Hyatt Hill Country

We traveled down to San Antonio last Thursday through Sunday for a last summer trip. We stayed at the Hyatt Hill Country which is totally kid friendly. We went with two other families - The Fudges and Russes! The boys had a blast on the beach area, the lazy river, riding their bikes, and playing on the playground. They loved sleeping in the same room with Mom and Dad, although at times it was a little crazy, but they did pretty good calming down to nap and for bedtime. Blake decided that he wanted to sleep in his new sleeping bag he got for his birthday. I felt bad having my kid sleep on the floor for 3 nights, so I got the mattress off a roll away bed and he slept on that. He was happy and we were happy to change our room to a king bed. Much better sleep for me! I got to go to the spa and get a nice, relaxing massage and Brent got in almost a full round of golf. It was raining the morning they were suppose to golf so they went in the afternoon instead. We decided to skip Sea World this year. We were able to see some college friends, the Peavys, who live in San Antonio. They came to our hotel Thursday night and we enjoyed catching up with them and their adorable boys. The boys traveled really well. They of course enjoyed watching their movies and were entertained with that the whole way. We only had one bathroom stop each way. They had a decent nap both directions and then back to their shows. We stopped at Georges in Waco on Thursday for lunch (although I would of preferred Ninfas food). That was fun to be able to recall many fun Georges experiences!! All in all, it was a great family vacation.

Here are some pics of all the fun....

Ben and Blake intently watching their shows

Roasting marshmallows to make smores!

Ben and Addy. They were so funny and had a great time together.

Face Painting. This didn't last long. He got upset cause it felt funny. He went back and got a football on his arm.

The guys having a lazy river race

Ben and Addy's favorite thing to do. Lean over and put their heads in the water and crack up laughing

Brynna, Blake, and Kate working together

Ben watching his movie in the room while Blake and Brent were watching the "Movie of the Night"- Finding Nemo

Blake's 5 Year Old Party

Blake turned 5 on Monday, August 11th. Very crazy to believe!! We had his party at Baskin Robbins the Sunday afternoon before. It turned out great and he really enjoyed himself. He had 16 friends attend so it was a little chaotic and crazy at times.

After his party we went to Hawaiian Falls for some water fun. He absolutely loved it. He was a little hesitant at first to go down the small slides by himself, but after a few times with mom he got up the courage and we couldn't get him off of them. There was only one bigger slide that he could do (based on height). So Blake and Brent got their mats and headed up. I was thinking that he might chicken out at the top, but he didn't. He loved it and of course wanted to do it again. This time I got to go. I didn't get any pictures at Hawaiian Falls, but it was definitely a fun experience.

Cheese!!!

The little ones enjoyed making a mess.....

Opening his gifts from Brent, Ben, and I after we got back from dinner Monday night.

Future Rock Stars

I'm not really sure what I was thinking. I think I have lost it. We were driving home today after lunch and noticed our neighbors having a moving sale. We went over there (just 2 doors down) and saw a drum set. Now I have always been against this since hearing it at a neighbors house, but for some reason I thought maybe it wasn't such a bad idea! I caved.

We brought them home and the boys were ecstatic! They played them in the game room upstairs for a while before nap/quiet time. After that I decided that maybe these new drums should be moved to the media room to minimize the sound. This is where they have stayed. They love them, and I think I have found a way to not hear them as much. If it buys me a few moments of them playing together without my assistance, then I think they will be worth it.

Also, Blake is having his first night sleeping on his top bunk bed. He is so excited. He asked me last night, but I wasn't quite ready for it since I was putting him to bed solo at 9 pm. So I told him we would get it ready for tonight. Hopefully he will sleep the whole night up there. Who knows what might happen!

**Just went in to check on Blake. He seems to be sleeping pretty well. Please excuse the Indian print pillow that for some reason he thinks he needs to sleep on. Not Moms first choice...

Big Cousins

Blake and Ben are now big cousins. Brent's brother, Brock and his wife Erin, had a little boy on Friday. His name is Carter. Blake and Ben have always been the youngest in my family, so now they are ready to teach Carter all they know. Watch out! The Baldwin family trips are sure to be more exciting now that there is another kiddo.

Here are a few pics from our visit on Sunday.......

Ben giving Carter a kiss on the head...

Blake giving his new cousin a kiss....

Lost in Translation

Last night Brent took the boys to Great Clips so they could all get a haircut. I usually go with them to mainly handle Ben, but this time Brent said he would just do it alone. He joked when he left saying buzz cuts, right? He was kidding.


About 45 minutes later Blake comes busting through the door and asks me what I think of his new haircut. He didn't have any hair. He truly had a buzz cut. I was thinking what in the world happened?? Then comes Ben running in the door and the same was true for him. No hair. Brent enters the house and had this look on his face reflecting things didn't turn out as they were suppose to.


He claims "Lost in Translation". He had some obvious problems communicating with the lady cutting Ben's hair. Instead of the 1-2 on the sides she did it across Ben's entire head. Then Blake wanted his hair like Ben's. They look cute. Just not what I expected. Glad it's summer.


Blake has been pointing out all the advantages to his new look. He won't have bed head anymore and I won't have to fix it. I'm a little worried what the sun will do to their heads, but we will see.


Here are a few pics after they returned....

Museum of Nature and Science

This is a first. I am actually going to blog about an event that happened today. Usually I wait a good week before I get around to it.

Today we went to the Museum of Nature and Science in Fair Park with our friends Abbie and Anna Claire. They are members and they got all of us in for free. That was a pleasant surprise. Downstairs they have an area for preschoolers. Blake and Ben had a great time checking out all the different areas. Blake loved climbing the rock wall and of course I had to pull him away from the computers. They both loved this ball elevator. I have no idea what it was called but that's what I called it. Ben stood there and watched if for at least 10-15 minutes. He didn't want to leave it, but there was so much more to see. Ben also milked a cow, which I didn't have my camera around for. We all had a great time and it was so good to see our friends. Thanks Abbie and Anna Claire for a fun outing.