Alamo

The Alamo Draft house just built a brand new theater closer to us. They have been working on training before the grand opening, so we got tickets to see Incredibles 2. The food is the best part of Alamo Draft house. We ordered mozzarella sticks and popcorn. The seats were the big reclining ones. We definitely like it. 

Star Wars Movie

We saw the new Star Wars movie - Rogue One. It was fabulous because it makes the rest of the Star Wars movies better. 

First Day of the New Year, Last Day with Paige

Happy New Year! We celebrated this fun holiday with Grandma Margie, Papa Malcolm and Aunt Paige. In the morning (mid-morning), we went to the Palladium to watch a movie. As we were walking out, we just had to stop and take pictures with the Star Wars posters and stuff. Yes, we're fans, but Lexi not as much.

After the movie, we headed to Gallery Furniture. That might sound odd, but this one is quite an attraction. They have lots of cool decorations and they always have free Blue Bell Ice Cream. Yum!!!

Paige couldn't end her trip without some truly authentic Texas BBQ. We went to Midway BBQ in Old Katy for that. The hunting prizes that decorate the walls are all part of the authentic Texas experience. I think Paige really liked one in particular. 

Family Selfie

Boxing Day 2015

Dog-sitting Brooklyn

Back to watch Star Wars again

Basketball fun

Grinchy

There is an older theater in our city that has converted to an Alamo Draft House. You can order all different kinds of food while you watch your movie. They often have specialty movies that are older or have cult followings where you can be a little more vocal and silly. They had How the Grinch Stole Christmas today, so we went. It was a fun experience. 

Star Wars & Rockets Game

This was quite an amazing day. We went to see the new Star Wars movie and loved it. I liked the girl power. I think Ren is going to be one of the best Jedis ever. 

This afternoon, we had an early dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in the Galleria and then headed to the Rockets game. The evening was a Christmas gift from my work. They wanted to provide us with an experience. We LOVED it. 

Cheesecake Factory

Watching the Ice Skaters in the Galleria

Cool car in the parking garage

The Toyota Center

Chill Out Day

Yesterday was long, full of traveling, all about swimming, and basically exhausting. The best plans we could come up with for today were about chilling. We went to the free kids movie at the Palladium (super fancy theater). Alma said they have never been to such an incredible theater before. I guess this isn't common in Wyoming (of course). Next, we took them to the furniture store that is right next to the Palladium. It may sound funny, but kids LOVE this furniture store. It has giant bed for them to jump on, a gigantic atrium (with free ice cream), and over-sized furniture to take pictures on.  

Once we were done, we headed into west Houston to hit the Middle Eastern/European grocery store. I knew Alma would love it and kids always get a kick out of it. We ate at the cafe there. I just love to introduce people to their chicken schwarmas.

Saturday Activities

The primary (kids organization at church) had a valentines activity today.  They played games with their classes, made valentines, and ate lunch.  I took the picture above of some of the girls in Lexi's primary class.  They sure have fun together.  When it was over, we met Grandma & Papa at the movie theater to watch the Lego movie.  

Disney Movie

This morning, I thought it would be a great day to watch Frozen.  Lots of people have told me that this movie is amazing.  I had it all planned out and then I got a text from a friend asking what our plans were.  She asked if they could go with us.  I had to get a picture.  These are some of the kids' closest friends.  We have quite a few playdates at their house.  It made watching the movie so fun for all of us.

Last Summer Movie

We went to the last free summer movie today.  It was Madagascar 3, which is a great one to see on the big screen. We actually have the DVD, but it doesn't compare to the big screen.  

Free Summer Movies

The free summer movies series started today in a new theater near our house.  We were excited to get a peak at the fancy place.  It was impressive.  The kids loved the leather seats that didn't fold up on them like a lot of theater seats do.  We got to see The Lorax. We invited Aunt Emilie, Hailey, Kara and Abby to join us.  I had my phone put away before they showed up, so I didn't get a picture with them.

Future Step-Siblings

We spent the afternoon with Steve's future wife & step-kids.  This was the first time I got to meet them and Lexi and Jordan's second time with them.  Sarah (his girlfriend) drove down here and we met at a local park for the kids to play for about an hour.  Then we headed to the mall to watch a movie.  We saw Rise of the Guardians.  They were all very nice and we enjoyed getting to know them.  

No Party Day

Jordan's birthday party was scheduled for today.  Unfortunately, Jordan was still sick enough that I had to postpone it.  Last night, Lexi asked if we could make a special birthday breakfast for the birthday boy. She thought pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles would cheer him up. I was happy to try anything to get him eating again. He was pleased with her choice and managed to eat it all. I decided to wrap up two dvds that I had bought for Christmas so they could watch them today.  

Lexi's Drawings

I told the kids that we should spend the afternoon drawing and doing crafts.  Most of the time, I like to let the kids come up with their own ideas.  I think it really fosters creativity.  This time, I started by asking Lexi to draw pictures to send to the family that gave us their beds.  She did the pictures on the left.

The picture below was a complete surprise to me.   It is Marty from Madagascar 3 (movie clip below for those who don't know the movie).  I didn't need any help recognizing him even though I haven't seen the movie yet.  I really like how she drew him across several different sheets of paper.