CTB Pirates 2013: Game One

This post is mainly for the fam who just couldn't make it out tonight to our 7:00 (YIKES!) first t-ball game of the season.  A great time was had and Preston and the Pirates (Preston named the team) played a great game.  If you remember, I believe I blogged last year that Jeff wasn't thrilled about P playing t-ball last year.  BUT, we are both super glad he did because understands so much better than he would had he not played.  Look, none of these stand still or don't fight over the ball or hit it out of the park...but they all have FUN!  And that is what it is all about.  More to come.....

PS--Notice Coach Jeff in the infield :)  I fall in love with him for the millionth time seeing his gentle spirit with these sweet little ones....

Mississippi Warrior Dash 2013

Even though I am exhausted, very sore and bruised I am so glad I got to experience a Warrior Dash race this weekend!  I was with a big group of Ruston Women--the "Ruston Runaway Warriors" who all dressed alike and were a force to be reckoned with in Jackson :)

So grateful to Katie Hall for organizing our travel group and to her wonderful parents for going with us to set up our camper (YES!  I slept in a camper for two nights!!).  And we had such a great group at the campground which really made this an unforgettable experience.

The race start was extremely unorganized.  We had all signed up for the 12:30 wave and did not start until 1:15..because they weren't checking your wave time at the beginning so people were going late/early/even more than once!  But I sure don't know how they did it more than once unless they ran past the obstacles--which I didn't because what's the point in that?-because this course was KILLER!  I heard there were multiple broken bones including two broken legs but we all got out unscathed.  I was actually quite proud of myself hoisting over huge walls and repelling down steep surfaces with a rope...and of course we got MUDDY!  Which was actually pretty fun :)

Until next year....

**Prayer request**
Please say a special prayer for my "Papa" who was put on hospice this week.  I won't go into graphic detail but he is having some blood loss/GI issues that are making him incredibly weak and he does not want aggressive treatment.  He is at home and comfortable, but not doing well.  Please pray for our family during this difficult time.  Thanks in advance.

LPECC Zoo Day!

I will start this post by saying that we LOVE Mrs. Donna and LOVE the LPECC!  So cute to see almost the whole school at the Louisiana Purchase today and so fun to spend the morning with my Preston and his sweet friend Remy.  Now I will say that I was NOT pumped to go to the zoo today--just being honest.  I haven't worked out all week and would have loved to go today BUT when I asked P if he would be happy or VERY happy if I went to the zoo he said VERY so of course I went.

Mrs. Donna had the kids paired up and asked the Moms to take a pair of kids so Remy, P and I hit the zoo.  We had a blast.  I was accompanied by two very smart (VERY ACTIVE!) boys and we made the most of our time.  I will admit that I was totally nervous being "in charge" of someone else's child--but it worked out fine.  Remy and Preston are two peas in a pod and I really enjoyed seeing the zoo through their eyes.

We had a special treat in the Education pavillion to pet a baby and 3 year old American alligator, a ferret and a sweet 5 week old owl.  Preston said his fav part of the zoo today was the baby owl.  He was so gentle with him--sweet :)

After the presentation the kids had their sack lunch and were headed for the bus.  P wanted to ride the bus as opposed to going home with me but I was at least glad he will still kiss me on the cheek to tell me bye.

Great times I am glad to get to enjoy!

Family Weekend in Dallas

Hard to decide which pics to post because I had so many great ones from our long weekend in Dallas! Daddy had some banking business at the Texas Rangers game Friday, so the boys and I left about an hour behind him Friday morning to meet up for some fun.  The boys and I did Legoland and the SeaLife Aquarium in Grapevine on our own.  And let me just say--Preston Parker LOVES him some LEGOS!  Specifically making the Legocars and racing them down the ramp.  He did this for I am not joking approximately two HOURS!  John Cole and I watched him some, and he also VERY much enjoyed the toddler play area with the (TALL!!) slide.  Made me super nervous but he has no fear and ate it up :)  Got a couple good pics of the Aquarium--it's not spectacular but if you buy the tickets WITH Legoland tickets it is a pretty good deal.

So, around 5:00 Daddy's work friend dropped him at Legoland and I pryed P away with the promise of ice skating.  We headed to the Westin Galleria and checked in.  I have never stayed there before but with small kids it is VERY convenient!  What's for dinner?  How 'bout walking a few hundred feet to Mi Cocina in the mall?  YES PLEASE!  Kiddos loved it!  Then Preston and I skated for a bit and then Mommy and Daddy did just a little shopping before we took to BEAT kiddos to the room.

We actually all slept til 7:45 Saturday morning which was fab.  Off to the Corner Bakery (IN the Galleria) for breakfast then to the Perot Museum of Science and Nature.  This must not have been around forever because I don't remember it as a kid but it is a MUST SEE!  It was pretty crowded--I'd like to go back of a random Tuesday morning--but we did most everything.  Even I was impressed with the T-Rex skeleton...and if you know Preston you know he was ALL ABOUT IT!  We had lunch in the museum cafe (not too bad) and didn't leave until around 2:00.  Mommy snuck a trip to the Northpark (ANTHROPOLOGIE!!)) in next , but we got to our next destination in plenty of time.  We did the 5:00 show at Medieval Times and it worked out great.  God was smiling down on me as we were seated where I could just leave John Cole in the stroller for the WHOLE show.  Wish I could tell the girl thanks who did that!  Of course Preston LOVED the show.  He was hungry too and ate almost his entire chicken leg, his bread, my bread and his two potato logs.  (This is a LOT for P!)  Our knight-the red knight--came in second which was cool because it was like a bracket so we got to cheer for him a lot. I'm surprised P wasn't hoarse........

After we left the castle we headed back to the hotel.  Mom and Dad relaxed in the lobby for a bit while the kids ran around then we headed up for bed.  Sunday morning we were all up at a more NORMAL hour, but that worked out great so we could start the drive out to Ft. Worth.  We pulled up right as the zoo opened at 10 and were some of the first in.  The Ft. Worth Zoo does not disappoint.  P didn't at all remember going when he was 3:( so I am glad we went again...and I guess we will have to go again when John Cole is old enough to remember.  Mommy and Daddy REALLY wanted to have lunch somewhere other than the ZooCafe (YAY!  Cheeseburger!) but the boys got hungry before we finished the zoo so that's how it worked out.  John Cole liked the elephants, the zebras and the train ride.  Preston liked the reptiles and insects.  Seriously, he made me name EVERY little bug and EVERY lizard and EVERY snake...etc.  He also wanted me to read the zoo information to him at times and I was actually impressed with the little tidbits of info he would throw in.  Boy knows his zoo animals!  HA!

We had a good trip home and are ready for Monday!  Hope you have all had a good one!

PS--Prayers needed for my grandparents please.  It's a terribly long story but their health is failing and the family (Mainly NANA!) is dealing with some issues with their long term care.  Please pray for all of their strength during this time of change....thanks!