Kites and Catamarans

January- 31 days of photos

2017-02-02T08:12:00.000-06:00

January- 31 days of photos via https://www.instagram.com/kitesandcatamarans/

My attempt at making more time to blog again is starting with baby steps, posting at least a picture a day :) Enjoy!

This one is actually a video :)

My favorite for this month!

Favorite BW

2017-01-06T13:45:00.000-06:00

Just a few of my favorite black and whites.

Thanksgiving and Resolutions

2017-01-05T06:59:00.000-06:00

Clearly I am doing terribly with blogging lately. I have decided to try to remedy this by back filling some of our trips from the past year, as well as trying to post a picture to instagram daily as a small step back into blogging and updating family! :) Here is the link if you need it!! https://www.instagram.com/kitesandcatamarans/

And a couple of photos of us over Thanksgiving

Before our own meal with family, we made gifts and handed out meals with Meals on Wheels.

Post meal!

Summer

2016-05-27T08:25:00.000-05:00

It's just around the corner, I can just make it out...

I am about to find myself with a little more time on my hands, and the anticipation, well its just thrilling.

I have graduated...

Keith has graduated...

The children are out for the summer...

Girl/Cub scouts are taking a summer break....

And soon all we will have left to focus on will be swim, theatre, work, and traveling!

Excuse me while I step to the side and do a little dance.

Hear this

2016-03-30T19:49:00.003-05:00

Lately, when Cash wants an audience, instead of saying, "listen" he proclaims "Hear this" It truly causes to pause your task and snap to attention. Nearly every time I imagine I will turn around to see a scroll in his hand and hear an official decree coming down from the person in charge(not me!).

In other news, the 6 year old will not sleep, in fact, the 6 year old is obsessed with the globe. He's asking if we can visit Iceland after our New England tour.

One day, buddy. One day I dream of visiting and I promise to bring you along.

Until next year

2016-03-20T07:18:00.000-05:00

This year was Yuliya's biggest season yet, selling over 600 boxes of cookies! Thank you to all who supported her! It was her first year to go door to door, and at first, I must say, the thought of talking to so many strangers was less than appealing. She had quite the hefty goal, so really, this was the only way she could come close to accomplishing it. We marched on through wind and snow, up hill....Just kidding! Here in Houston it was definitely 70 degrees, sunny and completely flat(except for that time we both went flying through the air in a synchronized stumble on the sidewalk).

Breaking up the monotony, we had two or three bizarre haps of people answering in their underwear, or having their 2 year old answer the door, which had us walking away giggling up a storm(giggles may have lead to the epic stumble). We also knocked on a few doors and met remarkable people whom we could have chatted with all day, we saw a house with the interior of an Scottish castle and met some pretty fantastic pets!

Yuliya is ready to have a go at it again next year. Her favorite part? "You get to see inside each house!!"

This was our living room at one point!

Sayonara cookies. Until next year....

Okie

2016-02-15T10:45:00.000-06:00

This weekend we took a quick trip to Oklahoma

First we stopped off in Dallas to pick up Jack and Sam. Then we headed to Turner Falls for a late lunch!

Picnicking with a view!

Next, we made our way to Norman, Oklahoma to check out the University of Oklahoma! Norman High school was letting out as we turned onto the main street and a whole slew of teenagers weaved in between our stopped cars. One of the teenagers had a backpack with our last name embroidered in a blazing bright orange on it! What are the chances?!

This campus is on my top three, it was filled with history and...these guys were zooming around on single wheeled structures.

"Man with popsicle"-The children

Some of my favorite photos from the weekend.

Taken at the Oklahoma Railroad Museum! This outing was a blast! We had the place to ourselves due to freezing weather. We had about 30 train cars to explore including a caboose very similar to the one from St. Francisville!

We learned about the Sooners here at the Centennial Land Run Monument right off the river walk. We also froze our fingers off...gloves, must remember gloves.

Back in Dallas for a night and day, we waited and waited for this trolley, but we never caught it! Maybe next time!

We did, however, get to see a man zooming down the sidewalk on a giant unicycle!

On Sunday we met up with cousins and hit the Dallas Zoo!

Can you find something extra special about this photo?

To round up our trip we met up with Sam Houston. For years I have driven past him, but have never stopped. Did you know that he's around 40 ft smaller than the Statue of Liberty??

Headed home, exhausted. 10 States under our belts.

Next up-New England!

100 days of school

2016-02-02T10:20:00.000-06:00

Better late than never right?! I sure hope I look like anyone in this group when I hit 100! Cash opted out of wearing his belly and glasses this year.

Weekend adventures

2016-01-28T09:38:00.002-06:00

This weekend we watched Starwars episodes I and II(we have only seen VII). Planted trees in a park, went to the zoo and Los Trompos!

We watched an amazing mama ice skating with and without her children. Here's a video of her without

Video of the spinning tops here

Bathtime perfection

2016-01-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love the hum of the littles playing in the tub.

Cash, like Sam, could spend hours in the tub, buzzing and playing in his own world.

I love overhearing the intricate workings of a life they have created for dinosaurs, frogs, boats and planes as I take care of things around the house. "Geronimo!" as a pteranodon dive bombs the water to swim with a shark. The sound of water sloshing against the tub and inevitably on the floor as said dino and shark swoosh around on an underwater adventure.

Despite the puddles of water I know I face when I make my way to the bathroom, I savor these sweet sweet sounds.

Don't grow up just yet guys!

Here comes February

2016-01-20T07:33:00.002-06:00

I thought of you yesterday. For a long time.

Then, Blackbird played on Pandora this morning for the first time in a long time. The Beatles in general remind me of you, and plenty of their songs make me ache in that way that great songs do. But, Blackbird does me in every time, not in a teary way though, this one actually makes me happy and I nearly always have to listen to it at least twice.

Eleven years has flown by, Soldier is my constant reminder. I went out and adopted him a week after you died, he was my savior for a long time. He is old and grey now. He is so far from the puppy I adopted 11 years ago. He still loves to visit the dog park. He jumps in the car and smiles the entire drive to, then runs his heart out; but, when we are done his legs are too tired and he needs to be lifted back into the car. Times like those I really stop and think about how old he is, how long you've been gone and what life would be like if you weren't. And that, can leave me brimming with both joyful and gloomy feelings for days. Don't worry too much though, I tend to work it out. :)

It's just that it is almost February and, February will always weigh heavy on my heart.

I hope you're well. Know you're missed in all of your wise, creative, tall, and stubborn ways. Love always.

On Sundays we grocery shop

2016-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Grocery lists are 1000x better when your children write (and illustrate) them!

P.S. Not entirely sure Sam knows what a turkey looks like

Cookie Sales

2016-01-05T09:20:00.000-06:00

Hey you!

Just wanted to let you know that it's not too late to pre-order girl scout cookies!

Email me or give Yuliya a call if you have that unrelenting craving for these delectable goodies!

Night before Christmas 2015

2015-12-24T14:00:00.000-06:00

The night before Christmas we ate our traditional tamale dinner. Then we snuggled in with hot chocolate and marshmallows and watched A Christmas Carol and prepared for the big man to come down the chimney.

It was quite the content and cozy night. :)

Winter Break

2015-12-20T14:26:00.000-06:00

If you need us, this is where we will be.

All day, everyday.

Hat day

2015-12-19T09:34:00.000-06:00

Every so often, picking the perfect hat is a process!

Nutcracker 2015

2015-12-18T19:30:00.000-06:00

As the last day of school before winter break ticked away I waited patiently for Cash to be dismissed so we could head to the nutcracker. On the way there my guy confessed to me "Mama I have had A LOT of treats today." I figured my little firecracker would have a difficult time sitting still anyway, but this sealed the deal.

We sat through the performance and Cash loved it! He did have difficulties sitting still; so, I offered up my lap, we sat contentedly after that and took in the dance together. :) He was thrilled about the dancing and over all story. The entire time he whispered his interpretations of what the performers were acting out.

Afterwards we had photo opportunities with some of the ballerinas...Cash had zero interest in being that close to a perfect stranger. Thus, I took pictures of other people's children with one of the soldiers!

All tuckered out, Cash fell asleep just like Clara on the way home. :)

Heavenly Aromas

2015-12-17T12:07:00.000-06:00








Over the past few years we have developed the tradition of baking and creating these chocolate dipped pretzels for friend and teacher gifts.  The kidlets enjoy this because they can add a different creative flair to each and every pretzel.  Last night Heather and Claire stopped by after dinner and helped us (First for Claire!) with the process. 




Claire was more of an appraiser than a creator last night. I also caught her sleeping on the job!


Hard at work

  

Tada!



After hours of baking, dipping, decorating, and patiently watching them dry, I carefully packaged our treats only to discover that..we ran out of boxes! Oops! I managed to pack up a good portion of the left overs. However, somehow we ended up keeping and eating quite a bit for breakfast! :)

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy holidays? Not just Christmas, but really, all of them! I love waking up and doing something a little different, I cherish tradition and I love seeing my birds create new memories. The work is always worth it; but, sometimes it sure can be exhausting! At the end of the night I was beat and ready to hit the hay!

Super Service Saturday

2015-12-15T13:06:00.000-06:00

This weekend was busy to say the least. Between office holiday parties, dinner club and sister Christmas celebrations, we managed to fit in gymnastics, caroling, wreath laying with Wreaths Across America and assembling our holiday greetings!

This Saturday, after months of going door to door and standing outside of store fronts, Cash was finally able to see the results of all the generous donations his troop was able to collect! He spent over five hours at the veteran's cemetery participating in the ceremonies and assisting with wreath distribution. This has been my favorite of our projects; it goes to such a great cause. The lessons the children learn about the sacrifices others have made for our nation, as well as meeting the thankful families and veterans is absolutely priceless. This Saturday, nearly the entire cemetery was decorated with 58,000 wreaths! All by the generosity of other's time and money!

See more information here WAA-Houston 2015

Yuliya was also out and about spreading joy on Saturday. She spent the day caroling at an assisted living home, and earning her Summit Award! After gymnastics, we rushed to donuts and practice before heading off to the true performance. The girls did such a wonderful job and the audience thoroughly enjoyed their caroling and card / gift giving!

Handing out cards they hand made for the occasion.

The girls also kindly gave away their jingle bells; which, brought a great deal joy to the new owners who jingled along with the remainder of the songs!

Yuliya and her friend Hanna earn their Summit Award- signalling that they have complete the three brownie journeys! Woohoo! She is prepared to bridge in the spring!

Once we made it home, my helpers spent the next few hours helping me address and decorate the holiday cards that you all should be receiving shortly! And a brilliant job they did! Enjoy! Oodles of love from our house to yours!

Sister Christmas

2015-12-14T08:03:00.000-06:00

Fabulous Purple hat knitted by cousin Madi.

On Sunday afternoon, we had the pleasure of celebrating Christmas with my sisters and their families. We held onto our gifts for Jack and Sam who couldn't make this event, which in the end, I think they might be thankful they missed this one!

All of the children were so proud of their new personalized aprons! I can't wait to see our four in the kitchen baking away with them! Thank you Grandmami! Check out Alyssa's head band and Yuliya's hat that Madi so thoughtfully fashioned for them!

It is also worth nothing that the three littles looking off to the side were watching Aunt Amy's wild wild chimpanzee impression. :)

After dinner, the family gathered around and "played" Beanboozled! You better believe that yours truly kept her mouth sealed tighter than a bank vault! In case you haven't heard of this game. Here are the basics...
Lift the lid, lower the lid and like that magic a bean appears! Is the black jelly bean Licorice, or is it Skunk Spray? Perhaps the blue bean is Toothpaste flavor, or maybe it's delicious Berry Blue. BeanBoozled jelly beans come in 20 flavors, 10 weird and wild flavors matched up with 10 look-alike tasty flavors. Wacky flavor pairings include:

Stinky Socks - Tutti-Fruitti
Lawn Clippings - Lime
Rotten Egg - Buttered Popcorn
Toothpaste - Berry Blue
Barf - Peach
Canned Dog Food - Chocolate Pudding
Booger - Juicy Pear
Moldy Cheese - Caramel Corn
Baby Wipes - Coconut
Skunk Spray - Licorice

Kaitlyn realizing that she just ate Skunk Spray, she was a trooper and ate all of the good as well as the bad.

Rotten egg for Madi!

Booger for Keith!

Vomit for Amy!

....And back to normal

Merry Christmas from Alyssa, Yuliya, and Kaitlyn!

Just a little trim

2015-12-08T08:29:00.002-06:00

Little known fact: Cash detests having his hair trimmed. On the same level that some people hate going to the dentist or getting a shot. He does not enjoy getting his hair cut. Generally I try to let him ride out a single haircut for a couple of months.

Well known fact: Cash very much so enjoys tackling problems on his own without adult intervention .

On Friday I noticed something fishy about Cash. I questioned if he had cut his hair.

"Yep!" he responded with pride.

I probed, "Why?!"

"It was in my eyes" he reasoned.

"Let's go get your hair cut!" I said.

"I don't need a haircut now! It's not in my eyes anymore!" Pure delight.

(He did receive a professional cut on Saturday, along with mama, Keith and Yuliya).

At age 6 I thought we were well past the risk of ever entering a room and finding your child has snipped their lovely locks. Boy was I mistaken!

I'm Baaack

2015-12-03T14:03:00.000-06:00

After quite the hiatus, I have decided to try to get this old girl going again! For now I think I will back blog the events that have gone on in the past....wait let me check... YEAR and half of radio silence! Good gravy! While you wait, please please enjoy this photo of Keith.

This folks, was part of our 2015 holiday shopping experience. Accompanying a husband with arms bursting with stuffed animals had me in a fit of giggles for many reasons, but mostly because, if you have ever had a child, you know, this is precisely how they pack for a sleep over. :)

Hawaii

2015-09-16T07:11:00.000-05:00

In September Keith went on an assignment in Hawaii, I took a few days and met up with him out there. It was beautiful!

The down side to Keith working while we travel is that I spend a big portion of the day at the resort. (terrible right?) As you may have gathered by now, I like to be out and about, hiking, and exploring! The resort, in Ko Olina, was pretty far removed from hikes, and activities. Here are the photos from "working hours."

I absolutely loved this little church. You could see it from our patio. We were able to catch a few darling weddings there! The blue walls on either side of the orange doors are actually water walls!

What looks like pineapples in the trees (actually a pandanus tree)

The property was beautifully landscaped

I never took photos of the resort next to us, but I had to go up there a couple of times to check out and return a rental car. It was equally beautiful. This resort though, had a giant tree in the center of the parking lot jam packed with birds squawking at each other so loudly that it is impossible to hear even the person right next to you!

When I stepped foot out of the car I searched for the source of the screams and when I finally looked up into this tree I was in awe.

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu

On the very last day we spent the afternoon / evening on a "local's beach" eating cheese, drinking wine and watching the surfers bob in the ocean just waiting for that big wave to break. More pictures from Hawaii to follow!

Family photos 2015

2015-07-31T08:28:00.000-05:00

World travels

2015-07-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

In July / August / September Keith traveled to Singapore, Capetown, and Honolulu for work.

Singapore was a lot of fun because he was 13 hours ahead of us. We could facetime and see his morning before we went to bed and he could call and talk to us when we woke up, at the end of his day! We saw a few of the sights from his hotel room and many of his meals.

Capetown proved to be much more difficult with regard to seeing the sights through his webcam...even more difficult once his computer gave up on him! Unfortunately, I don't think he has uploaded all of the photos from these trips.

I think it would be super fantastic if he shared some of his photos / travels, don't you?

Spoiler alert: He went on a safari, and encountered penguins!