National Pancake Day: Feb. 28, 2012

IHOP is helping Houston families (& beyond) celebrate National Pancake Day.

On Tuesday, February 28, head to any local IHOP restaurant to enjoy a free stack of pancakes. In exchange, IHOP hopes you'll leave a donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. It's just one way that IHOP is supporting charities where it does business. Another upside is your family gets a belly full of yum.I'm hoping to take my daughter for breakfast out before school for an extra special treat. Pass the syrup please.

Find an IHOP near you by visiting http://ihoplocator.com/. 

Until the next nap time...

I'd like to re-post these parenting tips from the Real Age newsletter. While these tips aren't groundbreaking, it's good for parents to have a gentle reminder that all kids struggle at some point and there are simple things we can do as parents to help them. Consistency is the key.

5 Self-Esteem Boosters for Kids

An occasional bout of self-doubt is to be expected, and even has an upside -- it keeps a child from thinking she's invincible. But too much doubt leads to low self-esteem.
To help your child strike the right balance, give her plenty of opportunities to shine. And instead of empty praise, which she'll be onto in a flash, help her master different challenges. Here are five good and useful challenges to offer up.

5 Opportunities to Shine

If patches of self-doubt are lingering in your child, here are a few ways to help her feel unafraid of what life has to offer.

1. Encourage your child to get physical. Exercise has a short-term positive effect on self-esteem. Find an activity that interests your child, and then make it happen by being ready with transportation, encouragement, and equipment.
(Watch this simple stretching workout video that the whole family will love.)

2. Get help at school. Check in with your child's teachers if academics seem to be part of the problem. Some schools have homework helpers; others offer tutoring recommendations to help children get back on track with their studies.
(Think your child may have ADHD? Check out the symptoms here.)

3. Nurture healthy habits. A healthy child is a stronger and more confident child. Nip bad habits in the bud. Enforce regular showers, shampoos, and bedtimes. And check that your child isn't slipping into poor eating habits. At home, insist on eating fresh, healthy meals together.
(Find tasty, healthy recipes that are perfect for busy families here.)
 
4. Reward accomplishments. Emphasize the positive. If your child is discouraged in one area, make a big deal of her accomplishments in another.

5. Do something just for fun. Surprise your child with an experience you know she'll enjoy, like a trip to an amusement park or an evening at the movies. If unpleasant experiences with friends are getting her down, give her something unexpected to tell the world about, making her feel special.

Developing a healthy sense of self begins when your child is a baby, and continues beyond her teenage years. So be consistent, nurturing, and responsive . . . even when she says she doesn't need you anymore.

For more tips like this for you and your family, check out http://www.RealAge.com/. 

Until the next nap time...

Houston Kids Clown Around

If you're looking for inexpensive fun for very young kids, here are a few fun activities with local clowns that are sure to cheer up your kids.

On Tuesdays from noon until 2 pm, enjoy a FREE storytime at the IKEA STORE on I-10. Children will also like the balloon animals that the clown will make for the kids to take home. Kids eat free all day and there's no purchase required.

Also at IKEA, on Saturdays from 1:30 - 4:30 pm, enjoy clown fun with magic, balloons, prizes and a lot more. Kids can enjoy the activities while the parents shop.

For those of you living near West, check at the Kroger at 5150 Buffalo Speedway near Westpark every Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm or Sunday noon - 6 pm. The clown entertains kids with stickers, prizes, magic painting and balloon fun.

I love being able to couple fun for my daughter with errands that I can check off. Hope this helps you, too.

Until the next nap time!

Recap of the Holidays & Looking Forward

So yes, our holiday schedule was crazy busy -- just like all of yours with children. Then, my Grandmother passed away late the night after Christmas Day. She was 98 years old so I have to admit that she had lived a full life and we knew it was coming but it doesn't make it any easier. My 6-year-old daughter didn't find it easy either.

The last Monday before the holiday break, I picked up Little K from her Girl Scout meeting that followed a day of school. She asked if the time had come & I carefully told her "not yet but any time." Grandmother's home is just 6 houses down the street from ours so we drive by literally every day & Little K's Great Grandmother has been an important part of her life. Little K said she cried to a teacher that day. Oh no!,  I thought. So, while driving home, I told Little K that when we got home, we could talk more about it.

When we arrived home, we both cautiously proceeded to the family room as if instructed to do so. I sat down on the sofa & Little K curled up in my lap. "Do you want to talk about Grandmother?" I asked her.

She nodded. "Mommy, it's just not fair," she started. "You see, Grandmother is very old and I am very young so I just didn't get enough time with her." At that, she burst into tears and clung to my neck. I was floored that this little one had so much emotion bottled up inside. I just sat there, fighting my own tears and rubbed her back. A solid 10 minutes later, she stopped, dried her eyes and told me that she just had to get it out. I reassured her that she could talk to me any time about anything. She drifted off to her own room.

Exactly one week later, Grandmother passed away and we buried her on 12/29/2011. I worried how Little K would respond during the funeral but she wanted to go &, unfortunately, it wasn't her first funeral. She had several cousins there to keep her preoccupied and she didn't really seem bothered by too much of it. My mother & I both gave eulogies and while that was really tough, I felt it was important to share with people what a remarkable woman she was. Fiesty & loving all at the same time. After a day full of funeral activities -- all escorted by my family & noteably my supportive mother-in-law (yes, she's a gem!), we returned to our home in central home. My husband & I changed out of our all black attire into something more comfortable when suddenly we looked at each other bewildered.

What was that? Little K was downstairs by herself crying. Trent ushered her upstairs, where she crawled in our big bed & I just held her.. & cried too. It's so hard to tell what goes on in those little heads but surrounding them hugs & kisses, plus letting them know that they can talk to you is all I know to do. I think it's the right thing to do. Finally, she dried her eyes again & found a toy play with.

While Grandmother had actually lived in a nearby assisted living facility for about three years, she still owned her home and said when she got stronger, she'd move back. It happened to be the house where my dad was born, where he & his older sister played for years, & where my sister, my two cousins & I also played for years. My parents moved a couple of times while I was growing up so I have absolutely no attachment to any home that I grew up in. But, I'm attached to that one house down the street from me. Time heals all wounds & I do believe that. But a special place in my heart holds onto the memories that I have of my Grandmother. The extra special memories often include my daughter & her Great Grandmother interacting. We'll all move on but I'll hold onto those precious memories.

And in the New Year, I'll again be committed to spending time with my family. I've been reminded how important those little moments are & how I want to make the most of them.

Until the next nap time...

Head to Galveston for the Holidays

GALVESTON: The Perfect Destination for the Holidays!

The Magic of the Season Returns!

Galveston Island has much more than the beach this holiday season. From traditional events to special celebrations and Santa sightings galore, the Island is filled with holiday cheer.

More than a million lights, animated displays and live entertainment adorn the pyramids of Moody Gardens along a mile-long trail during the annual Festival of Lights. Open Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. November 24th through December 17th. Open nightly December 18th through January 1st.

Relive the story of Christ's birth through fresh eyes and recapture the wonder of God's miraculous gift during the Imagine Christmas Dinner & Show at Moody Gardens. This Imagine Christmas holiday musical combines fine dining and a unique performance for the ultimate holiday experience. Door to Imagine Christmas open daily at 6:45 p.m. from December 15th to 27th. Admission is $49 for adults and $29 for children 12 and under.
Holiday-themed films will also be featured in the Moody Gardens IMAX 3D Theater, Ridefilm Theater, and 4D Special FX Theater.

Santa Claus will make special Saturday appearances in historic downtown Galveston to take pictures with good little boys and girls next to the Downtown Christmas Tree in Saengerfest Park, 23rd St and Strand. Appearance schedule to be listed here soon.

Your favorite friends from Tuna, Texas return to The Grand 1894 Opera House for not one, but two weeks of laughter with original stars Joe Sears and Jaston Williams in A Tuna Christmas, December 13-18. Don't miss master comedians and original cast members Jaston Williams and Tony Award- nominee Joe Sears, with their deft comedic timing, trademark characterizations, and split-second costume changes, as they portray all 24 denizens of Texas' mythical third-smallest town, Tuna, and attempt to cope with the traumas and dramas of the holidays!
 
Just in time for the holidays comes a wonderful story about the beauty of the season and the true meaning of Christmas...Wrong! When two well-intentioned parents decide to direct the school play, they make the terrible mistake of casting the Herdman kids; probably the most inventively awful kids in history! Chaos and hilarity results as the cast and crew collide with the Christmas story head on! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will take the stage at island e.t.c. December 9, 10, 16, and 17th at 8pm, with and Sunday matinee on December 11th at 2:30pm. 

Voted the Best Indoor Waterpark in the World, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is a 26-acre waterpark that features the world's first indoor / outdoor 70,000 square foot heated convertible waterpark area. This climate controlled area of the park that includes a dozen heated water attractions including favorites such as the Faust & Furious speed slides and Guada-Loopy Tube Chutes. Also relax in Wasserfest Hot Tub and Kids Area. Don't miss Schlitterbahn's unforgettable heated indoor season!

The whole month of December Moody Mansion and Bishop's Palace are adorned with historic ornaments and lights from the early 1900's. Travel back to the days of elegance and class as you explore a Victorian Christmas at the Broadway Beauties.

Of course, you'll also want to Ring in 2012 in the most unforgettable way possible! And Galveston Island is the place to be with New Year's Eve Celebration hosted by The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center and the Moody Gardens Hotel.
 
Galveston Island has a variety of festivities to choose from this holiday season. So head South and check out the full line up of events on Galveston.com.

Until the next nap time...

Insperity Golf Experience & Flea Market at Discovery Green

Last weekend, Little K and I had a lot of time together since my husband was out of town. We headed down to the Insperity Golf Experience in downtown Houston. It's a 9-hole putt-putt golf course that was created by local artists. It's open through the end of November. With the weather this nice, there's no excuse not to check this out. It costs $5/adult and $3/child. Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. I love the combination of art and sport.  

I loved all the vibrant colors with our skyscrapers as the back drop. Amazing. Little K liked the zig-zagging colorful course. We both agreed that the pin ball machine turned golf hole was the most challenging. I never could get my golf ball to go up into the hole in the pin ball machine. Then again, I wasn't much good at those machines as a kid either. :-)

 After completing the 9-hold course, we cooled off with an iced tea and a snowcone. You can guess who got which item. 

We walked around Discovery Green and absolutely LOVED the Discovery Green Flea Market. Each booth sold different vintage items made of recycled materials. Little K's favorite was the booth with the enormous hulahoops (see photo at right). She could whip that thing around like nobody. She had me laughing so hard that when you watch the video on FaceBook, you see a very shaking camera person who won't stop giggling. It was great. 

Any ways, the Flea Markets will return the 3rd Saturday of each month from noon - 6 pm. I already added the November 19 event to my calendar. It's located at 1500 McKinney so basically the area is right in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Expect to pay $5- $10 for parking in downtown.

I think most of all we both enjoyed being outdoors in the gorgeous weather. You just can't be in a bad mood when you're outside, soaking up a llttle sun and breathing the fresh air. Then again, maybe my good mood was due to my good company.

Until the next nap time...

Zest in the West festival in Houston, Oct. 22-23, 2011

activities including Kidz-Chen Kids Cooking Classes,

If you're wondering what to do in Houston the weekend of Oct. 22-23, look no further. As I mentioned in my October newsletter, the Zest in the West promises fun for young and old. More than 20 restaurants and food trucks will be on hand for plenty of tastings so come hungry. Plus, 19 wineries will be on hand for tastings for attendees 21 years old and over.

I'm most excited about how the zestival will incorporate children's activities including a Kidz-Chen Kids Cooking Classes, thanks to Denis Seafood. (See photo above.) So check out the Zest in the West web site and then mark your calendars for the weekend of Oct. 19-22. We hope to see you there.

When: Saturday, Oct. 22nd from 11 am - 6 pm and Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 2011, Noon - 6 pm
Where: The Great Indoors- Front Lot, 10496 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77043
Cost: $15 General Admission, Kids 12 and under get in FREE



Until the next nap time...

Revisiting Old Stomping Grounds & the Yexas State Fair

With the State Fair of Texas opening in Dallas this weekend, our Houston family decided to make the drive. It's what I call a rite of passage as a Texan. Little K packed plenty of DVDs, Barbies & other dolls for the incredibly long (4-hour) drive.




Upon our arrival in Big D, we were all filled with energy. I was thrilled that our 6-year-old loved the rides & games. I was surprised with the number of activities for the very young, too. Little K was proud that she popped two balloons with a hackie-sack & won a Smurfette doll. I giggled with the sight of Big Tex, although he wasn't as tall as I remembered him.


A trip to the State Fair wouldn't be complete without a Fletcher's corn dog, followed by a funnel cake. It was calories galore! I even rode in the very tall ferris wheel but I insisted that everyone hold very still. The


view really was beautiful!

After hours at the state fair, we checked into a downtown hotel. We drove by my old Arthur Andersen office on Main Street, which brought back great memories.

Since both my husband & I attended SMU in Dallas, we had to make a few pit stops. First, dinner at Snuffer's on lower


Greenville (because we hadn't eaten enough at the fair!). The cheddar fries were impeccable as we remembered.




We drove around the SMU campus, amazed at the growth that President Turner has brought to the university. We stopped by the Delta Gamma sorority house, where Andrea politely showed us around. The decor looked great! We not only found my old composite photos but also my mother-in-law's composite! Little K grinned from ear to ear.

Next, we drove through Snyder Plaza to see which places remained from our college days. Shell's, check. Burger House, check. Kuby's (a German restaurant & grocery) was even celebrating Oktoberfest with a


live band, food & beer. We enjoyed a cold one & a few dances. Kuby's was my father-in-law's favorite so this stop made us all smile.

To end the night, we made one last stop at a wall near Hillcrest & the Umphrey Lee building.


Trent showed our daughter a brick that his parents bought him at graduation & that was incorporated into a marquee entrance wall. Inscribed on the brick was "Trent Salch -- a 2 keg brick". My husband beamed.

On Sunday, we drove to Plano to see our first house & the trees that finally grew. We stopped by our old church, St. Elizabeth Anne Seton on Spring Creek & remembered how the events of 911 unfolded. It certainly prompted our move to Houston.

On our return home, we swung by Ozona's Restaurant on Upper Greenville to pick up our to-go order.

As we struggle to get a good radio signal in the car so we can hear the Houston Texans game, I'm so thankful that we moved back to Houston. Our family is much closer & our community much tighter. Even Little K pointed out that she was glad we lived in Houston because Dallas didn't have her friend Clare. Still, it's great to go back to Dallas & Plano, relive memory lane & see how we've all grown.

We look forward to SMU's homecoming on Nov. 1 when we hope to return. We'll need to make a new list of places to visit. Here's hoping SMU wins its football game that weekend like it did this weekend.

Until the next nap time...

More Fun Things to Do in October in Houston with Kids

     Each month, I publish an email newsletter with fun ideas of things to do in Houston with kids. If you haven't yet subscribed, take just 1 minute to sign up online and tell your friends, too. 

    There are so many fun things to do in Houston in October with kids that I couldn't fit them all in my October newsletter. Here are a few more that I hope you'll try.

    1. Saturday, Oct. 8 – Sunday, Oct. 9 (10 am – 6 pm) is the Bayou City Art Festival, where you can walk through downtown to view all sorts of art from nationwide artists. Welcoming children, the Gexa Energy Creative Zone includes more than 12 activities designed specifically for young, aspiring artists. From creating custom jewelry to making mini art cars, your kids will have a blast. Parents and grandparents will enjoy strolling through booths featuring art work for sale by more than 300 artists. This is a fun way to spend the day outdoors and appreciate art. The festival is showcased in front of City Hall and around Hermann Square on the streets of Walker, Bagby and McKinney, as well as Sam Houston Park. Admission is $12/adult and children are free.

.
    2. We had a blast at the Scarecrow Festival in Chappel Hill, Texas last year. It’s about 1.5 hours from Houston. If you have the day free, head out of town to enjoy this outdoor event together. Aim to arrive early as the traffic on Hwy. 290 heading into Chappel Hill backs up for miles. It’s worth the wait though. I enjoyed all the festival food (yum!) and the autumn décor and early holiday shopping. The children’s area includes a small ferris wheel ($5), a train ($3), a petting zoo ($3) with the cutest pot belly pig baby & much more. Be sure to bring cash as each booth has different fees and I didn’t see a place that accepted credit cards. Check out our photos from last year. This year, the festival is Saturday, Oct. 8 (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday, Oct. 8 (noon – 5 pm). There is no admission fee but parking is $5/car.

     

            3. Monday Oct. 10 is Columbus Day. Do your kids know who Christopher Columbus is? If your children span various ages, encourage your older children to read a story or make up a play about Christopher Columbus so the younger kids can learn. Teach them the “1492 Poem.”Or check out these fun ways to celebrate Columbus Day that I found online.

4. Attend Energy Day 2011 on Saturday, October 15 from 11 am to 5 pm at Houston’s Hermann Square (downtown at Smith between Walker & McKinney. Sponsored by the City of Houston and Consumer Energy Alliance, Energy Day is a FREE family-friendly festival that will celebrate and highlight the importance of energy in our daily lives and Houston’s role as the Energy Capital. The event is designed to educate youth of all ages about the overall role all forms of energy play in meeting our current and future needs. With more than 80 kid-friendly innovative exhibits, demonstrations and booths focused on some of the coolest energy-related scientific breakthroughs, games and interactive displays, Energy Day is sure to be a can’t-miss event for the entire family. Energy Day will also feature Live Music, Food and Prizes. Free parking is available. For more information, visit www.energyday2011.org.

5.   On Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 am, Miller Outdoor Theatre presents “The Adventures of Tom & Huck”, an adaptation of the book by Mark Twain. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch so you can enjoy this one-hour musical with your youngster. You’re sure to laugh, too. Miller Outdoor Theatre is located in Hermann Park at 6000 Hermann Park Drive. Arrive early to find parking before the production begins. Price: no charge

Until the next nap time...

Involving Children in a Groundbreaking Ceremony

 

Last weekend, our church and school held a groundbreaking to expand the nursery school and the elementary school buildings. The event was very nice and most of what you'd expect from a groundbreaking ceremony. 

However, I loved how the staff included the kids in this exciting event. Each student was encouraged to where their school uniform (in exchange for an out-of-uniform pass later during the week) and were given yellow plastic hard hats. A representative from every class -- from 6 weeks old to 14 years old -- was invited to add an item to the time capsule that will bury during the building phase. Lots of photos were taken and then everyone was invited inside for lunch and a "dirt cake with worms", which was actually chocolate cake with Oreos and gummy worms. They even had a focal point of a wheel barrel holding the dirt cake.

We all enjoyed the efforts made by the team at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and School. Just thought I'd share in case any of you are planning your own groundbreaking. 

A special thanks to Dory Michels for sharing his wonderful photos.

Until the next nap time...

Houston Kids and Tennis

Do you have a tennis player in the making in your home? The United States Tennis Association if making tennis available to any child under 10 years of age in the United States.If your Houston kids are interested in tennis, here's a great opportunity for them. USTA memberships for 10 and under players are free until December 31, 2011. They even have small courts and racquets for youngsters learning the game. Plus, this is a game that people can play for a lifetime. Visit www.tryusta.com/kids for complete details. 

Thanks to Catherine Kruppa for sharing this tip!

Until the next nap time...

The Power of an Outside Voice for Parents

I subscribe to a weekly email newsletter published by motivational speaker Jon Gordon. Today's newsletter is especially relevant to parents so I'm republishing it here, thanks to www.JonGordon.com. I hope you enjoy it.

The Power of an Outside Voice

"Jon, never underestimate the power of an outside voice."

A CEO shared these words with me after I had just spoken to his company.

"We brought you here to reinforce our message," he said. "Our folks get tired of hearing us say it but when it comes from an outside voice it's new, fresh and exciting."

I knew exactly what he was talking about.

Even though I'm brought in to speak to some of the biggest names in sports and business my kids have little interest in hearing what I have to say. From what many parents tell me on my travels I know I'm not alone.

So, besides having my kids read my books and writing inspirational messages on whiteboards in their rooms, I've resorted to outside voices to reinforce the message and principles I want to share with them.

I have found coaches, tutors, youth pastors, mentors, experts, etc to encourage, coach, teach, push and bring out the best in my children. I bought my son a great video by Jim Loer on how to develop mental toughness during a tennis match and his tennis coach reinforces the importance of focus and practice. My friends Paul and Mindy McCord have given great advice to my daughter about being the best lacrosse player she can be.

I also give my children books to read, share inspiring Youtube videos, and we watch Joel Osteen as a family. Some of Joel's messages are similar to mine but when he says it, it's like they are hearing it for the first time. : )

There's something about the power of an outside voice and I want to encourage you to use outside voices to share and reinforce important principles and messages with your team at work and at home.

I will do all I can do to support you by continuing to write books, give talks and provide even more free resources to be an outside voice for you and others. I know its my purpose and I'm glad to be of help since no one will listen to me at my home. : )

But please know there are many outside voices out there and I encourage you to find the right people and resources to share with your work team and ask family members, neighbors, friends, teachers and mentors to encourage and teach your children and team at home.

There's the power of an outside voice and you can start tapping into one today!

-Jon

... all politics aside, I have to agree with Hillary Clinton's "it takes a village to raise a child" concept. I feel like we have a wealth of great parents in our community who will watch out for my child, correct my child when needed and encourage her when possible. Looking for these "outside voices" is so important in our kids' development and I'm thankful for those special parents who continue to help us.

Do you count on other parents or adults to help positively influence your children?

Until the next nap time...

Lessons in Childhood Friendships

Do you remember your first friends? How about your best friends from early elementary school? I do.
First grade brings new friends for many kids, myself included. It's amazing the lessons you learn about friendship as early as first grade. Luckily, I still keep in touch with a few of my best friends from first grade (Carrie & Cathy), although we don't chat nearly enough. Two of us still live in Houston so that makes it easier, I suppose. Many like my mom never lived long enough in one city to maintain those friendships.

C & K Prepare for Class

The situation is a bit different for the two girls pictured at left. They actually met when they were about 3 months old at nursery school. This week, they donned matching uniforms down to the white socks and white and navy saddle shoes. The grins almost match, too. First grade never felt so good.

It's interesting to watch your kids grow up, make friends, have their squabbles and then make up. It'll be a great ride watching K & C grow up. With one school that starts in nursery school and continues through middle school, it should be easier for these two to remain friends. While I encourage my daughter to make more friends and to be a good friend to everyone, I can't help but to appreciate the strong relationships she's already developed. Here's to looking back on photos like these in 20 years and talking about everything they've accomplished together.

Until the next nap time...

Theater District Open House in Houston, August 28 from noon - 4 pm

I just saw this opportunity today and only wish I had seen it earlier so I could have mentioned it in my newsletter. I suppose this gives readers one more reason to come to my blog. This looks like a fun family activity.

The 18th Capital One Bank Theater District Open House is a fun-filled way to experience dance, music and theater for FREE! Bring the whole family for a day in Houston's world-renowned Theater District as the Alley Theatre, Hobby Center, Jones Hall and Wortham Theater Center swing their doors wide open. Guests can expect live performances, meet-and-greets with costumed performers, Capital One Bank trolley rides & the best ticket deals of the year on season subscriptions!

Visits with Great Grandparents are Such a Treasure

Last Thursday, Little K returned from her trip with her Grand to see her great grandparents in Ohio. It was the day before her "Meet the Teacher Day" and we jam-packed her schedule as summer came to a close.

Little K was tired but filled with stories to tell -- much like the ones I remember from similar trips when I was her age. Her suitcase also came with some interesting items like the live cicada named Emma. (I don't know how that got through security. Nor do I think Houston needs a cicada from Ohio.) Pa Pa Don is still his humorous self.  Little K made the adults laugh until their sides hurt when she claimed that the cicada slobbered on her. Cicada slobber?

The trip had barely started when Grammy served homemade biscuits and gravy. Later Pa Pa Don fixed his now famous fluffy pancakes.

Little K and her extended family found time to go fishing and actually catch something besides grief. Little K discovered a new love for worms. She played with cousin Bentley, who is older and wiser by a few years. They went for a ride in Uncle Brad's tractor and ran in the green fields (a new idea since Houston has only brown grass due to the drought.) Aunt Kenny filled her up with another tasty meal.

They picked fresh vegetables from the garden like tomatoes, potatoes and beans. They relaxed in the hot tub so Pa Pa Don could "soak his bod". From the pictures that I've included you can see that there was even time for dress up.

The only missing piece was Mommy.

I'm so bummed I couldn't make this trip. Still, I am blessed that my mom (a.k.a. Grand) was willing to take Little K to visit her great grandparents. How many adults can recall such times with their great grandparents? Some of us didn't even get much time with our grandparents. The time allowed is never enough but we continue to make the most of what we are given.

It really makes me crave more time with our family members. I encourage you to treasure your time with yours, too.

At the end of the trip, Grand took Little K's picture with her great grandparents. Snap. Then Little K looked up at her Pa Pa Don and said, "Don't worry. I'll be back."

"That's what I'm afraid of," he said laughing. Yes, we will be back. Thanks for a great time and many more memories. We can't wait to see Grammy and Pa Pa Don in Houston this November. That gives me plenty of time to come up with some pranks to play on Pa Pa Don.

Until the next nap time...