Summer Vacation - Stowe, Vermont

Our summer vacation began with a drive to Dallas to visit our Plano and Little Elm family.  We joined them for dinner at Palio's and then the five of us stayed the night at Comfort Suites by DFW.

Our Saturday morning flight to Boston via JetBlue was a great flight for children since they have television screens in the backs of chairs.  We rented a white Ford Edge from Avis and continued our travels to New Hampshire, and then Vermont, but not without stopping first for lunch at Burger King.

We arrived to our vacation home - a beautiful white two-story with a pond in front and a creek in the back.  For dinner, we had Suddenly Salad, baked beans, fried chicken, white bread with strawberry spread.  Our movie night was My Cousin Vinny.

After a comfortable night sleeping with the windows open to 50-degree weather, we woke to Dave making breakfast.  We had a tasty tour of Ben & Jerry's and lunch at Zachary's Pizza in Waterbury.  On the way back, we stopped at Shaw's (the local grocery store), and stocked up on Ben & Jerry's (there was a special), bought dinner makings, rented Joyful Noise from Red Box and fed the fish at the pond.

The next day we drove to Montreal through a thick forested canopy, on winding narrow roads.  We saw a fawn in the middle of the road and slowed down.  I said, "Kids, look at what's in the road."  Angela and Xavier both thought it was cool and Lizet replies, "Oh my gosh!  A kangaroo!"  Lizet also wondered if we could go see Paul Revere's horse when we returned to Boston.  She was upset it wasn't around any longer.  While in Montreal, we toured the Notre Dame Cathedral, then took a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride (with a Belgium horse) through the old streets of Montreal and finally, an early dinner at Chez Suzette where we dined on crepes, sandwiches, and quiche.  Lizet practiced her French by constantly saying, "Merci" to our waiter.  We had a nice drive home and watched Zookeeper while having Ben & Jerry's.

We had a rainy day at home.  Although, Dave and I did go for a drive to the Stowe library which was colonial in style, complete with gazebo in the front and the porch adorned with rocking chairs.  Creeky, rickety floors added to its charm, along with the musty-scented books in our midst.  We were able to print the form that is required for Dave to be able to take the kids to Canada tomorrow without both parents (since I'm not much of a fan of roller coasters).  They plan to go to La Ronde - the Six Flags in Montreal.  After filling out most of the form, we then found TD Bank, where the Notary Public who helped us happened to be from Lima of all places!  Finally, we stopped at a pharmacy (connected to a doctor's office) for bug spray, and was checked out by a nurse.  The five of us then had dinner at Gracie's - a casual restaurant, apparently owned by dog lovers.  The decor was entirely dog-related from the curtains to the candle holders.  The menu items were even named after dogs:  The Chihuahua, The Rottweiler, The Airedale... You get the idea.

Wednesday was a full day for Dave and the kids in Montreal at La Ronde.  When they came home after many roller coaster and water rides, we ended the evening with One for the Money.

Thursday was the BEST day!  We drove to Burlington, Vermont to meet up with father and son duo, Paul and Brian.  For four hours, we fished on Lake Champlain and caught a dozen trout, with weights at least eight pounds each - our largest being an eleven-pounder.  This was much more difficult than I could ever imagine, even with each rod and reel being attached to the boat.  Of course, you're hauling a ten-pound fish from a floor anywhere from 80-150 feet.  That's the depth at which we fished anyway.  They had a radar system that told us the depth and it also directed us to the trout.  So it was pretty much a guaranteed fishing expedition.  They also had a humane system of putting the fish out of their misery quickly.  A small wooden club was used to smack them on the head - HARD!  That seemed to do the trick.  Xavi is now a professional with this skill.  Lizet tried it, too.  One of our fish brought a friend - a lamprey.  This is a foreign animal that isn't supposed to be in the lake.  Paul (the dad) did what he does for conservation when happening upon one of these creatures - he bent it in half, slicing it through the middle with his switch blade and tossed it back in the water.  The water was choppy, the breeze was cool, and... Did I say we had the BEST day ever?!?  Our next task was driving to a fish market to meet up with Adam, one of their relatives who is a fish monger.  He cleaned and filleted one fish for us (we'll pick up the rest tomorrow).  For dinner, we had pan-fried trout, ears of corn, and green beans.  In the evening, the kids climbed trees, we fed fish, and played in the wildflowers. 

Friday we went to pick up the rest of our vacuum-packed fish from Burlington, packed it in our iced-down cooler, had lunch at Burger King, then headed to the Vermont Teddy Bear factory.  The kids loved seeing how teddy bears are made - even Xavier.  They gave us swatches of material.  The Holstein was my favorite.  The girls got outfits for their Build-a-Bears from Grandma Marilyn;  Lizet got a white karate outfit, complete with all the different colored belts, and Angela got a pink yoga outfit for hers.  Xavi didn't care, but enjoyed the girls shopping for theirs.  I still have Barney, my brown bear with the green velvet bow tie from years ago, if they decide they want one.  They seem content with their Build-a-Bears, though.  Tonight we'll have another fish dinner, and watch Tyler Perry's Good Deeds.

Saturday morning.  The time has come.  We left around 9:30 in the morning to drive to Boston.  Here's some interesting trivia:  New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not require a seat belt over the age of 18.  After all, their state motto is Live Free or Die.  We arrived in Lexington (a suburb of Boston where Dave's cousins live).  We met at Element - the hotel where we're staying in Boston.  Picture a contemporary, Asian-esque type atmosphere.  Extremely comfortable bed, but very confusing bathroom.  There was more chrome and silver than I'm accustomed and things were very angular.  Kim, David, Catherine, and the five of us then went to have lunch at Bertucci's.  After lunch, we drove to Boston to see Catherine's apartment and meet her cat, Sasha.  Beautiful Siberian kitty.  Catherine lives behind Fenway Park, so obviously we saw where the Red Sox play.  While driving back to Lexington, we passed Lake Charles filled with many rowers, Boston University, and lots of dog walkers.  I actually preferred this side of Boston.  We were then safely delivered back to the hotel where we rested, and then Kim had dinner reservations for all of us at a health food restaurant named Nourish.  Health food restaurants don't usually burn their mark on the food part of my brain, but they had live music, surprisingly good nachos, and of course, we were with family.  Dave, Xavi, and Lizet are now downstairs swimming, while Angela and I relax.  Tomorrow's destination:  Texas!

    

Summer Vacation - Woodland Park, Colorado

Our first stop was in Wichita at a place called Jimmie's Diner - a retro soda shop.  We stopped for the night in Oakley, Kansas and started again in the morning.  We had Pizza Hut in Burlington, Colorado, drove through Colorado Springs, then on to our Swiss-style home in Woodland Park.  Every evening was spent in the hot tub.  

On trips, Angela and I enjoy reading, sleeping and listening to music. Xavier enjoyed the sunflower patches, wind turbines, and statues of airplanes and helicopters.  Lizet doesn't want to miss a thing!  We can tell she will be our world traveler.  

The next evening, we had dinner at Casa Grande, watched Rush Hour 3, played Chicken Foot, had ice cream, and sat in the hot tub. The hot tub relaxed them so much, Lizet thought it was my evil plan to make them sleepy. 

Earlier in the evening, we shopped at Wal-Mart for some things for the house, including games. Angela was intrigued by a Magic 8 Ball.  She was skeptical at first, but once she discovered it answered the same question in a variety of different "yes" ways, she was convinced it worked. The question:  Is Xavier stupid?  Needless to say, she made the purchase.

The next morning after breakfast, Xavier and Dave went fishing - nothing!  We had grilled sandwiches, watched movies and played games all afternoon.  It rained all week, by the way.  So games and movies were quite relaxing.  Dinner was at Mangia! Mangia!  When we came home, there was a deer in our driveway.  We ended the night with a game of Sorry!, the hot tub, and chocolate ice cream.

Lizet told me that if anyone ever asks us if they are adopted to please lie.  I asked her why, and she said that when I say "yes" to the question people often ask, she says she doesn't feel like my real daughter. Real.  That was such a gift to hear.

There was a piano at the home where we stayed and Lizet asked me about that song she promised Mimi she'd learn.  I started singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and she told me I need to sing in the Baptist choir.  She said if I did, she'd sit on the front row every Sunday. 

On Monday, we drove to Manitou Springs.  The time was 2:22, so Lizet needed to make a wish - I hope it was a good one!  We visited some quaint stores in the arts district and had lunch at a health food-type place, dining on turkey burgers and smoothies.  Afterwards, we purchased various sweets from a candy store and headed to Colorado Springs for a bus tour through Garden of the Gods.  Lizet so badly wanted to climb a mountain.  

On our way back, Lizet was looking at the houses in the mountains.  Since Xavi expressed how much he is loving Colorado, she tells him that he may not have Play Station if he lives in the mountains.  He said he didn't care.  She said he could live in those little houses at Wal-Mart.  Dave reminded her that those were dog houses.  She says to Xavier, "Sorry, tiny brother."  

We arrived at our next stop:  Dinosaur Resource Center.  Xavi has decided he may go to college in Colorado to study dinosaurs and excavating such things.

Angela wrote postcards to her grandmothers, which spurred the others to do the same.

For dinner, we had homemade chicken soup with bread and butter.  

Tuesday, Angela and I stayed home on a rainy day and watched Legally Blonde, Legally Blonde 2, played Chicken Foot and attempted the hot tub.  It was only sprinkling at this point, but I told her the first sight of lightening, we would hop out.  We heard several rounds of thunder and I kept reassuring her everything was okay.  Then, two shots of lightening hit the driveway and startled both of us and I yelled, "OUT!"  She panicked and slipped, falling backwards.  I caught her before she went under and we ended up laughing and hugging watching the rain begin to pour.  

While we had an afternoon of fun, and a near-death experience, Dave, Xavi, and Lizet visited the Dinosaur Museum again and brought us McDonald's for dinner.  That evening, we drove to Colorado Springs to pick up our family friend, Kym McDaniel from the Missionary Training Institute where she will be for three weeks before heading to Peru.  We had dinner at Jasmine Garden, enjoyed a nice visit, and hugged good-bye.  It was great having dinner with Kym on this very day because it was our one-year Adoption Day.  She was with us in Peru when we became a family.  Then we were off to the Denver airport to pick up our cousin Catherine who stayed with us for the rest of our vacation.

The next day, Catherine, Xavi, Dave, and Lizet went to a baseball game in Denver:  Denver vs. Phillies.  Phillies won.  Angela and I stayed behind eating leftover Chinese food, watching Casper and Any Which Way You Can, playing Chicken Foot, and then the hot tub.

On Thursday, Xavi, Dave, and Catherine went to a few more dinosaur places and then returned to take us with them to Manitou Springs where we hopped a train to Pike's Peak.  Before leaving, we did a little shopping in the gift shop (Angela did some Christmas shopping), and Xavi insisted on using his money to buy me a necklace:  a beautiful stone-carved turtle.  He knows how much I love turtles.  He even let me kiss him on the cheek - in PUBLIC!  The trek was an hour and a half both ways and the top was covered with permafrost.  I reminded Xavi that he learned about that in science last year.  After a "world famous" cinnamon and sugar donut, which has been featured on the Food Network, a bathroom break, and some souvenirs, we hopped the train again.  Our tour guide told us that if we missed the train back, our body would do something magical...  It would turn into a hiker.  I couldn't let that happen!  We had dinner at Maximillian's Cafe on our way home.   

On the last day, Xavi and Dave fished with the girls. Again, nothing.  But, they did get to feed some squirrels.  Dinner was at La Fiesta Mexicana and as usual, the night closed with an hour in the hot tub.

Saturday morning, we dropped Catherine off at the airport and started our nine-hour drive home.  We stopped at Gambino's Pizza for lunch in Goodland, Kansas.  Several hours later, Dave introduced us to Carlos O'Kelly's.  Later, we found ourselves quite comfortable in a brand new hotel in Salina, Kansas.  The kids and I enjoyed the pool and sauna.  I actually made them dry off in the sauna since hotel rooms are so cold.  

The next morning at 7:00 a.m., Angela, Xavi, and Dave went fishing.  We showered for the day, packed, checked out, and drove home.  We stopped at Dairy Queen to fuel our stomachs and made it home by 4:00, and that included picking up Fletcher, too!  It was a great trip!

  

 

 

Camp Nelson and Grammy & Gramps

The kids spent two weeks with both sets of grandparents in Texas.  They started off with the Nelson side in Plano participating in things like: feeding horses, riding the DART to visit the Dallas World Aquarium, going to the movies to see Mr. Poppers Penguins, painting birdhouses, bowling, shopping, Dave & Busters, and swimming every day.  Xavi was thrilled to buy a shark's tooth from DWA!  They were also able to visit their cousin Parker and visit with aunts Kim and Kelly.  

I flew in and was picked up by my kids and parents.  Our week was spent doing things like:  watching Wild Ocean at the Omni IMAX in Fort Worth, going to see Harry Potter with Gramps and Uncle Eric, visiting the Farmers Market for fruits and veggies, watching home movies which entertained them immensely, reading Bible stories, visiting Lifeway for books and music, having lunch at On the Border, and visiting great-aunts, great-uncles, and great-grandmothers; which resulted in receiving a nice stash of cash.  Mimi even included a framed picture of butterflies from Brazil for Angela and inscribed a sweet note to Lizet in a Baptist hymnal which Lizet has promised to learn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" for Mimi.  We also played several games of Chicken Foot and the kids got to see where Gramps teaches English.  The minute we arrived however, Lizet received a mani/pedi from Grammy.  I couldn't believe Grammy was okay doing that at 11 p.m., but she did! Beautiful taupes and mauves look so pretty against Hispanic skin.  

 

  

4th of July Weekend & Camp Wah-Shah-She

Fireworks, Slip 'n' Slide, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili sauce, banana pudding, chips, French fries, lemonade, sweet tea, playing the piano, more fireworks, more water fun, bike riding, movies, Uno, Connect 4, and a trip to the mall to see the movie, Monte Carlo with the girls.  Then, more fireworks! What a terrific weekend!!!

Last week, Aunt Cathy flew in for a visit and stayed for four days.  Upon arriving, Cathy and I went to pick up Lizet from Girl Scout Camp:  Camp Wah-Shah-She.  I’m certainly glad this was just a weekend getaway, and I think Lizet felt the same.  She loved it, but has some suggestions for future camps.  For instance, she says next time she needs to bring a wheelchair because 10 miles was too far for a walk.  I seriously doubt it was that long, but strappy sandals she insisted on taking probably wasn’t a great idea.  She also realized she didn’t need her stuffed monkey from the Tulsa Zoo, which was half her size.  She did make a friend who was from Guatemala.  So, she had to run back for one last hug.  She also taught us a song called “Bazooka Bubble Gum” they sang around the campfire.    

We had dinner at several restaurants in town, went to see Soul Surfer, played games, and bought an old Don Knotts classic:  The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.  It was tough to see Cathy go, but we will look forward to her next visit! 

Next year, I hope we can find a Vacation Bible School that complements our summer.  Between Girl Scout camp, Boost Reading, swimming and vacations, it's hard to find one available during the day.   

  

Father's Day and Pool Days

Dave received two shirts and a wallet for Father's Day... And a couple sweet cards!  We had breakfast and enjoyed a day just being home. Movies and games filled the day.  

Last weekend, Dave took the kids to Pittsburg, Kansas to visit his grandparents and attend St. Mary's reunion.  He gave me a 24-hour reprieve.  A solid day of silence.  It was a little too quiet. Before leaving, Angela took my number in case she needed to talk before bed.  Xavier told me, "Mom, I can't believe you're not going... It's going to be boring without you."  (I know it's not true, but it's still nice to hear.)  Lizet called to tell me she loved me and to have sweet dreams, but FIRST, she needed to tell Fletcher goodnight.  So, I sniffed rather loudly into the phone and heard her say, "Ah, baby... Good night my sweetheart!"  When they returned, Xavier jumped out of the car and ran to me, yelling, "Mom!  I missed you!"  Angela couldn't wait to show me the video she took of the hotel room, complete with toilet.  And Lizet had to be carried in because she slept all the way home.  

Lizet has been in the Boost Reading Program in the mornings while I practice English with Angela and Xavi.  Their reading is really improving while Lizet's principal of her program called to tell me she's the best reader in the class.  Last week, Lizet attended her first Girl Scouts activity: Glam and Glitter.  It was devoted to being a princess, complete with fashion show. They had manicures, chocolate-honey-oatmeal facials, dress-up, making their own tiaras, decorating their flip-flops, having her hair French braided, and snacks.  Dave enjoyed buying her new dress for the event the night before. In fact, her sweet dad bought three so she could choose.  So, while having dinner, Lizet checks under the table and says to Xavier, "Xavier, a proper gentleman wears shoes to the dinner table."  His response, "Shut up, Lizet."  

One day, Lizet asked if we could please brush Fletcher's teeth professionally sometime before he dies.  I told her that we could, of course.  She said, "Great... Because when he dies, I want to make a necklace out of his teeth."    

Lizet is hooked on my new Mandisa compact disc - and she got her brother and sister hooked on it, as well.  So, here we are jamming to Christian music while playing Monopoly.

Xavi frightened Lizet in the hallway, scaring her to tears.  He made up for it though... He gave her permission to spank him with his belt six times. He kept telling her she could do it harder, but she couldn't stop laughing as she was flailing the belt around.

Lizet told me she wants me to live as long as she does, but she told me she won't worry about me when I die, because she knows I'll be with Jesus. She said, "Mommy, you're such a good Christian."  She likes to ask questions about Heaven and Jesus while taking a bath... I guess that's why... and the Christian music.

I rescued a turtle on the way home from taking Lizet to school.  I almost got hit by a UPS truck, but I was determined to get this turtle!  We didn't keep it, but I had to show the kids.  We took it to the creek.  It looked like it was searching for water and I knew across the street where I found it, had none.  

We're planning to see some movies again soon.  Angela and I have seen Rio and all the kids and I went to see Kung Fu Panda 2.

Angela and I had a 4 o'clock treat at Luigi's one afternoon.  We just went for dessert.  She ordered a slice of Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake and I had a piece of Berry Lemon Mascarpone Cake.  I placed a piece of mine on her plate, and she followed in kindness sharing hers.  She intends for us to go again, to try their Tiramisu and Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake. She's such a planner.

Lizet now has all the Cooking Mama DS games... Thanks Annie for starting her collection!  She loves them and is making 100s almost every time.  You hear it say, "That’s better than Mama!”

I'm researching horseback riding lessons for Angela.  That has become a big interest to her and we share a love for horses.  One afternoon, we went out for Mexican food - she loves Mexican food!  Afterwards, we went for a drive in the country, gazing at cows, horses, and donkeys.  We like simple things.

Lizet and one of her friends has been to Sooner Park's pool.  This is a large public pool with a splash pad for young children.  One day, Xavi and Lizet went to Frontier Pool for a couple hours.  Xavier told me he was nervous since it was his first time at a public pool.  But as I got in the car, I saw him going to the top of one of the water slides.  I turned the corner just in time to see him come up from the water, smiling.  I was confident he would have a blast!

I think it was Count-the-Tattoos-Day at Frontier Pool.  Saturday, Lizet and I went to Frontier for four hours.  Dave took us so I didn't have to worry about my purse and keys out in the open. We sprayed one another with 70 SPF and organized our bag of things.  We had a great time!  I actually went down the water slide!  Me!  As I was sliding down rather rapidly, I had time to consider climbing back up, then figuring I couldn't, said a quick prayer to Sweet Jesus! Boy, chlorine certainly does burn the nasal passages at that momentum!  And thank goodness I didn't lose my contacts!  Then, I got sucked into the whirlpool... It feels more like a log ride, but you're the log.  They also have a large bucket holding who knows how many gallons of water, that tips on you once it reaches a certain weight.  After looking around, I realized I was the only adult NOT adorned with tattoos.  Not A tattoo... TATTOOS!  From conversations I heard, these very people with iPhones were waiting for their next government check.  You’re welcome.  My sweet girl visited the concession stand, surprising me with chili-cheese nachos, a cherry snow cone for herself, and a stick of grape Laffy Taffy to share.  She shared her snow cone, too.  And I gave her some nachos. A fun day!

   

  

  

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was lovely - a day I thought I would never experience.  Sunday morning I was greeted with kisses and hugs, mums, calla lilies, and roses.  Russell Stover even attended the celebration.  Lizet presented me with a ceramic cupcake she painted in art class. I also began wearing my beautiful bracelet from my in-laws;  a silver charm bracelet with the children's silhouettes, etched with their names on the front and birth dates on the back.  I thanked my "Baby Doll," "Angel Face," and "Butter Bean" with hugs and kisses and then we got ready for church.  I wanted to visit First Baptist Church and that we did.  I received more gifts at the end of the service. Next, Dave prepared one of my favorite Peruvian dishes:  Lomo Saltado.  Then, I took a nap while they cleaned the house.  It was a great day!

Lizet likes to break the tension by saying, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch."

Lizet has a heart for others.  One of her friends in class had a birthday.  Lizet wanted to spend her money to buy her a beautiful jewelry box.  It looked like a miniature armoire.  She asked if she could buy something for a boy who is also a friend of the birthday girl's, because he didn't have any money.  So, what does she do?  She signs his name on the card, too!    

The girls were antagonizing Xavier at dinner one night...  He wasn't in a good mood...  Dave said, "Don't poke the bear."  What does Lizet do?  She gets up from the table and does a "don't poke the bear" dance.  Luckily, we were at home.  And fortunately, it cheered up Xavi.

Lizet and Xavi were playing outside one day...  Lizet rang the bell because she missed Angela. Angela opened the door and Lizet says, "Hello ma'm.  Did you order a pizza?"  She got the door slammed in her face.  Then, Angela laughed - mainly because Lizet had her hands on her hips.

The kids have a couple new favorite shows...  Avatar: The Last Airbender and  Ben 10.  

The girls are both working on their embroidery projects.  

Angela and I have been practicing badminton.  She's pretty good.  She thinks I'm pretty good. We tire out about the same time.

Lizet loves to sing "We Are Family" while we’re cooking.

In fact, the other night we made a chef salad together for dinner.  I washed and chopped the lettuce and washed all the toppings that she wanted to chop, putting them in individual bowls so everyone could top their salad with what they wanted:  hard-boiled eggs, pepperoni, cucumber, tomato, cheese, turkey, ham, and mushrooms.  Croutons were added, and the table was set.  As we're eating, Lizet's hands danced beside her eyes as she says, "Xavvviiiieerrrr....  I made your dinner with these disgusting hands."  He played up a gagging sound, but grinned.  She giggled.  Then, "Brother, I hope you enjoy your delicious salad."  He did.

     

Easter (Pascua)

Easter baskets were filled with Russell Stover Jesus fish, movies, games, Cadbury eggs, and Easter eggs (which we couldn't "hunt" because of all the rain).  My sweet gift from Lizet was a little bear wearing purple pajamas, kneeling with hands clasped and eyes shut.  You press the stomach and he says in a little voice:  "Now I lay me down to sleep.  I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.  Amen." 

We're enjoying our new Ford Explorer, so hopefully we will have frequent trips to Texas in the future to visit family and Christ Church.

The Royal Wedding was beautiful.  The girls were fascinated at various moments, especially once I told them I am related to the Royal family. (Princess Diana and I share lineage ten generations back.)  But, I'll take it!  Don't judge me.

Tonight we attended Anglican Church of St. Paul.  It was a beautiful service about forgiveness.  After studying my genealogy on Ancestry.com and confirming it through my relatives who are historians and genealogy buffs, I found I actually have an ancestor through my maternal grandmother, who was an Anglican vicar ordained by the Church of England at Canterbury Cathedral.