Zac Daddy

(Z with the kiddos the morning he left)

Zac's been back in Bulgaria for many a day now...sigh. BUT he comes back on Friday (yes, FRI-day, which is not tomorrow, but the next day!) Erin's Rob got here tonight, and she's pretty pleased about that.

So in honor of Z, I figured I would put up some pics of the time we DID have together, after Maeve was born and before he left...so for the whole (almost) glorious month of February.

First, the Rodeo. Ever since we moved up to the San Antonio area when I was 14, I've wanted to go the the month-long San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo that they hold every February. And never have... After I left for college, I wasn't ever back home in Feb., so this was the first opportunity I had since I graduated from high school. And it was awesome. Actually, I totally had given up on Maeve arriving anytime before the Monday after her due date (woulda been 6 days overdue), so Z and I planned to take the twins and go the Saturday before that Monday (4 days overdue). Did that make sense? Anyway, she decided to make her appearance that Saturday morning, so those plans were nixed. So the following Saturday, on her one-week birthday, we headed out to the rodeo and to take a look at all the animals and stuff. Honestly not really the most comfortable time to go, a week after giving birth, but it was a lot of fun and I'm really glad we finally made it!

In the parking lot... Maeve tucked away snugly in the mei tai, and Bran pointing out a plane zooming overhead.

Oh yeah! The RODEO is starting! We were pretty high up, but actually could see quite well. It looks farther away in the pic...

Maeve was totally enthusiastic about it all. We had to keep a firm grip on her to keep her from just leaping into the arena.

Bran loved it. It lasted about 2 hours, and we were going to cut out a bit early because Nuala was getting antsy, but Bran kept asking "when them going to ride bulls?" so we HAD to stay until the bull-riding. That was the last event. It was soooo fun to watch. It all was.

Nuala and a couple of rodeo queens afterwards.

And some of the cowboys. The kiddos were getting their free autographs. Z was herding them through and totally neglected to take pictures with them! What was he thinking?? So I made them go back. Actually, this pic didn't exactly pass inspection either, but I was nice and didn't send him back a third time. Mostly because I was really tired and wanted to get outta there.

Of course there was livestock and farm/ranch equipment, etc, etc. So tractor-riding was a must.

They were so good to Maeve in the rental car. Very attentive big bro and sis... We did have to break them of the habit of using her car seat as a storage bin for whatever they were holding and wanted to set down, but after that...smooth sailing. It's so cute to hear them trying to soothe her and sing to her when she fusses. And trying to keep the pacifier in her mouth at a time when she's pretty convinced she doesn't want it, ha! Poor girl.

Another fun daddy activity was going campin' with the cousins! Aislinn's Stake Women's Conference was held in February, so Erin, Tara, and I went up to Austin to go with her. We met at a campground (Inks Lake?) up their direction and dropped off the husbands and kids, then we sisters and little babies went and hung out at Aislinn's house. It was so fun. We went to Kohl's for MUCH too long, had Chili's takeout and watched My Life in Ruins. And ate ice cream. Then in the morning we went to women's conf. and really enjoyed it. And the hubbies/kids really enjoyed their campout! Winter camping in Texas is much more manageable, in my opinion, than all that snow camping that Z also loves. Brrr!!

Super early breakfast... N&B sharing oatmeal out of the pot. Yum!

Gotta explore!

I love this picture! Brigit and Bran...

And... the Alamo! I've been here countless times, and am always surprised at how little it is. I love the Alamo...the stories, the history, the feel of it.

Of course, the cannons were a big hit with B&N.

Nuala had a little cactus encounter. She survived.

And look at the saddest picture ever...okay, probably not EV-er, but still, pretty sad. They miss him, and are sooooo excited for him to get here!

(and Happy St. Patrick's Day!)