Grandma & Elena Visit Texas

Last Thursday, my mom and my 19 month old niece Elena flew out here from California for a little visit.

On day one, we ran errands and Poopie and Elena had a great time playing.

On day two we took Poopie and Elena to the Frisco Athletic Center to swim in their kiddy island, (Andi & Miguel were still in school) and that night we ate at a Texas Themed restaurant called Babe's. to celebrate Eric's completion of the Texas Teacher's Certificate Program. (Way to go Honey!) Every once in a while the waiters would dance and sing the Hokey Pokey. Before we left, we got in on that action. :) Poopie cried when we left because he wanted to do what he called the "Pokey- Pokey" again.

On day three we went swimming at our neighborhood pool (about two blocks from our house), went to Miguel's game, then later that night went to our neighbor's house-warming party. The neighbors enjoyed meeting my mom and the kids enjoyed playing with all the neighborhood children in their backyard.

They were leaving on day four so we grabbed a quick breakfast at Denny's before taking them to the airport. You will have to excuse the pics from the Babe's dinner and the pool. I had to print them on paper and then scan them because my mom didn't have the cord to hook up her camera to my computer. The Athletic Center pics were taken with my camera phone. Oh well. At least we have pics of everything. :)

Below: On our way to the Frisco Athletic Center.

Below: Out to dinner at Babe's.

Below: Swimming in our neighborhood pool.

Below: At Miguel's Game

Eric was helping coach that game.

Below: Our neighbors party. (Dan and Sara)

Above from left to right: Stacy, Dylan, Mom, Dan and Sherry

Below: Mr. Nick, Eric and Dan

Above: Austin & Elena, I think she had a little crush on him... :)

Below: Matador Drive kids playing

Below: Out to breakfast before taking them to the airport.

Ya'll Come Back Now, Ya Hear!

My Mother's Day

Eric and the kids were so sweet yesterday. I came downstairs (after sleeping in) to find a decorated kitchen, a breakfast of eggs and toast, flowers, cards, a homemade banner (Eric had put the kids pics in the same box where there was the first letter of their name. For example, "Happy" has an "A" in it so he put a picture of Andi with the "A." Very clever...), potted flowers from Home Depot where each of my kids decorated their own pot for me, Poopie's blocks spelling out "Mom", and my family already ready for church. Naturally, it wouldn't be a Hill holiday without something going wrong... :) On our way to church, our van started jerking funny and we ended up at a CVS parking lot. Eric did the manly thing and looked under the hood and then we drove home extra slow. The tow truck took our van to the Kia dealership. I get it back tomorrow. I had to laugh because I expected a holiday "set-back" which would be much worse so I was happy for the little van problem. Oh yeah, and my camera broke so I ended up taking most of the Mother's Day pics with my cell phone. :) Still, not a problem we could not handle. It was a wonderful Mother's Day. I could not help but be extra grateful that adoption made it possible for me to be a Mommy.

Later in the day, Poopie decided to show me his best "Joe Cool" impression...

I hope everyone else had a great Mother's Day!

Go Miguel!!!

Today was one of those nail-biter games for the Giants. They were behind all but one of the innings. It was their last ups, the other team was winning 10 to 9, the Giants (Miguel's team) had two outs with two players on base and Miguel was up. He fouled the first pitch, and then got a base hit and drove in both runs bringing the Giants to their winning score of 11 to 10! Yes, the same crazy lady that was in Andi's softball video was there screaming last minute batting instructions. (Personally, I think that's what did it... lol) :) Anyway, coming through under pressure deserved an "after-game ice cream treat."

Great job son! We are proud of you!

Picture Perfect Poopie

Yesterday, Poopie brought me my camera and told me he wanted to say "cheese." Here are the results of our quick photo shoot...

Doggy Damage

Our dog Poodie is TERRIFIED of thunder storms. Sothern California does NOT have storms like the ones we see here in North Texas. When she hears the thunder, she goes crazy and starts digging and biting the walls! Here is the aftermath of our latest storm...

(Laundry room door)

(Garage walls)

A Walk in the Park

Yesterday, we went to McKinney Town Lake for a little "free" family fun. :) The weather was great and the ducks were friendly. Poopie was VERY impressed by the "big duckies." (They were paddle boats.) After we played in their park, we walked along the lake and enjoyed the sites. We all had a blast. Enjoy the pics!

Above: I like living in a place where you do not have to worry about public signs (on city property) of the community’s faith in God. This is a pic of a sign that is posted at the lake.

As always, "God Bless Texas!” :)

Balloons

I went to the door last night (around 7pm) and I saw this when I walked outside. It was so pretty. I love this area because we see a lot of hot air balloons and we have a lot of really beautiful days. The temp has been in the low 70's and we have had wonderful, beautiful blue skies. Today, we went to the park, but I am to tired to post those pics tonight. :) The last pic is of a balloon we saw tonight after we left the park. Not a bad pic for a a cell phone with a low battery. :)