Had to write this down

Tonight we went to Target to get my big guy some new jeans and pants. While we were there I looked for some tops for me. So we go to try them on. After I tried mine on I get..."Mom you look so stylish!"
I so wish that were true son, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.

New Orleans...Ready or Not Here we come!

This year we decided to go on a mini-vacation. We wanted to get away but didn't have the time to go too far. So we decided Labor Day weekend to take a trip to the Big Easy (New Orleans, LA). Max and I hadn't been since before Maddox was born. When we were in college we used to go on a pretty regular basis. There are lots of places there we love to visit. So we set off, Mommy, Daddy, Maddox and Granny for a weekend getaway.
We first stopped and dropped Milo off for a weekend vacation of his own with Auntie Una and her dogs...Mosey, Pi, and Elvis. He was in doggy heaven having other to sniff and play with.
We arrived in New Orleans pretty early and set off right away. We went to Jax Brewery and shops to check out their restroom facilities. Then we mosied on down to the French Market. We stopped in Jackson square to check out the sights along the way. We passed through rows and rows of goodies at the French Market. We grabbed the trolley for about a block so we could get tickets for a ride on the river boat. We caught a nice wet ride on the Natchez up and down the Mississippi. We saw barges, tug boats, lots of sea faring vessels, plantation homes, Ike damage, a military instillation and a sugar manufacturer to name a few. It was a wonderful ride except for the rain. We then headed to one of Mommy and Daddy's favorite places to grab a muffelleta, Maspero's. Then it was time to check in to the hotel. We had an awesome room with a spectacular view. As Maddox said "You can see the whole world from here!" After settling in a taking a nap we headed out for a walk and dinner. Max wanted some cajun sushi (raw oysters) so we ended up at the great restaurant. Right now the name escapes me but I am sure when I finish writing this it will come to me. I had the most amazing meal. I had BBQ shrimp that was really messy, but wonderful. After some searching the web I found it. The Bourbon House. Max had Gulf Fish on the Halfshell. Maddox had chicken tenders and Granny had the fried catfish. She was a little disappointed it wasn't as good as the block cod fish from Picadilly but she choked it down. It was a great evening. We then headed back to the hotel with our bellies full. While Maddox and Granny got ready for bed Max and I checked out the view from the roof.

Day two of our awesome adventure started at Cafe Du Monde. Maddox was upset that we weren't going to get donuts... that is until the plate of fried goodies with tons of confectioners sugar arrived at the table. He was all smiles and sugar from that point on. We walked around the square and took lots of pictures in from of St. Louis Cathedral. A gorgeous church. We once went to a wedding there. Next we headed back to the river to the Aquarium of the Americas. We checked out a white alligator, lots of penguins, sharks, some crazy seahorses and a ton of fish. While we were there Maddox got to pet a shark. We then ran over for a 3D undersea adventure movie. Maddox fell asleep half way through. After the show we were off to find lunch... we travelled down to the Riverwalk mall for some food in food court. After lunch we parted ways with Granny and headed off in search of bugs...the Insectarium that is. Where we saw roaches, beetles, moths, bees and butterflies. The two best parts were the interactive bug movie and the butterfly garden. After all the bugs we could take we headed back to the hotel for a nap. After a wild and crazy evening of trying to decide what to do we ended up having a gourmet meal of McDonalds, that we had to drive half way across the city to get.
The next morning we searched for pancakes only to end up once again eating at McDonald's. But by the time we had them they were yummy. On the way home Max got fitted for a tux and we all fell asleep. Except for the driver of course. And that was our outstanding New Orleans Mini-Vacation.

A Picture is Worth...

Football Fever

Friday night we went and enjoyed a little bit of high school football. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate for us to enjoy more of the game.

Summer & Water...Nothing Better

4 year Checkup

My little guy had his 4 year checkup recently. It was a great checkup. Friday came along for his checkup too. When my guy got his height and weight checked so did Friday. He got a complete physical right along with him. The whole deal (temperature, blood pressure, ears, eyes, shots) you name it they both got it. I was so proud of my guy when he didn't cry for his shots. You could tell they hurt but no tears were shed. For those of you interested in the numbers. Weight 50.1lbs Height 45 inches

School Carnival

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Maddox! I still can't believe that you are turning 4 today. It does seem like just yesterday we were taking you home from the hospital. All 9 lbs 14 oz of you!
You have grown to be such a wonderful child. The only thing to match your size is your BIG personality. I wonder every day what you will grow to become. You have so many interests. I pray that it stays that way. You are a joy to behold.
I remember your first birthday, watching you tear apart the little bug cake. You were timid at first but once that sweet tooth kicked in there was no hope for the cake making it.

That next year was a blur. You changed and grew so fast. You always noticed the world around you. By your second birthday you were fascinated by all of the construction in the area. You loved the tractors, cranes, bull dozers, dump trucks and any other heavy machinery around. You loved to look at books and you hadn't really gotten into TV too much yet...

You really started to come into your own from 2 to 3. You have such a strong personality. I delight in watching you take on the world. This year was a little rough. We really tested the limits for each other. I am glad that we both made it through without too much damage in our wake. This year you really let me know that you are all boy! Run, jump, shoot, kung fu...you wanted to do it all. Your heroes were Scooby Doo, Batman, and Daddy (aka Superman).

You have really matured this year. You are such a great helper. Still like to test me to make sure I mean what I say but you have been such a joy. You really are growing into my little man. Everyday I laugh and am amazed by the things you come up with. I am waiting with anticipation to see where next year leads. I was a little nervous about getting you a puppy this year but it has been great for you. Milo is your buddy. I love to watch the two of you play and run around. You are so sweet and caring with him one minute and rough the the next. You guys are perfect together. I will enjoy watching you two bond even more as time goes on.

To my son, I LOVE YOU!
Mommy

Birthday Party Weekend

We celebrated Maddox's 4th birthday this Sunday, but on Saturday we went to one of his classmates Maddison's 4th birthday. He had a blast both days. Maddison's party was at Jumpin' Jungle. We have gotten several invites to go there but this is the first party we have actually been in town to go to. Maddox had a great time on all the jumpy things. It was a really nice setup. I would definitely give it a thumbs up. After we left the party we went home and did some more prep work for Maddox's party. I can say I am totally worn out...I realized when Maddox's party was over that I hadn't taken any pictures. I had a ton of pics from Maddison's party the day before but none from our own. Usually I ask Auntie Shyra to take pics for me but totally forgot today and I even brought my camera. Maddox was set on having it at the park. We were a little worried about the heat outside in August. Although it was warm there was a wonderful breeze under the pavilion. Max did a wonderful job on the food. It was great seeing everyone. It was a great day at the park and we are so thankful that so many came out to celebrate Maddox's birthday and just hang with the Vige crew for a little bit. Thanks everyone for making our day!!

Ali & Maddox

Maddox just loves spending time with his cousin Ali. They don't get to see a whole lot of each other since she lives in Louisiana and we are here in Texas. When they do get together they sure do have a good time. Here are just a couple of pictures taken of the two of them when we recently went back to Eunice.

Circus Time

New Names

This week we have each been given a new name. Not sure who decided our old ones weren't working but here is the new name list...
Mommy ... aka "The Saver"
Daddy... aka "The Wrapper"
Milo... aka "The Licker"
Little Guy... aka "The Strongest Man"

So if you are wondering the story behind all this. I will do my best. Mommy has been named as I have been told because "She is always saving people from trouble." Daddy I believe got his name because he is always wrapping people up at work. Milo's name is pretty self explanatory. He is very affectionate. The little guy has decided that he is the strongest man because "He is always lifting heavy things and has super strong muscles."

Speaking of muscles we went to the park today before the rain. While he was climbing the rock wall he says "I have to stop climbing the rock wall. It is too hard and is going to break my muscles."

Notes From Home

Here are a couple of gems that Max has sent me about the little guy while I have been in Florida via text.

As ur son puts hand to his head "yigh oh yigh...u need quit talking daddy b/c ur talking is giving me a headache.

I no sick daddy. I sick the udder day at donut place but I went to your office and you fixed me.

On the phone he says to me; "Daddy lives in Texas. I live in Texas. Mommy, you live in Florida!"

Mommy hurry home so you can give me super duper Mommy kisses when you get here.

The 4th of July

This morning we drove down to the beach before the crowds came out. We had a nice couple of hours in the sun. After we played in the surf, sand and sun we headed back to town for lunch. We checked out the Philly Cheesesteak at Lenny's (yummy)! Then we went home and all had a nap. We broke up into 3 and got stuff done after that...Granny went to Best Buy, Max went to Lowe's and Mommy prepped dinner. We had a yummy dinner. Steamed corn on the cob, Turkey mignons, grilled bacon wrapped chicken, cucumber and tomato salad and for desert we had red (strawberries), white (cool whip & angel food cake), blue (blueberries) and chocolate dessert. We all ate too much. After dinner we hopped in the car and went out in search of fireworks displays. We saw a couple of good shows. We even brought Milo to join in the fun.

Seth's 5th Birthday Party

Just got the pictures downloaded from my camera for Seth's 5th Birthday! We had a great time at Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf. Maddox was a little worried about it being dark when we first got there. He was happy to see Seth and Landon. The black light golf course was really cool and by the end of 18 holes, he had gotten the hang of it. He enjoyed the pizza but wanted to know where the cake was hiding. We all really had a great time playing the ball shooting in the balladium.

I Pledge Allegiance

This week as my little guy's class prepared for the 4th of July they have been practicing the Pledge of Allegiance. He even got picked to hold the flag this week. I just had to share this video with you all for the 4th. Happy 4th of July Everyone!

My Big Fella

Tonight the little one wanted to be just like daddy. Enjoy some pictures of my almost 4 year old who thinks he is 18.

Houston Children's Museum II

Farm Town

My Farm Town Layout

Maddox's Farm
Lately I have to admit... I have been spending way too much time on Farm Town (A lovely game on Facebook). Well in all my playing I have made a new Farm Town buddy. The little guy loves Farm Town. Every time he sees me playing he asks me to "Super Zoom!" so that he can see the entire farm. So today he decided that the computer game wasn't good enough. He broke out the real tractors and farm equipment from his play set. So we set up the big farm on the dining room table. Here are a few pics of our fun.

Hangin' On the Farm

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my someone special. I know you read my blog so I am going to take this opportunity to tell you just how much we love you...and just how special you are to us!
You have been a father for almost 4 years now and you are just the BEST. I can't imagine a more loving and caring father. You are always there for the little guy no matter what. Even though you work crazy hours your family always comes first. You make sure that every moment you spend with us is quality time. I love to watch you with the little guy...Maddox is so lucky to have you. You are an intelligent, well mannered, successful, caring, loving man and I truly believe that you will pass all of those fine characteristics on to our son. For myself I can't imagine a better friend or partner. Thank you for being you! Happy Father's Day... Daddy! We love you.

Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day

We spent our Father's Day morning at the beach and our afternoon hanging out together. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.