The Milam Family: March 2009

Saturday I took the boys to Longview for a fun day. Brandon has been fighting the flu since Friday and we needed to get out of the house. We went to Pump It Up Jr. for the first time since moving to Texas. The boys had a great time there. Then we went over to Granny-Great's house to visit with her and my cousin, Robin. We ended the night with a fun dinner at Shoguns.

Self portraits:

These never get old for my boys...

Why does my 2 year old know that a policeman comes to your car window and hands you a ticket??? Must be from riding with his daddy!

My guys:

Robin, Jeni and Zachary at Shoguns

Our attempt at a group photo after dinner. Trent was in no mood for it and that's as close as he would get.:)

RUNS in the family

I participated in the Soar with the Eagles and Run Like the Devil 5K run this weekend. The event also offered a 1 mile fun run for the kids. Zachary asked me to register him for it. He has been so excited about it and could hardly go to sleep the night before. When we woke up Saturday morning, it was in the 20's!!! We didn't let the cold get the best of us and headed out for the run. There were actually a few snow flurries as we stood at the starting line.

Jerilyn, me and Nancy before the race. (Stacie did it too.)

Here is Zachary, with his cheerleader, tracking towards the finish line. He did the mile in less than 9 minutes. We were so proud!

Receiving his trophy. He was beyond thrilled that he got a trophy. He finished 3rd among all the kids 12 and under.

I had my own personal best time too. Think it may have been due to the subarctic temps. I just wanted to get it over with!!

This is what I saw when I got to the finish line.

Rustyn joined his mom in running too. He was the 1st place winner of the kid run.

It was a VERY cold, fun start to our Saturday!

Spelling Bee

Brandon's dealership registered a team in the corporate spelling bee in Gilmer. He then suggested myself and his cousin Karen to be on the team. I am a decent speller, but Karen is like a walking Webster's. She literally can spell anything! The third member of our team was a person we had never seen until the moment before we walked out on stage and he was wearing his shirt backwards. (Thank you, Brandon and company.)

Anyway, we couldn't believe what we had gotten ourselves into. For the small community of Gilmer, they put on quite a spelling bee. There were hundreds of people there!! It was the 16th annual bee and the whole town comes out for it. (This was all information withheld from us until we pulled into the parking lot.) We ended up having a blast and did well. But, before I tell you what place we got, I must tell you the circumstances...

The Yam Queen team took an instant dislike to us for unknown reasons. Pretty much every difficult word they got, they paid $50 to pass to us. We, and by we, I mean Karen, spelled them beautifully. The last word they passed to us was ubiquitous. I think it's a dumb word that no one has ever heard, but our Karen wrote it down without much thought. It was our 3rd team members time to spell so he went up and recited what Karen had told him. They told us the word was wrong and we were eliminated. We exited the stage and were about to leave the civic center when Karen tells us that she looked up the word and we spelled it correctly.

We were all about a protest because these mamas aren't afraid of a little drama! They let us back into the competition and there were only 2 teams left. We got the word mnemonic. We had it written down perfectly and I marched up there and fubbed it! Dang! We were out and got 3rd place. [For the record the ex Yam Queens didn't place!!! Guess they ran out of buy outs!]

Now we know how they roll in Gilmer and we'll be ready for them next year! We, and again I mean Karen, are going all the way!!!

2/3rds of the Mike Craig Ford team...still searching for our 3rd member

Is it just me or do I look like a 2nd grader up there with an adult microphone??

Big Foot!

The monster truck Big Foot came to MP last week. Zachary loved going to see it. He met the driver and we asked lots of questions about it. He is an expert now!

March 23, 2009

More Spring Break

Here are a few ways that we spent the rest of our week off:

Playdate with a buddy:

Going to Disney on Ice with cousins:

Fishing with Uncle David:

And A LOT of time spent playing outside in the awesome weather:

Back to reality Tuesday morning...

Happy Birthday!

The day after we got home from our trip I had my entire family over to celebrate my mom's birthday. It was a very busy day--unpacking, cooking, cleaning, etc, but well worth it. I think everyone had a good time.

St. Patrick's Day was also special for another birthday. Our dog, BO turned 13! We got him when we were in college and he has been with us for the long haul. He is a great dog, but has definitely seen his better day at this point. We gave him a few extra treats for his day, but that was about all the excitement he could handle.

I know that several of my college friends that keep up with us through this blog are laughing that BO is still around. We have some great BO stories from college days!

San Antonio: Day two and three

**I know the suspense has been killing you for the rest of my S.A. pictures, but we've been spring breakin' and didn't have time for blogging!

The second day of our trip we walked around on the Riverwalk, visited a few tourist traps and took a ride on a river boat. We were waiting for the sun to come out (or for the rain to stop) before heading to SEAWORLD. In the early afternoon our prayers were answered and beautiful weather appeared.

This morning was also the morning that my camera's battery died. After the OKC camera episode, this almost pushed me over the edge! Soooo, while day one had a million, great quality pictures, day two and three will have only a few disposable-camera-quality-pics! Poo!!!

Brandon and Zachary entering the Tomb Raider in 3D. This was one of Zachary's favorite parts of the entire trip and he rode it three times.

Trent and I did a lot of sitting outside waiting. He didn't mind a bit. He didn't feel well for most of our trip and was content just chilling in his stroller.

Zachary posing as the heaviest man inside the Guinness Record's Museum

Enjoying a riverboat ride

After some great Mexican food on the river, we headed to Sea World (Zachary is standing next to the sign at the bottom.)

Thank you to Brandon for letting us get set in this picture...he didn't understand the importance of my 24 exposures on my 'new' camera

We loved all the shows at Sea World. This one was with sea lions. The boys thought they were hilarious.

This show was super cool. It included divers, synchronized swimmers, acrobats, dolphins, and whales.

We also climbed through an enormous jungle gym. I loved this picture of Trent taking a break.

We also rode a few rides, ate our weight in junk food, checked out the sharks, and watched Shamu perform. Loved all of it, but the highlight of the day was definitely this:

All of us fed and touched the dolphins (except Trent who said they were sharks that would bite!). We loved it!!!! We were so in awe of the dolphins that it didn't even bother us that we were handling raw, stinky fish! We closed Sea World down that night and can't wait to go back sometime!

Our last morning in San Antonio we took the boys to the Alamo. The lines had been so long over the weekend that we decided to wait until Monday morning to attempt to go in. (Brandon and I knew that Zachary would be disappointed once inside since there is no real battle going on like he imagined, but we couldn't leave S.A. without letting him see for himself.) This is the only picture from inside the Alamo that I have...And it's pretty much the only thing that Z was interested in...the canon.

We watched a few parades go by on the river from our room during our stay.

After a fun meal at Joe's Crab Shack we checked out to head home. No pictures of my cuties chowing down on crab legs because of the aforementioned 24 exposures!

We had a great time and I'm so glad we took the boys. What a fun place to visit!

March 19, 2009

San Antonio: Day one

We kicked off our week of spring break with a trip to San Antonio. The four of us had a great time. We stopped in Waco to see the Baylor Bear and start a little brainwashing. Apparently the bear doesn't enjoy 40 degree rainy weather. He was hiding in his little cave. Anyway, we at least got to show the boys a little of campus.

Posing with ZACK the bear's claw print

Early morning on the Riverwalk

We loved the pigeons...

My favorite boys

REAL cowboy at Buckhorn Saloon

Buckhorn Saloon

Hook 'em...for all our Texas friends. (Jillian!)

Go pigs, or whatever....Jamie, Becca, Kelly and others....we included ya'll too

Aunt Becky...this is for you!

Coonskin hats were a huge hit!!!

Brandon paid for me to take the romance challenge

Harmless!

I was fascinated with these mirrors. This is what my legs will look like when I get to heaven.

But until then, this is more like it!:)

Remember the Alamo!

Excited about going in...

Still not sure why the teepees were outside

Miniature Davy Crockett

Lunch at Rainforest Cafe

Acting like the apes

Boys will be boys!

Volcano cake

That afternoon we headed to this drive thru safari

Water buffalo trying to fit his head inside my car!

Up close and personal with a longhorn

Not really sure what any of the other animals were...we didn't buy the animal guide...big mistake. We pretty much told the kids that every animal we were unsure of was "kind of like a deer." They were happy enough with that explanation.

This ostrich (or emu???) was very much my friend.

Brandon thought it would be hilarious to put his food sack in my seat between my legs. Didn't bother the animal one bit.

Trent's favorite were the baby goats.

Day one was a great day. We finished it off with room service for dinner---which Zachary loved. He requested it every night. Mom and Dad were not so impressed with the $12 hot dog!

March 10, 2009

Neighbors

It has been well documented that my kids really love the neighbor boys. Their admiration was taken to a whole new level when Kent invited Zachary (and Trent followed along) to hang out with him in the shed where he works on motorcycles a few weeks back. Every since then, Zachary counts Kent (age 21) as his very best friend, he quotes him every chance he gets, he lets me know when he is home and when he is not, and he even has told me a few things about his dating life! Trent has followed in brother's footsteps and adores the neighbor as well.

When we got home from Oklahoma, Kent came over to show us his new toy. It took less than 24 hours for me to walk outside and discover this:

Thankfully, Kent never seems to mind, but I wouldn't be surprised if the poor guy hides from my kids every chance he gets.

March 9, 2009

INCREDIBLE weekend

We are headed off for a fun weekend. Lots of pictures to come.

Those are the final words of my last post, also known as "The words of doom."

We did, in fact, head off for a fun weekend. The lots of pictures? Not coming. I stole a few off my sister's blog, but that's all you'll get because my beloved camera decided to spend the weekend at home!

My mom and I planned to load the boys up on Friday to head to Norman, OK to see my brother and his family. It was his daughter's birthday and the softball team that he coaches was playing in a tournament over the weekend. We were anticipating the weekend because we haven't been to visit since they moved there last year. Pitiful, I know. Anyway, we got all loaded up and Zachary remembered he had forgotten something inside. He attempted to get out and fell completely out of the car and landed on the top of his head on the driveway. Little did we know...the tone was set for the whole weekend.

A little ways down the road I discovered the forgotten camera. I had to make a decision to make the best of the trip, despite the head injury and no camera. Not even the speeding ticket one hour into the trip was going to get me down! [I think I will be writing a letter to the city of Greenville, Texas. Apparently it is their 'policy' to write tickets to drivers who exceed the speed limit by 21 mph. Such a strict policy!!!] We eventually made it to their home---several U turns and detours later----but we made it!

We were thrilled to see Holly and the kids and their adorable new house. The cousins had a great time playing and played well together for the duration of our visit. Friday night we were able to go watch Tripp's team, the OU softball girls, play Tennessee. Even though they didn't win, it was so fun to be at a game in their home stadium. The Sooner fans are awesome! Tripp showed us around the facilities which were very neat and the kids got to play on the field. Then we were off to their house to get the kids to bed. We were successful in doing so after midnight!

Saturday promised to be a full and fun day! We had a small hiccup in things when Zachary fell off of the see saw and busted his mouth on the trampoline early that morning. His teeth were pushed back and he was in a lot of pain. An emergency call to Dr. Kenny assured us that we would be fine (yes, I do have him on speed dial at this point!). His lip, gum and nose got progressively bigger as the day wore on, but he was such a trooper! The whole family headed to Incredible Pizza for Ali's 5th birthday party at this point.

Incredible Pizza advertises mini bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, pinatas, race cars, Build a Bear station, miniature golf, more food than any one person should ever eat, and they deliver on it all! The kids had an absolute blast. Zachary commented, "Now I know why they call this place Incredible Pizza...because the games are INCREDIBLE." Ali enjoyed her birthday party and had tons of guests.
Ali Grace blowing out her 5 candles

One thing Incredible Pizza doesn't warn you about is the Incredible stomach bug that they also deliver on! Trent snatched it up and was SO sick through the night. Thankfully, my mom was there to help me with him AND no one else chose to partake of the germs--as far as we know.

But, before the virus took affect, we were able to watch one more of Tripp's games. They lost this one after extra innings and the team meeting after the game looked pretty ugly. I asked Tripp when he got home what they were saying to the girls and he said he couldn't tell me because I would put in on my blog. He knows me well.

Sunday morning after very little sleep, we woke up and packed up to head home. Zachary's mouth was SO swollen and sore, but it didn't stop him from getting Tripp to give him a quick t-ball lesson in the backyard. Trent woke up feeling great---Thank you, Jesus! We had a very uneventful trip home. Thank you again, Jesus.

Despite all of this, we had a really fun time. That should tell you something about my family...we can laugh through it all! I am so glad that we went and both of my boys are still talking about all their adventures in Oklahoma.

Tripp and Holly, thanks for inviting us and feeding us so well! :) Love your house and especially love you and your kiddos!

March 6, 2009

Wonderful Week

We have had a great week. The warm weather has been just wonderful. The boys have loved playing outside at school and at home. Everyday when I picked the kids up from school, this is what Trent looked like:

Thanks, Grana, for the new white t-shirt. It was cute while it lasted!

Zachary decided it was time for a shaving this week. I loved that brother was the "mirror holder".

Zachary and Brandon had their first tball practice last night. I didn't get any pictures of them before they left, but the sight of Zachary's tiny hiney in his baseball pants makes me smile!

We are headed off for a fun weekend. Lots of pictures to come.

March 2, 2009

Daddy's Stats

Daddy--according to this little King of the Road Rash and his little brother...

1. What is something Dad always says to you?
Z: Hold on just a second
T: Spanking if you're not nice

2. What makes Dad happy?
Z: When I do stuff for him

3. What makes Dad sad?
Z: When I don't do stuff for him

4. How does your Dad make you laugh?
Z: By watching funny shows like Tom & Jerry. When they do funny stuff me and my daddy go HA HA HA

5. What was your Dad like as a child?
Z: He played baseball

6. How old is your Dad? (31)
Z: 31
T: 2

7. How tall is your Dad?
Z: Wow, that is hard! It's too hard!

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Z: Help Mama with stuff (What?????)
T: twinkle (tinker) toys

9. What does your Dad do when you're not around?
Z: He never really does anything without me

10. If your Dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
Z: spinning a ball on his finger

11. What is your Dad really good at?
Z: baseball

12. What is your Dad not very good at?
Z: (lots of thought) Kind of not good at moving couches downstairs

13. What does your Dad do for a job?
Z: sells cars
T: at Gilmer

14.What is your Dad's favorite food?
Z: bowtie noodles
T: sausage

15.What makes you proud of your Dad?
Z: when I go get something that he asks me to. (I think he has this question reversed.)
T: of my brother (???)

16. If your Dad were a cartoon character, who would he be?
Z: Probably Gastroid (?) because sometimes he be's mean. Or that guy with the long thing because he's helpful

17. What do you and your Dad do together?
Z: build stuff
T: wrestle

18. How are you and your Dad the same?
Z: our bottoms
T: I'm big and stong like my daddy

19. How are you and your Dad different?
Z: I have blonde hair and my daddy has black hair

20. How do you know your Dad loves you?
Z: He kisses me

21. What does your Dad like most about your mom?
Z: When she really doesn't want to do it, but she says 'Ok, I'll do it'
(I think he was talking about just things in general, but I have laughed at this answer for days....how true it is!!!)

22. Where is your Dad's favorite place to go?
Z: baseball games