Baby Nolan

Words can't describe the instant love I felt toward my nephew Nolan when I first met him. His bright blue eyes and chubby cheeks are hard to resist. Congratulations, a little late, Abe and Andrea on your precious new addition! Give him kisses for me. XO

I heart Disneyland!

I think growing up, the biggest thrill of all time were the words uttered by mom and dad " we are going to Disneyland!!" Not more than 10 mins out of the driveway, I am sure they were regretting the 24 hrs ahead of sibling rivalry, but we always made it one piece regardless of the constant threats "do you want me to turn this van around!?!" Well, I secretly think mom and dad love the "Happiest Place on Earth" just as much as us kids and really never had any intention of turning back. To this day, walking through the gates, and on to Main Street brings back the child like excitement that as adults we tend to miss. It's the same feeling we felt we when we thought Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and even the Tooth Fairy were coming to visit us. Going to the park is my escape, my place to leave the adult world and just have fun. Probably explains why I bought a year pass!

New Addition...and yes, it's another pup!

Meet Jane, our newest little Pembroke Corgi pup. She is proof that not all dogs are alike. She is a snuggler, a howler, a "hopper", a nibbler and a bundle of fun and energy. Lucy loves (well now she does) having a little sister to play with and boss around.

Texas Trip

Sorry this has taken me FOREVER to post our pics from the Texas trip. Todd and I had so much fun being able to stay with Ben and Chelsea. They were definitely the hostesses with the mostesses. Chelsea is one FABULOUS cook and spoiled us every day with delicious meals and treats. She is so talented when it comes to changing recipes into a "healthier" version. Unless she told you, you would never know the difference! Yummm! I miss those chocolate chip zucchini muffins! :) It was such a treat to be able to take a break from our routine busy lives and just spend time relaxing, lounging by the pool and watching movies until the late hours of the night. We miss you both so much and hopefully soon, will be back in Texas. Chelsea, you will have to make me those "Pina Colada" cupcakes next time I am there!!!

Todd and I- Self Portrait Shot Day 1

We all took a little road trip to Kemah one day. Needless to say, I got a speeding ticket on the way there and may now have a "warrant" for my arrest in the Lonestar State. OOops! It was very hot and humid that day, but we had a nice time at Joes Crab Shack and wondering around for a couple hours.

Todd and I took a little road trip to Galveston Island, situated on the Gulf of Mexico. We stayed at the Historic Hotel Galvez. The city of Galveston was pretty much in shambles, but our hotel didn't appear to have suffered any damage from Hurricane Ike. Before arriving in Galveston, Todd and I did a little research and found that our hotel was apparently haunted by a woman who committed suicide after learning of her husbands death at sea. We never saw this mysterious ghost, but did sleep with one eye open the first night. A few blocks from our hotel were streets lined with shopping, amazing architecture, and a rich in history. We found that most people were very friendly. Southern hospitality isn't just a saying, but a way of life down in Texas...something I think us PNW people should really work on adapting. There is a lot construction in Galveston, as many of the boardwalk shops were completely destroyed and swept away after the hurricane hit. Many of the stores and restaurants had a line marked on the wall from the heigth of the flooding. From what we could tell, 6-7ft was about average.

On our back to Ben and Chelsea's from Galveston, Todd and I decided to take a little visit to Houston Space Center...aka NASA. The most impressive part of the tour, for me, was just how HUGE the shuttles actually are. We took a 2 hour tram ride through the grounds of NASA. First stop on our tour was the mission control room where the famous words "Houston, we have a problem" were first uttered.



All of us...last day! SAD!!! Love you guys! Xo, Crystal and Todd

You know you are in Texas when....

...the mall security ride a horse and well, ya... not sure about the "dead body" in the trunk.

Mothers Day

The rents and sis came over for a "turkey" dinner on Mothers Day. A little chilly to sit outside on the patio...but we still did it. In Washington, if it's not raining...we go outside!

Houston

Todd and I are really excited to visit Ben and Chelsea in a couple of days! The south is a whole other world that we we both have yet to experience. Yay for Southern BBQ, hospitality and warm sunshine. Hopefully we don't come back with too much of a twang in our voice. Take care ya'll! :)

DEAN MARTIN Houston