All Aboard!

We were all up early Saturday morning, despite a late night, which made it easy to get out the door (again despite the late night) in time to meet our Urban Mom friends at Herman Park for a train ride and some playground time.  We enjoyed catching up with a family who moved away and was back in town for a few days.  The chilly weather prompted sweaters and coats, but no one really seemed to mind. 

Did I ever mention that Charlotte is now a rock star, independent swinger?  But not one one of these big swings ;-).  

 Frederick still loves big pushes from Mommy.

Of course, we had been there for a handfull of minutes before my kids wanted to eat.  Snack time seems to be anytime around here.  Perhaps we should work on that...

(PS - I did take photos of other people's little people, but I generally try to refrain from posting blog pics of others without asking first. So, as usual, my kids are the stars of this post ;)

Christmas Train

On the 23rd we drove down to Pearland to stay with Fred's parents.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch and spent the afternoon napping (all but Charlotte, who was watching TV?  I actually  have no idea.  I laid down first and woke up to find her the only one awake.).

All Advent, the kids have been looking forward to riding the Christmas Train in Alvin.  Frederick's eyes went wide with excitement as he ran to find his shoes when it was time to leave Lola and Lolo's house.  I told him there would be lights and he began pointing at the front door and crying, "Come on, Cha-yette! Come on, Cha-yette! Train! Yights!" This kid has the best expressions.  And love for his sister.  He wanted to run out the door and yet didn't want to leave without her.

I'm fairly certain (given my horrible blogging habits of late) that I haven't mentioned Frederick's terrible habit of removing his shoes, and often his socks, when he's riding in his car seat. It really drives me bonkers when we are running late!  About halfway to Alvin, he started crying out in frustration. "Frederick," I said, "are you taking off your shoes?"  "Mommy! Frederick took of his shoes!" Charlotte piped in.

"Frederick," Fred said.  "You can't take off your shoes or you can't get out to see the Christmas Train!"

A a minute more of internment frustrated cries and there was silence before Charlotte spoke up,  "I'm so proud of my baby brother! He put his shoes on all by himself!"  Ha!  Little man can do more than he likes to let us think.

We couldn't get out of the car and into our coats and hats fast enough for Frederick.  He wanted to be there now!  We bought our tickets and wondered over to the electric trains whizzing through a miniature Christmas village while we waited for our tickets to be called.  Both kids loved it and didn't even notice Santa sitting for photos in the same room.

Unable to contain them inside any longer, Fred took the kids outside to wave to the trains leaving before ours while I purchased some hot chocolate.  When our turn finally came, Frederick tried to scamper under the rope and right onto the train.  He was so excited.  The lights were fun and the kids loved it.  Frederick then didn't want to get off the train.

It was the exact right amount of entertainment for a couple of hours and no more, with exactly the right price ($2/kids over 2 and $4/adults) .  We'll definitely do it again next year!

Strawberry Picking

On Saturday we met some friends out at Froberg's to pick strawberries.  Although I am not sure if it was against the rules or not, or even a good idea, Frederick set out to single handedly eat every strawberry in the patch, from plant to mouth.  Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for Froberg's, there were far too many ripe strawberries for him to achieve his goal.  But he sure had a good time munching on them!

Charlotte picked half of her own bucket, and I managed to haul in a full 5 lb bucket. It definitely beat picking blueberries.  April sure beats June in Texas, that much helped a lot!  It took no time at all to fill our buckets and be on our way, a plus with easily distracted children.

 Charlotte showing off her yummy find.

Frederick taking a break from eating every strawberry in sight.  

We met up with Miss Jeannette and Mr. James who lent me a needed extra pair of hands whenever I needed them.  (Daddy was busy studying.)

This little girl takes strawberry picking seriously!

Kristine and daughter Ava joined us, too! 

Turns out Frederick wasn't the only one sneaking strawberries.  I caught this guy in the act!

Ava spent the whole time on her Mama's hip and back.

I had high hopes of making jam with all of our strawberries, but instead settled on a strawberry & rhubarb pie (thanks to ETB for that impromptu decision!) that vanished almost instantly.  The rest we have enjoyed sliced, sprinkled with sugar, served with waffles, eaten whole, cut up with ice cream, or dipped in homemade whipped cream.  And suddenly we didn't have any left for jam.  Thankfully, I am pretty sure I can pick up some Froberg strawberries from Canino's, which is just around the corner, so that may have to be a project for another weekend.