Texas: Part One

So, I've been putting off blogging because I'm soooo behind. But, it's time to tackle it all. Here goes!

We went back to the States again in July. It felt like we'd barely left! March wasn't really all that long ago. And then Zac's mom came and visited... and then MY mom came to visit... then we went and saw my sis... but it's always good to see family and go to Target, so there's no way we're passing up another free trip to the States! Well, mostly free, we did have to spend our own money, too, but not nearly as much as if we'd have to pay for the tickets! Wowsa. It was kind of hard to leave Bulgaria, actually, because it is just GORGEOUS here in the summer. My goodness. This country is beautiful, and I'm so glad we're here for two more years. I feel like it's going to fly by...

Anyway, I flew to San Antonio ALONE. Adult-wise, anyway. The three munchkins ensured I was most definitely NOT alone-alone. Whew. I'll tell you, I was somewhat detached from the whole idea of 18-hours/three flights with two three-year olds and a 6-month old... I wasn't really worried... I mean, whatever happened, it would all be over with within a day. Unless we got stuck in Paris or something. Luckily, that didn't happen, and the tykes were all quite well-behaved. I was very happy with them :) We got several surprised comments praising them after the trans-Atlantic flight. Most of those people just weren't close enough to hear me threatening them through gritted teeth... haha...ha... People were very willing to help, it was great! Our last flight, from Minneapolis to San Antonio, Nuala ended up having to sit all by herself across the aisle from us. So, it was Bran by the window, Maeve next to him, then me by the aisle. Then the aisle and poor little Nuala in the next set of seats. She was not pleased. Lots of crying: "But I am SOOO lonely!!" It was awesome. They were pooped, my poor little 3-yr olds. Everyone conked out on that flight. Once we landed, ohhhhh boy. Nuala and Bran were in rare form. They full-on cried the whole entire time from being woken up in their seats, walking through the airport like little zombies with their eyes half-closed, down to baggage claim, and then finally in the seats by the baggage carousel. I was just laughing, dragging those two through the airport with Maeve hanging off my arm. Seriously, laughing. Half-relieved, half-humorously, because I could only imagine how we looked to other people there. Really, it was pretty funny.

Nuala and a bunny she drew, at the very beginning of our very first flight.

Bran and a ghost he drew. Well, mostly just the ghost... Pretty good!

Granny and the tykes, including little cousin Teresa, visiting from Florida, while on a bike ride/walk.

Maeve in the jumparoo. She LOVED this thing. Tressa really enjoyed watching her in it. And pulling on her, and overall "loving" on her. Very cute. They have matching outfits on, if ya couldn't tell.

We love hitting storytime at Boerne Library whenever we're in town. Bran really gets into it. Miss Constance is awesome with the kids! Libraries and their kids' programs are one of the major things I miss being overseas. Sigh. I love them.

Swimming at Cibolo Creek with Granny. And Auntie Tara and Tressa, but they aren't in this pic.

Annnnd, picnicking at Cibolo. There's Tressa!

Bran-Man found an arrow there at Cibolo. A real hunting one. He was pretty excited!

Uncle Gary! The kiddos LOVE their Uncle Gary! He even waived his "rule" and held Maeve, a baby under a year! Mostly because I thrust her upon him... He liked it.

Oh, I love those Texas rivers! This is part of the Llano River, a couple hours away but we heard about this cool spot and had to try it out.

Declan, Auntie Aislinn and Ciaran in the back... Rowan, Nuala, and Bran in the front. This was definitely a fun place!

Maeve and I... She is just so smiley! I honestly cannot get enough of her. (Okay, maybe at 3 am I'm ready for a break. This girl is slightly messed up sleep-wise still! Good ol' vacation...)

I like this shot of Tressa. :)

Bran was sharing his ring pop from the Pioneer Day celebration with little T. She was quite enthusiastic about it.... just kept sucking away! See my poor sunburnt boy? This is the day after the Llano River trip, where I forgot to sunscreen my children. Maeve I got. The other two -- not a lick. Oops.

An Uncle Gary ride. Good stuff.

Hanging out on the back porch with Granny. Many a story was told around that table...

Ha! Cute little T... I guess she wanted in or something...

Grandad with grandbaby #14, aka Maeve, and #12, aka Tressa. Make room for #15!

Just an adorable shot.

Ha! This! Another awesome use of the jumparoo! Bran loved pulling her back like a slingshot and letting her fly! She loved it, too.

Tara's 25th birthday celebration! Dude... she's gettin' old!

Eating Jell-o cake.

Um... yeah... Another adorable shot. So serious...

Fun times on the tramp with Granny.

Cuties.

And... stopping at Souper Salads on our way to the airport to send Tara and Tressa and #15 back home! Sad day... But yummy day, too! Tara and I had free bday lunches. Free = even yummier...

More to come... I know -- you're on the edge of your seats...