Amelia's newest trick from gymnastics class!
8.31.2010
8.30.2010
Baby Steps
Well, well, well. Look who found the stairs!
(Actually, this picture was actually taken a few weeks ago. Henry has since found AND climbed the stairs. Like, all of them).
Texas: The Recovery
Well, we made it as a family of four in the same hotel room for a week! We made it 22+ hours in the car. We ate nearly every meal "out" with two children. And we survived. Better yet, it was actually fun!
But now we are busy recovering from the fun. It's great to be back home in our own beds (and in our cousin's chairs that their mom bought for them at a flea market in Texas, but then couldn't take with them on the flight home.....)
Now....to play catch up on the posts that have happened since our trip.
8.29.2010
Texas: Rainforest Cafe
Yes, another post about nothing but a restaurant.
But, it was fun! And at least THIS restaurant isn't something you can find in St. Louis. When we discovered there was a Rainforest Cafe near our hotel, we decided to try and fit in a visit there. I thought we would just go for dessert since it's a bit on the pricey side, but we ended up there for dinner instead.
This location happens to be inside a mall and we had walked by and looked around earlier in the day. We told Amelia that if she took a good nap, we would return for dinner. She was completely overwhelmed with all there was to see and she hadn't even been inside!
Once we were shown to our seat, both kids couldn't get enough! I was concerned that they may be afraid of the "thunderstorms" that occur every 12ish minutes. But, they were both fine. We were seated near a family of gorillas and they were fun to watch.
When a balloon artist came around to our table and offered to make Amelia any animal she wanted, she picked a gorilla--pink, of course. She became very fond of this little guy (despite his almost immediate deflated left leg) and named him Butterfly.
In fact, Butterfly is STILL around our house. He made the journey home in one piece and has become about 1/10 of his original size. I keep thinking I will sneak him in to the trash can at some point when Amelia isn't looking, but the truth is that I am kind of attached to the little guy too!
Seriously, can you say overstimulation?
All of us mid-thunderstorm. Maybe if you look hard enough you can see our gorilla friend in the background.
This was really a fun place (I had only been one other time when Amelia was a tiny baby), but I am so glad we don't have one in St. Louis. It sure made the experience much more special--since it was unique! Oh, and for about a week afterwards, Amelia was convinced that there was a gorilla under her bed at night. At one point, she mentioned she thought that Butterfly's mom came looking for her to get her baby back. Sheesh.
But, it was fun! And at least THIS restaurant isn't something you can find in St. Louis. When we discovered there was a Rainforest Cafe near our hotel, we decided to try and fit in a visit there. I thought we would just go for dessert since it's a bit on the pricey side, but we ended up there for dinner instead.
This location happens to be inside a mall and we had walked by and looked around earlier in the day. We told Amelia that if she took a good nap, we would return for dinner. She was completely overwhelmed with all there was to see and she hadn't even been inside!
Once we were shown to our seat, both kids couldn't get enough! I was concerned that they may be afraid of the "thunderstorms" that occur every 12ish minutes. But, they were both fine. We were seated near a family of gorillas and they were fun to watch.
When a balloon artist came around to our table and offered to make Amelia any animal she wanted, she picked a gorilla--pink, of course. She became very fond of this little guy (despite his almost immediate deflated left leg) and named him Butterfly.
In fact, Butterfly is STILL around our house. He made the journey home in one piece and has become about 1/10 of his original size. I keep thinking I will sneak him in to the trash can at some point when Amelia isn't looking, but the truth is that I am kind of attached to the little guy too!
Seriously, can you say overstimulation?
All of us mid-thunderstorm. Maybe if you look hard enough you can see our gorilla friend in the background.
This was really a fun place (I had only been one other time when Amelia was a tiny baby), but I am so glad we don't have one in St. Louis. It sure made the experience much more special--since it was unique! Oh, and for about a week afterwards, Amelia was convinced that there was a gorilla under her bed at night. At one point, she mentioned she thought that Butterfly's mom came looking for her to get her baby back. Sheesh.
8.28.2010
Texas: Cracker Barrel
Perhaps this topic is not in need of its own blog post, but it's going to get one anyway. Hey, food's a big deal around here!
We headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast (or brunch is probably more accurate), before my brother and his family headed to the airport to catch their plane home. All of the kids did great together and even managed to fill their bellies!
No trip to Cracker Barrel is complete without a (never ending) trip to the gift shop!
One last shot with all four grandkids before the Banocy clan headed back to DC. Unfortunately, my camera died before I got one with all of the kids with GG.
We headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast (or brunch is probably more accurate), before my brother and his family headed to the airport to catch their plane home. All of the kids did great together and even managed to fill their bellies!
Looks like we have Cracker Barrel's newest fan!
No trip to Cracker Barrel is complete without a (never ending) trip to the gift shop!
One last shot with all four grandkids before the Banocy clan headed back to DC. Unfortunately, my camera died before I got one with all of the kids with GG.
8.27.2010
Texas: The Stockyards
The train pulled up into the Ft. Worth Stockyards where a load of Texas fun awaited us! Amy (my sister in law), my aunt Margy, and I met the train after our Charming Charlie excursion.
But luckily for me, they saved the "real" pony riding for after my arrival. This is Amelia riding her horse, Ariel. She was beside herself given the pony's name. We finally got a picture of her sporting the red cowboy hat. This hat, incidentally, was leftover from Jason's 21st birthday!
Amelia and I got put in jail for having too much fun at the Stockyards! (hardy, har, har)
Hey look! A real cowgirl! One of Amelia's new(er) favorite things to draw since our return from Texas is a lasso.
Amelia and Max took turns petting the horse.
Amelia and Uncle Jerry at the Stockyards Station sign.
Every weekend at the Stockyards (between the arrival of the ONE train from Grapevine and the departure of the ONE train back to Grapevine), a group of cowboys leads a cattle drive with some authentic Texas Longhorns. These things were massive!
I read that these Longhorns can measure 6 feet between the tips of their horns!
They walked so slowly and deliberately (much like they do this everyday or something). The cowbells were a nice touch!
While waiting for our arrival, the kids found some ponies to ride!
But luckily for me, they saved the "real" pony riding for after my arrival. This is Amelia riding her horse, Ariel. She was beside herself given the pony's name. We finally got a picture of her sporting the red cowboy hat. This hat, incidentally, was leftover from Jason's 21st birthday!
Amelia and I got put in jail for having too much fun at the Stockyards! (hardy, har, har)
Hey look! A real cowgirl! One of Amelia's new(er) favorite things to draw since our return from Texas is a lasso.
Amelia and Max took turns petting the horse.
Amelia and Uncle Jerry at the Stockyards Station sign.
Every weekend at the Stockyards (between the arrival of the ONE train from Grapevine and the departure of the ONE train back to Grapevine), a group of cowboys leads a cattle drive with some authentic Texas Longhorns. These things were massive!
I read that these Longhorns can measure 6 feet between the tips of their horns!
They walked so slowly and deliberately (much like they do this everyday or something). The cowbells were a nice touch!8.25.2010
Texas: Train Ride
One of the things I was looking most forward to was the train ride in Texas. My aunt had me sold on the idea the moment she mentioned it. It was a vintage railroad, open air train that takes a 1.5 hour ride from Grapevine to the Ft. Worth Stockyards. And the best part? It gets robbed in route!
But, as in turns out, riding on an "open air" train (read: no air conditioning) on a 105 degree day at 1:30 in the afternoon is not that great for the infant set. So, once again, Henry and I sat this one out. We tearfully said good-bye to the brave train riders and then my sister in law, aunt, and I raced---I mean sadly drove--over to Charming Charlie, a store that has an overwhelming amount of accessories organized by color. We spent the ENTIRE time the kids were on the train at this store and then were late meeting them at the Stockyards. Oops!
As you can see, the kids had a great time on the train--until the robbery. We had given Amelia plenty of preparation for the robbery, explaining that it wasn't real and was just like watching a play. She was a little startled, however, by the loud "guns" they had.
Here they are approaching on horseback.
Because Amelia was so startled, the robber gave her the spent casing from one of the "bullets". (Uh, thanks?). She thought it was a pretty neat souvenir!
I am still a little confused about how the story goes, but apparently the Sheriff came on the train and was handing out fake money after the robbers had left!?! Who knows? All I know is that the kids proudly displayed their cash when we met up with them at the end.
When Amelia got scared by the robbers, she immediately ran into GG's lap. I think this picture is funny because my nephew, Andrew, is really trying to figure out what the heck is going on!
Yep, fake money makes everything better!
And so does popcorn evidently!
I think everyone enjoyed the ride there, but only a few of them chose to return back on the train (a round-trip ticket is the only purchase option). Apparently it was pretty hot and rrreeeaaalllllyyyy long.
But, as in turns out, riding on an "open air" train (read: no air conditioning) on a 105 degree day at 1:30 in the afternoon is not that great for the infant set. So, once again, Henry and I sat this one out. We tearfully said good-bye to the brave train riders and then my sister in law, aunt, and I raced---I mean sadly drove--over to Charming Charlie, a store that has an overwhelming amount of accessories organized by color. We spent the ENTIRE time the kids were on the train at this store and then were late meeting them at the Stockyards. Oops!
As you can see, the kids had a great time on the train--until the robbery. We had given Amelia plenty of preparation for the robbery, explaining that it wasn't real and was just like watching a play. She was a little startled, however, by the loud "guns" they had.Here they are approaching on horseback.
Because Amelia was so startled, the robber gave her the spent casing from one of the "bullets". (Uh, thanks?). She thought it was a pretty neat souvenir!I am still a little confused about how the story goes, but apparently the Sheriff came on the train and was handing out fake money after the robbers had left!?! Who knows? All I know is that the kids proudly displayed their cash when we met up with them at the end.
When Amelia got scared by the robbers, she immediately ran into GG's lap. I think this picture is funny because my nephew, Andrew, is really trying to figure out what the heck is going on!
Yep, fake money makes everything better!
And so does popcorn evidently!
I think everyone enjoyed the ride there, but only a few of them chose to return back on the train (a round-trip ticket is the only purchase option). Apparently it was pretty hot and rrreeeaaalllllyyyy long.
8.24.2010
Texas: The Rodeo
Once we FINALLY made it into the state of Texas, Amelia was obviously underwhelmed. Her exact comment was, "Are you SURE this is Texas? It looks just like Missouri!". After all the books about Texas and cowboys we read in preparation for the trip, I am sure she was picturing cowboys on horseback galloping down dirt roads.
At that point, Jason decided he would seek out a rodeo to take her to during our visit. The only option we could find was at the Ft. Worth Stockyards. The rodeo is held every Friday and Saturday night at 8 pm. Since Henry is usually asleep by 6:30 or 7, he and I stayed at the hotel, while Jason and Amelia headed to the rodeo.
I pretty much have a camera full of pictures that look like the two above. Random horses with cowboys on or near them--but I will spare you a whole boatload of those shots. I think you get the picture. The one below, though, is probably my most favorite of the trip!
At that point, Jason decided he would seek out a rodeo to take her to during our visit. The only option we could find was at the Ft. Worth Stockyards. The rodeo is held every Friday and Saturday night at 8 pm. Since Henry is usually asleep by 6:30 or 7, he and I stayed at the hotel, while Jason and Amelia headed to the rodeo.
I was a little concerned that on a Saturday night at 8 pm, it might be a rowdy crowd of locals. Turns out it was super touristy and super family friendly--which, incidentally, was exactly what we were looking for. When you ask Amelia what her favorite part about our trip to Texas was, she will say, "the rodeo". And if you ask her what her favorite part of the rodeo was, she will say, "When the bulls were flicking people off". Who knew bulls could do that? Sounds like I missed a great time!
I pretty much have a camera full of pictures that look like the two above. Random horses with cowboys on or near them--but I will spare you a whole boatload of those shots. I think you get the picture. The one below, though, is probably my most favorite of the trip!
8.23.2010
Bronco Riding at the Cowgirl Museum
Note how Jason is visible in the middle video. We didn't realize it at first, but the bronco doesn't move by itself, so Jason was giving it some help. Needless to say, I didn't partake in the bronco riding.
8.20.2010
Texas: Museum Day
My cousin, Cathy, totally talked up the Cowgirl Museum in Ft. Worth, so we thought we'd give it a try. We happened upon the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History next door and spent the majority of the time there.
While purchasing our tickets for the Museum of Science and History (which included the Cowgirl Museum) I asked the sales person if there was a lot to do for a 4 year old. He kind of chuckled, pulled out a map, and basically pointed to every part of the map as being appropriate for someone Amelia's age.
We stopped to check out a 4D movie that was about Energy. I have never been to a 4D show before and loved when we got splashed with water when "diving" into the ocean. There were also mosquitoes that invaded the room and little straps near our feet started moving around simulating the feeling of bugs on our legs. It was all great until a dinosaur appeared and breathed on us. When he roared, we were misted with his "spit" and Amelia nearly lost it. I talked her into staying to see what happened next (from my lap). It was fun! At least I thought so...
Sporting the glasses for the 4D movie
It was really a neat exhibit with lots of tools available to dig out various bones. Amelia couldn't get enough and we eventually had to drag her away.
There were huge Aloe plants outside of the museum where Amelia was discovering dinosaur bones. Jason and I kept ourselves entertained by taking pictures of them.
A gigantic sea of recyclables.
They had a section in the kid's area where you could use various frames, small sheets, and clips to build a tent. So cool!
The entrance to the kid's area--although, honestly, the whole place seemed pretty kid focused to me!
Learning about spinning and forces and nausea.
Henry was fascinated with the bubbles in these tubes. This is not that surprising, given his love for bubble blowing hiimself.
Play grocery stores are the best!
Finally made it to the Cowgirl Museum. There was a "Bronco Ride" there that made a very short movie of you riding the "Bronco". We got LOTS of laughs out of this! I will have to try to upload the videos to the blog.
Another horse riding opportunity. Cameras were supposed to be forbidden here---shhhhhh!
They even had mounted saddles to sit in to watch a short movie about famous cowgirls.
The kid's area at the Cowgirl Museum had a great camping/cookout area that Amelia could have stayed in for hours.
It was a very full day between the two museums, but I know we could have stayed for hours more. And for the record, Amelia STILL talks about that dinosaur from the movie almost every day....
While purchasing our tickets for the Museum of Science and History (which included the Cowgirl Museum) I asked the sales person if there was a lot to do for a 4 year old. He kind of chuckled, pulled out a map, and basically pointed to every part of the map as being appropriate for someone Amelia's age.
Amelia loved the Mexican toys exhibit.
For some reason there was a giant piggy bank. She was pretty attached.
For some reason there was a giant piggy bank. She was pretty attached.
and this part of the exhibit, too, where there were about 15 tiny beds, each with a tiny doll, pillow, and blanket would have probably kept Amelia's attention all day.
We stopped to check out a 4D movie that was about Energy. I have never been to a 4D show before and loved when we got splashed with water when "diving" into the ocean. There were also mosquitoes that invaded the room and little straps near our feet started moving around simulating the feeling of bugs on our legs. It was all great until a dinosaur appeared and breathed on us. When he roared, we were misted with his "spit" and Amelia nearly lost it. I talked her into staying to see what happened next (from my lap). It was fun! At least I thought so...
Sporting the glasses for the 4D movieDespite being terrified of the dinosaur during the movie, she couldn't wait to get out in the 105 degree weather to dig for dinosaur bones. Guess she prefers them dead?
It was really a neat exhibit with lots of tools available to dig out various bones. Amelia couldn't get enough and we eventually had to drag her away.
There were huge Aloe plants outside of the museum where Amelia was discovering dinosaur bones. Jason and I kept ourselves entertained by taking pictures of them.
A gigantic sea of recyclables.
They had a section in the kid's area where you could use various frames, small sheets, and clips to build a tent. So cool!
The entrance to the kid's area--although, honestly, the whole place seemed pretty kid focused to me!
Learning about spinning and forces and nausea.
Henry was fascinated with the bubbles in these tubes. This is not that surprising, given his love for bubble blowing hiimself.
Play grocery stores are the best!
Finally made it to the Cowgirl Museum. There was a "Bronco Ride" there that made a very short movie of you riding the "Bronco". We got LOTS of laughs out of this! I will have to try to upload the videos to the blog.
Another horse riding opportunity. Cameras were supposed to be forbidden here---shhhhhh!
They even had mounted saddles to sit in to watch a short movie about famous cowgirls.
The kid's area at the Cowgirl Museum had a great camping/cookout area that Amelia could have stayed in for hours.
It was a very full day between the two museums, but I know we could have stayed for hours more. And for the record, Amelia STILL talks about that dinosaur from the movie almost every day....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)