Sunday, July 5, 2009

Puerto Rico

Michael and I just returned from a little getaway to Puerto Rico! The water was warm and crystal clear, the company was great (we met my sister and her husband there), and we even got adventurous and ventured around the island tasting authentic local cuisine. Michael's kind mother was willing to fly out and stay with the little Lewises so we could have some time away.

We relaxed most of the time with walks along the beach and visited local restaurants to sample Puerto Rican favorites... mofongo and passion fruit juice were our top finds. We also took a trip to El Yunque, a tropical rainforest. We hiked through the rainforest amid lush tropical greenery. We also visited the city of Old San Jan, where many a battle was fought for control of the gorgeous little island. The city was surprisingly clean, quaint, picturesque, and loaded with history. My kind of place.

Here are pictures... I apologize in advance for the large quantity of photos:

In front of the hotel pool:


My sister Shannon makes a rare appearance on the blog.
I thought it important to include this one:


Fun on the beach (ultra soft sand)...




Hotel at night:


El Yunque Rainforest:


We hiked through the rainforest to this waterfall:


El Morro Fort in Old San Juan:

Building facades were gorgeous in Old San Jan. Bright colors and well kept entrances were so inviting. The mix of Spanish, Italian, and Latin influences proved a delightful mix for us tourists, both in food and architecture.

We had a great time and toward the end of the trip we were anxious and excited to return home. There really is nothing better than spending time with our kids and we realize this more and more as each year passes. Perhaps next time we'll venture somewhere with everyone!?! Well... let's give it a few more years (like 10).

;)

Sea World

Here are a few shots from our recent trip to San Antonio. We spent the first day at shows and rides, and the following day at the water park. Thank goodness for splash zones at the shows or we may not have survived the mid summer heat! As long as we stayed wet, we were comfortable.


Michael and kids on the Texas Splashdown:

Our favorite show at the park, entitled "Viva!"

We brought a mini spray bottle with water...
This turned out to be quite the coveted item.
Who wouldn't want a cool mist on a hot day?

Monday, June 29, 2009

Blueberry Picking

Start with a few good pickers...



Wash the harvest...


Whip up a batch of blueberry loveliness... YUM!


Friday, June 12, 2009

Summer fun

What fun to spend our hot days playing together! Now that school is out, we've enjoyed picnics, afternoons at the neighborhood pool, quick dips in our little backyard wading pool, and chalk drawings on the back patio in the early evening. We've finally acclimated to the Houston heat after five years here!








Sunday, June 7, 2009

Busy May

The schedule for May was jam-packed this year! Here are photos from recent piano and dance recitals. Brendan and Audrey performed two piano pieces each for the music performance. Brendan is doing so well playing two handed pieces by memory. Audrey is close behind and although she only started lessons a few months ago, she absolutely loves to practice music and play for others.

Concert photos:

Taking a bow:

Audrey also performed in our annual dance recital which turned out better than ever before. She danced beautifully and shined on the stage. We were pleased to have great help this year with costumes, photography, and videography. Thanks to all who assisted with the show!

Audrey is far left on the stage here:








Thursday, June 4, 2009

Amazing berries

These are our find of the week! They were so large that we had to take photos before devouring them. I apologize in advance for inevitable salivary gland overproduction caused from viewing these photos. What could be better than huge fresh strawberries at the beginning of summer?








Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Cargo Bike

I just love biking... good for the body, good for the air. When we lived in Provo I biked everywhere around town instead of driving. I just buckled Brendan into the infant seat and off we'd go to the library or the grocery store or the local bakery. Now I'm not so close to such venues. Although if I did live closer to a grocery store, I would surely consider this purchase:

Madsen Cycles Cargo Bikes

This beauty sports a bench inside with two seatbelts! Best family bike I've seen yet! Food for thought for you urbanites with growing families. :)