Getting back to normal

It has been far too long since I've posted on here, but now that our visitors have come and gone and we are getting back into normal routines, I promise to get back to posting regularly.

We were lucky enough to have my parents come visit, and the day they left, Clyde (Roy's "little" brother) and Melinda arrived.  My parents were getting on the same plane that Clyde and Melinda arrived on, so they even had a chance to chat at the gate!  Today on the phone my mom mentioned that it had been 3 or 4 years since she had seen Clyde at Leslie & Juliana's wedding in Vegas, and I had to remind her that Leighton is almost 5 and I wasn't even pregnant yet, so it's been more like 6 years ... amazing how quickly time gets away from you.

Our visit with my parents was fun, as always.  We filled our days with swimming at the Y, trips to the zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (the new Hall of Paleontology is beyond impressive), and the Children's Museum, a couple play dates, and lots and lots of eating!  We went out for steak at Leighton's request and the kids ended up with some pretty cool balloons from the balloon lady at the restaurant.  We also took them to Grimaldi's, and my dad declared it better than Frank Pepe's (gasp!), so I have a feeling we will be returning there (at great personal sacrifice!) on their next visit.  We also celebrated Canada Day and Independence Day while they were here.  The kids had patriotic clothing for both occasions but I didn't manage to get them together for a nice photo either day.  The 4th of July is also my dad's birthday, so I made him a special birthday cake.  I had a lot of fun making it and banned anyone from entering the kitchen or dining room while I worked on it so it would be a total surprise when we cut into it.  Roy figured it out though since I had shown him the idea a few months ago before I knew I'd be making it.  I also baked a raspberry tart that we ate in one sitting.  Oops!  It was that good.  My dad said he'd be happy to eat it for dessert every day forever.  I was pretty proud of myself since I made the tart shell and pastry cream from scratch for the first time.  Yay me! 

Here are a slew of photos from their visit:

Tell me that isn't the tiniest and cutest little frog you've ever seen??!!

And after all that fun, Clyde and Melinda arrived!  We had an equally enjoyable visit with them.  They came swimming at the Y with us one day, and we all went to the zoo and outlet shopping on the weekend.  We also ate a lot of ice cream.  A lot.  There is a local brand called Blue Bell here, and Leighton and I have been enjoying finding new flavors of theirs to try at all the different grocery stores we frequent.  The variety and quality is fantastic.  At one point Roy commented that when my parents came we'd have to have a bunch of different flavors to try out.  Yeah, twist my rubber arm.  Done.  But then Kroger had the pints on sale 10 for $10 just in time for Clyde's arrival.  And he loves ice cream just as much as me and my family.  So, what did Clyde and Melinda do their first night here?  Went to Kroger and got 10 more pints, of course!  Our freezer was overflowing with ice cream.  It was rather comical and photo-worthy.

Here are several photos from their visit:

We were sad to see our visitors leave.  The kids loved having everyone here, and we are excited for when my parents are back here in the fall.  Hopefully Clyde and Melinda can come again really soon, too!  And any of you other friends and family members reading this.  COME VISIT!