Am I missing something??

10 days of detailed instructions on my children's activities
9 pairs of gently used summer shoes to share with kids on the islands
8 people, 6 great friends
7 days of nothing but sailing and sun
6 printed maps on where to take my kids when...
5 teacher notes with contact information
4 bags waiting to be packed (yet again) to the maximum weight
3 "Temporary Delegation of Parental Rights and Limited Power of Attorney for Consent to Medical Treatment of Minor Child" signed
2 backpacks with school supplies to donate
1 Texas flag to hang on the spar

Cool Wizard Lego Builder Dudes

After months of brainstorming, planning, building, coaching, and practicing the Cool Wizard Lego Builder Dudes were able to compete in the Junior First Lego League Exposition today. Their Pita Chip Factory was equipped with 2 conveyor belts, LED lights, motors and gears, and a fork lift. Their team gave a well organized presentation to the judge and each member walked away with a Dog Tag medal!

Architects of Air

From all around the world and only 7 days in Austin, we could not pass up the opportunity to explore a luminaria.

Mirazozo would be much more enjoyable with only adults (or silent children), a cooler day (it reached 80 degrees), and a cold beverage in hand (the grumpy old women with name tags would have really loved this) but instead we pulled out our 7 kids (ages 8 and under) from school early, filled them up on milkshakes (nothing like tons of sugar before entering what appears to be the best bounce house ever) and headed downtown to fight the lines of a "sold out exhibit" (thank goodness our friend pre-bought all our tickets.)

It was an experience. A good one too. Just not the total Zin package one is supposed to feel :)

Trees Pease!

Monday was a holiday (NO SCHOOL) so as always, we loaded up the bikes and headed to 9th street for a little bit of BMXing. Fran broke in her 16" bike and the boys took their gear bikes to a new level, literally. They are starting to hit the larger mounds. Check out the determination in Will's eyes. Of course there were a few crashes, tears, and blood but nothing that a minute passing would not cure.






Then my cousin found a great service project for us to volunteer at. For 3 hours we planted a tree and hauled mulch at Pease Park near downtown Austin. The kids stayed focused for about an hour then decided it was more fun to play. What do you expect when you are the youngest volunteers by at least 10 years. 42 trees were planted today, bringing the Pease restoration total to 467!

Late Night

With super cheap ticket prices, we took the kids downtown to watch the University of Texas host Texas A&M in a men's basketball game. The boys were excited to watch a real game live and Fran enjoyed the snacks and cheerleaders. We left at 1/2 time (it was already 9:15) and all 3 kids were asleep before we reached the highway. This morning was tough but I would do it again!

Fun with Fondant

In 10 days, the boys will compete in the Junior FIRST Lego League Robotics Program. They have been busy the past few months building a "Snack Attack" machine with gears, motors, lights, Legos, etc. I thought I would bring a special snack today...it is amazing what you can create with fondant. I might have to use this stuff more often!

Free Range ~ Country Kids

As always, we try to end the old year and begin the new in the country. Finally, the kids are starting to "adventure" beyond the white fence and explore the land alone. They also had some free range time with their guns, pocket knives, and fireworks! Believe it or not, no one got hurt...Happy AND SAFE 2012!!