The FAM

Logan: Our ace-reader and great helper. He especially loves to read Star-Wars novels. I loved loved loved his reaction when I brought home a Darth Vador costume (that I found at a thrift store!)--which is who he wants to be for Halloween. He makes his bed and picks up his room each day before he goes to school. He's reached the age that he no longer complains about what is on his plate. He is ready and willing to do whatever we ask of him. He shows empathy for everyone around him. He is always cheerful and helpful. Is this normal? Or do we just have a really awesome kid?

Madison: Our social butterfly. She makes friends wherever she goes. Since starting kindergarten, she has developed a love for skirts, necklaces, and staring into the mirror. She and Grant like to play. And fight. Wait--switch those two. They like to fight. She would rather spend 2 hours cleaning her room than 5 minutes every morning. Still waiting for her to rejoice over our dinner selections. She gives great hugs.

Grant: Decided everyone leaving for the day wasn't so bad--after a few days of trying to sneak out with his backpack. He gets mommy all to himself. He has no one to fight with, and no one to tell mom that he is sitting on the counter pulling treats from the candy jar. The first thing he does every morning is dump out the ginormous car-box. Thanks, Grant. He would like to watch movies (Elmo and Cars), but he recently broke the DVD player while trying to install one on his own. An Early Childhood Intervention specialist is coming to our home on Tuesday to see if he needs a little shove in the language development department. The pediatrician actually said he's not too far behind (I think because he does in fact talk--you just can't understand a word of what he is saying), but Mom said, "Please! We are both frustrated that he can't communicate very well." While I want my guy to not have any problems, I'd LOVE to understand him! He has a wonderful sense of humor and likes to play jokes on everyone.

Dad: Working hard to take care of his demanding family. He's awesome. His advertising is really paying off, and I think that we will soon know that going out on our own was a wise and rewarding decision. I still have my moments. :) But can I brag for a moment? He's been going to court about 1-2 times a week. Last week after presenting his case in front of a judge he got 2 phone calls within a few hours from people who had seen him in court and wanted him to be their attorney. That's the best kind of advertising, I'd say!

Mom: Hanging in there, doing mom-things. I love it. Well, most of it. Anyone want to potty-train Grant? How about clean the fridge? But this family--it's mine!!

Until next time..........

San Antonio, 2010

This weekend I had a law conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Real quick about San Antonio: I think it's an awesome town. It's the smallest huge town in America. Although it's Texas' second-largest city (beating out Dallas), it really just feels like a regular city. And, it's kind of the capital of Texan culture, with loads of good food.

This trip was enjoyable because I actually got to bring my family along. Here are a few pics:

Sea World is brilliant; they allow patrons to pay to feed the animals.

Great show.

This is how Jenny kisses.

This is a 3 pound cinnamon roll. That's right, 3 pounds. This was from the world famous Lu Lu's Cafe, which was recently featured on Man v. Food. Jenny, however, was not that impressed.

Mariachi band at El Mercado.

Grant enjoyed the jets in the bathtub.

The Alamo. Proudly, one of my ancestors died in the defense of the Alamo. In fact, he's featured in almost every Alamo movie as the Scotsman that plays the bagpipes, usually with Davy Crockett (true story). I know, I know, how could the defenders lose if a McGregor was there, right? Well, when the odds are 20:1, it's tough.

Odd fact: Notice the patch of green grass to the left my of family. That's where, after the Mexicans defeated the Texians, they piled up the defenders and burned them.

Although you can hardly see them, this is my family on the Riverwalk.

Seriously, everyone needs to go to San Antonio at least once (but if it comes down to it, leave the kids at home).

PA Trip 2010: Part 2

Here are the rest of our pics from PA. Enjoy.

As you will notice, Jenny is on board. She saw the kids having so much fun that she wanted in on the action. She took Grant so that she wouldn't have to sit alone. At first the carny told her she was too tall, but Jenny promised him a kiss at the end of the ride.

This is Madison turning 5. The choice of Daryl Strawberry shortcake was hers.

Grandpa Foster.

We can't wait for Madi to get her license.

PA Trip 2010: Part 1

This summer Jenny and the kids drove out to PA to spend time with her family, and attend the illustrious Warren County Fair. Here are a few snippets of their action-filled vacation.

Kids participating in the three-legged race.

We still haven't figured out Grant's smile.

This is Jenny's family at night.

Jenny and the gang watching her brother Brent show a sheep.

Brent milking the sheep.

The in-laws decided that they should build a deck in their back yard. It's actually TONS bigger than it looks. They hosted Brent's Eagle Court of Honor on it once it was completed.

Jenny's grandmother, Evie, and her dog. I don't know the dog's name.