Dyson's First Day

Dyson has started back to school! This year he is in the 3 year old class. His teacher is Mrs. Spivey.

Getting down to business, cutting spaghetti.

Do I really have to touch it?

Say Howdy

This week is Howdy Week at Hughston Elementary. It is a time to make new friends and to celebrate friendship, not to mention silly little things to do or wear each day.

Monday was the kickoff. Kids got to wear cowboy boots, hats and or bandanas.

Alison takes this very seriously. Patrick, well Patrick obviously will need a bit of help this week.

Girl Scouts - Trip to the Zoo

Saturday, Alison and I went on a trip with her Girl Scout Troop to the Fort Worth Zoo. The girls earned enough money to pay for the entire trip with their cookie sales. We had 11 scouts there along with a few siblings and parents. We had quite the group to keep up with. The weather was awesome and not too terribly hot.

Alison and Rachel looking at the elephants.

Ali and the kangaroo statue.

Ali found a little turtle in the stream.

Playing on the old stage coach.

All the girls sitting on the bronze crocodile.

Listening for the ocean.

Playing with the starfish in the touch tank.

The girls checking out their wing span.

The wishing well.

First Day of School

We made it! Patrick was finally able to go to sleep last night, after "I called Dr McDonald" and he said to take a Dramamine.

He got up without too much fuss this morning. He has decided to try showering in the mornings to help him wake up. It seemed to work ok today. I had to hurry him a long a bit, but that should improve with time.

Alison was all smiles this morning and had time to make pictures for her teacher after getting dressed and having cereal for breakfast.

Patrick and his Fourth Grade Teacher Mrs. Moore.

Alison with Mrs. Clark her First Grade Teacher.

Alison and her school supplies.

School Starts Tomorrow

No pictures until then, but right now the excitement begins. Alison has had her clothes set out, her lunch choices written, her lunch box and water bottles stacked since 8 this morning. Patrick started "researching" the Lincoln Memorial yesterday. (He remembered Hayden had a test on it in 4th grade so he wants a head start studying)

Today Patrick has come home from church with a Headache. He has been still and quiet on the couch watching movies. He set out his clothes and then went to lay back down. He has a tummy ache. He is dizzy. He can't sleep.

I feel for him. He is so outgoing once he gets there. He loves, even thrives on being around people. But starting something new is just killing him.

As a mom I want to fix it, but there is nothing I can do for him before tomorrow.

I hope he falls asleep soon, he has been in bed fretting about it since 8 o'clock.

Family Pictures

We are terrible about getting photos of all of us together, thank you Marme for taking care of that.
Here is our most recent family photo, I am guessing that means we do not have to do it again for at least 4 more years.

Preview - Palo Duro Canyon

We tried to visit Palo Duro Canyon on our way up to Colorado. We were only able to cross one of the six low water crossings. We were able to see two of the camping areas, but they were much more suited to RV camping, not tent camping Bell/Gough/Mendillo Style. I was getting worried. The views were incredible though.

On the way home, instead of driving straight through as originally planned, Craig and I decided to try again. only crossing number 6 was closed. The Mesquite area is perfect for our crew. Bathrooms are not what we are used to at the state parks, but will work in a pinch. There is no swimming area at all. I am wondering about the heat in July, but I am willing to give it a go. Camping is always fun with friends.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Every time we drive up to Colorado the kids get very excited as soon as we cross the border into New Mexico. We have to listen to them through the whole state, "How long until the Volcano?" "Have we passed the volcano yet?".

Since we were breaking our drive back to Dallas into two parts, Craig and I decided to drive up to the information center at the Volcano. There was a info center with a very nice Park Ranger who showed a 10 minute video of Volcanos and how Capulin was made. Afterwards we drove the very steep, very narrow trail to the top of the volcano. What I could see of the view driving was incredible, but I was very nervous about the drop off, there was no shoulder on the way up and Patrick kept making falling noises for me.

When we got to the top, we were going to take a short hike, but it was much steeper than we expected and the bugs were horrendous.