Birthday Girl in Texas

Wow. It has been awhile since I've posted an update...sorry to leave anyone hanging. We've had a very busy week, having just got home from a pre-holiday trip down to see Bill's Dad, Gerlyn, Andrea and brother Ryan et al in Texas. We missed out on Nana, who had left the week before for an extended visit with the rest of the family in California. While down in Texas, we had weather ranging from 80 degrees down to the 40's one day. We celebrated not one but two birthdays, both Reina's and Bub's. We played with cousins Lizzy, Ava and Casey and went out to eat quite a bit. We also dined on fancy things at home like fresh lobster, homemade shrimp bisque and a Bub classic, standing rib roast of beef. Fabulous. Not making my OB very happy, I'm sure, but Speck didn't mind it.

On the flights down and back, Reina was as good as gold, more than to be expected from a two-year-old in a confined space. Travel was a hassle free as possible and the direct flight certainly added to that luxury. As usual, Reina learned some new things from her "big" cousins Liz and Ava, like it's cool to use the potty. Ava, who is still learning, had a cheerleader with her every time she had to go. Reina even made some of her own attempts at times. Baby Casey got an extra big sister for the week to smother him with hugs and kisses and all the kids really seemed to enjoy each other's company.

Bill and I got taken down memory lane as we "helped" Andrea study for her high school exams. Once we did the math to discover how long it had been since we had our own high school exams, the memory lane trip was less appealing. I'm not sure how much help we were with her tests, either. Billy's descriptions of Civil War General McClellan as being "3 foot five and riding a Shetland pony" stuck in her head, but alas were totally fabricated.

The three of us enjoyed a pre-birthday trip to the McKenna Children's Museum and I was amazed at Reina's unwillingness to leave! She loved painting on an easel for the first time, shopping in the play grocery store and especially taking care of the babies in the miniature hospital's nursery. As we were leaving, she tried to keep one of the baby dolls and expressed her displeasure at not being allowed. She also tried to get back in the museum once we left...looks like we'll have to start checking out our local activities. I had no idea she would love it so much already!

For her birthday, she got a realistic and cuddly baby boy doll from Bub and Gram. He also came with his own stroller, bouncy seat, play mat and travel crib. Looks like we're all set for when baby brother arrives. Right now, "other baby" doesn't have a name, but I suspect he will get one when Mr. Speck does, too.

Now we are home and it is cold, and time to think about Christmas again. A few more things to wrap before the fun starts with family get-togethers. Back to work for Bill, a little bit of laundry for me and some catching up on naps for Reina. Enjoy the pictures and videos!

Daddy and Reina with "Mono y Yo" on the plane ride down. Although Bill actually slept the ride down since he had worked the night before...we watched Tinkerbell's new movie until he woke up. The open seats around us were especially nice.

Cowgirl Princess in Gruene's General Store.

Reina, Ava and Elizabeth look disappointed at the selection of "Fantasia". Just because Mickey Mouse was on the DVD cover doesn't mean kids like it.

Reina and Bub taking a spin around the house. Only Bub gets to honk the horn.

A frazzled young mother in the play emergency waiting room at the Children's Museum. (Her baby only had the sniffles.)

Picking up some necessities at the store. Note the Cheerios, can't get through a day without them.

Bill showing Gram and Reina what's for dinner. What two-year-old doesn't want lobster for her birthday? Other than the dissecting part, they were delicious!

Reina specifically asked for strawberries on her cake this year, it was a yummy ice cream filling!

Little Mommy's pride and joy

She may be two now, but she's still my baby. Oh that binky. When will we be done with it?

Bad lighting, we only see her face at the end...but check out the wicked dance moves and shoulder shrugs. This girl loves to boogie.

Santa's Little Helper, just try to say Bah Humbug to this grin.