Date night with the boys

Every once in a while, it's nice to spend one-on-one time with each kid. Full attention. No distractions. Solid quality time. Each kid acts differently when they don't have their brothers around to play with (or to bother them). Looking back, it's been over two years since the last time I've spent time with only one of the boys. It's been long overdue. Just the other day, I got to spend a little time with Andrew. It wasn't anything big, we just spent a couple hours at Barnes and Noble. I worked as he did his homework (and ate a huge cookie). He's a totally different person without his brothers. I feel like he thinks that we always lecture and yell at him. This is partially true since he's constantly fighting with Tyson (or vice versa) and he's always mad that Tyson gets his way. "Of course Tyson can play while you do homework, he doesn't go to school!" So I wanted Lynn to see the true Andrew... the no distraction, lovable, affectionate, wild Andrew, and encouraged them to spend one-on-one time together.

It's not crazy hot anymore (for now)

Boyhood

So we finally got around to watching Boyhood, a movie that followed the life of one boy and his family over a span of 12 years. It was neat to see the actors grow up in front of your eyes in 2 hours and 45 minutes. (Yes, it was a long movie.) And then it made me think, will I be sad once all the kids leave home? I don't know. Probably? Who am I kidding, I'm sad now watching Tyson grow up. Being that he is in all likelihood our last child, every milestone is bittersweet. And yesterday, he started preschool.

Labor Day weekend

On Labor Day, most people don't have to go in for work. And that includes my parents. My mom had asked if the kids wanted to stay over and I said no. "Oh, you guys have plans?" she asked. Not really, but I would like to spend some time with my own kids! Ever since I told my mom of my possible plan of moving, she wants to take the kids every chance she gets. And this weekend was no different.

(Another) Mario Kart tournament

Friday was the last weekday of the kids' summer break so I was looking for something fun for them to do. Looking online for weekend activities/events, I came across the Play Nintendo Tour, which was making a stop at the Houston Galleria. It was an event that showcased multiple games with the opportunity of playing each one. But the main feature (and the main reason why we came) was the Mario Kart tournaments. Being that this is their favorite game, this was a must do.

Sleepy eye birthday

In the mist of all the summer birthdays, mine was some where in there. Just last weekend, we had dinner with my in-laws to celebrate all the August birthdays. There are seven birthdays this month. Seven! And I share the same birthday with two relatives on my side of the family (Nesbitt and Chi La). Craziness. Babies love to come out in August. It's probably because it's too dang hot during the summer and they need to escape.

Tyson's Mario Kart Invitational

My little man turned three this past weekend. Three! Realistically this is probably our last kid so seeing him grow up is saddening. I want him to remain two forever (my favorite age). Being two is awesome because they still have their baby fat (super cute), are able to talk (mixed with some incoherent words), are completely mobile (which might be a bad thing), and are still innocent (sort of). I don't remember Tyson exhibiting the "terrible twos" so hopefully we dodged a bullet with that or maybe he's just waiting until now to show us the new "terrible threes".

Going to church doesn't make you less of an a**hole

Summertime sadness

I'm not talking about Lana Del Rey's song (I like the remix more than the original), but my own sadness. It happens every year during this time. People get the winter blues but I'm the opposite, the dreadful heat makes me depressed. Don't get me wrong, I would pick a sunny day over a dreary cloudy day, but being out in the sun during the summer is unbearable. The heat is such a deterrent to go outside or anywhere for that matter. And being cooped up indoors makes me crazy.

Family beach trip (Gulf Shores, AL)

What do you know about Gulf Shores, Alabama? If you answered nothing, that was my response too. This semi-spontaneous trip started in June, when my boss (once again) required that I take a day off in July. From there, I was like let's take a family trip. But where? We always wanted to try Destin but being that it was so late to book a house, we had to think of an alternative. A nurse at one place that I work at mentioned that she went to Gulf Shores and actually preferred it over Destin. Wow. She said it was just a nice but less crowded, closer and cheaper. That makes sense... who ever thinks of going to Alabama when going to the beach? I was sold. And that's where we were last weekend.

Summer birthdays continue

Summer is the time for birthdays. First there's my mom's birthday in June, then my dad's in July, then my birthday in August and then Tyson's birthday a couple days after mine. Whew. And I'm not even counting all the relatives and in-laws who also have summer birthdays because it's a lot. So last weekend, we got together to celebrate my dad's birthday.

Happy birthday America

While almost everyone was off on July 4th, I actually had to work. Yes, someone out there is playing the world's smallest violin for me. But all was not lost. After work, I went over to Lynn's aunt house to spend time with the in-laws where we swam, ate and watched some World Cup action. Later that night, we went to Miller Outdoor Theatre to catch the Houston Symphony and a fireworks display afterwards. But unfortunately we got there late (due to horrible traffic and parking) and could only find a spot on the other side of the hill, meaning you could barely hear the music. And due to the earlier downpour, the ground was soaking wet. The rain was on and off which pushed the fireworks back until 10:30 pm, i.e. wayyy past the boys' bedtime. But in the end, it all paid off.

First-half of 2014 review

In the beginning of the year, I always write down my goals... my New Years resolutions. For 2014, they are:

1. Exercise at least twelve times a month.
2. Finish what you started.
3. Take a daily picture.
4. Goodnight kiss.

With half the year already over, let's see how (bad) I'm doing.

Up all night with Tyson (part 2)

My Father's Day

Ever since Tyson's awesome arrival, we've been going to Empire Cafe for brunch on Father's Day. The food isn't even that good (we go primarily for the coffee) but we gotta keep the tradition going. Three years in a row and counting. So along with the kids' handmade cards and drawings (which is all that I need), I also got gifts from them this year. And I got... Pokemon cards! Gotta catch 'em all!