Parting is such sweet sorrow...

About a week and a half ago James, Sadie and I had an adventure to our local Half Price Book Store. I have have always enjoyed meandering down the aisles of this bookstore - especially on school days when I waited for James to come home and had a few hours to spend. However, this trip was like all the others. On this day, instead of welcoming new books, I said goodbye to many of my own.

Half of our garage has been used storing my "classroom." Knowing that I will at some point enter a classroom again, I have had a difficult time just tossing out old supplies, posters, special decor, and my student libraries. I always kept two full book cases of selections for students to check out directly from me. Most every school has a library, but I found that my students always enjoying thoughtfully looking through my selections and especially enjoyed the fact that I required no school fines if it was turned in late. I even gave several books away, over the years, to students who really connected with one work or another. So, admitting that I did not need ever single selection was a very difficult thing to do. Don't get me wrong - I kept all books I considered were "of literary merit" or were reads I would consider spending time to enjoy. I simply let go of all the "additional" selections and several hundred books that were a part of various class sets or doubles I acquired throughout the years. I would never need 102 copies of Jane Eyre, but they have overstayed their welcome - taking up much-needed space in our garage.

Thankfully, I had great support in James and Sadie. We dropped all book off (and shocked several onlookers with our 8 boxes) then headed to the children's section to play until they called our name. They could not buy back every book, so many of the duplicates and used books bought at the Houston Public Library would be sent off to various schools both domestic and abroad (Africa, in specific). So, although saying goodbye was hard, at least I know they are going to a better place! So, long dear books. You served your readers well.

Galveston Family Beach Trip: Part 1

When I was younger, summertime meant swimming, frog-hunts, snow cones, and going to Galveston. Although Austin and I only saw our Virginia cousins about one week out of the year, it was one of the most enjoyable weeks. We no longer see our cousins in the summertime, but Granny had the great idea to revive this treasured tradition! Granny and Granddaddy treated both our family and Austin and Katie to 3 days at the Galvestonian. It is located right on the beach - a community of condos available for rent. My mom researched several different locations before selecting this one. It was a great choice! We could walk past the pool area to the ramp down onto the beach.

The Galvestonian

Friday early afternoon, James and I headed down with Granny and Granddaddy to check in early. We stopped to eat at the Mosquito Cafe for lunch, then walked across the block to Pattycakes - a delicious bakery where we enjoyed cake balls,  sugar cookies, and a peanut butter cupcake. Sadie had an oatmeal cookie, but took one lick of my cake ball and immediately signed "more."

The Mosquito Cafe

We then drove to the condo and unpacked. Sadie explored every room and checked out the view. Aunt Katie and Uncle Austin soon joined us soon after and Sadie looked at them as they came through the door with excitement and confusion, as if to say, "What are y'all doing here?!" She visited with them for a bit, then took a nap to establish energy for the evening. When she woke, she put on her dress and checked out the beautiful sunset and view from the balcony with Granddaddy and Daddy. We then loaded up and headed to Casey's (a Guido's restaurant) for dinner across from the seawall. Sadie ran up and down the stairs and danced to the music while we waited for a table. We then dined on crab cakes, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and grilled chicken and earned just enough energy to be ready for sand crab hunting back at the beach!

Beautiful view!

Dinner at Casey's (Granddaddy's taking the pic!)

At Casey's

Hunting for sand crabs has been a time-honored tradition. The key to catching them is having nets with few holes and holding onto a flashlight with fresh batteries. Sadie hadn't the slightest idea what we were doing with the flashlight, but she really enjoyed holding it anyway. Aunt Katie was equally excited (and obviously more informed than Sadie) about the process and was both nervous and excited to see the first crab running about on the wet beach. We walked down the ramp and onto the soft sand and started our hunt. The best crab-hunters know that to be successful you must watch for the tiny holes they make in the sand; they live there and come out by night as tiny bug-eyed scavengers. Before too long, we spotted our first one - a baby - scurrying around. After throwing down the net, courageous Granddaddy worked to pick him up (from the back is the best option) and was having so much fun, he didn't seem to mind that he was pinching his finger the whole time as Granddaddy showed him off to the sound the "Oooos" and "Ahhhhs." After this, Katie was hooked and Sadie was thrilled to see...well, something....but still seemed to most enjoy holding the flashlight. After walking up and down the beach, Uncle Austin offered to hold her and she grew tired in his arms - finally letting go as we walked back to the condo - all the while holding tight to her little flashlight. 

Ready for Sand Crab Hunting!

Sand crabs really wear you out!

We followed Sadie's example and got some rest after our evening out. The next morning we awoke to a  delicious breakfast provided by Austin and Katie and used the time to get ready for the beach. We all put on sunscreen, but Sadie had, by far, the most ardent affinity for the act.

Ready to Go!

We then spent the day at the beach. Thanks to a nifty pop-up tent Granny bought, we all were able to find shade when we needed a break. Thanks to my obsessive sun-screening, Sadie didn't have one spot of crimson flesh at the end of a long day outside. The day was filled with fun from Granddaddy catching fish with his net to looking for little mussels wash up with the tide. Aunt Katie especially enjoyed this and caught collected around forty of the wiggly sea creatures!

Racing down the sand

Not letting Granddaddy go anywhere without her.

Hugs for Granddaddy (probably trying to convince him to take her by the water again...)

Aunt Katie with her captured sea creatures!

Watching the mussels "escape" back into the sand

Inspecting Granddaddy's Fish!

Getting hot...needed more coverage :)

Galveston Family Beach Trip: Part 2

We had so many great pictures taken on the beach, it was difficult selecting which ones to share, but these seem to show the extent of our fun! 

Walking with Granny

Our Fabulous Beach Tent!

Eating Ice with Aunt Katie

After getting cleaned up and taking an afternoon nap, we all dressed in khaki and white for a family photo at sunset. As we walked down the ramp to the beach, several people in the pool shouted out, "Hey! We're doing our family pictures later too!" The beach was beautiful and although the wind was determined to ruin the shot, we managed to get a few good ones! This is probably my favorite.

After our pictures, we ate supper. Granddaddy cooked a delicious spaghetti dinner (noodles = Sadie's favorite) and we enjoyed eating together so much that we didn't even take a picture of the occasion. You will just have to trust me that it happened. :) Following dinner, Uncle Austin and Aunt Katie settled in for a competitive game of Catan. With Sadie approaching bedtime, I offered my playing spot to Granny and held Sadie instead. She watched her favorite Elmo movie (several times as she danced her remaining energy away), Peter and the Wolf: A Musical Adventure, and then promptly passed out. 

The picture of exhaustion...

The next morning (Sunday), we woke up to the smell of coffee and sounds of sweet conversation. Austin held Sadie some and then brought out the guitar ("TAR!!!"). We have a unique (at least as far as I have noticed) tradition in my family. All growing up I remember going to church on vacation. Whether we were in Destin or New Braunfels, my Mom and Dad lovingly explained that we get to worship. We are privileged to worship on Sunday and we therefore didn't necessarily need a vacation from this experience. With no iphone or smart phones, Dad would pull out the phone book or look around when we were out driving for a place to go on Sunday. It was always fun because we were able to see what it was like as a guest - a different and interesting experience for children growing up as "preacher's kids." For this trip, instead of going to a church (a bit more difficult with Sadie needing a nursery and such now), Granny planned for a little time of worship in the condo. Uncle Austin played praise music and we all sang along to several different favorites. Afterward, we all discussed the blessings we were most thankful for and closed in prayer. Sadie enjoyed the "church service" going back and forth between staring at Austin playing the guitar and dancing for all of our entertainment worship experience. 

Loving Uncle Austin

Worship time led by Uncle Austin

After church, we packed up and said goodbye to the condo, wishing we could stay just a few more days. We then drove to The Strand and enjoyed lunch at Yaga's and shopping in the Hendley Market, La King's Candy store (Sadie had some orange sherbet as I ordered my favorite - coffee and orange sherbet), and many more. Granny even bought Sadie a little mermaid dolly and fishy puzzle to commemorate her first summer vacation to Galveston.

Walking on The Strand

Sadie's new mermaid dolly from Grany

Look, Granddaddy! A finger puppet monster!

Can I have some candy?

We are ready from a reprieve from the hot temperatures and lack of rain, but despite all this Houston heat, we cannot wait to go back again next year. What a fun tradition that has been revived.

Midtown, Michael, and Duke

Thursday Sadie and I decided to take a trip to Houston's Midtown to visit a dear friend, Michael Glazner. Michael taught with me during my treasured years at Chavez High School and I have since missed our daily banter, conversation, and shared stories. We still see each other every so often, but we were long overdue for a visit and therefore elated about our day trip. Michael recently moved into an adorable home and bought a dog - Duke. Rescued from the Houston SPCA, Duke is 35 pounds of playful cuteness dotted with black spots. Michael called his breed a "Houston special." :) 

Meet Duke!

Duke was almost as excited to hang out as was Sadie, Duke instantly inspecting the tiny person with the little squeaky shoes. Sadie squealed with glee and Duke responded as though he had been around children in a past doggy life. He never jumped, bit, scratched or did anything to intimidate Sadie. Sadie made an instant friend in Duke and when Micheal showed us his room, Sadie immediately made herself at home in Duke's crate. Duke seemed to enjoy the extra visitor and they played wonderfully together.

Come on in, Duke! I love your home!

Pillow fight with Duke!

OK, now you stay in here!

After playing with Duke and visiting for a spell, Michael treated us to some delicious Vietnamese sandwiches from a favorite local hot spot of his. They were wonderful! Sadie enjoyed her pre-packed noodles, broccoli, and chicken. Watching a little Elmo made Sadie feel right at home while we devoured our lunch. Afterwards, Sadie took a nap and allowed Michael and I some time to enjoy beautiful pictures from his latest family vacation to Tahoe. 

Kisses for Duke

Nap time for all!

Sweet Sleeping Duke

Once Sadie woke, we realized that time had moved faster than we planned and we needed to beat the traffic back to Friendswood. We said goodbye to Michael and Duke and loaded up. We cannot wait to hang out again with Michael and his delightfully furry companion.

Sadie's Green Thumb

Sadie inspects her plant.

We went to visit Katy, Ross, and Collin yesterday. Before leaving our house I asked Sadie if she wanted to go see the baby, Collin. She said, "yah!" I began getting our things together and she looked at me and said, "bay-beee!" Clearly, her long-term memory is ever-evolving and working now. After a quick meal at the Hunan restaurant, we headed over. We arrived to Collin watching Veggie Tales in his swing while Katy quickly ate a sandwich. After playing inside for a bit, Katy had a surprise for Sadie. 

On one of our past visits Sadie went outside to help Ross water their vegetable garden. She loved this duty and went straight for the watering can when we were there again yesterday. Well, on the aforementioned visit Ross let Sadie hold a tomato fresh from the garden. Without fully understanding the delicate nature of vegetables, she promptly squeezed it until all of the "guts" dropped all over the pavement. Some time later Ross and Katy were outside to discover that Sadie had "planted" her very own tomato plant that day. Reaching for the sun, a tall tomato pant erupted from the crack next to the house. Yesterday was Sadie's first time to reap what she had unintentionally sown so many days ago. Who knew she had such a knack with plants. The tiniest green thumb in Texas!

Sadie and her tomato plant!

Fourth of July: Part 1 of 2

Smelling flowers before the parade starts

Excitement is in the air!

This fourth of July was especially exciting because Sadie turned 18 months old to the day. She celebrated by attending her first-ever Friendswood 4th of July parade. This year marked the 116th anniversary of this longstanding tradition for the small suburban city. We woke early - 7:15 - to begin getting ready, dressing Sadie in the stars and stripes dress we have had waiting for this very occasion. She also broke out her new red squeaker shoes trimmed with bright red bows. Special shoes for a special occasion. Daddy and Granddaddy had a great idea to set up camp by the local Sonic - Sadie's favorite place for pediatrician-approved ice crunching. We arrived with plenty of time, so we took a few pictures and tried not to melt as the Houston heat began bearing down. My natural obsessive nature served Sadie well as each compulsion manifested into yet another sunscreen application for Sadie's delicate skin.

Sonic ice with Granny

Once the parade began, Sadie was hoisted onto Daddy's shoulders. They have been practicing for weeks and Sadie has become a champion shoulder-sitter. Clinging to her styrofoam Sonic cup, she crunched ice as each attraction passed by in front of her curious toddler eyes.

Daddy and ice; it doesn't get any better!

Having fun in the sun!

Waving her flag for all to see

So much fun!

Our sweet little fire cracker

Say "cheeese!"

There are horses!!!

After the parade we ate our packed lunch at the Sonic tables. Great idea! After unloading some of our gear to lighten our load, we headed toward the park to hear some music and peruse the various booths. Sadie clearly had the best seat in Friendswood as she lounged on soft blankets inside the wagon pulled by her Daddy - all while carrying her cup of ice and bag of freeze-dried fruit.

Sadie's Sweet Ride

When we started to leave, a Zumba dance teacher started a very loud demonstration from the gazebo. Sadie was transfixed by the sounds and sight and toddled over to see what all the commotion was about. Within seconds she meandered to the front of the dancers, began dancing along with them - eventually climbing the stairs to perform for all willing to watch.

Sadie dancing Zumba!

This closed out our time at the park. As we made our way home to rest up for part two of the 4th of July adventures, Sadie fell fast asleep within seconds of the car ride.