in pain.

After the adults skiing about 5 hours today, we are staying in tonight to have Dorothy Orton Chicken casserole (a family fave). Aunt Susu and Drew have just wrapped up another game of Candy Land game with Little K as I try to recover from skiing. My legs are aching from the workout. Our ski instructor has the day off tomorrow, so Trent and I will ski the green slopes with Little K on Friday. It sounds like Uncle Bax will come up from Denver to join us, too, and I think Aunt Susu and friend Drew will join us in the morning. Then, while Little K naps, we'll head for the blue slopes. The snow is plentiful, the company cheerful. We continue to pray for Popi as he pushes through chemo to battle his cancer. Cici remains strong and faithful. In the mean time, we savor every moment of this family time.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your families. Until the next nap time...

Ohio Trip Recap

I've had a hard time cutting down the rest of our photos to appropriately cover our trip. What can I say? From Little K pulling onions to drawing with Cousin Bentley, splashing in PaPa Don's hot tub or playing house with Grammy and chasing the dogs, we had a wonderful Ohio trip.

Thanks for the memories -- mine and Little K's. The photos can't capture the happiness I have in watching my own daughter relish time with her Barrett family the way I used to do as a child. There's even room for me to pick peas still. Amazing.

Until the next nap time...

Which Hairdo Would You Like?

A long history of barbershop continued this morning in Ohio. While PaPa Don read the newspaper, Little K fixed his hair by spritzing it with Princess Spray, combing his hair and then adding a few bows. When PaPa Don explained that boys don't wear bows, Little K said that she'd add a blue bow.

I love watching this. When my sister Colyn & I were young, we'd add creative hairdos to PaPa Don's top, too. If PaPa Don fell asleep (as he often did), he'd be surprised when he awoke. One time, we added red mousse to his hair so he was VERY surprised upon awakening. We've painted his nails before. We even added make-up. PaPa Don says that his ability to fall asleep so easily is due to his clear conscience. I think he secretly may enjoy being donned over by a little princess.

We're off to scavenge at some estate sales. Hopefully, we'll find a treasure or two. More later.

Until the next nap time...

Day 1 in Ohio was fun but traveling with a 3-year-old who didn't nap is exhausting in itself. Little K was well behaved on the plane, singing to everyone on board. We landed just before 5 pm and were picked up at the airport by PaPa Don & Aunt Margaret. Little K proved to be on her 2nd wind as she was "jabber jaws" for the 30-minute ride home. One mile before we arrived, she was dozing off.

Later, Aunt Margaret had a special drink so Little K decided she also needed one. Sans alcohol, Little K soon had her own tottie -- a caffeinated drink. She was all performance at dinner at a seafood restaurant with multiple saltwater fish tanks. After dinner, Uncle Brad insisted he & Little K needed ice cream, although the rest of us were stuffed beyond belief. A short visit followed dinner back at Grammy and PaPa Don's and then we all retired to bed. I looked forward to a good night's sleep, but Little K was overly tired and woke up about 10 times last night. Oh well.

Today, Day 2, Uncle Huck read Little K a book about his dogs in Vegas. (See above. This is my mother's youngest brother Shannon, whom we call Huck.) It was too cute of a photo opp not to take. Aunt Kenny rode her bike over to visit and then cousin John stopped by to update us on his college registration at University of Kentucky in the fall. Wow, how time flies! We picked peas today. K especially liked cousin John tossing peas into the air for her to catch with her mouth. What a show! Uncle Huck & Aunt Margaret headed back to Vegas today but we were lucky that our trips to Ohio coincided. Perhaps we'll be able to venture west this year.

After naps (including mine and PaPa Don's), we fed the birds and filled the hot tub. K discovered two ducks in the yard so we quickly pulled out some bird seed to fill them. As I sit hear typing, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" plays in the background. Aunt Kenny, Uncle Brad & John will join our Barrett group for dinner tonight. How blessed we are to have such family and memories. What will tomorrow entail? No clue. Talk to you then.

With love... until the next nap time...

Chill Out in Brenham, TX

I love summer. The hot, humid weather seems to force even my work schedule to slow down a bit. Who wouldn't love that?

This weekend we took a drive to Brenham, TX. to check out a few spots that were recommended in a recent issue of Texas Monthly. We had actually been to Earnie's Restaurant before but enjoyed every bite. There was great shopping for young & old. I picked up two shirts and a wreath. How is it that we were celebrating Father's Day and I took off with the stash? Any ways, the town had just finished its Sesquicentennial Parade so everyone was in a jolly mood.

Interestingly, my husband had never made the trip to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham so that was a must. My aunt mentioned a water park nearby so we voyaged that way to check it all out.

The Blue Bell Aquatic Center competes with many of the Houston-area water parks with its great offerings. Check out the ice cream-themed water sprinklers and slides! Amazingly, this place is half the price of Houston water parks:

$3 Monday - Friday 11 am - 8 pm

$3 Saturday 10 am - 7 pm

$2 Sunday 1-7 pm

What a splash!

After driving by, taking photos & wishing we had brought our swim suits, we decided we needed a cold treat from the Blue Bell Creamery. Since the tours are only available weekdays, we just browsed the shop and enjoyed the tasty chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Yummy!

Brenham proves to be a relaxed town full of family-oriented offerings. Hope you can make the trip.

Until the next nap time...

San Antonio for Kids

Last weekend, we visited San Antonio. In truth, we were celebrating my father-in-law being awarded the top tax attorney in Texas by the ABA. Since the award ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regencey Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, we made it a family-filled weekend. For once, I have to say, we really seemed to hit things right.

Little K met her Great Grandma Helen for the first time ever. GG Helen flew in from Chicago. What a treat it was to see those two interact! I loved it when Little K pretended to take photos with the disposable camera and asked everyone to say "Hot Mama" while they posed individually for the shot. GG Helen didn't miss a beat. She was quite the "Hot Mama"!

I can't say enough about the hotel either. Super Kid Friendly! The Hyatt really makes it a treat for the entire family from the on-site playground and tether ball set up to the indoor face painting and evening ice cream parlor. The lazy river allows families to float around the campus in inner tubes. Even Little K thought it was a cool way to relax. Every day, families can treat themselves to a delicious breakfast buffet where children age 5 and under eat free. There's no skimping here. It's yummy. Saturday evening the hotel offered a family dinner buffet of Mexican food and festive decor in the courtyard. Don't forget the pony rides, too. The staff was incredibly helpful. Trent & I shared a room with Little K and still enjoyed the spacious room.

Saturday morning, we drove maybe 5 minutes to Sea World for a 2-hour stay that amazed even the biggest critic. Once she got over the initial shock of large animals jumping into air from the pool, Little K really got excited about Shamu's performance. I liked the fact that it was so close to the hotel so we didn't have to travel far after our hot trip through the water amusement park. Refreshing at the Hyatt was easy to do over lunch. I'd love to visit this hotel again.

After our celebrations concluded on Sunday, Trent, Little K & I headed to the Alamo. At left, Trent, Little K & stuffed-animal Dyno pose for a pic in front of the famous Alamo. The crowd was not too much either. Next, we headed to the River Walk and found the entry to the River Boats. Little K was especially interested in this, and yes, Dyno even traveled onboard the boat. Trent later told me that, while he initially hates doing city tours, he really liked the history that was shared on this one. Sometimes, you've just got to do it. I'm convinced that staying at the Hyatt for most of the weekend and then taking a short trip to the Alamo and River Walk is the way to go. I wouldn't change a thing next .... summer?

Until the next nap time...

Trip to Denver

We had a wonderful weekend in Denver last weekend. We even toured the Denver Broncos training facility. See the photo of my husband Trent & Little K in front of John Lynch's locker. Little K mostly enjoyed running on the indoor track field with her friend Connor.

The weather in Denver was absolutely gorgeous. I was really impressed, too, by the Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch. It included an indoor pool with a lazy river, obstacle course, water playground and hot tub. Absolutely impressive and rewarding for families there. I wish the YMCA would do something like that here.
Of course, the real reason for our trip was for Collyn's baptism and it went off without a hitch. Well, Little K and Connor provided some entertainment while we tried to focus on the ceremony.
It was also great to catch up with our friends Amy & Baxter. Ten years ago, I would not have imagined that our conversations would have changed (do I dare say "evolved") as they have. From child development to books and baby products, I think we covered it all. Thanks for a fabulous trip.
Until the next nap time...

Day 1 & 2 of Chicago Trip

Day 1 of our trip to Bloomington, IL. for my husband's grandfather's funeral was an adventure. The security personnel took my face lotion so I'm quite sure I'll look like an unravelled mummy by the time the trip concludes. Otherwise, our flight went smoothly. (Thank the Lord!) Five of our family members deplaned, got our luggage and headed to the Avis rental center, where two cars were supposed to be ready for us. We had to boogie because it was 12:30 pm and we had a 2-2.5 hour drive from Chicago to Bloomington. The visitation was scheduled for 4 pm. This should work out fine.

Ha! Only one of two cars was available so we patiently waited for AN HOUR before the second car showed up. No, I'm not exaggerating. As soon as we packed three of us into this 2nd car, a 3rd car showed up for us. I couldn't believe it. It was 1:30 pm so we had to haul it to make the 4 pm visitation. Luckily, the roads were clear. Trent & his sister "Susu" sat upfront, while I napped for 2 hours in the back seat. Way to be supportive, Megan!

When we finally arrived in Bloomington, we checked into our hotel rooms and changed clothes. It was just after 4 pm but what could we do? We booked it over to the funeral home for the rest of the vistation.

I think I must have an odd view of things. No surprise there, I suppose. Visitations/wakes are peculiar customs to me. My husband pointed out that many of the visitors had not seen each other in a long time. They were reconnecting and laughing -- a nice thing, of course. The oddity to me (at all visitations/wakes, NOT just this one) is that while everyone reconnects, it's almost as if the honoree is ignored. It's as if it's so painful to acknowledge the passing of this special person that we look everywhere else. I only wish I could make my family members feel better but this mourning process is a difficult one for most people.

After Grandpa's visitation, we headed to Friar Tuck's, a liquor store, and traveled to a rural part of Bloomington for a family dinner. This was an enjoyable time and, as Susu pointed out, a great opportunity to get to know cousins, aunts and others again. While we wish it wasn't under these circumstances, we had a good time laughing and telling stories on each other.

Everyone turned in for the night but after our return to the hotel, Susu, Trent & I had a night cap. This morning, the hotel parking lot was covered in snow. It's really pretty but we all know that today will be a difficult one. With Grandpa serving in WW II, a military burial is expected. The cold air will chill us further. I try to remind myself that Grandpa is in a better place. It's so tough to see the grief on others' faces and not be able to console them. I pray that some good things, good reconnections are remembered from this trip.

Please keep Trent's family in your thoughts & prayers. We return to Houston tomorrow to close out the New Year. Thanks to my parents for watching Little K and to Colyn for house-sitting & kitty-sitting. Until the next nap time...

Blessings of Children & Godchildren

For those of you wondering why I haven't been blogging, I apologize. I'm not a slacker. Work has been super busy & we just returned from a short trip to Denver to see good friends and (of special note) my Godson and my new Goddaughter. Besides the wonderful lack of humidity in Denver, I've been thinking of some of the things I've taken away from the trip.

- Children never cease to amaze me. They come in all shapes, sizes & personalities, yet they're all so adaptable.

- Kids really just need family members who love them. With two of my Godchildren being adopted, it's awesome to see how well they acclimate to new families & never miss a beat. When a child falls down, he/she cries for Mommy & Daddy without any concern about where they technically came from or who their biological parents are.

- Almost every parent truly tries to raise their children the best way they know how. We all make different decisions but tackle family life with quite similar goals.

- Lastly, I think my own daughter could just feel my love for my Godchildren & so she wants to love them too. Again, children never cease to amaze me. I hope you are equally blessed with your own children & Godchildren.

Until the next nap time...

Ohio Trip Continues

Today is Sunday, our last day in Ohio. I'm glad that our flight doesn't leave until 6 pm so we can squeeze some more into the trip. Don't get me wrong. I'm ready to get back into the groove but this has been a great trip.

Last night, we drove ~5 minutes or 2 miles to Aunt Kenny & Uncle Brad's new house for dinner. Grilled shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, chicken, cheesy-wheesy potatoes, salad, bread & of course, oreo & ice cream dessert. Yum!

Little K was shy for the first 10 minutes but before I knew it was up & running in the backyard with the 2 dogs. Perhaps best of all was how cuddly she got with Uncle Brad & Aunt Kenny. Too cute. She even played a bit with big cousins Lauren & John. It doesn't take her long to cuddle up next to relatives.

Pa Pa Don just made his infamous pancakes so we ate a delicious breakfast fit for kings, followed by church. More later...

Family is Priceless

Yesterday in the mail, PaPa Don received a giant fish pillow from Aunt Margaret in Vegas. The two have a constant rivalry on who can catch the bigger fish. It's a wonderful competition that has prompted the most hillarious gift exchanges. Once unfolded from its vaccuum-sealed package, we discovered the fish pillow is larger than Little K. Here, PaPa Don & Little K examine the fish closely on the floor.

Yesterday afternoon, we went swimming with cousin Bentley, Uncle Sean, Aunt Patti & Grammy at the new rec center they joined. Chineese take-out at Uncle Sean's filled us up. I was amazed to see 6 year-old Bentley sharing with Little K. It was amazing. When I told Little K that Bentley would soon pay us a visit in Texas, Little K said "and play with cousin Brent." This struck a cord that I was not prepared for. I was delighted to hear my daughter wanting to pull together her cousins. Family is priceless.

Today we've already picked plenty of peas from the garden & completed chores. In exchange for a 50 cent piece, Little K helped PaPa Don (or "Don" as Kylie insists on calling him, much to my horror) pick up the small sticks scattered over the backyard from the messy sycamore tree. Regular breaks to eat peas were provided. Next, we filled up on fruit from the frig and ventured out to Meijers store up the street. It's somewhat similar to Walmart, but much nicer & cleaner. Apparently, Meijers only is in the northwest region of the U.S. or I'd be a new customer. I told Little K that she could buy one sticker or a candy since she helped PaPa Don this morning. She hated the fact that I wouldn't let her eat them all in the store before paying for the candy by the ounce. Grammy encouraged me to give her a few more while we shopped but we continue to fight the battle of rewarding bad behavior. You know how this battle is played in public when Mom doesn't want a scene. Ugh.

After a temper tantrum over gummy bears in Meijers stores, Little K was sent to bed for an afternoon nap. She called for the fish pillow!

Until the next nap time...

Fish Tales

Expanding Waistes & Memories in Ohio

Well, I picked up Little K from nursery school yesterday to head to the airport. She had a 102.8 fever. Super! A quick dose of Tylenol and we were on our way. Thank goodness we bought a portable DVD player because Little K refused to nap. Grammy & PaPa Don met us at the airport and Little K began to sing "Skip, Skip, Skip to My Lou." This was especially funny considering I used to skip through the airports as a child with PaPa Don. Little K looks nothing like me but I'm constantly reminded by her actions that she is indeed my daughter. Little K's fever returned at some point during the evening so we took another dose of Tylenol and she requested to go to bed at 6:30 pm without dinner. We were all surprised.

Aunt Kenny, Brad & 2 gorgeous dogs paid us a visit after dinner and then we headed to bed.

This morning, we filled up on cereal & fruit and headed out to pick peas in Pa Pa Don's garden. Loads of peas later, we needed to burn off some calories. (I was 10 pounds over weight on the way up here. God knows how much I'll be over by the end of our Ohio trip.) We drove to two local ponds to do a bit of fishing. I caught none, Little K caught one and Pa Pa Don caught several the size of large minnows. Two of us were cratering & needed a nap so we returned back to the house. Little K had lunch & went for a nap. Pa Pa Don & I paid a visit to Miamisburgh for the Hamburger Wagon. These mini burgers with bread, onion & pickle are a special treat. As if the calories weren't enough, we then went to Esther Price for plenty of taste testing of chocolates. A box followed us home.

Little K is now awake from her nap. She calls "Grammy" easy enough, but can't seem to master "Pa Pa Don." Instead, she calls out "Don! Don!" There's no confusing her Pa Pa with Pa Pa Don but we're working on the linguistics.

Until the next nap time...

Family Trip to Austin

Last weekend, we took a family trip to Austin and had a great time. Little K loved running outside at the Capitol. Once inside the building, Daddy explained a bit of history, which honestly went right over our "almost 2" year old's head but it was worth a shot. Our toddler did enjoy looking at the ceiling of the Capitol because of the star it holds. Spinning around with Daddy while looking at the star was also fun.

If you're looking for a quick trip this Spring Break, head to Austin. There are several inexpensive hotels that are kid-friendly. Just make sure you have room for the little ones to run. A meal at El Arroyo will really top off the trip.

Until the next nap time...