Free rides

The girls and I enjoyed the lovely afternoon hanging out at the outlet. I never know what to put on them nowadays since the weather is always changing throughout the day. The girls wore sweaters in the morning, but it got warm, so I took the opportunity to put them in their summer clothes one last time.

The girls got free rides on the carousel since their were empty seats available.

Downtown playscape

We met Trung's co-worker and his family at Whole Foods downtown for lunch. The kids had fun playing on the playscape, which I didn't even know they had, on the top level. We had a healthy lunch and a great view.

We could eat and watch the kids at the same time...very convenient.

Lydia was especially kind to Sophie today, which made me very happy. Sophie also figured out how to slide down all by herself; she's quite daring.

Maggie's "Monkey" Shower

We attended Maggie's surprise baby shower this afternoon and got to see everyone and their kids for the first time in months.

Yawning really is contagious

Lydia and Sophie spent most of the time building blocks

The father-to-be with his Diaper Duty Device

Wendy and Joy with the newest additions to the gang, Ethan and Mackenzie

All the kids, except Kaitlin who was sick at the clinic

The mother-to-be with the first diaper cake that I ever made

Pretty in Pink

We went to Dick's Sporting Goods to find Trung a new pair of running shoes. The girls each got a pair of pink faux fur lined clogs too! :)

Happy days are here again

Yay, the kids are finally better and everyone is much happier. I found Sophie the other morning behind the rocking chair in her bedroom reading a book, in the dark; it was so cute!

Happy to be caught reading a book

Sophie is growing up!

This morning, Sarah needed me to watch Amy for a couple of hours, so the girls got to ride to Lydia's MDO together. Lydia wanted Amy to sit next to her, so Sophie got stuck in the back. Several of the teachers at Lydia's school asked who Amy was and the director said that I looked good with three kids...hee hee.

Sleeping the week away

When I picked Lydia up from Mother's Day Out on Tuesday, her teacher informed me that she had been coughing. I found this a bit strange since she had been feeling just fine up to this point, but maybe I passed my lingering cough (which I've had for three weeks) to her. By the time we hit the Arboretum, Lydia was obviously upset, kept rubbing her eyes, and had an upset stomachache. She started getting a fever and was "couch"ridden-ed for the remainder of the day and even went to bed an hour early. Thus was the beginning of a long week with Lydia missing school on Thursday and then passing on her high fever to Sophie on Friday after our morning out. So, we didn't do much, just a bunch of...

Lydia sleeping

and Sophie sleeping.

Oh, I did manage to attend two girl events, Saturday night at North and Sunday afternoon at Steeping Room, while Trung stayed home with the sick. It was nice getting away for a little while to clear my head and catch up with friends.

Mimi's Cafe

After several days of battling illnesses; Wendy, Susanna, and I were finally able to meet up and enjoy the awesome weather Austin has been having. We walked around the Arboretum for a little bit and the kids played in the now dry fountain. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch at Mimi's Cafe; they really cater to kids there. The kids enjoyed playing together so much that we hung around the front patio of the restaurant and let them have at it. I hope this weather sticks around for awhile; I am totally loving it!

Sophie sporting her first ponytail

She didn't like it very much.

Ethan, Lydia, Sophie, and Kaitlin

Me and my girls

Our group of three adults and five kids was seated in the middle of the restaurant. The kids did really well; a waitress even commented how impressed she was at how well behaved the kids were. :)

Autumn Activities

Lydia enjoys wearing dresses lately and shows Sophie how to twirl whenever they wear them.


We decided to wash the Maxima this afternoon and when I went to get the bucket from the backyard, I found this! A scream came soon after.


Lydia has been battling a fever and didn't feel like helping. "Here, Mama, I don't want it."


My lazy kids



Sophie finally had some fun in the water...



literally.

Trick or Treat

We had a fun-filled day attending a Halloween party and trick or treating. Every year Halloween seems to get more fun. Can't wait for next year already!

Sophie checking out the purity of Trung's bling

A pimp and his glow worm

Lydia the Runaway Bride

The Ly Family Halloween 2009

Trung and I

When "walking" is just not fast enough

Amy fighting with her sword behind her back

Sophie defending Amy's honor

Sophie won the kid's costume costume as a glow worm and then undergoing metamorphosis into a twirly butterfly


I voted for you, honey!


The gals


Working the corner after the party

Trick or treat


The girls had so much fun!


Sophie getting a lift from Trung; I'm sure her arms were aching from carrying the heavy bucket, but she wouldn't let go!

Testing the treats


Anyone coming?

Pre-Halloween Fun

Sarah invited the girls and I to Dell's Halloween party where there was plenty to do. We ate some chocolate dipped snacks from the chocolate fountain and cupcakes, and then waited in line for about an hour for animal balloons. We also got to see some very interesting costumes, like Elton John and Octomom.

ARRRR! Pirates Amy and Sarah

The kids got bored of waiting in line, so they decide to pluck the spiders off of this decorative garland.

Notice all the "itsy bitsy" spiders on the ground

All that time we waited in line and Sophie was happy with just a regular 'ole balloon.

Lydia admiring her balloon pig bracelet.