Day two began with a quick visit to Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Then on to 5th Ave, the Met, a Theater workshop and Empire State Building. Very full day!


This is the Dakota Apartment building - where John Lennon was shot in front of and where his wife Yoko Ono still owns and resides on the very top floor. I think our guide said it was the largest apartment, by square footage, in Manhattan - or something like that.


In front of the fountain at Lincoln Center


Can you hear the theme music to 30 Rock?

Radio City Music Hall

One of the big highlights from the trip was getting to visit the Radio City Music Hall. I truly had no idea how large this historic building was. It's been pretty much kept in it's original state since it opened in the 1930's and has a ton of history. Not to mention, is the home of the world famous Rockettes!




This is a lounge room where the performers go to relax. Sort of a green room I guess. All the furniture is original and though famous people are aloud to sit on the furniture and touch it, we were not. :(



Amy and I posing with an actual Rockette. Great for the self-esteem.

The Met

Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is something I've desired to do for about the past 8 years. On this trip I finally got too. Unfortunately, we were only there for a little over an hour. You can probably tell just by looking at the outside, that isn't nearly enough time. I could've spent all day and still not seen everything.
But nevertheless, we walked as fast as we could, getting as much in as we could and trying to take it all in as best as possible.
Here are a few highlights. Obviously the pictures do absolutely no justice to the pieces themselves.

The night we went to the Empire State Building, there was unfortunately a pretty terrible view. Not a huge deal to me, since I'd been before. But I was bummed for those who'd never seen the city from that view point. It had been cold and rainy all day, so this was the best picture I got.



The ever bashful and shy Amy, poses for a picture with one of New York City's finest. I think in the two minutes we were with him, he developed a little crush on that girl from Texas. :)

Last night in the Big Apple. Waiting in line to see Phantom of the Opera. Incredible!!!


Last day - Amy and I are standing outside The Players Club. Super fascinating.


Nothing too special about this picket line, except that I'd never actually seen one in person.


At the airport, about to head back to Texas. This is our tour guide Paula. We fell in love with her on the very first day. So happy she was our guide!

It was such a great trip and I'm so grateful to Rob for letting me go. And really appreciate Amy choosing me to go for free as the other chaperon. Thank you sissy!

Last day of Kinder

It seems like it was just a few weeks ago I was writing about my emotions as Maia began her first day of Kindergarten. But in reality it has been many months. Guess what, we made it through. At this age, Maia loves school and is really thriving. We're proud she made it in Project Think, which is MISD's accelerated learning program for K-2. She had very few behavioral issues for the entire year, receiving only a few verbal warnings for talking or playing.
Obviously, we made a decision that public school is what was best for our family. But it was a difficult one to say the least. Over the course of the year, the Lord affirmed our decision several times over. He's given me many opportunities to teach Maia about His love, using her classmates. Thank you, Jesus, for this gift and opportunity. May I never waste it.


Last day of school - May 2011


First day of school - August 2010


This was Maia's teacher, Mrs. Meador. She was very truly an answer to prayer. Going into completely unknown territory, the only thing I knew to do was to pray God would put Maia with the teacher that would be most suited to her personality and teaching needs. He answered our prayer through Mrs. Meador and we were so grateful. She and Maia formed a quick bond. And though she never gave Maia special treatment, I know she developed a little partiality towards her. Here is a quote from an email she sent me at the end of school, regarding Maia:
"Maia has also been amazing to have. I can't believe how creative, smart, loving, faithful, responsible and mature she is for a 6 year old. You have taught her well! She is always reminding us what Jesus wants us to do. It is so precious to hear. .. I can only hope my daughters will be like her."

Kindergarten Field Day

The last week of school Maia got to attend her first field day. The pictures speak for themselves. She got wet, got a little sweaty, and laughed a lot!

Maia, the Little Cowpoke

Maia just finished her third and final year in Mrs. Smith's Preschool choir. She has loved being in this little choir and has learned a ton. Whole note, half note, quarter note, Treble clef, bass clef - she knows it all. Thanks to Mrs. Smith and all the workers for doing such a great job with our kiddos. And all I can say is, good luck with Josie next year!



Maia had the final line of the play, which went something like, "Jesus is the real champion. Will you walk with the champion?"
One word - riveting!

Random Pics of Josie

With Maia at an age and current time where she happens to be celebrating several milestones, many of the blog's posts and pictures are naturally going to be about her.
But lest you think we never take pictures of our little Josie, I've included a few random ones here. This girl is a stinker, to say the least. I don't know that I've ever been around a more independent, obstinate child. Her strong will is something I'm constantly praying for grace and wisdom as to how to best handle. And, truthfully, sometimes I just pray it will pass!
Several weeks ago I was showing her picture to someone who doesn't know her or anything about her. The lady took one look at the picture and said, "she runs the house, I'll bet." My response was, "she tries." But the bottom line is, she's ours and we love her to pieces! There isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't make me laugh about something. And though she may bring some frustration to my life, she mostly brings joy.



Oops, got into the white out. That was fun trying to scrub that off her face!