OKC Science Museum - Round Two

Ashlyn and I have made friends with Serena and her two boys, Alex and Brandon. Serena's husband is Rick's partner in his class here in Altus. On Thursdays, we have been going to the library for their story time, and then to lunch. There is an indoor playground at Mc Donald's, which is perfect because of the heat. This week, we decided to invite them to go to the museum with us since they had never been. Serena offered to drive & I called Shelley and Celia to meet us, too. It turned out to be a great day!

Checking out the trains...the boys LOVED the display!

Everyone was heading to see the airplanes, when Ashlyn spotted this phone in the little school house. She ran to the phone screaming, "I call Papa!" She talked and talked & pitched a small fit when I explained to her that we had to move along!

A little "sassy" and still upset over the phone situation!
Playing with the air tunnel & paper cups with Celia and Shelley.

Serena and the boys!

Ashlyn finally got the hang of this rope swing. She would fall off and giggle.

"More Mommy More"

Celia and Ashlyn on the sea-saw. They had to both get on the same end or it did not work!

Photography by AAC!

I am not going to try to even explain the works of a brilliant mind...

We will let you know as soon as her business cards are in and her website is up and running, so that you can book for your next big event!!! Act fast, as the dates and times are limited!

Road Trip to Crescent, Ok

My cousin, Matthew, his wife, Shelley, and their daughter, Celia, have moved to Oklahoma. They are living in Crescent, which is just on the other side of OKC. Ashlyn and I drove over for the day. The girls were really cute & played together pretty well.

Snack time : Juice and Caramel & Pecan Cookies...Yummy! Jump up and down...if only we could leave them in such "cages" for longer periods of time!Race ya!!!

Girl's Weekend 2010 - Dallas

Kassie and I have started a tradition of getting together for a girl's weekend once each year. Last year we met in San Antonio, and this year we decided to meet in Dallas, which is half way between Beaumont and Altus. It was a bit different this time, as we decided to bring Ashlyn along. We were all pretty excited since Kassie had not seen Ashlyn since she was 8 months old. On the way to Dallas, I explained to Ashlyn that she had to be a good girl all weekend if she wanted to be included in "big girl" plans in the future. With that said, we met Kassie and headed straight to the American Girl Bistro. Ha Ha Ha Dinner was pretty good. The presentation was super cute & girlie. Ashlyn enjoyed having "Baby" with us, especially since they gave her a booster chair.
Kassie and Ashlyn checking out all of Baby's new clothes and blanket.
Saturday, we decided to hit the Dallas Zoo.

After walking around for a bit, we took a chip break & waited for the monorail.

Kassie and Ashlyn

"I do dis"

Ashlyn LOVED the elephants!

She thought that the giraffes were pretty cool, too!

We could almost pet this one, not that Ashlyn was a bit interested in reaching out to him!

A nice gentleman, standing beside us, bought this PIECE of lettuce for 5 bucks to feed the giraffes. Thanks sir...we appreciate getting to see them close up for free!

The last stop was the children's petting zoo. We checked out the horses, chickens, pigs, and goats. Ashlyn went into the goat pen. It was pretty cute for awhile.

This goat may have scared my little dear for life! After chasing me for Ashlyn's sippy cup, (I had it hooked on my purse) he decided that her hair was the second best choice! He was wrapped in it and boy did she scream!!! Her final words to him, "Ashy go home! No mo zoo!" With that, we hit the gift shop & then headed to the hotel for an afternoon nap. When Ashlyn woke up, we hit the Dallas Galleria for some shopping! We have to train her early, right? Don't be fooled, she already loves to go "shop pin"!

Checking out the shoes with Mommy and Kassie. There were SO MANY to try!

After shopping for a bit, we headed back home. On the way, we stopped at a Steakhouse for dessert and coffee. I knew it was a bit for Ash, but since it was Girl's Weekend, there were no rules, right? I explained to her that she had to be quite and still, or they would make us leave. Well, apparently the "after bed time cake" was the perfect prize. She sat with us and was very well behaved! I must admit, I was super proud.

We went back to the room & I let her hang out with Kassie and I for a bit. We painted nails & she modeled our new shoes for us!

On Sunday, after Kassie left, Ashlyn and I decided to hit the Galleria AGAIN!!! We went to this wonderful shoe store.

The serious face was priceless! The sales lady was explaining that she could try on ANY shoes she wanted to, as soon as we knew her size. Ashlyn walked around and pointed out all of the sparkly ones, "I do disssss one!"

It was a blast, but all good things must come to an end, so we headed back to Oklahoma! As I drove out of the parking lot, I noticed, Ashlyn was already asleep in the back seat. All the shopping kicked her! Ha Ha I also realized the real reason that Rick settled us in Charleston...there are no real malls in driving distance = we won't go broke! Love you honey!!!

Oklahoma City

Ashlyn and I went to OKC on Wednesday to meet our cousins, Shelley and Celia, at the Children's Science Center. It was a great adventure & the girls seemed to have a blast.

We went to the top of the tree house & looked at the slide. Ashlyn decided that three stories was way too tall for a slide & opted to take the stairs back to the bottom! She enjoyed the seesaw in the log cabin area!

Climbing to the top of the tree house with Celia!
We found this airplane & I was trying to tell her that it was an old Air Force Plane, but before I could finish my sentence, she was sitting under it and yelling, "Mommy take pic sure!" So, I guess this pose was for Daddy!

The girls really enjoyed the train area. There were several to watch in the huge village. They toured this old caboose at the entrance to the village.

Ashlyn made friends with this little boy, especially since she realized that he knew how to make things fly! He was super sweet & showed her how to place the cups in the correct spot.

She had to do it herself, too, of course!

Gee, I never knew how exciting a couple of paper cups and a fan could be!!!

Celia found this pendulum & wanted to give it a try. It was actually pretty neat. The children were able to pick a couple of colors, give it a push or two, and watch as it created their unique design. They were able to take the creation home, too. Oh, did I mention that Ash and I did NOT participate? There was a line of children & I explained to her that we would have to wait until our turn. She was quick to answer, "I no do dis!"

Ash was in HEAVEN! She found a bubble station. We had to play there several times during our visit!

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! Bubbles, bubbles in her hair!

One last stop...the girls found a face painting station, complete with a giant mirror!

Happy Birthday America!!!

The 4th...Rick and I were invited to join some folks that we know from Charleston & McChord for a cookout. (They are stationed here, now) It was a rainy afternoon, but we made it work. We had great food, lots of kids, and Carl put on a wonderful fireworks display!

Ash was out the door as soon as we mentioned a party. She sampled our star cookies on the way! Ashlyn wore a special 4th dress in honor & memory of Nana Hurst's Birthday!
Look Nana! I found NASCAR in Oklahoma! There were several toys, but after one ride in a Monster truck, Ashlyn decided that this "purtee car" was her favorite!

A wagon ride through the neighborhood was also a hit! Watching Mr. Adam light colored smoke bombs. Ashlyn loved them. "More, more, please!"

Everyone hanging out & watching a few fireworks between the showers. Once it got dark, the sky actually held together for us.