Spring Break

Allthough it is nice not having to get up at 6:30 to get the boys off to school, I think spring break got old around.. oh, say, Monday morning. Well I guess that's not entirely true. Dominic and Ethan spent the first weekend with Grandma in Midlothian, so Brad and I were able to get some things done around the house. NOT! We had another baby, so it was all about switching off the job of baby holder so one can either paint a wall or any other odd job around the house. Carmine did manage to crawl around the floor of the garage. He got a tastey sampling of dried leaves, dusty cobwebs and other courious garage floor bits. Mostly I hovered over Carmine while Brad repaired an old chair, finished putting together his portable workbench, assembled a cabinet, and painted a wall. See, he got it done after all.

We've had pretty nice weather during the week. It actually got into the 70's. Beautiful. I treasure these days in Texas, I realize how much I took for granted the good ol' days in California when we were very rarely subjected to mother nature's mood. Now, today is Saturday, it's 35 degrees (but feels like 22) and we're expecting 2-3" of snow overnight... That's Texas for you. But maybe the frost will kill off a few more insects. See how I see the silver lining?

Wednesday night we had cousins Lizzy and Walter spend the night. And Thursday we took all the kids to Bear Creek Park in Keller. It was a nice park. Dominic and Ethan each got to pee on a tree (yesss) and we all had a turn in pushing Carmine in the swing. He didn't stop smiling.

Dom diggin' the swings.

Ethan could swing himself the highest, and he loved to push his little brother. A little too much. Carmine got much air.

Aunt Heidi made Carmine laugh. He was so cute with his crooked smile.

Mommy and Carmine in California

This past weekend Carmine and I went to California for a long weekend. It was so nice to see everyone, even though the trip was over in a flash. In fact it feels like we never even left Texas. But 3 days is better than nothing. What was awesome is that we managed to surprise everyone. With many a close call, neither I or Grandpa spilled the beans.

Thursday night we all went to dinner at our old stomping ground... Stewart Anderson's. Back in the day, Stewart Anderson's is where The Johnson's used to go when we wanted a fancy night on the town. I remember all 6 of us sitting in those big boothes with the even bigger walls seperating us from the other guests. It was like dining in a cubicle. We would all get to laughing so loud. I remember others staring. It wasn't much different this time either.

Friday morning Nicky came over to spend the day with Grandma and visit with us. We all met Grandpa at the usual breakfast place in Huntington Harbor. Nicky was so funny playing with Grandpa's phone trying to find the animal noises. Later he made me nervous because he would go right up to the edge of the docks to look down on the water. He showed no fear and it made my legs turn to noodles. Friday night Carmine stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa while Cameryne, Deja, Julie, and I went to see Alice In Wonderland and eat a fabulous Pinkberry. Aaaaahhh... I know how over-priced they are Brad, but I just don't care. It's THAT GOOD.

Saturday Julie and Christian came over. I can't believe how much that boy has grown! And to hear him talk is a riot! By this time Carmine was nearly 100% recovered from his ear infection while my sinus infection was in full force. I felt like crud. To make matters worse I wasn't getting much sleep because Carmine was still on Texas time. He was waking up at 5am. I wanted nothing but a bottle of Nyquil, my earplugs, and a bed in a dark room. However I quickly perked up when Grandpa brought home In-N-Out for dinner. Carmine ate his first french fry that night. Saturday night Julie, Carmine, and I drove our butts out to Ontario to pick Samantha up at the airport. This would be the only time I was able to see her. Even though the the visit last a few short hours, and I was incredibly sick, I would do it again. We got home at midnight.

Carmine woke up at 4am Sunday morning. Yes, I said 4am. I can't remember the last time I felt this tired. Thank God Grandpa came to my rescue and swooped up Carmine. I slept in until 8! When I emerged from my cave, Grandma and Grandpa had a feast cooking. Bacon, 2 kinds of sausage, muffins, bagels, pancakes, potatoes, and eggs. After a lot of eating a quick good-bye to everyone we were off to the airport. And let me add, from now on, non-stop is the only way to go. Especially when traveling with an infant. And especially when you are sick and traveling with an infant.

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Steppin' Up

I'm serious this time. We need our gates.

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