Sunday, March 22, 2009

Visit from Uncle David

Two blog posts in two days - unprecedented!

We enjoyed a visit from Juan's brother David this weekend. He was on his way back from a work trip in London and was able to arrange a layover in Houston to spend the night with us. It was great to see him! We took the opportunity to check out the new "Discovery Green" park in downtown Houston along with Juan & David's friend Arli and his family who also live here in Houston. The kids had a great time at the park and we enjoyed catching up.

Matty and Uncle David


Matty on the little kid trampoline:


More playground fun


With Daddy and the big downtown buildings around the park


Flirting with Arli's daughter Sophia at lunch afterwards

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Weekend in Gruene

We enjoyed a visit from my parents a couple weeks ago. They were happy to get out of the cold and snow and we excited to have them visit. Luckily, the weather cooperated and we had a week of perfect Texas spring weather. We made the most of it by going on the Azalea trail tour in River Oaks, catching a Rice baseball game, going to the zoo, and then heading to Gruene, TX for a night of live music by the Belleville Outfit at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. My second cousin Connor is the pianist for this group and we think they are terrific - if they are playing in your area, we highly recommend you check them out. Connor's dad Pat (my dad's cousin) made the trip down from Tulsa to join us, so we had a little mini family reunion in Gruene. It was a great time!

Gorgeous azaleas...


Matty and Grandma at the baseball game


Matty checking out the goats at the petting zoo


Matty in the beer garden at Gruene Hall


Cowboy playing in the dirt at the beer garden


Mosey'ing


Hanging out


Matty's communication skills are really coming along. It seems like he learns a new word every day. His latest is "elbow" - he will gladly show you where his elbows are, and where yours are too. Another favorite is "side", meaning "outside". He LOVES to play outside. Most nights after dinner, he runs to the door and says "side, side, side", until we cooperate and take him outside to play. Here's a picture of him trying to take matters into his own hands to get outside...



And, some other good pictures from the park...


Weeeee!!!