Family, Food and Fun

Ever get home from a long vacation and feel like you need a vacation from that vacation?  This one wasn't anything like that.  If anyone in my family is reading this they are probably thinking wtf Kim, but I can explain.  This vacation for me, was beyond heart filling.  Saying goodbyes were hard, but I left each place happy to have had the chance to see everyone.  I wanted a real vacation, with sleeping in and relaxing and late night conversations.  It felt good and right. Sure we didn't do all the things we said we wanted to.  And didn't get to see all the extended family.  But I got to spend time with my all my brothers and sisters over the past few months and that means everything to me.

Coming home was bittersweet.  I miss my siblings and Mom something big.  But I know its time to get this show on the road.  We have been kinda living in limbo since April.  With selling and buying houses, moving with out the boys and visiting them every weekend.  And then as soon as we do bring them home, we up and leave for a 3 week vacation.  So coming home, felt like finally coming home.  School starts in a few weeks and other than one more trip down to San Antonio before that happens, I think we are finally ready to settle in.  I think.

Which means its time to get back to my little corner of the internet and dust the cobwebs around here.  And there is no better day than today to to that.  Because Fridays are all about all the things that made us happy and thankful this week.  Or the last 3 weeks for me.  Im going to call this a condensed version.  If we are friends on IG you have and will probably see more.  Sorry not sorry.  So lets see what has my heart feeling so damn happy!

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Goodies, Gardens and time with my Guys

Our first week back to school, with real distance learning is almost OVER!  I feel a little guilty with how easy it went.  We hit a snag the first day with the systems crashing and all that craziness, but the rest of the week went well.  The boys have been great about sticking to their schedules.  I only had to give a few reminders.  Alex is suddenly camera shy and I have had to remind him a few times to use his voice.  And there have been a few out of control kids popping into zooms with foul language and all sorts of disrespect, but thankfully the teachers shut that crap down fast.  I can only imagine how hard all this is on them.  The kids to.  But we made it.  

If you have been around for a little bit, you'd know that Fridays are for reflecting back on the week and thinking about everything that made you happy.  I share the little and bit things that I am thankful for and it just starts the weekend out with a happy heart.  Here are a few things that had me smiling.

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Wordless Wednesday: Flamingo!

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Life is messy. Do it anyways!

I have always been "that" mom.  You know the one who not only encourages her kids to do things like climb trees but who climbs trees with them.  We kick up dirt paths and skip rocks.  We have been known to go off trail and make our own way.  Sticks become lightsabers and shoes are almost always optional.  The boys wrestle, climb door frames and do flips off my headboard.  Life with these two is never boring and always messy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Weekends are where the funs at!  After a week of being cooped up at home, work, and school, we are all ready to get out take it some fresh air.  If the weather is cooperating, our first stop is usually the park.  Now that the boys are older, playgrounds are out and exploring and trails are in.  I love it.  David would much rather shoot some hoops, but knows that a good trek through the woods will wear the boys out too!

My favorite thing to do as a kid was climb trees.  And I loved playing in the rain!  It has always been important to me to let the boys run free.  And I mean run!  I always encourage them to run faster, jump farther and climb higher.  I want them to make memories and let me worry about the mess.

I will be the first to admit, we love screen time in this house. But its just to easy to miss out on the good things in life when there is a screen in front of your face.  That's why we make a point to get them outside as much as possible.  Even if it means one more load of laundry, muddy shoes and dirty hands!  We are always trying to encourage others to get outdoors and go on adventures too!  Where will you go?

A few tips before you head out!

Be Safe
Talk to kids about things that could possibly be harmful or scary.  Things like snakes and other wild animals.  Water safety.  Stranger danger.  It's easy to get excited when you are having fun and wander too far.  Make sure they know to stay close and to be aware of their surroundings.

Get Dirty
Let them jump in the puddles and climb trees.  Stack rocks and pick out walking sticks.  Run around and get sweaty! Messy memories are always so much fun!

Learn Something
Use your time outdoors to talk to them about local plants and wildlife.  Talk about the actual birds and bees.  This is a great time to teach them about our earth and issues like pollution and how it affects the planet.  Don't forget to talk about animal habitats and conservation.  These little lessons will stay with them as they grow older.

Join The Fun  
When is the last time you climbed a tree or skipped a rock across the water?  Speaking of water, moms, get in the pool!  I used to come up with every excuse not to swim.  Mostly I was just afraid of my body in a bathing suit.  But the truth is, the kids don't care what you look like, they just want to see you splash around too.  I'm so glad I got over that because I love the water!

Be Prepared
Plan out for adventure and pack accordingly.  Will you be tromping through the woods?  Bug spray is a must.  If you're headed to the pool or beach, don't forget the sunscreen.  Dress the part too!  Hiking in flip flops is hard.  Just trust me on that!  Another thing you are going to want to have on you is something to clean up any messes.  Our favorites are Kleenex Wet Wipes.

We made a trip to Target our first stop last week before heading out and grabbed a few packages of Kleenex Wet Wipes to get us through this month's adventures.  We got one of each. Gentle Clean, Germ Free and Sensitive.  Each package is only $1.49 and you can FIND THEM ONLINE also. They really are a must and the small packages make them perfect to throw in your purse, gym bag or backpack.  They have no harsh chemicals so they won't leave your hands or face feeling anything other than clean! Grab yourself a few the next time you go to Target.

Being an adult is hard.  When is the last time you let loose and got dirty?  Fresh air and some VitD are good for us.  So get out there!  Go for a walk around your neighborhood or hit the hiking trails at a local park.  Go for a swim.  Spring showers leave behind the best puddles! So when your kids ask to splash in them, say YES,  and join them.  They will love and cherish those messy memories forever!

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Weekend Adventures: The DoSeum

Last weekend, we took the boys to the DoSeum. For you non locals, its our new Children's Museum and it lived up to its name for sure. There is so much to DO there.

This month the DoSeum and the Zoo teamed up and allowed members to swap visits. If you have been around here before you know we spend a lot of time at the San Antonio Zoo so we were really excited about switching it up a little bit this time.  

I knew it was going to be fun. My only worry was that the boys would be to old for a lot of the stuff. Our first stop was The Big Outdoors. The yard was awesome. These two are always trying to climb things. I may or may not have had to beg them to stop trying to scale a Target once because people were looking. So they were in their element here. There is a super cool slide too, but it was being taken over by the "little kids." Are my kids not little any more? What is happening here?

From there we headed into the Spy Academy. I think this was one of their favorite areas. They had a blast and both did great at figuring out some of the clues that were laid out. I lost Anthony for a second when he went undercover with a trench coat and hat. Spy essentials. You know what else spies need? MATH! Their brains got a good workout. The best part was when Alex said "Uh, I think there is someone in the wall!" Then he discovered the secret door! 

David knew this would be my favorite spot as soon as we stepped outside. Bamboo pathways, a tree house, a pond and the coolest reading spot under a huge tree,

Next stop was the Explore Exhibit. We built cities and talked about some of the places we would like to travel to. Global Twister was big hit too!  

We also discovered the musical stairs that took us up to the Innovation Station. The whole upstairs was filled with fun activities. David and Anthony made Robots dance while Alex did a tractor simulator.

But what we really came for was the Little Town. So, years back when Alex was 4 or 5, we went to the old museum that was downtown and he only remembers 2 things about the trip. He got to milk a cow.  It was a statue with udders! And that he got to go grocery shopping with a little cart and everything. And he has been talking about it ever since. So the highlight of the day was ringing up a few orders. Then he was off to check out the bank, trolley, airplane and the rest of the little town. 

There was still so much more to see, and we didn't get to check everything out. But what we did get to we loved. And even though the boys might be growing out of some of the activities, I'm sure we will go back again soon.  

Hey San Antonio! Did you know that the first and third Tuesday of every month is HEB Free Family Night? Admission is free from 5:30 to 7:30pm! Get there early though, because parking can get a little wild!

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Visit a Zoo Day 2015

Who new there was such a day?  Not that we needed another reason to visit, but there really is a Visit the Zoo Day.  Im super bummed that we wont be able to go today.  We have so many other errands to run, but we went 3 times this month so, I think I will live.  I think.

So since I can't go to the zoo, I'm going to share some of my most favorite memories and photos of our many trips. And not just to the San Antonio Zoo, but a few others too! Just a little warning, there will be snakes, probably a few at that..

I don't remember my first visit to the Zoo.  The story goes something a little like this.  I was still little, Dad said about 3 or 4 and we were at the Albuquerque Zoo.  Dad set me up on the ledge of the python enclosure and the poor think must have thought I was lunch because Im told he came up to the glass and was tracking me as I walked back and forth along the ledge. Figure that is where my love/hate relationship with snakes originated. The Zoo, well animals for that matter, were our thing.  He always made a point to visit one where ever we went.

This is one of my most favorite photos.  I'm not sure which Zoo though.



I knew that someday I would have kids and prayed that they would love animals as much as I do.  Boy did I get lucky.  Ant has practically grown up in the San Antonio Zoo. And Lex has been going since he was in my belly if that counts.

I love finding photos like these. I wasn't kidding when I said he grew up here!





I spotted this sweet baby at the San Diego Zoo in 2012. Or was it Houston?  I can't remember!



This is one of my top 5 favorites at the San Antonio Zoo.



I believe this is Bentley the Black Bear.



Pretty in Pink.



 Another one of my top 5 favs.



The Sun Bear looks is such an odd looking guy!



Acting lazy like we dont know shes the fastest one here!



Flo the Grizzly in 2008.



We found this guy at the Houston Zoo in 2011.



I love taking my boys to the Zoo, but when my whole family goes, we look like a tour group! There were 17 of us and only 7 were adults.  It was a few days after we said good by to day but us older kids had such great memories with him at that very same Zoo.



Well that got a lot longer than expected.  I ended up taking a trip down memory lane.  I know I have pictures from a few other Zoos somewhere but I could not find them. Tampa, Honolulu and somewhere in New England that I can't remember. Boo.  Ill have to dig em up.

When was the last time you visited the zoo?  Do you have a favorite animal?  

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Merry Christmas and 10 things

I know its been really quiet around here.  David has been home all week and the boys are off school.  Add in 3 holiday dinners, 2 sick boys and lots of visitors, I haven't had time to sit.  And yes, I did stay up late, but I am so close to making my reading goal for the year, so, forgive me if I am a little scarce until the new year. I know, I'm a nerd.  I embrace it!

So this is Christmas.  The first year in a few that the boys had more than a few presents under the tree.  All of Davids long hours and late nights paid off.  The stress was worth the smiles and screams as they opened each one too.  Man did it feel good.  We even managed to get each other a few things, which we never do.

The little sister and her boyfriend even made it to dinner and that was the icing on the cake.  Who knew a two hour drive could feel like she is a state away.  I can't wait for them to move back to town again.  I miss her.  We all do.

The boys are both stuffed up with allergies and asked to stay at Grandmas.  They needed some extra loving and my house needed some serious picking up.  Looks like Davids hate of clutter is rubbing off on me and I am about ready to take my tree down. I feel so crowded.  And I'm a little bitter about some of the lights going out and not being able to find the fuse that has them all blowing out.

Enough about that though.  Yes it is Christmas, but its also Friday, so here are a few things that made me happy this week.

1.  First off David being home for a whole week has been the best.  God I missed this man while he was working crazy hours.  And even though he will still not be home as early as we would like him to be, we are just glad hes home for bedtime.

2.  We went back to the Zoo.  Don't judge me.  Its my happy place.  I could spend hours in the snake house. Next time, I should Periscope it.   That would be fun!

3.  Alex went to his first birthday party and had a blast.  His birthday is coming up in a few weeks and he is already planning it. He is thinking about going back to the same place.  Because anywhere that has bins full of Legos is a win in his book.

4.  Snickerdoodles.  Nuff said.

5.  A day downtown with my boys.  We played at the park, walked the river walk and did a little last minute shopping at the Mall.

6.  Having friends over for dinner and a movie.  I finally saw Christmas Vacation.

7.  Seeing my little sister, even if just for a few hours, always makes for a happy heart.

8.  Jewelry.  I don't wear much, but I do love what I have.  My little sister got me earrings with Joe Manganiello on them. She said they are ugly but I will wear them anyways just because she got them for me. David would not be out done and surprised me with a silver and diamond anchor necklace that was just the best present ever.

9.  Seeing the boys faces light up when they opened their presents.  And also hearing them talk about how Santa only gave them one present because he has so many other children to give to.  They are so sweet. 90% of the time.

10.  Family.  I miss my family every day, but Davids parents are amazing.  His mom will listen to me talk about things I like all year long and then at Christmas she never disappoints.  This year she got me some awesome coloring books and pencils.  She even chose the ones that I had been wanting.  She knows me well!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.  I would love to hear what made you happy this week too.  And for more happiness join us at Why Girls Are Weird or The Flynnigans.

Happy Holidays.  I will be back to regular posting soon.  I have so much to share.  Have a safe and fun weekend!

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The Great Thanksgiving Surprise!

Every since I was little I remember the excitement that built up by the end of the year. Back home, we didn't have a "Fall".  Its a tiny tropical island. The palm fronds are green year round!  But that doesn't mean we couldn't feel the season. It started not long after school started up for the year. We started thinking about what we were going to be for Halloween. And we talked about who was going stateside for Christmas break. But me, I was thinking about Thanksgiving. 

It was my little secret. I remember the first time I learned about the Pilgrims and Indians getting together and that is what I loved the most. Dinner time in my family was something we did right. The dinner table is where all the fun happened. We would distract Dad while the others put the food they didn't like back on the platter. This is where my little brother dropped his first curse word and this is where my family, no matter how dysfunctional we were, came together. In my mind we were Pilgrims and Indians.

Now that I am an adult it all seems a little silly. But I was young and full of hope. And as far back as I can remember it is the one holiday I looked forward to. Always hoping it was better than the last!

Fast forward 20 years and I still get that feeling come September. I start trying new recipes and wondering who will join us. Davids parents are always over. And neighbors and friends are always popping in. I love it.  

I'm not sure I will ever be able to top Thanksgiving 2012. We surprised the family with my nephew. Mom cried. But then on Thanksgiving Day I remembered I needed to get a photo of everyone together. So as they sat together for a couple of quick snaps for me...

Then as I pretended like my camera was acting us and David snuck in with my oldest brother who asked if there was room for one more in the picture. 

Snap!  Look at every ones faces!

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The Ghosts of Pumpkins Past

There are 2 days till Halloween.  Are you ready?

I'm not.

I just got my pumpkins today.  And I have no faces picked out yet.  Usually I'm on top of this.  I have the perfect pumpkins picked out as soon as they come out and I pick them out based on the designs I have already decided on.  This year I am 3 weeks behind.  Oops.

Not going to let it get to me though.  I spent most of the month in a funk and now I'm just rolling with it.  So not my style but I am making it work.  We do have one design picked out.  Alex and his class just read "Where the Wild Things Are" and he asked me to make a Wild Thing Jack o Lantern.

I have been obsessed with sugar skulls this year so mine might just be one of those.  Or something really scary.

Anthony still has to figure his out.

And David, well, David could really just care less about pumpkins.  Mostly because he knows I love them and will carve as many as he will buy me and then complain about how sore my hands are and how cramped my back is. Because when I get started...

I really do love carving pumpkins though.  Every year its what I look forward to most about Halloween.

Last year my Great Dane Pumpkin was a big hit.  It wasn't super amazing like some other carvings I have seen but I was proud of it!

These two were some of my favorites so far. Much easier than the dog!

What is your favorite part about Halloween?  Are you dressing up this year?  

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Get in the Halloween spirit with Cute Kitty BOO Kits!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #BOOitForward #CollectiveBias

There is just something about October.  The start of Fall.  You can step outside and feel the cooler weather rolling in.  Well, those of us in Texas might have to wait a little longer.  And smell the wood burning in fireplaces! Oh how I love that smell.  The counting down to Halloween begins! Costumes and candy are on their way.  But why wait till the end of the month to celebrate.

This year we wanted to start the BOO'ing little early with these adorable BOO Kits.  A quick trip to Walmart was all we needed.  They have everything you need for a spooky or not so spooky Halloween.

We started with our treats.  One pass though the Halloween candy isle and we found a bag of our favorites.  Twix®, Milky Way®, Snickers® and 3 Musketeers®!  Yes please!  And what goes best with some yummy chocolate?  Something crisp to wash it down.  How cute are these mini cans? Perfect for our BOO Kits!

We also picked up containers for our treats along with some other little extras.  Then we headed home to put out kits together. Once you get home, gather all your goodies and get to work.

Toss a few treats in to the bottom of the pails.

Now put the mini monster cans in.  Doesn't he look like hes about to jump out of there?!

Next, add in some extras. We love the Halloween section at Walmart, you just never know what you will find. Top it all off with some more treats. This spider has declared himself King of the chocolate. Little FYI, lift your handle up before you add in any taller items or at least have it pushed towards the front. It will be easier this way.  Just trust me!

Everything is better with some ribbon right?  Tie it straight on the handle and move it around to where you like it best.  So festive and it adds the perfect little pop of color.

And don't forget the card.  You can find and print it here.  Just cut out the We've been BOO'd page and fold the You've been BOO'd paper around it.  Close with a piece of tape.  This way fun keeps on going.

Have you been BOO'd before?  I have to say that I have never been.  Yet.  But Im looking forward to starting this tradition with out friends and family.  Get some ideas for your own BOO Kits and jump in on all the fun.  

Speaking of fun.  How fun would it be to win $1000 Walmart E-Gift card.  Enter below for a chance to win! Good luck and Happy BOO'ing!

#booitforwardsweepstakes

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