Pioneers Looking Beyond

Bridge To Freedom

Coming Up The Down

Pinked-Up & Ready To Roll

His Freedom Machine

The weather made us do it.

We struggled through the days of Snowmageddon 2011 and made it to the sunny days on the other side. The parks were calling us. The paved trails beckoned us. So we made the move.

Bambino got his first official bike. No more of those plastic tricycle toys. No sir, we are big time now.

Look out world, he's loose.

Drawing His Own Path

The best part of seeing your kids grow and develop is watching their natural talents and personality surface. What I have noticed mostly about Jaxson in the past year or so is his natural artistic talent. I don't want to sound like a parent that thinks everything that their child does is better than every other child no matter what they do; but, I have noticed his knack for drawing and that he has true talent. He has an imagination that makes me jealous.

One of his teachers also pointed this out to me and that he typically draws houses or some type of real life scenario. Best part of it all, when I asked if he would be interested in taking some art classes where a teacher could help him with his art he was extremely enthusiastic.

Growing up in art classes, a few summer school sessions of art school, and a life that has been structured by my own artistic qualities gives me a unique viewpoint of his talents. Seeing his drawings and hearing his enthusiasm makes me about as giddy as a fat kid in a candy store. Natural talents, especially in the arts, can lead to great opportunities down the road. I am curious where this particular path may take him. We'll just have to wait and see. Creativity is something that can not be taught; you have it or you don't.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

-Pablo Picasso

A Farewell Kiss

Horns Up

In The Garten

All the years we have spent visiting Austin and diving into the local food and drink scene, the one place we have overlooked was Scholz Garten - the OLDEST operating restaurant in Texas.

The fantastic weather forced us to sit outside under the cloudless sky and enjoy some cold beer, good food, and an array of smells and people watching.

Best part. Kids could run around, be loud, and enjoy themselves while we enjoyed ourselves. It's always a good thing when the waitresses are louder than your kids.

Head's Up

Man In Uniform

If she is going to fall for a guy at a such a young age, at least she picked a good one.

Entering the front door of the state capital, he was the first person to greet us and she couldn't wait to get into his arms. She must like a man in uniform.

Don't Mess With Texas

Cold As Ice

This Week: 75 degrees and sunny.

Last Week: Colder than a witches boob in a brass bra in Idaho...

Ponytail Numero Uno

The "hot mess" that we call her, hair has finally gotten to the point where we can get it out of her face.


Needless to say, momma was pretty giddy about this milestone.

Water Logged Excitement

Need For Speed

I would prefer him on a Harley, but he was a natural.

Swimsuit Weather In January

With the temps hitting the mid to upper 70's over the past few days, it was almost bikini and swim trunks weather...almost. The need for sun and water took hold of us and we booked a night at the Great Wolf Lodge.


If you can handle a kid to parent ratio of 3:1 (with most of the kids between the ages of 8-10 and pumped full of sugar and excitement), the GWL is a great place for a "stay-cation." Close to home but still gives you the ability to disconnect for a few days. If over stimulation and constant excitement was their goal-they nailed it.

Sleep Where They Fall

She was headed for the Playtime! book on the end table, but never made it; however, when she woke up she continued her journey by nabbing the book, reading a few pages and then calling it a day once again.

Rough life.

Line 'Em Up Boys

Pin Kings & Queens

First time for both kiddos at the bowling alley; sadly, their father is not a professional bowler - not even close.

The Bambino, however, could see a future in bowling. For his first time, pretty good. Did better without the roller-assister than with.

Laid Out and Low Key

Is It Beach Weather Yet?

According to Bambino it is beach time and he is ready to go.

He's got the hat and flip-flops ready to go, but I think we may need to change his "shorts." However, he is probably the only guy that could pull off a Transformers under-roos and get away with it.

And what is up with the "old grumpy man" pose?

She Is One Those "Bloggers" Now

The wifey has started her own blog to highlight crafts and to-do's with kids, general knowledge sharing of all things parenting/kid related, and even some completely useless factoids on occasion.

Let's see if she can run with the big dogs...

Reaching Out To Help

Technology and the internet can sometimes be a very cold and sterile environment where the feelings and personality of an individual or family's story can not be truly shared; the black and white text can separate you from the harsh realities of the real world.

However, sometimes reading words from a screen can affect you deeply and in a manner that forces you to do something.

While scrolling through one of the daily blogs I read, this one in particular, I came across a story of a family that moved me to take action.

A family in Oklahoma lost their three-year old son to a medical condition, and needless to say they are having a very hard time dealing with the situation and are having financial issues that are far beyond their reaches. So, I decided to post their story and a link to help on blog. If you can help in any manner, do it. Bad things sometimes happen to very good people.

I will do my part to help what I can. Every bit helps.

Rickshaw Express

Maybe he can start a neighborhood rickshaw business and start bringing home the bacon for us. Anyone need a ride; he's cheap.

Up To Our Elbows In Popcorn

Momma whipped up a small snack for us...we almost finished it. Had to save some for after dinner.

Let Them Be Free So They Can Grow

Parenting is an ongoing internal battle. You must balance what to teach kids and what they need to learn for themselves so they can grow confidence and learn through life experiences. No parent is perfect and we are all constantly reminding ourselves that we must let them grow.

On this note, I just finished reading Free-Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy and I highly recommend to all parents, grandparents, teachers, care-takers, and also to those without children. It is an eye opening book that compares how past generations have been brought up and how we have managed to turn into a worry driven society that has slowly taken away kids freedom.

What if he gets hurt? What if they get in trouble? What if, what if, what if...

This book showed be I was doing many things in the same manner as the author that are good for my kids; but, also made me realize I could do much more to help my kids become more independent and more confident - let them become them. With independence comes self gratitude, self esteem, and self confidence. These can not be taught.

Some of authors actions are extreme, but she is trying to make a point. Let your kids make mistakes in order to learn. Independent play and play with other kids will not only inspire creativity but will set a foundation for them to be independent and leaders.

Let kids be kids.