Not our Average Zoo trip

After Saturday's big events...we thought Sunday would be PERFECT for the ZOO! Waking up Sunday morning the weather was wonderful, it was overcast and cool! This is the best weather for ALL the animals to be out and about! Abby really wanted to get some stuff around town done, so we went to the zoo. On our way we stopped by and picked up Chris! He couldn't miss this grand adventure!

ADVENTURE it was....we had a great day. You see E and I are pros at the Fort Worth Zoo, we have been going since heck she was 9 months old. We always do it the same way start at the back and head up the crowd (and we get there at 10...when it opens this way the birds are not full). Now this trip was a tad bit different.

Different in the fact that E is now a camera queen and we had Chris with us. As we would walk along E would have to stop and take a picture of EVERY animal. Then Chris would want to read about the animals. Gone are the days of just strolling through the zoo. It was a blast watching Emery take pictures of all the animals. I also became much more knowledgeable, thank you Chris. We learned new things and got to see all the animals. The baby cubs were out, and even the cheetahs. The cheetahs are always hiding because it is so hot, not today. Here are a few (okay a lot) of the many pictures we took. (oh and E is very sad that I nor she got one of the colorful turkey...picture it in you head please)

First stop reptiles....

this snake loved B's hat

feeding time....

its hard to see but one is right behind her

the birds....B's FAVORITE part!!! He loves BIRDS!!

he kept saying b b b b

look how cute

the white tiger...B loved him too, can't say the tiger was too happy.

rhinos

ooooo elephants

E taking more pictures...looking for Baby Stretch

the elephants were playing a lot

E and Chris pulling B backwards...he was laughing.

Chris just knew he could get that gorilla to come over to the window....it never did!

B liked this guy too.

what a cute face...this guy was very playful

look the animal we never see...rock on and there were 3

look how excited the boys were

Chris reading more about the animals....
OH finally home....we were all chill'n on the couch when Abby got back. Poor B took the longest nap ever....What a great trip to the zoo.

Welcome to the Fashon Show

The sign Little Bear made to welcome everyone to the show

After the jumpy....we did a little shopping. Our goal was for poor little B he needs new shoes. This guy has oh one pair that he can where...the other pair he has worn a hole in. Off we went to the mall. Did you notice what good planning Abby and I did, wear the kids out at the jumpy then shop all WE want!!! Great idea. On our way to the mall Little Bear declared she wanted to have a FASHION SHOW tonight. She wanted everyone to come too (everyone aka...mommy, auntie, and Chris)

Once we got the mall we began the shoe search. Poor little B he has a pretty pudgy foot, aka a HIGH ARCH, making shoe shopping hard. Well along the way we stopped at E's favorite place Gymboree. They were having a nice sale so we couldn't help but buy some clothes for the cute little lady. Well we also found B a pair of big boy shoes, then headed out. Once we got home we bathed little B and put him to bed. Little Bear thought he would not like the fashion show....really she knew it would be easier without him. Below are the amazing Fashion show pictures. Honestly it was a great way to get her to try on all the new clothes...sometimes she doesn't want to. Who knew she was jazzed this time.

I would dress Little Bear in her new clothes. Then as she walked down the "runway" I would describe the outfit. Abby would sit at the end of the "runway" take pictures like the paparazzi and give her approval on the outfit. It was a blast, Little Bear really loved it.

the "runway"...

our little model

I think she is a pro...


so sweet

now with the hat...

the audience....mommy and Bob!

more dresses...she loves dresses

so cute

what a great show!!!

Super Bouncy Saturday

As most know my sister really loves her hair guy here in Fort Worth. This is a major bonus for me, that means she must come down about every 3 months! Therefore, when she her off she goes to get her hair done. While mommy gets her hair panted, as E referrers to it, we get to PLAY! Originally we had planned the ZOO for Saturday. However, after waking up to another damp and cool morning we decided otherwise. Playing baby dolls and coloring filled in our time.

Once mommy came back we talked about all the fun things we could do inside. You know the normal list, bowling, toe nails painted, and then it came to us JUMPY!!! The last time E and I went to the jumpy was this summer and B was much smaller. Therefore we loaded up....Mommy, E, B, Chris and Auntie off to lunch and the Jumpy. Our normal Jumpy was booked so we went to another one up the road.

When we first arrived I think B was in shock. He just kept looking around at all the big bright things and kiddos running around. E of course is and old pro at this...shoes off and she takes off! We took B in a few of the smaller things, once he got the hang of it down the big slide we went. The Jumpy is the best way to waste rainy day energy! We had a blast....look at all the fun!

Come on guys...

Once Chris helped B, he got the hang of it and he loved it...

Here mommy and B go, down, down, down

so much fun....

look at me!

Chris helping E swing away!!!

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

Mommy and E jumping away...
Look at B he really did have a great time.

Spring Break ROCKS!!

Yes, finally I have made it to spring break. I have really been looking forward to this week for sometime. Why? A break from school (always a bonus); and my sweet niece and nephew! I can't believe that I have not seen E or B since Christmas...such a busy year! They have had tons going one and well....once Chris and I got Mr. Winston, traveling stopped! However, this small little trip has giving me 3 days of ROCK'N AUNTIE FUN!!!!

Friday: Abby and the kiddos got to town about 7:30 pm. We kicked our weekend off right with some ROSA'S! I met Abby and the kids at Rosa's (their favorite and they don't have one in E C), quickly followed with a trip to see Winston.

E and B both have a sweet dog, Bailey. However, Bailey Dog is much older and a larger dog. E was so totally jazzed to see Winston, but little dogs are not her thing. B loved Winston! He kept doing the sign (patting your leg) for dog the whole time we were playing with him. The funniest thing is when Winston stands up on his back legs he is about as tall as B. They are perfect for each other. E did warm up to Winston. She kept saying, "I love that guy, but he runs and jumps a bunch." We had a great night....and many plans for our next couple of days!

Puppy school....

Just before class....here we go!

I have been slacking as a puppy mother lately. However, I am FINALLY posting about puppy school. Winston has now been to 2 classes. Chris and I both went to the first class together, to say the least it was interesting. We have 3 other puppy friends in class. Sox (suss), is a golden retriever that is very laid back. When I say laid back I mean sleeps through the class. Both of her parents are Swedish. Next is our friend Spike. Spike is a 2 year old that needs some extra help...he is a miniature doberman pinscher. He is fun, we sit by him most nights, his mom brings him to class. Then there is a very hyper black lab, for the life of me I can't remember her name. She comes to class with her mom, dad, and 2 brother (boys that are like 5 and 4 years old). That's the roster for our puppy school.

Honestly the first class was kind of a drag for the puppies. It was more of the trainer teaching us how to set up for a successful class. The dogs really showed their true colors on this night. They were all barking and telling us how they were tired of sitting around. It was so bad that the trainer couldn't get them to stop...even when she gave them all bones. This is when we realized Winston is a little bit of a hoarder. He quickly had taken Sox's bone and toys. Only moments later he had swiped another bone. Finally enough with the talking and on with the tricks.

Class 1 tricks were:

• Load the clicker- where you simply click the clicker and then give a treat...so they will understand when clicked you get goodies!!


• Sit


• Look at me- This is where they have to sit and you bring the treat to your face so they look at you. I think this is so they will learn to listen and look at us...but could be wrong

Home after our first class!

After class we successfully drove home....and he was not sick either way! Rock on to that. He was also so pooped from class that it made our night pretty easy. For the next couple of days we practiced our tricks. Chris practiced and then I would. Honestly he did pretty good here at home with just us!

Here he is making it home with out any problems!!!

2nd Class: This class was way more interactive. Oh and did I mention Winston and I went WITHOUT Chris. So the first 10 minutes we warmed up our "last week" tricks. Winston did pretty good then. After that she began teaching us new tricks. This is WHERE HE FELL APART!!! It was like once he started hearing all the other clickers he couldn't focus. He was everywhere but listening to me. It was so bad that even the trainer said something about his lack of focus. I of course mortified that Winston was acting in such a way.

However, I guess it is like most things...You know like when your car is making that noise. You take it to the shop and nothing not a sound. Then you get home and what does it do...makes that noise again!

This my friends is pretty much how our night went. I mean every once and a while he would do the trick correctly but really he wanted "social" hour.

Class 2 tricks:

• Lay down

• Look at me with the treat to the side- the first class we did it with the treat in our face now we are moving it out to see if they will focus

• Be a tree- this is where he keeps slack in the leash (you know so they don't pull you down the street)

• Walk and sit- The beginning phase of walking and when you stop they must sit. Another trick for leash control when walking.

This week would have been class 3 but our trainer had a meeting. Therefore, next week will be off to learn more. I have been practicing his tricks outside where there are distractions. Also I have kept him on the leash for the tricks this time. I think that may help some, but gosh I wouldn't be surprised if he wants "social" hour again next week. I am just thankful Chris will be there too; it is easier than me trying to explain the crazy dog he becomes at class.

AXA Awards Banquet

Chris and I

Ready to head out...

Last night was Chris' AXA awards banquet. The banquet was hosted at the Omni in Las Colinas. I had an early morning tennis match yesterday (we won!!), then headed over to meet the boys. Chris and I made arrangements for Winston to enjoy a night at the Grand Pet Resort and Spa. We didn't want to have to worry about him all night...So off we went. We dropped Winston off at around 2:30 and headed on to the Omni. Once Chris and I were all dolled up we headed out.

Look how handsome he is...


At dinner

The banquet started around 6:30ish with drinks, then dinner to follow. It was so wonderful to see all the AXA guys together and dressed up. The Omni set up a nice little banquet room with wonderful food. Following dinner awards were given out. Chris won an award, as well has his good friend Dylan..it was a winning night all around. After all awards were given out Casino Night began.

Playing some craps

Chris and Ryan

waiting on our number...did we win???

We had such an amazing time playing all the games. Chris loved the craps. I played a little of it all....I had to keep some money back so we could try and win a door prize. Once the tables closed everyone turned in there chips for tickets to place in the door prize of your choice. Well needless to say we didn't get many tickets....I stood behind girl who had over 50+ tickets, then the man asked for my chips...and gave me my 1 ticket. As he had just handed over half the ticket roll to the girl prior he wished me the best with my ONE ticket. After eyeing all the prizes Chris and I went for the one we wanted (you know the one the girl with 50+ tickets didn't go for....our odds wouldn't have been good). There was a lovely prize we wanted though. Once all tickets were placed in the bags they began calling winners. We were sitting with some of the guys who work for Chris. Chad was the first to win....then Richard won, then it was our prize. You know the one we put our ONE ticket in. Good news for us, WE WON!!!! Like I stated before, a winning night for all! Chris and I had a wonderful evening together and even won a little something! Below are many pics, including our GRAND PRIZE!!!

Chris with our wonderful PRIZE! Yes a cooler...we really needed one.

All the winners....a gps, a tie and cuff links, and a cooler. We were pretty lucky!

I love our prize....