What's up with the V's?: June 2008

In April we headed out west to cowboy country to spend time with Omi and Opa! We had an amazing trip and as you will see, lots of adventures! Ben is absolutely in love with San Antonio! When the month was over Ben did not want to leave to come home to Florida. Whitney enjoyed being there too! Omi and Opa went out and bought everything she would need to make her feel right at home and very spoiled! We are so happy that they live so close to us now and that we are able to visit more often! We look forward to many more exciting times in Texas!

Omi wanted to get a few pictures made while we were there, so we decided to do it Texas Style! Ben thinks he is a real cowboy and loves to wear his hat. I think Omi was pleased with her new pictures! The final product turned out beautiful.

Whitney and Omi enjoying some play time together. I don't know who had the bigger smile!

Ben has his own room at Omi and Opa's house which is complete with his own set of Monster Jam Trucks and many other toys! He was so excited to put on a show for Opa. He didn't miss our house at all!

Whitney adored her new swing that Omi and Opa bought! She loved glancing up at the butterflies and she discovered it was very relaxing too!

Whenever Ben, Omi and Opa get together they love to make sweets. Baking has become a tradition and Ben enjoys helping them out. He gets so into the process. He thinks cooking is so much fun. Jeff and I hope he continues to enjoy it so he can cook for us when he gets older! The brownies were delicious!

Good Morning Opa! I'm in Texas!!!! It's time for fun! Can we do "Yellow Submarine" please?

Mommy and Whitney having a nap! I wonder who needed it more.

The proud Omi! Can you tell she loved holding the baby? Whitney enjoyed it too!

Omi and Opa took us to Incredible Pizza, which is like a Chuckie Cheese's on steroids. They have a huge buffet and lots of really cool rooms to eat in. We dined in the High School Gymnasium which was decorated for a sock hop. It was really cool and was fun for young and old. We had a blast and played for over two hours there! Ben thought is was so awesome!

Ben and Opa racing in the race cars at Incredible Pizza! They did win their race and received a checkered ribbon! Ben was so proud of it!

Mommy and Daddy got into the action too! It was a full race and Mommy won buy a mile. Daddy on the other hand caused a massive pile up after the second lap! Daddy should take driving lessons from Mommy!

This is a slow car, but I am still having fun!

Omi watching over Whitter!

Air hockey is fun! Ben won against Opa!

Daddy playing a silly game! He was so funny!

The indoor Black light miniature golf was so cool!

Omi winning lots of tickets!

They even had a little bowling alley which was lots of fun and we made into a pretty competitive competition. Incredible Pizza was a blast!

Whitney and Omi having some bath time! Woo Woo loves the water and is such a little splasher!

Ben, Omi and Whitter on the tour boat at the River Walk.

He loves riding the boats.

Ben, Jeff and Omi looking at the sights!

Does this look familiar to anyone? It was in a movie. Think FBI and Pageant.....Got it yet?

Ben looking at the water.

The River Walk is beautiful!

Whitney slept during our ride!

Cowboy Ben!

Opa set up a special surprise for Ben this trip. We were heading to the Fort Sam Huston Stables to ride a real live horse! Ben was really excited early that morning to meet his new friend.

But, we had a slow start. The meeting didn't go so well at first. They were much bigger up close.

Ben got closer with Mommy's help. Mommy loves horses and helped Ben meet Tracer.

Whitney had no problem climbing up on the horse! The love of horses runs deep in the blood of the female side of this family. She was too cute up there!

Mommy couldn't stand it anymore. She jumped right on that kid's saddle, grabbed the reigns and took tracer for a walk.

Ben found some friends his own size and began to warm up to the animals.

Now this one is more his size! He loved this pony!

He made some other friends too! The Mules were so funny and he loved feeding them. He was such a happy boy!

Daddy rode Tracer too!

Finally, Ben was ready to ride the big horse, Tracer! He was not afraid at all and Opa was delighted! He was so proud!

Ben rode around forever and loved every minute of it. He thought it was so cool and didn't want to get off his new friend Tracer. He loved it so much ...that he now wants his own horse for his birthday.

Ben thanking his new friend Tracer with a treat!

Saying good-bye to Tracer!

Tracer!

What an awesome experience we shared with special memories that will last a lifetime!

Omi, Ben, Opa and the Texas Cactus at the San Antonio Zoo. It was awesome. We had a lots of fun and there was so much to do and see! The animals were so amazing and active!

Ben and Opa watching the elephants get their baths.

Whitney loved the animals too!

Ben loved the Hippo! The underwater tank was so cool and you could really see them interacte with each other. He couldn't believe how big they were!

Happy Girl at the zoo! She loves being outside!

Butterfly Boy!

The young and Old!

Look at me! I'm a tree!

Daddy butterfly!

We enjoyed our day at the Zoo and can't wait to go back!

Our day at the Witte Museum.

Daddy and Whitney hanging out.

Omi took a fall down some concrete stairs during our trip and was beat up pretty badly. We spent a week hanging around the house helping her recover. We hated seeing her hurt, but we were glad we were there to help take care of her!

Whitney in her cowgirl dress headed to Luckenbach, Texas.

We made it to Luckenbach! What a great day to go. There was tons of action and music. We were amazed by the sights, sounds, and people. Whitney and Ben were the center of attention and brought out the softer sides of many tough bikers! It is one of Omi and Opa's favorite hangouts.

Daddy and Ben checking it out.

Ben enjoyed exploring and watching the caterpillars falling from the trees.

Mommy and Whitney enjoying the music.

"Let's Go to Luckenbach, Texas Waylon and Willy and the boys!" It is now Ben's new favorite song! He likes to change Waylon and Willy to Opa and Benjamin. We listen to it all the time in the car. He is like his mother when it comes to music.

Omi bought Ben a real Cowboy hat from Luckenbach! He loves it!

Whitney got one too!

Ben enjoyed Omi and Opa's backyard. He would wake up and head outside first thing and stay out there until dark. He raced around the yard playing Speedracer and Monster Jam. He is such a boy!

Whitney and Buster hanging out.

Omi and Whitney relaxing in the sun.

Ben helping Opa give Magic his last bath. On my birthday our sweet Magic passed away. His health had been fading for a long time, and he put up a brave fight. He was so sweet during our visit and was very loving with the kids and I. It was almost as if he waited for us to come so he could say goodbye. He was a wonderful dog and gave my parents so much joy and love. Mom and Dad we are so sorry for your loss.

Our sweet Magic! We miss you boy.

Buster or B Boy is great and is taking Magic's death very well. He is getting lots of love and attention to help him. I think he has really helped my parents too! He is such a good boy!