I'm gonna miss summertime

Today was one of those days that was just sweet and fun. Everett woke up a little unhappy, so I brought him into our room to lay between us. He played and laughed as we hid under his blanket and sang his favorite songs. I love those mornings when we aren't rushed or busy and can just enjoy life for a moment. The three of us ate breakfast together (rare on a day that Monica has to work), then she left for work.

Everett was in a great mood, and it wasn't raining or 100+ degrees outside, so he and I went for a treasure hunt walk. He loves to pick up sticks and pine cones and anything else that we'll let him. Here are some of the treasures that caught his eye.

After the walk he watched a little of the 'Musical Baby' DVD then went off to nap. He took a 2 1/2 hour nap while I did some chores and homework. Monica came home for lunch during that time and we sat down for a nice quiet lunch together.

When Ev woke up about 2, he again was in a great mood and ready to play. Luckily, our next door neighbor had given Monica a couple of new toys that her son isn't using anymore, so Ev was super excited to have a new wheelbarrow and dump truck to play with. Here are some pics...

When Monica came home, we again had some down time to play with Ev.

Danielle came over later to meet with Monica; then we all went to Chuy's for dinner. It was DELICIOUS (scroll down for previous post on Chuy's). I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 'Big as yo' face burrito'!! In fact, I think I'll go eat my leftovers right now...

It's days like this that remind me of how much I am going to miss summertime and watching

Everett's day to day discoveries. I guess I just need to soak up every second of the next 2 1/2 weeks that I can. :)

Everett's First Family Reunion

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in San Antonio, TX with 300 of our closest relatives. :)

Garcia family crest:

Rememberance Table: (remembering those who are no longer with us).

Julian Garcia, Jr. , my grandfather.

My mom (center) and her siblings:

Uncle Fred (oldest son), aunt Belinda (youngest daughter), mom (oldest), aunt Olivia (middle child), uncle Rick (youngest)

My mom and her siblings with their husbands/wives, children and grandchildren.

(Not in picture: Erin, Ryan, Travis, April, Nikki, Michael, Madison, & Chad)

Wild and crazy bunch!

Uncle Fred with bubba teeth. Very attractive, uncle Fred. :)

Our branch on the family tree: (click on picture for a closer look):

No reunion is complete, without lots and lots of food. In addition to the 'round the clock concession of pastries, popcorn, nachos and hotdogs...

"Grand Champion" barbecuer's (yes, family members), cooked up some delicious (so i've been told-since the 3 of us, are not meat eaters) brisket and barbecue'd chicken.

Sexy Servers!:

Bianca, Monica, Tammy, Kim, aunt Belinda, & Shannon

Reunion Awards:

"Oldest member". My grandfather's only living sibling, tia (aunt) Fina.

pictured below: my grandfather with siblings. Tia Fina pictured far left; my grandfather, Julian pictured far right.

"Youngest family member", 3 months old.

"Horseshoe Champions", cousins Shannon & James

"Furthest traveler" (from California)

Lots of fun for everyone:

Passing of the Bell: Each reunion, the outgoing committee passes "The Bell" to the next hosting group/family. Next year, "G3G" (Garcia to the 3rd Generation) will host the reunion, again in San Antonio.

"The Bell" , since 1978.

Also while at the reunion:

Everett gets his very first skinned knee. :(

A wonderful time for everyone! Looking forward to the next one!!

Move over Mercado Juarez...

There's a new TexMex restaurant in town!

CHUY'S is now in Arlington Highlands shopping center!!!

Veggie Enchiladas....yum!

chips, salsa AND jalapeno ranch! My fav!!


Ev loves Chuy's too!

And if that wasnt enough...
A new fountain for Ev to play in, after dinner at Chuy's. :)


Hooray for Chuy's and fountains!!!!

Playdate at Doogoland!

A super playdate at Doogoland with cousins Jordan, Matthew and aunt Dondi!

I'll say, the ceilings are only 4'.

Playing blocks with Jordan

and in case you're wondering....i did NOT break the chair. :)

This upstairs room was connected to a really cool slide....

Ev and I went down twice!

Trying out the produce

picking out some dry goods

If you're looking for a great place for your kids to run wild, in an entertaining and educational play setting, you should visit Doogoland. Everett had a wonderful time and we look forward to going again soon!