Spring Break 2013

Such a fun Spring Break week! We had a blast as a family and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I got to spend at home with my crazy girl. 3 years old is so much fun! Samantha is full of life, creativity, energy, and joy!
This week...

She went on her first roller coaster ride!

She loved every minute of it. She kept shouting, "This is awesome!!!"
We went to the Houston rodeo as a family and spent some time on the carnival rides. Daddy took Sam on the crazy slide!

Samantha couldn't wait to see the animals. Before we left the house she told me she was bringing her bunnies to see the bunnies. She touched/petted every animal she could - cows, pigs, bunnies...

We enjoyed the day with Dave, Suzette, Bella, & Preston. It was fun!

Samantha's imagination continues to flourish. One night after she had fallen asleep I went in to check on her. I found every single one of her blankets taken off the shelves and piled on her bed, every single one! She had crashed out at some point during her project. When I asked her the next morning what she was doing with all the blankets she told me, "I was building a tent for my small friends." Haha!

Here she told me she was a shark eating a fish!

Another fun thing about being on break are the slow mornings. We get to sleep in later and take our time getting ready for the day. I even had time to attempt my first french braid on Sam...

and paint our toes.

Sam is my big helper girl! Here she is blow drying Reggie after his bath.

Janna, Caden, and Caden's friend Jack stayed with us one night on their way to New Orleans. It was great to see them and spend time with them. Samantha loved having the big boys over and tried to get them to play with her - a lot! This is Sam and Caden on the "pancake".

Aunt Janna and her sweet neice!

The weather has been gorgeous this week. We spent a lot of time outside. Sam loves to look for flowers and to simply run! We played chase and peek-a-boo behind the trees too.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch outside.

One day we went to the library to pick out new books. Samantha loves to have new books to read. We found some good ones - with fish! As we were checking out the librarian recommended we go to the park behind the library. She told us they have fish and turtles in the pond back there. Samantha was excited to hear that!
What a find! It was beautiful back there with a great walking path around the pond. We ran and climbed and jumped on rocks. We searched for flowers and fish and turtles. We had an amazing time!

We found a butterfly net at Target and decided to bring it home to catch some in the backyard. After chasing butterflies for a bit, Sam realized she wasn't going to catch one, so Mom caught her a lizard.

Me: Do you want to touch it?

Sam: No. It eats people.

Me : No it doesn't.

Sam: Well, it doesn't like us.

Me: OK, we'll let him go.

Sam: Run little guy! Run before da munsters get ya!

Samantha had a fun playdate with Laynee. Leah and I took the girls to the children's museum. The girls had a blast running around and exploring. Afterwards we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant so Sam could have her chips and salsa. It was such a pretty day so after lunch we hung outside while the girls ran off more energy. We all have such a good time together. The girls get along so well. We even dressed them alike this time, which they thought was super exciting! It is so special when we get the opportunity to spend time with them. Aren't they the cutest little girls?!!!

We had a playdate with Emma Rose too! Her mama graciously let me "steal" her for a few hours to come over and play with Sam. I love stealing other people's kids! She is such a sweetie!

I quickly snapped a pic when I heard Sam say, "Emma, you're my fwiend. Hold my hand."

We spent Friday night two streets over at Carlos and Lachelle's house. Their daughter Olivia is Samantha's age and they have so much fun together. It was the perfect Texas springtime evening. Warm enough to hang outside in the driveway but not too hot that brings the mosquitos out. We socialized with our friends and their neighbors while the kids played way into the night. Carlos invited us to lunch the next day at Pappadeaux's. I had never been and was excited to go.
Yum! It was amazing seafood! We got there early so the restaurant wasn't crowded yet. The staff were so kind to our two kiddos. They brought out the live lobsters from the tank and entertained our kids. They had so much fun!!!

After lunch we went out on the lake with Shawna and Sadie. It was a gorgeous day. We got some sun, the girls fed the fishies, and dipped their toes in the water. It was a nice, relaxing time. We love our special girlfriends!

 Another new love, My Little Ponies! I'm so glad. I have fond memories of playing ponies as a little girl with my best friend, Vanessa. So when Sam starting talking about Caitlin's "Rainbow Dash" and found some ponies for herself at Walmart, I bought them. Now she likes to watch the cartoon (our first away from Disney & Sprout) and play with her ponies. It's cute!

 It was so warm this Spring Break, that I actually pulled out a sprinkler toy. Sam has been asking to put her swimsuits on for a while and since going out on the boat on Saturday and feeling the warm sun and putting her toes in the water she couldn't wait any longer. She went through her dresser and put a swimsuit on all herself! I couldn't stop her! She's a sun and water girl like her mama!

 

 It was a great Spring Break! I loved spending time with my friends and family. I thank God that I have a job that allows me this extra time to rejuvenate myself and to spend time with my special girl!