Happy Birthday Mamo!

We were by Stephanie's again, for Judith's birthday, surrounded by friends, family & boy-cousins :)

Max had some new string tricks that he was eager to show the little boy, who was quite impressed :)

The younger kids had rehearsed a show to put on for their Mamo, and it was adorable seeing them dressed up in their costumes and trying their best to stay in character.

All this, topped off with a dip in the pool.. pure bliss :)

The Bathroom Poinsettia

Usually, if we get poinsettias during Christmas Time, they will wither and die even if I try to keep them alive.

This time, I put the little withering plant in the bathroom that has a skylight in hopes of keeping it alive for at least a little bit.

8 months down the line, it's still thriving!

Birthdays and Anniversaries

We have a semi tradition of going to Abuelo's for our birthdays and anniversary.  I'm usually pretty frugal ( I'm a closet miser, actually ) , but I suppose ONCE a year celebrating THREE different things warrants eating out in a fancier place.

There wasn't a very long wait this time and with the very convenient paging system that they have, it wasn't possible to miss them calling us.

We got a table on the higher level, unlike the previous times,

and took the opportunity to get some selfies with the little boy :)

In this one, he wanted to show an Odd Shaped Chip, but I forget what it was supposed to look like now.

The meal was really really good, 

and made extra satisfying knowing we had a coupon to use!

Goodbye, Filipino Store. We will miss you.

We have known that Oscar, the owner of the Filipino Store, was going to sell his store and move West. 

We just didn't realise that when we stopped by today, that it was going to be the last time we would be able to shop there. :(

Maybe someone will take over soon.

Unbeatable Bargains at HEB

We usually don't get fully cooked food from the Frozen Food Section of the Grocery Store, but these were just too good of a "bargain" not to get.



The price had been discounted to $1.73, and there were $2 off coupons for them...which made them pretty much FREE.

By the time we got there, a whole shelf had been emptied, but there were still some that were right for us.

I even had a coupon for a Free Sushi Tray! 

 

A Step Back in Time

15 years ago, in the town I grew up in, clock and watch shops were all over town.  I wonder how it is nowadays.

THIS is the only Old-Timey Watch Repair shop we have ever been to in Abilene, and I couldn't tell you where another one might be.

The hubs had a watch that needed some repairs, and while he was working with The Master himself, 

the little boy and myself were left to entertain ourselves :D

A Trip to the Gas Station

Bringing the "Big Truck" to go get some gas is no small feat!

Happy Father's Day!

I couldn't resist making Darth Vader Brownies for Father's Day :D

and the little boy and I printed out a collage which we wrapped around a coffee can to make a pen/pencil holder for Daddy!

Yoiks.

Seriously, would you still buy and eat this, after reading THIS on the can???

Hairy Belly Fanny Pack

We found this while waiting in line at the cashier's at Walmart.

Who comes up with these things?!?!

Hey Hey it's Mamo!

It had been a long time since we had had Mamo at Sunday lunch with us.  We hope there will be many more!

CALF

Children's Art and Literacy Festival

We were down to the library and thought we would participate in the CALF activities

We walked a short way over to The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, where they had exhibitions and readings on the works of the author/illustrator they were honoring this year - Peter Brown.

They were also having a few little activities for the kids, and the little boy and I sat down and colored for a bit.

Then, we walked over to The Grace Museum as they were ALSO having activities in conjunction with C.A.L.F.

Of course, first thing we do whenever we find one of these Press Your Penny machines, is to dig around for quarters and shiny pennies!

The Children's Museum upstairs is really cool, with a lot of Hands-On STEM type exhibits that children can get involved with.

This colorful wall actually makes music/sounds whenever any of the colored panels are touched.

There was also a Collage Corner, with colorful and a variety of magnets that you can put together to create your own masterpiece.

Like I said, lots of intriguing Hands-On booths.

There was a neat simulation of a dust devil/tornado, and a huge Operation game

We then went into The Museum Proper,

and found a "Hand Holding Flowers" by Andy Warhol!

The little boy was not toooo enthralled, and so did the best he could to be patient as the hubs and I looked around a bit.

Another level of the Grace had more activities that were the little boy's speed, so we stayed there a little bit longer.

It was finally time to go, so we bid farewell to the booths and animals and the people, and took our leave ;)

My Chair Broke.

Bummer.