Beer Bike

On Saturday (March 20), we went to Beer Bike at Rice University. Beer Bike is a race between the residential colleges that alternates chugging (water, beer, or Gatorade) and bike racing. It was freezing and raining, so Beer Bike became Beer Run. Adam and Alyson cheered on the teams.

Lottie was tired, but gladly accepted a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

We watched from Rice Stadium. Not hard core enough to brave the rain!

A better view of the race madness. The platforms on the left are for the chuggers. Everyone else is supposed to be the bike pit crew, but I'm at a loss to explain what help the runners needed. We only finished the alumni race before everyone called it quits.

We did head to the alumni tent for a few minutes before deeming it too smoky and loud. The kids weren't allowed in without their first Rice wristbands!

Houston Rodeo

After a nap, the kids were ready to check out the Houston Livestock Show (and Rodeo, but we didn't go to the rodeo show). We decided to park downtown and take the newish light rail train to Reliant Park. Everyone was excited to ride the train.










After eating our way through the livestock show (there were so many options, even for a Lenten Friday), we went to Fun on the Farm.

It was set up to show children how the food cycle works. They each got a bucket, then started with the chickens. They fed the chickens, then received an "egg."

Then they got some seeds, and planted them. After watering the seeds, they received the appropriate vegetable.

After a bathroom break, Adam and Daddy had to pose with the cutouts. Of course!

Then we sheared some wool off the sheep and milked a cow to get some milk for their buckets.

Then it was off to the farmer's market to sell their produce. The last stop was the store to spend the money they made at the farmer's market to buy juice boxes. Score!

Afterwards, we hit the birthing center, so Amy could get some tips (she's due in June). We saw a newborn baby calf, but no cows, goats, or pigs were in active labor.

Adam and Lottie had to ride the tractors.

Smaller than a tractor wheel.

We had to try something from the "Totally Fried" stand. The verdict on the fried smores - needs more chocolate.

Adam was dying to try a carnival ride. He selected the giant slide, and was willing to wait in line to ride it. Lottie was too short to ride, but they let her ride anyway, as long as an adult also paid to ride with her. They both loved it!

Houston Zoo

On Friday, March 19, we decided it was too nice to stay inside. We headed to the Houston Zoo. It was crowded because of spring break, but we were happy that military get in free! While we waited to meet up with Aunty Karen and the cousins, we checked out the meerkats. Adam remembered them from Sagamihara Park, but Lottie was fascinated.







Then we checked out the fish! Adam wasn't sure about some of the giant fish and the piranhas.

We were just in time to meet Lou, the hedgehog - a girl, just like our Lou.

Adam and Lottie even got to pet her.

Then we met up with Aunty Karen, Logan, and Kayleigh. We had to go see the giraffes (with pretty leaf-shaped spots).

So excited to see the elephants - can't you tell?

Chris had a full load.

Logan and Karen watch the tigers.

Adam just loves his cousin. We played musical strollers the entire time we were at the zoo. The girls enjoyed playing peek a boo with Adam. He's a good cousin - usually!

There was even time for one last crawl through the piranha tank.

Thank You

Lottie's new favorite song is a singing grace that Gram and Bapa taught her.

The original: Thank you God

Thank you God

Thank you for food!

Lottie's version: Thank you guys

Thank you guys

Thank you for me!

I guess that works on her birthday...

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday, Lottie! I tried to get some birthday portraits, but you wouldn't sit still for more than five seconds.

Or you pulled out the infamous tongue.

Adam wanted to pose for some pictures too. He was more cooperative.

You picked "garden" cupcakes for your birthday. You and Adam had a great time dipping the cupcakes in dirt (Oreos). Then you gave them out to all the neighbors.

You are a pro at blowing out the candles.

The cupcake looked good, but you were only interested in the candy pea on top.

Your not too dirty post-birthday face. Happy Second Birthday, baby girl!

Clean Up

Lottie's version of the "Clean Up" song:

Clean up, clean up

Everybody do

Clean up, clean up

Everybody do

Clean up, clean up

Everybody love you

A little more aggressive, but with some encouragement at the end!

Victorian Living

Amy and Sebastian live in a new Victorian with three stories. Chris and I set up camp on the top floor, with the TV and the Wii. Adam and Lottie had great fun with their keyboard, guitars, and dogs. Adam strikes a rocking pose.

Lottie tries to feed Sydney a lollipop. She calls Sydney "Santa." We now know that she calls any dog with a white beard "Santa." At least she is consistent.

Fun in the Heights

We visited Houston on March 18 to see Amy and Sebastian and to go to Beer Bike. We got into town a little early, so we decided to check out the Heights, where Amy and Sebastian live. We found a great park with a huge playground. The kids had a rest.

Then they finished up a strawberry limeade.

Taking turns, of course!

Adam had to ride the "train." They also enjoyed the swings, and the TWO giant play structures, complete with lots of bridges, slides, and stairs.

Girls Day

March 3 rolled around and we celebrated Girls Day by displaying Lottie's Japanese doll set. Lottie enjoyed the special treats her great-grandma sent. She also enjoyed playing the music box in the base, since she can do it herself (very important these days). Happy Girls Day, Lottie!

Faces of Lottie

Lottie, showing off her crazy expressions and giant eyes.