Cousin Camp 2010

For the second year in a row, my parents hosted their five grandchildren for Cousin Camp. This is 4 or 5 days of activities just for the kids. Camp began with a trip to Old McDonald's Farm in north Houston. The kids had a great time playing, petting animals and swimming!

Charlie jumped right on the pony. A big change from the panic-stricken child we had with us in Arkansas.

Mimi and her girls!

Headed to the train

Papa and two of his favorite kiddos!

The rest of the week included a trip to the circus, a pottery party and dinner at Chuck E. Cheese, playdate at Noah's Ark swim park and a party at Little Gym! What a special treat for all of our children to be able to spend this precious time with my parents! Thanks Mimi and Papa!

A Special Delivery

We arrived home one afternoon to a package on our doorstep. Sweet Michele "from New Jersey" had sent a thank-you present to Charlie and Emmy for hosting her at our house. She couldn't have selected more perfect and thoughtful gifts for the kids - dress up clothes and accessories for E and a box full of Superhero goodies for C! As if she hadn't won them over already, this sealed the deal!

4th of July

We had a great 4th with family and friends! We participated in our neighborhood parade for the first time this year, and then joined Mimi and Papa and Co. for an evening of fireworks fun at MDUMC! Simple and low-key fun! Mommy's favorite!

Bain Family Gathering - Degray State Park

In late June, Chad and I loaded up the kids for our first real road trip. My side of the family was gathering for some summer fun together. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. We headed to Degray State Park - near Hot Springs, Arkansas. I was pretty sure that Charlie would do okay in the car, but Emmy was a whole different story. She isn't always happy to sit and ride. Boy was I wrong! Both kids did great in the car, and the whole vacation was a WONDERFUL week of fun and family!

All the kids scope out the view, and where all the fun was to be had!

Charlie reluctantly rode his first horse. I don't think cowboy is in our future!

Emmy loved that snacks were always available down by the lake!

First boat ride!

We all had a great time, and can't wait for next year!

Michele from New Jersey

We were so excited to welcome Chad's friend from Seton Hall to Houston this summer. We had a great time showing her all of our favorite places. The kids LOVED her and she was so great with them!

Going Back in Time

I can't even remember the last time I sat down and considered adding a post. Well, I guess it was Valentine's Day! How sad is that! Spring is always crazy, but this spring seems to be a blur. School has ended and we are two weeks in to summer vacation. The kids and I are having a ball spending time together! We have been swimming, playing with cousins and most of all relaxing! I am going to work on catching things up in the next week or so, but for now here is a look back at spring 2010!

It started with Charlie taking Emmy to one of his favorite places in Houston - The water wall at Williams Tower.

Then we headed to see Grandaddy Robert, Great Boo and Uncle Joe and the rest of the Cross Family in Louisville, KY for mommy's spring break!

Mimi and Charlie read stories on the airplane...while Emerson played Peek-a-Boo!

Grandaddy Robert, Jackson and Charlie became instant friends!

Emmy did the same with the dogs!

Jackson introduced Charlie to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Charlie introduced Jackson to Superman.

The boys got to go for a ride in Grandaddy Robert's electric car.

Great Boo and Joe have an amazing house.

Fast Friends!

March brought us great times and very special memories! April has alot to live up to!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Goodman Family!