Memorial Day Weekend

We spent the last four days packing in as much family fun as our little family could handle.

Friday: We took our first road trip as a family of five and headed down to Glen Rose to visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Dinosaur Valley State Park. The kids were such troopers in the car, especially after we stopped at Wal-Mart for snacks, including Oreo Sticks, Fudge Stripe cookies and lots of other things we don't normally let them have. Not surprisingly, however, they ate more fruit salad and apple slices than anything else. It pays to raise healthy eaters! Ella and Sutton slept after their snacks, which made for a really peaceful drive.

Our drive through Fossil Rim was wonderful, and we were so glad we chose the "self" guided tour in the comfort of our own air conditioned car, rather than the more expensive guided tour on a rickety bus without AC. It was hot! Grace was so excited to sit in the front seat with her daddy, and she was a great animal feeder. Her favorite animals were the giraffes (who literally ate out of car) and the cheetahs. Ella's favorites were the giraffes, also, and I have to admit that it was super cool that they were so calm and friendly. Even Sutton got a good laugh when they peered in our windows. The only thing we didn't like was the ostrich. As we drove up the road, he came a little too close to the car and I was afraid he was going to peck my babies' eyes out.

Saturday: We slept in, let the kids eat Nutella toast for breakfast, harvested some cherry tomatoes and then drank our coffee leisurely as we watched them chase each other around the house. It was a perfect morning. We spent the afternoon with our friends the Kims at their house and enjoyed delicious Korean BBQ. Between the four of us, we had kids ages 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1, so although we don't get together often enough, we have a blast when we do. The kids were worn out and fell asleep on the drive home.

Sunday: We slept in until 7:30 (wow!), went to the late service at church, put the babies down for naps, then let them get up after 30 minutes when it became apparent that today was going to be a "no nap day." The girls and I conquered Whole Foods, where we bought everything we needed for some gluten-free treats (a yummy quinoa salad and coconut chocolate chip cake). That evening, we joined the extended Cramer clan for swimming and dinner at Aunt Becca and Uncle Bill's house (and the gluten-free treats were a hit). Another wonderful day spent with people we love.

Monday: Another lazy morning, followed by a visit from Grambi. She was nice enough to watch Sutton while Travis and I took Grace and Ella on a movie date. We had lunch at the NorthPark food court and then headed across to the theatre to see Shrek 4. This was Ella's first trip to the movies, and upon entering the theatre, she exclaimed, "Wow! It's so fretty!" She and Gracie were so happy with their treats and finished them before the movie started. It was a 3-D feature, and while Grace didn't mind the glasses, Ella would not have anything to do with them. I guess it didn't bother her that the picture was fuzzy because once the movie started, she watched quietly (minus two trips to the bathroom). During the previews, she kept saying, "I no want this one. Push play! Push play!"