Legos

We took the girls toy shopping today and told them they could pick out whatever they wanted. Interestingly, they both migrated toward the same thing...Legos. Of course, Addy picked out the larger Duplo version for her little hands, and Ainsley was very excited to find "girl" (read, pink) Legos. Way fun.

South By

Armed Forces Entertainment does a fair amount of recruiting of new, up-and-coming bands to entertain troops, and one of those methods is music festivals like Austin's incredibly famous SXSW Music/Film/Interactive Festival. Held each year in March, it's a 10+ day assault on the senses.

We saw a ton of great bands and comedians and made contact with some of them to hopefully go on tour with us.


My first view of our Capital City in some time...that's the Capitol Building at the end of the street. I've been meaning to bring the girls up here for a tour...I really need to do that.


A great Hawaiian group playing in the tradeshow at SXSW. They had a great sound and were really fun to listen to.


Yes, it's Eric Estrada. My CHiPs memories took over my camera and wouldn't let me walk past without snapping this picture.


Vern Troyer...no idea what he's doing here.


A really bizarre street performer on 6th Street. Enough said.

Legends of Aerospace

I had a really cool opportunity, through my client Armed Forces Entertainment, to head to Chicago to see off a tour we sent to Southwest Asia. The tour, called Legends of Aerospace, included some amazing men who have done some incredible things in the field of aerospace. Astronauts and pilots, these men truly are legends, and it was an honor to spend some time with them before they headed overseas to meet some of our brave men and women in uniform.


The view of the awesome Chicago skyline from my hotel room at the Fairmont.


The "Legends" at a luncheon in their honor before they left for Southwest Asia.


Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois, who stopped by the luncheon to thank the Legends for their service to the country.


A press conference at Chicago O'Hare Airport. From left to right: David Hartman, former Good Morning America Host; Bob Gilliland, test pilot and the first man ever to fly the SR-71 Blackbird; Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon; Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon; Captain Jim Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13 (standing at podium); and General Steve Ritchie (Ret), the last Air Force Pilot Ace.

Giddyup, y'all!

We decided to take the girls to the San Antonio Rodeo today. We thought we'd visit the animals...maybe see the petting zoo. We obviously hadn't been to the rodeo in quite some time, because there was a ton of stuff to do - even for little Addison.


Addison wasn't quite sure what she thought about the huge longhorn steer in the first area we entered. She stood WAY back and refused to get too close.


Addison not *quite* understanding the idea here of putting your whole face in the hole...


Ainsley getting in on the act...and Addison still not quite getting it. In addition, she refuses to smile.


Ainsley had a ball playing this fishing game and even won a prize by snagging a fish!


Ainsley was so excited to ride this pony right before we left. Why do I have a feeling I have a very expensive hobby in my future?

Fun With New Bikes

The girls both got new bicycles from Santa for Christmas, but the weather has been so wonky that we haven't really had a chance to get them outside to ride in the two months since the holidays were over! Yesterday was beautiful, though, so we got them out for about 45 minutes to ride around the driveway before another cold front swept in and it started raining. They had a great time!


Addison is a little timid about her bike (and her feet don't *quite* reach the pedals), but she had fun putting her elephant in the basket on the front.


Ainsley was having fun, as always, being silly on her bike and loves posing for the camera.


This picture was taken after a particularly big gust of wind came through. I literally started humming the song from The Wizard of Oz when the witch flew by Dorothy's window on the bicycle. That wind was fierce! It blew Ainsley back a few feet!

Little Addison Turns Two

Little Miss Addison celebrated her second birthday this weekend with a party at home. Mom did a TERRIBLE job of notifying people ahead of time, so it was a much smaller crowd than usual, but it was actually really nice, because Addison tends to get a little overwhelmed with large crowds. So, she, Ainsley and cousin Lorynn played, ate cake and opened presents and had a great time.

Addison looking at some of the great clothes Gram got her. My favorite is the super cute one with the monkey on the front. I have a feeling she's going to get a lot of use out of it!

Addison, Ainsley and Pawpaw eating some lunch. They LOVE their Pawpaw.

Little Addison with her favorite stuffed animal, Cookie Monster.

The three cousins - Ainsley, Addison and Lorynn.

In honor of Addison's love of Cookie Monster, here are the cupcakes we had at her party. They were adorable!!

Just two years ago...my sweet little Addison joined the family. Cannot believe she's gotten so big so fast!

Rah! Rah! Rah!

Cheerleaders in training...