Fixin' to go to Texas

Ever since Ellie and I were roommates about 10 years ago and she was obsessed with her home state, I have wanted to visit Texas. I found a good deal on a flight and Ellie and I met up in Austin (a 3 hour drive for her). On my next trip I would like to bring the whole family and go to her hometown outside of Fort Worth. But this one was just the girls.

On our first night we walked around 6th street, which ended up being full of bars and not too interesting for us. Then we walked around South Congress, where all of the street vendors and shops are.



The next day we ventured out to San Antonio to visit the Alamo. Ellie was sure my visit would not be complete without seeing this Texas landmark. It was pretty, and the history was very interesting.



After the Alamo we went to the Riverwalk, which was beautiful!



On the way back to Austin we did some shopping, and then caught a chick flick that night. It was pretty much the ultimate girl weekend. I missed the kids and Ben (really!!) but still enjoyed it so much.

On Saturday we met up with Ellie's cousin who walked us around downtown and took us to Lance Armstrong's bike shop. Then we drove a ways into the mountains to go to a restaurant someone told us about called Oasis. The view was amazing, but the wait time was too long so we just took a few pictures and left. I bet this lake is great for a summer vacation.



We had Texas BBQ at Rudy's instead, and I think it was a good choice. The brisket was amazing! We were in a hurry because we were going to a comedy show in downtown Austin called Esther's Follies. It was hilarious and I felt like I got the true Texas experience. So much fun!

April Summer Swimming

It is about 85 degrees today. The built-in pool at Grammy and Grandpa's house will still be too cold for a few months, so we busted out an old baby blow up pool and the slip n' slide.

I was surprised at how much fun they could still have with a tiny pool!












They had tons of fun, until Isabel cut her knee and Dexter made a hole in the baby pool. I guess I will have to get another one and tie Dexter up for the next backyard swimming adventure.

Little Slugger

Adam is playing his first season of t-ball. He played soccer in the Fall and was excited to try another sport. His best friend is on his team, and he loves it.





Go Giants!






I asked him the other day whether he likes soccer or t-ball better. He said, "T-ball, its way cooler."

Easter Egg Hunt

A very nice family in our Ward has started to hold an annual Easter Egg Hunt. They have hundreds of eggs in their yard and I think there were about 30 kids this year.

I don't have much to say, here are some photos of the kids having fun finding eggs and also posing for the camera.

Egg in Front, Chickie in Back

This week Adam and Isabel had their last preschool parade (tear...). They were very excited and practiced their Easter songs at home. Isabel told Grammy she would be wearing an egg in the front and a chickie in the back. They were both very happy to see Mom, Dad, and Grammy and Grandpa watching the parade.



Isabel was Special Helper that day, so she got to be at the front of the line. She loves to be in the spotlight!



Adam gave us lots of smiles!

Just Pretend

I met a friend at Pretend City in Irvine to play. Anna was in school, but it was a bit young for her anyway - perfect for Adam and Isabel.

Adam drove the cars around almost the whole time we were there. There were some cooler cars but I didn't get a picture since he was moving too fast!



Isabel's favorite part was getting paid. If they did work such as picking vegetables in the garden, they got paid. The Pretend City employee though she was pretty funny since she always made sure to go and ask her for her money.

De Novo Law Firm - Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law

In case you haven't already heard, I recently launched a new law firm called De Novo Law Firm. De Novo is a Latin term meaning fresh, or anew. Often used in legal situations, I chose the term de novo because it describes perfectly what I try to obtain for my clients -- a fresh start. While bankruptcy is a difficult decision for many, there are several different types of bankruptcy. For many clients, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the best decision but other clients may not qualify and be forced to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. For some clients looking to save their home, the best decision may be a loan modification or foreclosure litigation and not bankruptcy at all.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their finances or trying to save their home, please give us a call or visit the De Novo Bankruptcy Firm website..

Dexter

The kids have been asking for a dog for years, so now that we have a house and a yard we finally gave in. Santa delivered the dog a week or two before Christmas since it was too cold for him in the sleigh. He is an Australian Shepherd mix. Isabel is still disappointed - she wanted a little dog she could carry around in a purse. Unfortunately since I'm allergic, we have to have an outside dog. She's still trying to get over the fact that the dog is now bigger than her, and still wants a little yappy dog.

Introducing...Dexter the puppy!

OC Fair

A few weeks ago the kids and I went to the OC Fair for the first time. It was beautiful out and we had a great time. The only downside of doing things by myself with the kids is that I don't have any pictures with them. Oh well, here are the highlights...

Sibling Affection

I was just looking at the photos we had taken a few months back, and cracking up at all of the ones of Isabel hugging her siblings. She is such an affectionate kid - always wanting a hug, to be close to you, to hold hands, to kiss goodbye. It is one of my favorite qualities about her.

I said recently, I don't think Isabel could ever have her own room. She has always shared (even in the womb) and I can't imagine her sleeping in a room alone. I'm glad she has a twin and also a sister so close in age to keep her company.