That's my Maddy!

Zootastic

I don't think there is anything more exciting or fascinating to Madelyn then the company of animals. (Large machinery and enormous balloons would come in a close second.) She is so curious and amazed by their very being and is totally indiscriminate when it comes to their harmful potentials or vulnerabilities...a reason we have to keep a close eye on her! Any ways, here are some pics of our visit yesterday... Above: Maddy on the carousel. Below: This is in the Petting Zoo area of the "Children's Zoo"...Maddy had to make sure to give attention and pet each goat..even waiting patiently by the fenced off eating area for each one pass through as not to miss it.

Easter

Easter Weekend turned out to be hectic with Brad in school on Friday, a birthday party, and an emergency vet trip on Saturday morning...but things calmed down on Saturday afternoon as the three of us relaxed by the pool and took advantage of a little rest and relaxation. On Sunday we headed over to Omi and Abuelito's for the traditional Easter egg hunt. Madelyn l-o-v-e-d looking for eggs and l-o-v-e-d what she found in each egg even more...CHOCOLATE!!!! She is a chocolate lover to say the least.My new favorite picture of Brad and Maddy!Above: Oma is giving a chocolate bunny to Maddy.Below is a picture of Maddy and her friends at their Easter Party at the Park...we have had such beautiful weather lately...gotta love Houston in the spring. Below: A picture from the birthday party on Saturday and visit to the vet.

Rodeo Round Up

Every year the world's largest livestock show and rodeo "parks" all its good ole glory and western charm in and around the Houston Reliant Stadium Complex...it is a site and event to behold that I truly believe every one should venture to...if not for the cultural and heritage explosion of wranglers, cowboy hats and bucking broncos, than at least for the delicious food, people watching and entertainment options for all! The array of scrumptious selections is far from meager as you walk down the endless aisles (not kidding) of restaurant/eatery makeshift counters... we decided on "The Shrimp Hotel," and could not of been happier with our Boudain balls, fried turkey leg, shrimp gumbo and grilled pork loin kabobs...is your mouth watering yet? Nothing says rural America like an American-made bright green John Deere Tractor...nice Brad.Does this pig look like he's smiling at me??

I break for Colorado

Our recent trek to visit family in Colorado proved once again to be a relaxing and peaceful getaway. Despite the disadvantage of not having Brad around as best friend and parental figure, Maddy and I managed to make it just fine, thanks in part of course to my mother's accompaniment and the wonderful hospitality of my brothers and sister-in-laws.
It is always a treat to spend time in the mountains, far away from the cacophony of our neighboring freeway, busy schedules, and metropolitan population overload, and spending it with family makes it all the merrier. This trip was especially exciting for Madelyn who was introduced to snow, a furry cat-in-law named Lupe (for whom she is obsessed) and six full days of playtime with her older cousin Isabel...the two were inseparable and played together so well.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of spring break goers we managed to avoid any major travel woes and return to big city life safely.

Lucky

We ended up having a last minute playdate the day before heading out to Colorado. This is a picture of Maddy and her sidekick "B" (Brinley) eating pizza.

Family Ties

This past weekend we were able to see our cousin David and finally meet his wife Lauren Nicole from Maryland. It was nice to catch up and also see our Oma. Maddy had a great time hanging out with the family.