Houston's Children's Museum

 Two weeks ago (almost) we went with our little co-op preschool group to Houston's Children's Museum.  I've been to several children's museums now (Naperville in IL, Phoenix in AZ, Discovery Gateway in UT, Bogotá's in Colombia) and this one is by far the BEST.  My kids could have stayed there all week and not got bored.

 This is the street of the play city they had.

 Sebastian driving the ambulance.

 Isabel and Elena spent most of their time in the veterinarian clinic.

 Sorry, that's kind of repetitive pictures, but they were so intent.  So fun.

 This was across the street at the diner.

 
 And you can see a little bit of the Art Academy next door.  There was also a grocery store that they loved.

 We spent two hours outside where they played in the water.  We also went to another floor that you could build things.  Really, really cool things!  Out of paper mostly but then they had a launcher system to test your paper airplane in. And legos to build a car and a huge pinewood derby track to race it in. Etc.

One of our friends from preschool, squirting the water gun.

 And one of Isabel's best friends, Abby, aka Brave.  We were discussing redheads later at a baby shower and someone was mentioning how Abby's mom always says people ask to touch Abby's hair, and they didn't believe her till we were at the museum and not only did they start touching Abby's hair, but asked to take a picture.  It reminded me of all the stories Kayli tells me about her redheaded family.

And the end.  Although the kids are begging to go again.  And yes, I pulled Elena out of her prison school to take her.  And no I don't feel bad about it at all.

Wistfully dreaming

While looking for houses in our neighborhood, I found this gem.  I don't really like the front at all, but whatever.

I ADORE the kitchen.  The colors, the light fixture, the blinds, everything.  Love it.  

 It's so perfect.

 Okay, and I know the furniture doesn't come with the house, but I think that's mostly why I love it so much.  Well, I love all the windows too.  But I LOVE how they decorated.  Seriously I would decorate the same way if I had the moulah.  Well, maybe with a awesome picture above the fireplace instead of the ugly wreath.

 Leo just commented that we would be living in an empty house if we moved there, because we have no furniture and no money for furniture, so this room would just be...empty.  Ah well, this is why I said wistfully dreaming.

 See all the gorgeous windows with the beautiful light!  Ah.

 And this fabulous patio.  Heaven.  Anyway, you can see the rest of the house here.  And it's not really in our price range, and it already has an option pending, but it killed searching for other houses tonight because it's just so lovely.  Someday.

My Roses Arrived!!

Just some beautiful gardens for those of you not living in perpetual-autumn Houston.  

 And yes, this is one of the roses I just planted.  So beautiful.  Sigh.

 It's a Munstead Wood, and it's supposed to have a strong, spicy scent.  I can't wait.

 And this is my other rose bush.  Golden Celebration.  It makes me smile just to look at it.

 Ah, heaven on earth.

 Really, wouldn't you love to be able to make this arrangement from the flowers of your own garden?  Roses and sweet peas, what could be more perfect?

 Seriously, one day, this will be my backyard.  (Well, hopefully.)

 More sweet peas.  I have some in my closet, waiting to be planted.

 Also some Morning Glories.

 However, I will cry if my rose bushes die. Seriously.  Because so often this is the case.

And isn't this the awesomest patio ever!???!  If only I could convince Leo.

My fingers are a little sore.

 This is what I spent the last three days of my life making for my friend for a baby shower present.  Thank you Etsy and Pinterest, for all the ideas I lifted.  ;)

 The horse is my favorite.  And someone offered to pay me to make some for them.  Maybe I should.  It could fund my sewing addiction.

Yes--more pictures of Nicolas!

There are no words for just how cute and kissable Nicolas is!