Pumpkin Patch

We took advantage of an early release day and headed out to 7 Acre Wood in Conroe.

 We were worried it might rain on us, but we didn't feel a drop and the place was practically deserted so the kids had the run of the place.

 

 

They don't have the patience to actually play put-put yet, but they do enjoy knocking the ball around and into the hole (usually...).

 

They had a lot of fun on the barrel train (bins attached to dollys...Ha!).

Jonas looks like the epitome of a pumpkin farmer.

 

Love these kiddos!

 

Was there ever a cuter girl-on-a-pumpkin?

 

Ezra was getting a kick out of petting the Judith goat.  :)

 

(Private) Hay ride!

 

I didn't take enough pictures to merit its own post, but here are my 2013 Halloween Smurfs.

 

Battle Ship Texas and San Jacinto Monument

In a further attempt to ingrain our beloved Texas history and culture into our internationally-living children, we visited Battleship Texas and the San Jacinto Monument.

 

 

 

Jonas was having a blast and loving the photo ops (despite the heat).

 

 

San Jacinto Monument commemorates the battle of San Jacinto where Sam Houston  and his troops won the decisive victory for Texas independence from Mexico!

 

What's a trip to the Gulf Coast without seafood?  This is the dock area for Bubba's Seafood.

First Day of School

My big boys started school...3 months ago...  

 

We registered for school a little late, so I wasn't sure how "requesting" a teacher would work out.  I went to the school to discuss with the AP some of Ezra's accommodations.  Using the advice of a friend, I asked if maybe Mrs. Maldonado would be a good fit for Ezra.  Thankfully, he was put into her class and she has been such a blessing!!  We have been thrilled with how patient she is with Ezra and how successful he's been in her 1st grade class!!

 

His sign says, I want to be "lots of stuff and a Dad".  :)

 

 

Jonas was so happy to be starting Kindergarten in Mrs. Savarino's class.  His sign says that he wants to be a diver when he grows up.  He has come so far in just a few months.  He loves to learn and he works really hard! 

 

 

Judith was a little sad to be losing her brothers for the day.

 

Ezra at his table in class.

 

 

Judith tells Ezra goodbye.

 

 

First day of school play-doh!

 

 

Judith took this (blurry) picture of Jonas and me.

 

The end of the summer was a little rough for us with Mike being at school so I was happy to finally have a break.  I tried to avoid skipping joyfully down the hallway after dropping them off.  They were so excited too!  Jonas still empties his backpack in the car every day when I pick him up to show me all the fun stuff he did.  Glad they love school!

 

Houston Children's Museum

 

Grandma gave us the gift of a trip to the Houston Children's Museum.  It was amazing!  So much to see and do.  I think one could easily spend all the day there, especially with 3 kiddos who are interested in different things.

 

Ezra climbed horizontally all the way around the rock wall.

 

 

Jonas sliding down the pole at the end of an obstacle course.

 

Jonas and Judith reviving a patient in an ambulance.

 

Jonas in the check out line at the market.

 

Ezra working the seafood counter at the market.  "Two crabs, please."

 

Jonas listening to the heartbeat of a puppy dog.

 

Judith playing vet.

 

Jonas and Ezra as meteorologists. 

 

Ezra reporting live from downtown.

 

Judith, Ezra, and Nana working on a puzzle thing.

 

Jonas created a balloon that successfully made it to the top of the wind tunnel.  He was so proud.

 

Jonas in front of the Water Works on the roof.

 

Jonas and Ezra fish the bayou.

 

I loved this giant robot made entirely of old phones.

 

Jonas behind the wheel.  Yikes!

 

Bicycle race!

 

Jonas working at a package shipping place.

 

Ezra driving a law enforcement vehicle.  Eek!

 

Photo booth at the end of a stimulating and educational afternoon.

 

Thanks Grandma!

 

 

 

 

Blue Bell Creamery

So very behind on blogs...

 

Since we're living in Texas for 6 months, I really wanted to expose the kids to a beloved Texas tradition:  a tour of the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery. 

 

I knew they'd be thrilled about the free ice cream at the end, but they were VERY interested in the factory part too.  Bonus!

 

 

Love this picture of Judith enjoying her Birthday Cake flavor of ice cream.  What do you think?  Could she be the new face of Blue Bell?  :)

 

Nana and Ezra.

 

Cousin Judy lives in Houston now, so we invited her to come along.  As we suspected, she was not one to turn down Blue Bell.   

I haven't seen a Blue Bell commercial in a very long time, but I can still sing most of the jingle. 

 

I was very impressed with the factory and grounds.  Everything was so clean and manicured.  Plus, they gave us a FREE tour as a military discount!