Friday and Saturday

Ella came over to play this past Friday. It was fun to see Tabitha wanting to play. She now calls Ella, and then goes to play with her. Of course Joshua has always enjoyed playing with her.

Joshua and Ella crawled into Tabitha's bed. Tabitha then wanted to be a part, which upset Joshua because she was on his pillow.

Then on Saturday we took the kids to the A&M basketball game. I have trouble remembering to take pictures. However, I did snap this one of Joshua because Gigi had given him money for popcorn. Here he is enjoying it. He ate the entire cup!

The kids did really well at the game. No melt downs. There is a lot to watch even from the last row in the Erwin Center, seriously. You can still see the floor, and they loved watching Bevo, the mascot. We highly recommend this event for families.

Picnic Lunch

Yesterday we had a picnic lunch in 40 degree, cloudy weather. Well, we had it inside. We had a few trips to make yesterday, and as we were coming home, Joshua asked if we could go to the park for a picnic. I didn't want to shoot down his idea, so I told him we could have a picnic in our living room. I made lunch and packed it in a mini ice chest. Then we spread out a blanket, grabbed some pillows, and a Scooby-Doo book we had just gotten at the library.

Here are the kids enjoying their picnic.

In the last picture you can see the book. We read a couple of chapters after lunch and then went to take a nap. What a great idea, Joshua!

Mini-Vacation

This past weekend we took a trip to San Antonio. We didn't have Sunday morning church so we decided to get away for a couple of nights. I found a room at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort for $60/night. It was an awesome deal considering that on the Hyatt website these rooms sell for over $200/night. I use Priceline; however, there is a website to explain how to do the bidding. Using this strategy, we have booked rooms in downtown Chicago in a 4-star hotel for $70/night. Today I will be adding the website to my list and you must check it out. You pay the same price at Motel 6, and the rooms are so much nicer.

Back to our trip-It was totally last minute. We decided at 1 PM Friday we would go to San Antonio. When the kids woke from their nap, I told them we were going on vacation. Joshua's response was, "Gonna be Cheetos in the hotel?" I immediately understood him and cracked up in amazement. Our last vacation in June we went to an inn in Johnson City, and we had Cheetos. A new tradition has now started. The Villa kids will get Cheetos on vacation. (It's really the only time I buy them.)

Once Josue got home from work, we were off. Here the kids are saying, "Vacation!"

We stopped in San Marcos to eat at Whataburger. (That's when Joshua got some Cheetos.)

When we got to the resort, there was a guard to check you in to the property. And when you pulled up there were the doormen to help you. Wow! I totally recommend tipping someone to take your luggage when you pack for children. We had a lot of bags.

It was a difficult night getting to sleep, but was expected. The kids really do like their beds. The next day Tia Marissa came to visit. The kids had lots of fun playing with her. Once she left, it was naptime and the kids slept well.

After dinner that evening we were back at the hotel for Smores. The kids weren't crazy about the marshmallows, but they did like the graham crackers.

And the final picture.

We were back in Austin by 11AM Sunday. There wasn't a lot to do since it was cold out, but this place would be totally awesome in the spring and summer. There are pools, a river, bikes to rent, and much more. I totally recommend this for anyone just needing a break. If you can't figure out how to bid on the room, let me know. I would be glad to help you.

Super Silly

My kids sure love to have a good time. Who doesn't?

A few days ago they found their goggles and weren't shy to pose for the camera.

Then we made Joshua a pair of glasses today.

Tabitha also wanted to pose for the camera sporting her cape that Elizabeth made her.

What a super silly pair!

January in Central Texas

It's so funny to look over these pictures knowing it was January 3rd when taken. My kids are in shorts! It definitely gets cold here, but then a warm front comes through. We've had at least 5 warm fronts this fall/winter. Crazy!

Anyway, the kids are showing off to the camera how strong they are. Tabby had just let go.

Then they decided to play a game of chase.

Poor Tabby ended up eating dirt (no tears). It's hard to keep up with big brother sometimes.

The kids had their well checks yesterday. Tabitha is now 18 months and you already know Joshua is 3. It was a fun well check for Joshua. He was treated like a big boy. He got to stand on the big scale (as opposed to sitting on the baby scale) and was measured standing up with the piece that touches the top of your head. They way he has been measured is lying down with his head against a wall and next to a yard stick. They also checked his blood to see if he was a superhero! Dr. Albert said that if he had red blood (as opposed to green or yellow) he was a superhero. The nurse doing the finger prick said the same thing. I thought this was such a clever way to draw blood. He barely squeaked when he got pricked.

Tabitha's went well as well. She did end up with one shot. This time she sat on my lap and she barely cried. I wouldn't even call it a cry. It was more like a whimper that lasted 2 seconds. Wow! She is tough.

The final report: everyone is healthy. Thank you, God!

Joshua turns 3!

Joshua turned 3 December 28, so we had a party that day after church. We had pizza, games, and cupcakes.

Here he is at the table with his friends Ray, Sofia, Tabby, and Isaac.

Our family

After lunch, we played "Put the spots on the ladybug". The kids stuck an oreo on the ladybug while being blindfolded. Joshua and Ava did a great job.

After the ladybug, the kids went outside to hunt for bugs in the backyard. There were plastic snakes, frogs, lizards, roaches (yuck!), and others to find. Joshua liked the frogs best while Tabitha liked the lizards. They are still playing with them here at the house.

Here are some of the kids finding the little creechers.

Next was pinata time. I think this will be a tradition for every birthday at our house. Josue took Joshua to purchase the pinata. There is a local business that had any and every kind imaginable. Joshua originally wanted Tigger (why? I have no clue.) Somehow they ended up with Elmo. There were so many to choose from that I think both the boys were overwhelmed.

Joshua did a good job hitting it as did the other little ones (except Sofia because Elmo is her friend).

The real action didn't happen until the bigger boys (Isaac and Ray) started to hit it.

And Gigi finished it off.

Dirt cupcakes with worms were for dessert. Joshua loved hearing the "Happy Birthday" song and blowing out the candles. He really only ate the worms.

He opened a few gifts from family. He got Noah's Ark foam board book, Scooby Doo movies (his favorite right now), a car, and pretend medical tools with band-aids. He had a great birthday, and he wants to thank everyone who joined him in celebrating. What a fun day!