Introductions

Lottie has started introducing herself at playgrounds. Like this:

"I me Lottie!"

When the other kids don't respond in kind, they get:

"NO! I...ME....LOTTIE!"

Apparently she really wants some friends.

Late Snow

While we were in San Antonio, we missed the last snowfall of the season - and it was a big one! We did SEE a little of the snow when we got back (in 70 degree weather). Adam and Lottie were excited to see the melting snowmen, what little there was left.

This was a giant snowman that lasted for about three days in over 70 degree heat!

San Antonio - Day Three

Our last day in San Antonio started with a boat ride down the river. Adam had been looking forward to this the entire trip. We had a little time before the tour, so the kids checked out the river and a few fountains.

So excited to be on the boat.

The historic hotel where we stayed (the view from the boat).

Also excited - to NOT sit by Mom.

The only hospital in the US with a bar on the ground floor - it's also where Carol Burnett was born.

Then we checked out the Southwest School of Art and Craft. It's on the site of an old Ursuline girls' school. We even got a personal tour from a nice docent who had actually attended the school as a child. Adam and Lottie checked out the Art O Mat, which dispenses $5 art pieces. Adam got a little Frankenstein painting; Lottie got a necklace.

You can see the lazy Susan that the cloistered nuns used to distribute food to the public (next to the door) - it was Adam's favorite.

Trying on a coonskin cap - our little Davy Crockett.

San Antonio - Day Two

On day two, we headed to the San Antonio Children's Museum. Our first stop was the children's super market. Play food, little shopping carts, and real scanners for check-out made Adam and Lottie very happy.

Pushing carts is fun!

Adam is a scanning pro. He checked Lottie out about five times.

Adam was upset about only having three check out counters. He wanted a number four (his favorite). He made do.

Their next favorite was the plane area. Adam flew the mock plane (with real seats).

Lottie dressed up as a pilot.

Adam and Lottie don't even reach to David Robinson's waist. They had a great time at the museum. There were also lots of balls, bubbles, water, sand, and even a play bank. I had to drag them out!

San Antonio - Day One

Chris had a couple of court martials in San Antonio, so we all tagged along. He had a little time to spend with us too. First we checked out the River Walk. Adam and Lottie loved the bridges. And no one fell in!

We walked to the Alamo. Everyone liked the gardens - Chris has been eyeing those flowering cabbages.

The kids were more interested in the cannons. They had to check out every single one and look in both ends.

In front of the Alamo.

We walked back from the Alamo along the River Walk. This is the fountain at the River Walk that is right at the stairs up to the Alamo - I remembered this landmark from when I visited San Antonio in 1986. Still there!

Japanese People!

We are currently in San Antonio for a few days while Chris does some work at Fort Sam Houston. The kids are enjoying the Riverwalk and all the free (or at least included in the price) food at the hotel - hot breakfast, popcorn snacks, and dinner. Our first afternoon here, we walk out of the hotel onto the Riverwalk, and walk right by three Japanese businessmen.

Adam: "Look, Japanese people!" (beaming)

Japanese businessman: "Yes!" (suprised)

Cue red faces on parents who immediately drag Adam away.

Thank goodness the Japanese (even businessmen!) love children and didn't seem to mind being gawked at.

Budweiser Clydesdales

On February 19th, the Budweiser Clydesdales visited Fort Hood. Adam, Lottie, and Mary are impatiently waiting for them to unload and harness the horses.

What happens when you give Adam the camera.

The final product. Everyone was impressed at how big they were. The kids especially liked the Budweiser dalmatian!

Snuggles

Adam and Lottie love taking a rest under their blanket. Fun!

First Ashes

Lottie was home with Daddy last year for Ash Wednesday, so she got her first ashes this Ash Wednesday. She enjoyed going up and getting her "special blessing" from the priest.

Adam also liked his special blessing, but not posing for a picture afterward. He had also rubbed most of his ashes off first.

Afternoon on Erie Court

On nice days, all the kids in the cul de sac come out to play. Lottie and Mary ride the wagon.

The kids take turns driving the motorized cars. Or chasing them.

They like going fast!

Traffic jam.

While the kids play, the adults work.