I maybe, might, sorta, kinda like living here...maybe...

Last month, Caden and I attended Ethan's 2nd grade field trip. We had a blast at the Arboretum! Caden just enjoyed being with the "big kids" and having a day off from school. I'm not going to lie, I did too. While the city I dream of living in is more San Diego than Dallas, I do have to admit that there are times I truly enjoy living here.

Then, later that week, we attended the Kids' Festival at the Trinity River Audubon Center. This was our first time to ever visit the Audubon Center. The DMA, Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Zoo, Nasher Sculpture Center etc. were all on hand. They had stations set up around the place where kids could do tons of make and take crafts and activities. The Audubon Center brought in different breeds of birds, one of which was a snow owl, so that people could see them up close as well as learn a little more about each bird. The kids had a wonderful time and Brian and I found ourselves wanting to visit again.

Dallas definitely has a ton of stuff to offer. Also, my children are pretty dang awesome.

Pretty Much

like running to catch the bus and, yet, never actually catching the bus. *cue the theme from What's Happening? here and picture ReRun trying to catch Raj and Dwayne in the back of the pickup truck*

It seems like I can never sit down and blog about what's been going on. Then again, this is coming from the girl who dropped some dough on a great camera and I never remember to bring it with me.

Things have just been that hectic around here. The remodel on the house is going well and my patience has been in check, so that's a plus!

This week the boys and I were off for Spring Break. Brian took a couple of days off to hang out with us as well.

Here's the run-down:

Monday-we let Ethan cash in his birthday present and we attended the Mythbusters show. He was engaged the entire time. Can't say I wasn't either. Those guys are smart AND hilarious. Ethan is highly intrigued by science and nature. This is going to be the kid with his own show on NatGeo or Discovery.

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Tuesday-the boys and I met our friends Katie and Abbie at the Dallas Zoo (even through the crowds) and had a great time. We got to see the sweet, new koalas in their habitat. They were precious. It made me miss the San Diego Zoo and wished my boys had been able to see it. (Thus, started our trip planning to CA for next summer.)The weather was beautiful and we even got to eat our packed picnic lunches by the giraffes. Two even came up and ate just a few feet from us! The best part was the bird show. Ethan cracked up at the fact the 6 seagulls were named after the cast of "Friends" and Caden was in awe at the fact that he got to see an owl "for really in real life!"

Pretending to be elephants

Wednesday- was our day of rest. We needed it. The boys slept until 9:45 or so and it was AWESOME. Later on, the Bradens came over for dinner and we took the kids bike riding and to play at the park. It was a "Byoooful night!" as Caden said.

Thursday-we rested again and just slugged out around the house. It was nice to stay in our pjs all day.

Friday- Brian was off again and we took the boys to Studio Movie Grill to see "The Lorax" (which was a great movie!) and to eat lots of junk. We came home and repainted the laundry room and started the refinishing project on the cabinets.

Saturday- more resting and more project-y stuff. We took the boys to Bass Pro for their Kids' Expo thingy. Both boys made a craft and went fishing where Ethan managed to flip his fish off his line and onto the floor where it flopped around for a while. It was hilarious! He caught two or three. Caden, for the first time ever, caught a small but significant fish. He was so proud of himself!

Sunday- we went to Denton to visit my sister. We ate at Rosa's. I'm still trying to figure out why Rockwall (or Dallas for that matter) hasn't built one. That place is THA BOMB, y'all. From there, we went to the Square and had dessert at Beth Marie's and walked around for a while. We ended up in a used bookstore that I could've spent forever in that place. It was the right mix of quiet and intriguing. I figured out what people mean when they say, "nook and cranny" cause that place was FULL of them with books everywhere. We stopped by a candy store where my sister bought my kids any and every type of candy their little hearts desired. We walked to the old courthouse for some fun. The boys found they could slide down the cement banisters and enjoyed every minute of it.

He is fascinated by Albert Einstein.

All he needs now is a monocle.

Aunt Jamie bought us an extra bowl of sprinkles.

Cupcake ice cream and Campfire Marshmallow ice cream, respectively, from Beth Marie's.

Sadly, tomorrow we are back to the daily grind of work, school, homework, and jam-packed weeks. I just got a taste of all the shenanigans we could get into during summer which only makes me want to start summer NOW!

**ETA: These are taken with my phone. They're not the best, but it's what I had on hand.

Bishop Arts District

Mkay. Let me just say that I'm probably going to regret giving my personal opinion on this hidden treasure. I love it. It's my new favorite place. Some people may have a problem because it's in Oak Cliff- which doesn't have the best reputation. But, if there is ever a reason you need a place to go that's unique and simplistic- this is it, friends.

The best way I can describe it is, a revamped area, once considered dilapidated, has been made over to house 50+ restaurants, merchants, and a variety of other oddities.

**Sidenote** There are trees that are covered in these crocheted wraps. It's stunning to walk down the street and take in all of the color especially since the trees are bare for winter. My sister told me that there's this one lady that does them by hand, around the trees.

These places are a "Must Visit" in the Bishop Arts District:

*Dude, Sweet Chocolate- Dude actually works there and will totally give you free samples of whatever is on hand. It smells like a spicy, chocolatey, heaven in there.

*Just Add Jeans- my mom bought me the cutest purse. The store is reasonably priced and had some pretty amazing finds.

*Fete-ish- This was probably my favorite store. It's basically a store full of gifts to give to others or keep for yourself. The store facade changes with the season. This time, because of Mardi Gras, it was this huge jester in purple, green, and gold hanging over the entrance.

*The Cozy Cottage- It's a little old house that is stocked with super cute kids' clothes, toys, etc. My mom bought Ethan and stuffed lizard and Caden a Batman cape made of velvet and satin. Plus, they sell Noodle and Boo lotion and that stuff smells delish.

*The Soda Gallery-It's this store that is stocked with unusual and hard-to-find sodas. When we went in, the selection was minimal. But, we did go during a busy time and it looked as if they were getting ready to restock.

*Dirt- Cutest flower shop ever. It's the kind I wanted to own when I was growing up. (Thing #101 about me- I wanted to own my own flower shop at one time)

*Indigo 1745- Has the most amazing clothes. But more than that, I am in LOVE with some of the perfumes and candles. Oh.My.Word! Heavenly.

*Epiphany (Men)- Best Shirts EVER. I found a ton of shirts to buy Brian. Sports teams (Think: Rangers, Mavs, etc.) that look classy and a little distressed. Kinda pricey but man those shirts were sweet. It was totally up B's alley.

There's a place called, "Make. Shop and Studio" -they do modern craft and sewing classes. Looks adorable and educational...and maybe a little hip.

http://www.themakesite.com/default.asp

Again, I LOVE this place. I feel like I'm the last person to know about it. I can't wait to go back. The drawback is the parking. It sucks big time. But, it really isn't too bad if you go at certain times.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST!! (I promise...just bear with me, it's worth it!)

Jonathon's Oak Cliff (http://jonathonsoakcliff.com/)

Best Brunch Ever. I cannot even begin to describe the greatness that is Jonathon's. I had, don't laugh, chicken and waffles. What?! It's a real dish. It was so good, I was angry at myself for not finishing it. It's this tiny little house that's been revamped into a tiny restaurant with indoor and (mostly) outdoor seating. Get there early because there is a wait. But, the wait is totally worth it. The staff is friendly and fun so I didn't mind waiting the 25+ minutes. If you're looking for a new place to eat, go. Don't stop and think...just GO. Worth it.

Playing Catch-Up

It's been long overdue, but I am pressed for time. I'm nearing the end of my Master's program (yay!) and the pace has picked up quite a bit. I'm home today, with a sick Ethan, and thought I should update.

Caden:

*Can identify the Statue of Liberty (or as he calls it, "Statue of Livverty")

*Is super compassionate and still obsessed with Batman and Horizon Organic Vanilla Milk. I had to buy the large quantity at Costco the other day.

*I am constantly amazed at what he knows. We received his mid-year progress report from his school and he's counting to 150 in English, 18 in Spanish, he has completely developed a quick wit, is excelling in his Reading and Math Literacy, and knows the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm grateful we have been blessed with the opportunity and funds to allow him to attend a private pre-k program.

Ethan:

*Is a super genius. Duh. He was asked to do a report on an American who is famous or considered a hero. He picked Albert Einstein. I told him I thought he was German. He corrected me and said, "Actually, Mom, he became an American citizen in 1940."

I guess I'll go back to my place, then, good sir.

*He is obsessed with creating and utilizing power points and photo story. This is pretty much the bomb to see as a parent. The fact that he can navigate around technology at his age astounds me.

*And I'm likely to get some backlash and judgement on this one, BUT, he LOVES 'The Big Bang Theory' ---He even requested a Bazinga t-shirt. Sometimes, his facial expressions mimic those of one, Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Note: We monitor what episodes he watches. We don't just let him have free reign. But, as a kid who is considered a "science nerd"- I love that he can see these characters as quirky, funny, and yes, even cool.

Home Stuff:

*Well, the floors are officially put in throughout the house, including the master bedroom and walk-in closets. (We aren't done with this one just yet, but here's what it looks like in the process. Yes, I did paint the inside of the closet something other than white. White was too drab.)

*Paint colors have been chosen and we are slowly getting the rooms repainted. (Trust me, they needed it!)The boys bathroom went from an adorable and sweet baby blue/lime green to a sophisticated gray. I replaced the PBK Dino curtains with a West Elm gray striped one. I'm still in the process of ordering a few things to decorate, but I have to say, as sad as I am to see the little kid stuff go, it suits the little gentlemen to a 'T'.

I will post before and after pictures at a later time...when the projects are completed and the messes are cleaned up.

*We had to replace our water heater last night. Boo! But, it was time and we were going to have to do it eventually anyway.

Anyway, I do believe that is it for catching up. I will post more pictures later. I'm spent for today.

I leave you with this picture of two dapper gentlemen.

Catching Up...

Much time has passed since my last update so here's a rundown:

1.) Some friends and I took the kids to the zoo before we had to go back to school. Let me just say, that I love our Zoo Membership!! AND- I cannot wait until Summer Break! The Christmas break just wasn't long enough.

2.) I took (and passed with an A!) a Winter-mini term. I'm more than halfway done with my Master's degree. This excites me more than words can express.

3.) Caden has been playing incessantly with his Batman Geotrax set and Imaginext Batman cave. He and E are all about superheroes (and The Muppets) right now. (Ethan's kicks are Superman while Caden's are Batman- thanks be to ye olde Converse!)

4.) Both boys got their report cards last week; Brian and I could not be prouder of our boys. Caden is excelling in pre-k. He can count to 150 by rote memorization, count to 18 in Spanish, and gets along very well with his peers. Ethan, has all A's, and intrigues his teacher with his hunger for knowledge and science inquiry (her exact words to me).

5.) We celebrated Brian's 36th Birthday this weekend starting with a round of golf at Top Golf on Friday. If you've never been to Top Golf, you are missin out, yo! We had such a great time and will be going back frequently.

I'm grateful for the days, weeks, months, years that life just seems to "go with the flow" instead of being drama-filled. Thank you, God, for this life. Forgive me for not appreciating it enough.