The Cochranes in Texas

Camp Half Blood tickets

2012-01-17T11:43:00.002-06:00

There is a bookstore in Austin called "Half Price Books" and they run summer camps for kids. One of the most popular ones is Camp Half Blood where the author of the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series, Rick Riordan, comes along too. The kids make swords and do mythical stuff and generally have a great time. In fact it's so popular that the tickets sell out quickly. Very quickly. Very, very quickly. In fact so quickly that people couldn't get tickets the day after they went on sale.

I was dispatched to the shop to buy two tickets for Alex and Ben and I dutifully got up at 5am on a Saturday morning and arrived at the bookstore to join the queue. The end of the queue was only a few yards away from the book shop entrance, unfortunately it had already gone round the block to get to that point! It was actually some 200 yards or so long already and the doors weren't going to open until 9am. I heard that some people at the head of the queue had been there since 2pm the previous day. That is dedication to your kids. The relentlessly cheerful organisers did provide hot coffee and some doughnuts which was appreciated by all.

This year the tickets did not sell out before the end of the queue, as they had on previous occasions and what you see below is the result of a 6 hour wait.

The boys are excited about going to camp, becoming Roman deities, fighting each other and running around with their home made swords and axes this summer.

Baranoff science evening

2012-01-17T11:14:00.006-06:00

A few pictures that I took at Baranoff school's science evening:

Ben looking a bit sheepish!

Alex wanting to get back on the playscape with his friends.

Ben generating gas with baking soda and vinegar.

Alexanders trip to Marble Falls

2011-11-29T21:10:00.001-06:00

Alex went away with the school for an adventure camp trip, he had a blast and now wants to do more camps where he stays over night.

Bens birthday

2011-11-29T20:55:00.001-06:00

we put up an arch of balloons in halo colours of purple, green and black..it did look spectacular..Jack not so keen to blow up 250 balloons

Cara arrived straight from working a night shift, to give Ben his present before school

I had lunch with Ben at school, he is wearing the T-shirt Alex made him for his birthday..Ben is a ketchup king

we had a fun few days for Ben's birthday, it landed on a Thursday, so that night we had a few special people over for a birthday tea of Tortallini, Ben's choice. so it was a late night, the following day Ben had a party at Blazer Tag, with lots of his friends, and then 11 stayed over that night..madness must be my middle name, and then on the Saturday morning once everyone had had breakfast and left Ben opened all his presents and had a fun weekend enjoying them.

Ben requested a Halo cake..so this is my creation

Ben opening his present from his Granny...it was lego..his granny knows what he loves ( thanks mum for making it special)

Niagara Falls

2011-11-29T20:38:00.001-06:00

what a fun day, we caught a coach to Canada, which took about 45 minutes, went through customs and then got off the coach in the town of Niagara, walked through it, it is very alive and enjoyable to see, great for people watching. we all had such fun, so much we missed our bus home, had to run across the bridge back to America, so can now say we have walked from Canada to America..missed our bus and had to get a VERY expensive taxi back to the hotel!! but laughter was definitly part of the day.

Since we are from Texas and are in the middle of a major drought, the mist from the falls was delightful. The cold weather was fun as Cara and I got to wear coats and long trousers and hats and gloves, they do not see the light of day normally,

this is in the Hard Rock cafe, Cara loved it, she laughed so much..Cara is collecting all the t-shirts..

Buffalo

2011-11-29T20:27:00.001-06:00

Alison trying on Cara shoes..she has never looked so tall

Cara enjoying a hotel breakfast, she loves buffet breakfasts..we were in the Hyatt

me in front of city hall, where part of Ghostbusters was filmed

and my gorgeous daughter in front of city hall

Cara and I in Buffalo with Alison...so much fun

2011-11-29T19:58:00.001-06:00

the tree house Allan build this summer, covered in balloons and kids

we made planes from flowers and decorated the decking

Jo's birthday cake

guess who's birthday cake

the table was laid as a runway, and laden with food

the party favours, hand made and full off orange and turquoise jelly bellies

our Friend Paul, painted this picture

my man and me

us ladies enjoying a chat plus wine

the birthday boy

Allan had a birthday party to celebrate his 44th birthday, I did a joint one with our friend Jo, the theme was orange and turquoise and aviation. The house looked great, we held the party outside mainly, and everyone got into the spirit of the event.

2011-11-29T19:53:00.001-06:00

Jack on Halloween, he went to school as Brave heart in his full kilt outfit

Jack and Tabby, at Allan's birthday party

what have we been doing

2011-11-29T19:28:00.001-06:00

hello all, it has been far too long since i posted, but life has been busy and not always in a productive way, so blogging does not always happen.
Allan has been abroad again on business, UK and France, Cara and i went of to Buffalo NY, for a long weekend to see Alison who flew in for work. We had a great time, visited Canada, Niagara falls, drank, ate and loved being with Alison. i post pictures of our time there.
Alex has been busy with soccer and his team won every match this season, but when they went to Regionals, they were not so lucky, we are very proud of them all.
Benjamin has been enjoying chess, as has Alex, they love competitions and their weekly classes, and now want 1 to 1 training, so i can see that happening after Christmas. They are also going to start karate, lots more running around the place.
Jack has a part time job, is in his final year at school and is loving his weekly Marine training sessions.
Cara has her own apartment and lives not far from us now. but is enjoying independence, although I am sure I see more of her now she does not live here!!

school is back

2011-08-28T07:51:00.000-05:00

The summer is over and school is back. They have been back a week, and seem to enjoy there new teachers and love seeing friends.
For us it has been a hot week, reaching 110f (43c) this weekend, and the school run to cycle home is always fun..luckily for me, Allan is on his last week of sabbatical and has been doing all of the school runs, I am back on duty next week.
My dad arrives on Tuesday for a fortnight, Allan has a big birthday party on his birthday, which we are doing jointly with a friend, Jo, whose birthday is also September..actually i am doing the whole party..they are just an excuse to host a party, as neither of them ever wish to be the center of attention. Not that I do, but I do love filling my house with friends and making memories. parties work for me. Decorations are underway..it is going to be a lot of fun..and if Allan or Jo read this YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
it is t-shirt time of year, I am in charge of the PTA spirit wear, and that is launching this week as well, this year i want all orders in, order placed, merchandise back and delivered before Ben's birthday..last year it was hard work. i was icing his cake and people were knocking at the door wishing to change things...screaming did not help.

I went to my first graduation

2011-07-30T04:59:00.000-05:00

This is Cara best friend Haley, Cara , Jack and I went to her Graduation, while Allan took the boys to a swim meet. All go at that time of year. somewhere there is another picture of Jack and I with Haley, but I can not find it now.

alex birthday

2011-07-30T04:54:00.000-05:00

For Alex's birthday this year he had a sleepover with 14 boys, and we bought in Lazer tag to our garden. it was a night event, from 9-11pm, then they fired candy from a cannon, we all sang Happy Birthday to alex and the boys settled down for a movie..a long night I can tell you.

my Birthday party

2011-07-30T04:50:00.000-05:00

Jack and I on the night

my dress, i had it made with Cochrane clan tartan my dad had given me for Christmas in 2006

The bar the morning after..we had a huge range of whiskeys

The front entrance

my wreath

the bar

from the back yard looking up to the decking the morning after

I turned 45 this year and we held a party, the theme was Scotland and everyone came appropriately dressed. The house and decking was all themed, I even made a wreath for the front door with different tartans.

dad was out here in February

2011-07-30T04:34:00.000-05:00

dad popped out again in February and Allan and the boys all took him to Fredricksburg to the Nimitz museum. Fun was had by all, although the boys go around it quickly, they will keep going around it, so visitors can enjoy it, just not with A and B at there side. a little disconcerting at times. They then went off and ate as dad was hungry and enjoyed a fun day out.
Fredricksburg is one of my favourite places, great shops, a lovely boardwalk, so much character and it feels alive, I just love taking people there. On this occasion i did not go as I was hosting a Stampin'Up event, so I got the peace and quiet of Austin

how hot

2011-07-30T04:27:00.000-05:00

Austin is hot at the moment, but the USA is getting fairly hot anyway. we are expecting a cold front today, down to 100F..yeah. As we are off to ARM's family day at Volente Beach, which is a water park on Lake Travis. the boys love that and the jet skis are lots of fun. Hopefully I will remember to post some picture so you can see what they are up too.

now Bens turn

2011-07-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

and yes he ate this all himself..Alex did the same with his one. roadtrips must make you hungry..i ended up with no pizza as the waitress dropped mine on the floor, and i could not wait for a new one to be cooked.since I was driving, it was dark and on roads I did not know, I did not wish to try and drive and eat..so hungry was I, but am sure it did me no harm!

last day on the road

2011-07-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

Alex had my iphone and was making mini video and as you can see taking self photo's...

Lunch in Colo springs

2011-07-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Ben was in charge of photo's, and as you can see he did a good job, Lisa house is in the foothills of the Rockies, so Alex was thrilled. Lisa had said she has a bear that likes her decking and she thinks it is after her tomatoes ..so the boys went hunting for the bear ( I am just glad they did not find it!!)

It was a lovely break from the drive and was such a beautiful area as well.

CO state capitol

2011-07-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

The trip home

2011-07-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

Allan had to fly off to France for business, so the boys and I drove home ourselves. We took three days and split the journey roughly in too 8 hours of driving and 500 miles a day. It did not quiet work out like that, but we had fun and fitting in two more Capitol buildings, Wyoming and Colorado.

outside the Wyoming Capitol building

we asked a lovely lady to take one of us all

We had lunch with a friend in Colorado springs and generally enjoyed the journey.

This is the Stampin'Up Convention highlight video

2011-07-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

It was so much fun again and this year I am on the video because i won..you get a brief moment of me..but it shows you what fun we have in Salt Lake City when you put 5000 crafters together.

what was I doing in SLC

2011-07-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

well I had gone for Stampin'Up convention and had a ball. it was a wonderful time, meeting friends I made last year and more of the team, who I only see at events. lots to do, talk about, drink, eat and of course swop cards and make cards.

the high light for me was winning the Stamp room make over..Stampin'Up CEO and her two daughters (plus a couple of guys to help) are coming to our house and totally redoing my craftroom..and I am thrilled.

This is me on the big screen receiving the prize, i was so overwhelmed i wa shaking, but to say i am thrilled is an understatement..so excited.

Salt lake City

2011-07-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

at the Capitol building

at the Salt lakes..with lots of flies

at the zoo, they have a dinosaur section as Utah is famous for dinosaur remains being found

playing in the gateway shopping centre, where water is always a winner

Alex and Allan zip wiring and photographer Ben

The boys had loads of fun in SLC, they went to the zoo, the pioneer park, Park city ( where the olympic village is), discovery zone ( like an interactive museum for kids), to the salt lakes and of course the capitol building itself, so here are a few pictures for you to all enjoy.

still journeying along ( is that a word!)so

2011-07-17T22:05:00.000-05:00

So many interesting rocks in Utah, lots of flat land with rocks sticking up, they are spectacular to look at

Just to show we have now made it to Utah..did i show the NM or CO ones??

this was a cafe/shop , so funny..not sure you should disface nature, but

more rock formations

We made it to Utah, and the scenery changed once more, not like NM , flatter with huge rocks. You can decide they look like things..like the game we use to play with clouds.
This was another long day, and we had started it early with a 3 mile run, and then a visit to the capital building..so by now on the journey we are exhausted. but we made it to our hotel by 11.30pm..Allan had done all the driving, as I am driving us back now...whist i type this, evenings in hotel rooms do allow you to blog, where as life does not usually give me many spare moments.

Colorado here we come

2011-07-17T05:56:00.000-05:00

This is the sign as we enter into CO

What is this falling from the sky

We went into some very interesting weather..lots of rain, ( that will be why it is so green), lightening forking down and very wet roads...we are not use to this anymore.

lunch time

2011-07-17T05:52:00.000-05:00

This is a plate of fries covered in green chilli sauce with cheese, lettuce and toms on top

We are about to enter Colorado!! first for all of us, flying through the airport does not count..

we are now leaving, shots of NM

2011-07-17T05:46:00.000-05:00

The reason you need to see these are so you get a feel for the terrain in NM, because as we headed north on HWY 84, towards Colorado, the view from our windows changed .

Santa Fe part of the trip

2011-07-17T05:42:00.000-05:00

The house have a very distinctive look to them. Flat roofs, low and in natural colous

This was a beautiful church we found in The old part of town, so charming

This is more houses

Old town Santa Fe was so charming, I would love to go and stay there for a few days and explore

We went and drove around the old town, actually we went to Starbucks to try and get me a mug, as i collect them from all over the world. But fell in love with the quaintness of it, the small boutiques, and other assortment of stores. If you visit us, a trip to Santa Fe should be fitted in at some point ( it is only 12 hours away!!)

Still in santa Fe

2011-07-17T05:32:00.000-05:00


My boys..but you are meant to be looking at the huge planters...I want some that size!

My boys..

isn't this brass works beuatiful


This is the boys and i helping the boys and girls of days past play pulling..

We had fun going around the Capitol, the boys run off some energy..Allan and I did not need too as we had gotten up early and run 3 miles that day already. So meandering around the building was fine for us. I of course got my Capitol building Christmas decoration, so my Texas tree on the decking this Christmas will have more decorations...and of course I am hoping I will have the shot gun cartridge lights done as well. Only been waiting 2 years. I have the cartridges. I have the lights, now I need allan to make them work. I of course could buy them, but this seemed more sensible to make them. I am prodding him along now so i might have them who knows

Santa Fe part of the trip

2011-07-17T05:22:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures of the Capitol building, it was round and looked very beautiful. the amount of artwork inside was lovely to see, well maybe not for the younger two, but Allan and i enjoyed it.

We have been on a road trip

2011-07-17T05:15:00.000-05:00

Hello all, we have been away on a roadtrip again. This time we drove to Salt Lake city, in Utah. The mileage is about 1500 miles each way, and getting here we did two 12 hour days, driving to Santa Fe, in New Mexico the first day and all the way to SLC the next. i leave to get us home today, but without Allan as he has to fly on business to the South of France. So the boys and I are driving home over 3 days, today i will drive to Denver and Monday to Amarillo and then home to Jack and the pets on Tuesday. One reason, and the main reason we are going home that route is because I will cross the Rockies and Alex is desperate for us to do that. He has been since we got here, and although he has ahd sightings of them...to him the Rockies and Colorado are one and the same. So we will have three days of 500 miles a day, about 8 hour drivings.
We are as you know trying to visit all 50 States and visit there Capitol buildings, so Santa Fe is the capital of NM, and SLC is the capital of UT and Denver is the capital of CO, so this trip we have ticked off ( and in America you do not tick, you check) ..well by mid-morning Monday we will, as we will have walked around the Capitol.

What have we been doing here in UT ..well I have been at the Stampin'Up convention and Allan and the boys have been sight seeing. So i will blog smaller posts with photo's now so you can see some of the things we have all been doing. But the high light, and I think I can say for all of us, was that I won he Stampin' Up competition to have my craft room made over by Stampin' Up co-founder and CEO Shelli Gardner with her two daughters. I do not have the full details yet, but I will keep you all in the loop about this amazing prize.

We are heating up nicely

2011-05-25T13:31:00.001-05:00

The weather man warned us yesterday that we have a cold front coming in on Thursday morning and it is going to drop our highs to 91f.. How will we cope, better get the jerseys out:-)

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Allan is responding

2011-05-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

So now I know he gets a message when I post.. He is meant to be working!!! But we are grateful for the pictures

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Swim team is back

2011-05-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

So we are back to that time of year, swim team meets Monday to Thursday and then there is a swim meet against another team every Saturday. Our first home meet was on Saturday, Allan was down at the pool on the Friday night and then 6am on the Saturday. The Boys went down for 7.30, early starts to try and avoid the heat of the day.

They both did very well and Ben won one of his races and volunteered to take someone else's place when they panicked about doing butterfly. Then asked, what is butterfly? After a 20 second demo out of the water , his race was called and in he went.. He did a wonderful job, we were all so proud of him, it is not an easy stroke and you would never have known he had not done it. He came second and his only comment was it was hard work! Love that boy.

Alex had a good day as well.. I do not have photos of it, will ask Allan but since I am sitting at swim practice now I will take a photo or two.

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Alex back from his school trip

2011-05-23T16:23:00.001-05:00

Alex has been away with the school to Port Aransas, which is south of us on the gulf coast
He had a great time, went out on a boat and learnt lots about Marine life. This trip was after studying marine life for science this semester.
They stayed at the university of Texas marine division. Alex assures us the food in the Halls was brilliant.

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Dinner at Red Lobster

2011-02-27T17:33:00.001-06:00

All waiting for our meal, but our wine has arrived.

Had a wonderful day at SeaWorld but ready got the spa when we get home...

Lots of walking, fresh air and it hit 90f... But fun and the boys has a blast

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The Azul show

2011-02-27T14:01:00.001-06:00

Beluga whales and dolhpins

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Food.. Well ice cream and churro's

2011-02-27T13:56:00.001-06:00

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Last night on the town

2011-02-27T11:54:00.001-06:00

We are ready to rock and roll.. A lovely meal at Bess Bistro on 6th and then a horse and carriage ride for an hour.. A wonderful evening .

Allan dropped us downtown and then collected us, so spoilt , we drank a bottle of bubbly rose..

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SeaWorld

2011-02-27T11:47:00.001-06:00

Alison and the boys.. About to go into the Shamu show

Just arriving at the park..

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The runners

2011-02-26T20:39:00.001-06:00

Lots of fun and a good way to start a day

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Alison has arrived

2011-02-26T09:25:00.001-06:00

Alison arrived on Thursday evening, Ben and I collected her from Austin airport, and she has been relaxing and enjoying since.

Last night we both went to the Alamo Draft house, which is a cinema with every second row of seats removed and a table put in.. They have a menu and a keep delivering you items while you watch the movie .

We watched The Kings Speech, had a bottle of wine, nachos and guacamole with pitta and veg.

Now this morning we have Alison up and doing the final lap of Marathon for kids at the Tony Burger stadium.

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The Tennesse Capitol Building

2011-01-21T11:28:00.000-06:00

So we dashed during my lunch break on Thursday downtown to the capitol building..we have been spoilt with the Texas one and the California one..it was not so impressive, but the people were lovely and it was good to see it.

I am learning to make Spanish rice

2011-01-17T16:22:00.001-06:00

So my wonderful cleaner, GuDelia is teaching me how to make Spanish rice. Gudelia made it for our new years eve party and it was delicious, so now I am learning.

The secret that I can see is to liquidize the tomatoes ( x2 Roma) garlic cloves(x3) and about a finger size of onion. Put three teaspoon of chicken stock powder in as well and about 16 oz of water..ah forgot the teaspoon of cumin

Cook the rice in about 2 tablespoons of oil-with a clove of garlic and lump of onion until it turns light brown, then add the liquid .. Adding more if needed. Keep it uncovered.. It takes about 15 minutes..

Delicious

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More...

2011-01-13T06:48:00.000-06:00

This is the snooker room..it is totally covered in material

This si the coridor leading upstairs from the snooker room, and it is covered, floor and ceiling with this , fairy disgusting, green material, meant to look like grass..we are heading to the jungle room. The green 'stuff' was used to help the sound in the room.as it was used as a recording studio for a while.

the jungle room

Lisa Marie favourite chair

more photo's

2011-01-13T06:42:00.000-06:00

His parents bedroom, this is downstairs next to the formal living room

This is the kitchen, where they say it was always producing southern food, as the house was always alive with people

We are in the basement now, this is the TV room. it has three TV's on one wall so he could keep up with all the news channels.his music collection was also down here

On the wall is Elvis logo and motto. TCB, Take Care of Business. he always had a lightening bolt with the initials. He believed in family first and taking care of business. that came through very strongly on the tour

Graceland's

2011-01-13T06:35:00.000-06:00

Well, we made it there, and I must say, even if you are not a huge Elvis fan. it is well worth the visit. so much history, feelings, and just a part of our history now. the world over knows Elvis and it is nice to be able to say 'I have been to Graceland'.

Memphis is not what i expected, it is very run down, and has the unkempt feel to it, down town is sad, boarded up stores, police station, restaurants, littler on the ground and not much foliage about the place. I have spend a few days now in Memphis and it is not coping well with this recession. There is homeless people and you feel sad at how it is looking, but the tourists sections just keep rolling, although they are not kept clean or vibrant either. so i hope Memphis does manage to pull through and regain some of its vibrancy.
Gracelands, which is named after the aunt of the previous owner. aunt Grace gave the house to her niece as a wedding present, when Elvis bought the house, for $102,500 he loved the name so kept it. It sits on Elvis Presley boulevard, also a badly maintained road, area etc, and across the way is a tourist trap for you all to spend loads of money. in such a small area, it is amazing how many shops they managed to fit in. It is where you get your tickets, ride the shuttle across to the main house, see the cars his two airplanes, and other exhibits to do with his clothing, movie career and Elvis himself.
It was laid out well, and you can get around it all easily, yes we shopped, i of course, got myself a christmas decoration, and then some bits for the kids, but over all we ahd a wonderful time.
I was pleasantly surprised by how small Graceland was. it truly was a family home and although his money would have bought him much more, from the family videos and notes , you get a feeling he loved Graceland's so much, it was his sanctuary.

i will post many pictures so you can all see, you can not go upstairs at all. that was for Elvis and his close family. It is said still today nobody has gone up there unless they are close family. it is kept private, as Elvis kept it. he never came downstairs unless he was ready to be seen, i like the fact they have kept part of him private.

Our excitement today

2011-01-12T07:32:00.002-06:00

so today we are off to Graceland's, then on to Nashville for 3 nights, i will post photo's later from Gracelands.
have a good day y'all

more Elvis

2011-01-12T07:31:00.000-06:00

Elvis statue at the top of Beale street

Elvis photo's

2011-01-12T07:19:00.000-06:00

We took many photo's of Elvis memorabilia..so here is some.

and on we went

2011-01-12T07:14:00.000-06:00

Our tour guide..he was great

A photo on the wall of Elvis in that very studio

Me with the same mike from the photo above..not sure i have the right stance

Allan also giving the Elvis look a go

So we then went and had lunch..i enjoy eating my way around the world..and enjoyed the hard Rock cafe..got the t-shirt and then carried on walking..down to Sun Studio, where Elvis first recorded. Now that is another great place to go. the tour guide was so passionate about his music history, it is still a working studio, which was fun and although it was only a 40 minute tour..it was fantastic.

We enjoyed the tour, took lots of photo's of rock and roll legends and soul singers..a great time.

photo's

2011-01-12T07:05:00.000-06:00


This is Allan	outside the FedEx Forum stadium and the Rock and Soul museum

The start of Beale street

Allan and Elvis in the visitors center on the banks of the Mississippi

Me and BB King

Day 3, memphis TN

2011-01-12T06:50:00.000-06:00

We arrived safely and had a good nights sleep, then we started day 3 walking, and kept walking all day. It was very cold ( actually as I write this it is -1F or -18 C outside..so damn cold for us, we have become soft while living in Austin) but we loved it, and walking was fun. The wind was bitter and there was not many people around, this is inclement weather for the southern states as well, and cafes and places were closed, but we found somewhere to have breakfast and walked by the Mississippi, discovered the Graceland's is closed on a Tuesday, Mud Island is closed for the winter and that we can adapt to what we can do very well.
Allan and I set off to walk to the Rock and Soul Museum, had a Starbucks along the way, trying to buy the Memphis mug, which was sold out ( the little Rock Starbucks said they did not do a Little Rock one..so bought a Starbucks mug and wrote little rock on the base with the date!!! I will not be thwarted in my quest for mugs!!)
The museum was amazing, really really good, so if any of you come to Memphis, you have to visit it, we loved it and learnt a lot, enjoyed the history and music.

was about to upload some photo's, and none there..I just uploaded them...ahhh..me and computers so will post this and go and try to find them..what this space

Our real day 2

2011-01-11T15:31:00.001-06:00

Well, yesterday was sent in a car. Really. It took us 14 hours to go 375 miles, really an awful journey . We kept going and reached our hotel just before 11pm last night. Tired but so happy to have arrived.
The journey was a tricky drive on ice and behind lorries and cars with no traction and sliding every which way.
At our hotel a fully functioning bar awaited us.. Oh yes.

Here are some pictures from yesterday.
Allan's arm reflection and a snowman out the window.. That is how slow we were going.. Kids had time to build them.

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Still on day 2

2011-01-10T10:15:00.000-06:00

So I named the last post day 2, when it clearly was day 1.. I was going to write more and bring you all upto date to today, but then remembered my phone is not always good at posting long posts and photos' so I posted .. So after Southfork we headed on towards Little Rock, AR, but the weather just kept deteriorating, so I rang our hotel in Little Rock and canceled it , and we stopped at Sulphur Springs.. A small town that had next to no restaurants open and is a dry town.. No alcohol for us last night. We ate at a place called Furrs.. Not great and they were closing at 7pm because of the weather.. The cinema was also closed , so back to our room, Allan watched The Fugitive and I crafted.. Need to make lots of swaps for Leadership in Nashville on Thursday and Friday .. A relaxing evening. , which I am sure a nice glass of wine would have added to.. But hey, we were warm and safe. The amount if Cars of the road was amazing. Driving in these conditions is not what they are use to. The cold front has past through and we now have the Arctic front coming for the next 36 hours. Atlanta airport is closed, what a great time to travel.

So we are behind, but happy, heading for Little Rock and the Capitol building, then onto Memphis tonight, hoping to visit Graceland tomorrow..home of Elvis

I wonder if I will be canceling that reservation and we end up somewhere else. As long as I am in Nashville by Wednesday night all will be good. And if I am lucky we will get there Wednesday afternoon to go around that Capitol building.

I am off to watch the snow and ice called a road.

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Day 2 of our week away

2011-01-10T10:01:00.000-06:00

We set off yesterday, later than we wanted, but the septic tank was working when we left which must please the kids!!!

It was not long before we hit the cold front and for the first time in a LONG time we are driving in ice and snow.

We stopped at Southfork Ranch, home of the TV series Dallas, the famous Ewings. But due to extreme weather conditions for the area they had closed early.

But I got to see it from behind the gates... Now I will have to have a girly weekend away with Cara and come back.. Cara of course will wonder why I need to see this place... But I live so close now.. I really ought to..

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Will's surprise birthday

2011-01-05T19:10:00.001-06:00

On the 18th of December we were in El Dorado Hills , CA for a surprise party, the theme was Raiders , as in Oakland, or silver and black.. As you can see A and B got raiders t-shirts and Allan and I went for the silver and black.. Great night, loved seeing friends again and we all had so much fun

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New Years Eve

2011-01-05T19:06:00.001-06:00

Allan and Steve.. Very dapper

Alan and Cara.. He was as always a great bar tender.. I think people come to my parties for his bar tending.. always great. This year it was Vodka martini's.. Made with a polish vodka in the most beautiful bottle I have ever seen

Friends..

We lit the garden with tea lights, I made the holders from jars and wire.. It looked lovely.. I need to make more for the next party.. my 45th.. How did that happen!!!

Kevin and I comparing knees, not sure I came off best..

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Christmas and New year

2011-01-05T18:58:00.001-06:00

This is the tree in the family room, the kids decorate this tree each year.. It gas the Disney ornaments that I collected from when Cara was born.. And this year Cara went to Disney land California , and gave Alex and Ben a new one for the collection.

This is the tree all the presents go under.. And Cara gave me a new ornament for my tree also from Disney.. It was Mickey's head outline made of small jingle bells.. Very nice indeed. This tree is the memory tree, it has the ornaments the kids have made each year, ones from when we go traveling and presents to me from family and friends..

This is our tree on the decking, our Texas tree, when I go and do the Tourist thing with guests I buy one, and each year I have been given the Christmas ornament from the Capitol building by friends, so this is our Texas tree now, the little two helped me put all the baubles on. The chocolate fountain are for our New years eve party.

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Back in the desert

2010-12-21T10:37:00.000-06:00

So we are really back in the desert about to cross into Arizona in the next hour and then New Mexico and tonight we will sleep in Texas, such a great feeling reaching our home state.. Boys are all about reaching Texas, they love crossing state lines.

Allan and I enjoy getting closer to home but hate the border controls.. If they just ask for identification we are good and pass through smoothly, if they ask are we US citizens, then the games begin.. Luckily we are in the system and it should all go smoothly...but the delay and being pulled over is always a nuisance .

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We have arrived in Palm Springs

2010-12-20T22:37:00.000-06:00

This is us at the Ghirardelli the factory.. They are sitting at the ice cream bar.. Christmas chocolates now purchased!!

This is them this evening in Palm Springs... Full of very delicious pizza ..

We are eating in a delightful family restaurant, Italian, after a long day in the car.. In the rain. We are NOT use to rain and cold.. Culture shock to us for sure.

The boys are still being so great about road trips.. The odd diversion to chocolate factories help.

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Will's surprise party

2010-12-20T10:47:00.001-06:00

We travelled up to El Dorado Hills for this party and had a lot of fun. Shame it was raining all the time but it did not spoil the fun. I will post better photos of us all when I get them from Jo, who is never with out a camera and does it so much better than me, and most others actually..

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Breakfast for my starving children

2010-12-18T08:42:00.001-06:00

Why do they always think they ate starving.. Ben had four plates of food.. Sausage and scrambled eggs( not forgetting the ketchup), yogurt, toast and jam, cinnamon roll and chocolate milk, apple juice...

As you can see.. Wasting away!!!

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Nearly at our destination

2010-12-17T19:59:00.000-06:00

Thank goodness, two days of traveling for 15 hours a day is hard, but worth it .

The boys have been wonderful and the beauty of technology does shine through on long trips. As does travel bingo... A winner.

Will update you all with mote when I can. Plenty of pictures to follow. Just not yet.

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In a waffle house for Breakfast

2010-12-17T07:49:00.001-06:00

We are having breakfast before heading back on the road for 15 hours.. But we will reach our destination tonight which is fantastic . I wonder how Jack is enjoying his first morning off school, and Vara with peace and quiet in the house.. Not a lot of quiet in our house normally.

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For my mum, who wanted to see the pictures

2010-12-12T10:45:00.000-06:00

Last night was ARM's Christmas party, we all had a lot of fun, here are pictures of Allan and I .

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Jazzercise

2010-12-05T10:04:00.000-06:00

So for those of you who don't know I go to Jazzercise every week, depending on my schedule, 3 or 4 times..I love it. It is so much fun. It has certainly helped my core and got my marathon time down considerable, because my posture is so much better...so this is us all ( well an awful lot of us) at the local Buda Fest, Buda is a town about 6 miles south of Austin, and they held a Christmas market, with live entertainment and all sorts of goodies to buy, eat, enjoy etc. It was beautiful day, in the 80's when we did our routine..It was meant to be a flash mob, so we were all meant to join in and look like part of the crowd, but they cleared the road, and announced us....not in my plans...anyway, fun was had by all of us.
The video has been done by Jo, who's blog is linked to mine if you have never looked at it you should, and Cara, they were at different sides, in fact Cara is in view at the very start as well..but we are not going to tell us which ones are us...

Jazzercise at BudaFest

2010-12-05T09:56:00.000-06:00

At Seaworld

2010-11-26T14:06:00.000-06:00

We are down at Seaworld instead of out with the crowds on the biggest shopping day of the year...will post from around the park.. Having a great few days off for fun.

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In the Spa

2010-11-25T17:27:00.000-06:00

Ending a wonderful day

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The table full if people

2010-11-25T15:04:00.000-06:00

Men are carving and they are waiting.. Already had soup and endive leaves filled with sweet potato and bacon topped with creme fraiche.. Now for Turkey!!

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Carving the Turkey

2010-11-25T14:59:00.000-06:00

It still let's you carve it...and is really juicy..

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Thanksgiving lunch.. Cooking the Turkey and the trimmings

2010-11-25T13:33:00.000-06:00

So lots of pictures , where we were drinking Champagne with friends, the stove cooking lots of delightful dishes, outside deep frying the turkey and Tex locked in her area so she can not get burnt by the oil...also the table ready for us to start eating the Thanksgiving feast in about 20 minutes... Hopefully will post more pictures for you all.. Alcohol consumption is the factor.. Temperature outside is 77.7f. The Spa is hot and today and tomorrow are national holidays.. Time for friends and food.. Yeah

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Alex did not wish to share his meal

2010-11-22T15:14:00.002-06:00

A praying mantis on our decking furniture .. The boys decided to let it have it's own chair.. And they did not share their chocolate milks or twinkies

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Our weather this week

2010-11-22T12:48:00.001-06:00

As you can see, we have a cold front coming in for Thanksgiving , but that is ok, as the kids are off school from Wednesday and it is picking back up next week.

We might light the fire in the family room on Thanksgiving just to check it out.. Have not lit it since Christmas day last year, but the Chimney has been swept so might give it a go if the temperatures are dropping.

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Out for a sunday morning walk

2010-11-21T09:12:00.001-06:00

At Zilker park, we went out for a walk, to help the boys make their marathon for kids again this year. that is where they have to walk/run 26 miles in 4 months, the opening ceremony was in October, and the closing ceremony is in February 2011. so this 5 mile walk adds to their total.

We are in the boat slip here, just walking down to the edge of Town Lake, at the start of the walk. I need to connect my phone so you can see other pictures from the lake, it was such a beautiful morning, with the temperature delightful, only in the 70's although the humidity was high, but you can't always win.

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Bens Thanksgiving performance

2010-11-18T19:03:00.001-06:00

Ben's class, Obermiller's otters. They all sang wonderfully, and enjoyed performing in front of family and friends. I was also selling coozies for the school at the performance, as i had some made up this year for the first time, and we are plugging them at the school performances. I was at family Fitness night the week before, so people are now starting to see them and buy them..which is good as i had to buy 250 as a minimum, so we need to sell them!

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Singing

2010-11-18T18:54:00.000-06:00

Ben is in the back row.. In lime green...

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Ben's Thanksgiving performance

2010-11-18T18:52:00.000-06:00

Words tomorrow...

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Our excitement today

2010-11-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

Today we are off to Homeland security..we all have to attend for " capture of our Biometrics'....I will let you know what that fully entails when we get home..or maybe while we are all sitting waiting..unless they are very efficient and it runs to time...who knows.

teh overview is finger prints, retina scans and maybe teeth imprints....will let you know what they do do!!!!

It is the first time we have taken the boys out of school during the day, because the system is very strict here for that, and if the kids have 10 unauthorized absences in a school year then we are in violation of Texas state law..the actual law is...The Texas compulsory school attendance Law ( chapter 25 of the Texas education code)..they then request the parents/guardians to attend trainings on why education is important...just not worth the hassle..so we just don't take them out of school..

Hallowe'en 2010

2010-11-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

So this year, we held a cove Halloween party, there are 7 houses in our cove, and we had a lot of fun. normally there is not a lot of trick or treating as the houses are quiet a distance from each other, so people tend to go to other neighbour hoods, but this year I organised us doing something together and inviting people to us. it was a lot of fun.and although i was really quiet ill running up to it, it still came together..and the neighbors really enjoyed the kids being around..so next year we will do the same and be better organised..

It does mean that i did not take photo's, as I was not just sitting around waiting for trick and treaters , Allan was dressed as a pirate again..and managed to do the 'voice' for about 4 hours..now that needs a round of applause..and for those of us listening..a lot of alcohol.

So the photo of Cara and Jamie ( Ben best friend) and his sister Bonnie, were taken by my friend, Jo Ann..so thank you Jo Ann for actually being on the ball and taking some photo's.

Bens school trip

2010-10-27T10:38:00.001-05:00

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Birthday Ben

2010-10-23T14:10:00.002-05:00

This is one of the water rides at sea World, you come flying down the ramp into the water, and it sprays more on the spectators standing here, than the people in the boat. Ben loved it , as did Alex. i am obviously getting old and boring because I stayed out of the way, sitting on the wall watching, photographing and holding the bags.

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Shamu show

2010-10-23T13:20:00.001-05:00

Here we ate.. In the splash zone!!!

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Ben's choice for lunch

2010-10-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

We are 2 miles from SeaWorld.. And early, so grabbing a quick lunch at TGI Fridays, we did go into IHOP, but the queue was unbelievable.. So Ben's second choice was here.. Just noticed that Alex has odd socks on..oh well not a lot I can do about that now.. They will both be wet soon anyway once they go on the rides..

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guess what is coming

2010-10-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

Witches flying past on broomsticks,
Black cats leaping here and there,
White-robed spooks on every corner,
Mournful moaning in the air,

Goblins peering out of windows
Spirit-things that rap and run-
But don't be scared-it's just October,
Having one last hour of fun!

everywhere is being decorated now, banks, doctors, schools, houses..will post more pictures soon

How did so much time pass

2010-10-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

I can not believe that I have not managed to put anything on the blog..although life has been crazy for weeks..Why did I have so many children..all doing different things..ahhh.

Well school has started, cara is in her freshman year, and seems to be enjoying campus life, although the system here says your first year must be MAths, English a language and US history..so she is NOT enjoying college algebra, and 5 hours of Spanish a week is proving interesting..but she is hanging in there.

Jack is now junior, and we ahve just had to pay $?? silly dollars for his graduation ring..i mean really, a graduation ring. If any of you thought this was a simple process-wrong- the options were a nightmare to start with-Step 1-choose your ring collection ( you can have womens and mens styles to match), step 2-choose your metal quality and finish..you can go upto gold 18k ( for all of you wondering. no Jack does not have a gold ring..white or yellow!!!), step 3-chose your engraving ( initials, signature, full name), step 4- chose your palmside( yes I had to be told what that was..polished or hand sculptured, step 5- choose your stone( Jack is emerald, apparently that is May) step 6- i hope you are alls till reading...choose your stone cut..4 choices, step 7- addition stone options--because you can have more than one stone....step8-choose your PRIDESIDE..well then you have over 500 options..everything you can think off to be proud off..from sports, to clubs, to subjects, to jersey numbers, zodiac, letters, activities, careers, pride flags, spirit, Jack went with the Union Jack..oh boy..it was a real eye opener for us. In fact the fact he wanted one was also a shock..but there you go..parents can be wrong..

Alex and Ben have started school with enthusiasm, although Ben is true to character and comes out everyday and says he has had a terrible day..worst off his life..but we ignore him and by the time we have cycled home, he is full of the great things he has done.

Alex has a new teacher to the school, and his first male teacher, but he is very happy..in fact he came out of school on his first day saying teh year was going to be great, as the teachers expectations were so low it was going to be a GREAT year..but on discussing what he had done that day, he had worked, but not seen it that way, and Mr Hickeson seems to have that ability. Alex's is still loving school and is learning, but feels it is a great year. I know the pressure on him this year is huge, he is not noticing the tests and requirements as a problem, from a mothers prospective..awesome..love Mr Hickerson..

Allan is working hard..well i would write that, just in case anyone from ARM should read this..but he is, and seems to be enjoying life in Austin..why wouldn't he with such a great family around him. We have reduced some of his worries..for example we have spent all his money so he does not need to worry about investments, we keep him exhausted so he does not have to worry about trying to get to sleep and we have a 'honey do' list, so he does not have to worry about remembering what jobs around the house need doing. He must be proud of us all.

we are heading for Ben's birthday, thanksgiving and Christmas, so lots of food to cook and friends to see, all fun.
Anyway, i had better get on with prepping for a card class I am running tomorrow..but just needed to put something on the blog.

Jack..the one and only picture from his hols

2010-08-27T11:28:00.000-05:00


Jack, Alison and Thomas

jack has spent the summer in UK, and Spain..and here he is in Spain having a fun day out with Alison and all the family..I will be framing this and having it on my wall..three of my favourite people all together

Jelly Belly factory

2010-08-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

here we are just before we actually entered the factory, they started giving us jelly belly's..we got to try the latest flavour of honey..it was good ..and as went around you tried them in different stages as well..it was really great to see,

The factory was not at full production, it was just coming back after two weeks off, for maintenance..but it was still a great tour. I bought Belly Flops, which are the Jelly Bellys rejects, when they are graded for size, shape colour, before they print jelly belly on, they get rid off the rest..and , of course, bag them and sell them..they are so good..the ones that fall on the floor are sold to the local farmers for fertilizer..no wastage at Jelly Belly

The Wild animal park-San Diego

2010-08-27T11:20:00.000-05:00

They always like his hair..he just loved it

Ben was nervous to start with..but as you can see feeding the giraffes was in the end, a great experience

just before we climbed into the safari truck and went out into the enclosures..we had three game wardens with us, and a gun..did make you think..but all was well..

LegoLand

2010-08-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

so this one was OK..then it started going down hill

this started slow and just got nasty..


I do not like fast rides...it is a fact, so why did I get on this and scare myself silly..

The Road Trip..more photo's

2010-08-27T11:11:00.000-05:00

We are on the train going up to the Grand Canyon..we stayed the night at Williams, an old town with lots of character..and caught the Grand Canyon railway up to see the spectacular views.

ARM summer do

2010-08-27T10:35:00.000-05:00

Allan and Alex about to go and speed across Lake Travis..

Alexander ready for action

We were all at Lunch..well not all Jack was in UK and Cara else where that day..but she would have loved to be with us( well the jet skis!!)

Ben and I ready to head out..blistering hot, and Ben just wanted to go faster..He loved it when I had water spraying everywhere..I hated it..but want to go out again and will..so much fun

ARM kindly sent out some pictures and I thought you would like to see them..a fun family day, we had never been up to Volente beach but will go again now..the boys loved the water rides..it is a water park with a small beach (which the sand was too hot to walk on!!)..it was a fun day..now we need to take all of them. Cara already knows she loves jet skis and goes out anyway with friends..now A and B are hooked..although I think Ben will opt for Allan next time..apparently I am just not fast enough.
Oh do you like my wonderful hat..I bought that at the Grand canyon..i love it..not sure about the rest of my family..and it is lime green so that is even better.

school is nearly back

2010-08-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

the holiday is nearly over, and the kids go back to school on Monday. I think they have had a fantastic holiday with lots going on. Jack is now back with us after two months in UK ( apart from two weeks in Spain) and has had a great time, he is full off stories and humour, he has been missed and it is wonderful to have all my children under one roof.

I am now planning for Christmas, Thanksgiving is first which is another family time food eating time, and we hope to have friends around again..it was such a great time last year, loads of food, drink, talk and laughter..and just plain old chillin'...I like thanksgiving, all the good bits of Christmas with out the presents.

I, as many of you will not be surprised, have started my Christmas shopping, and feel ready for that event, most of my Christmas cards are made and hopefully we will be enjoying a great family and friend holiday again. hint hint Jo and Alan.

I am so far behind with the blog I am not sure what is on there or not, I can see I will need to read the main blog to see what pictures would help you all catch up with our lives...which visitors have been out and friends and events we have been too.

Volente Beach

2010-08-07T15:30:00.001-05:00

It is the Arm summer family day, lots of water slides, we have just been on Jet Skies, Ben decided I did not go fast enough, Alex totally happy with Allan's speed. Off to do the slide out on the lake, you have yo swim to it and then go down into the lake.. Great day for the boys

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Grand canyon

2010-08-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

we went to the grand canyon on our way back from California, and it was spectacular..i flew over it recently as well on my way back from Utah, salt lake City, which was also an amazing sight.

I never seem to have time to finish this blog these days..i promise to spend more time on it next week and put loads of photos from our summer up there.

At the bar

2010-07-20T15:31:00.001-05:00

Heather and I at the bar in SLC ( salt lake city) . Actually the barman called Branden, was with Heather... I was taking the photo.

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Girls have been toobin'

2010-07-11T03:16:00.000-05:00

It is harder this year to have photo's as I am not with the girls, but they are having fun and doing so many things, although they all seem to be having a cold as well, which is not so good.
Yesterday they went Toobin' on the Guadalupe river and all had lots of fun. Today I believe they are going jet skiing om Lake Travis. They have been down to the outlet stores of San Marcos, to Congress and seen the costume store, Lucy in Disguise..such fun. They have check out the western wear shop as well, and been shopping up at the Mall. Oh I forgot on Friday they were kayaking down at Zilker, then went out for a chinese meal in the evening.
Lots of volley ball in the pool in the evenings is happening, with various friends turning up to join them, Alex and Ben are desperate for them to play with them, we had to put the net in this afternoon, so the friends we had over could all play, had a load of fun..I was watching from the steps, wallowing in the pool to keep cool with April and wine..seemed like a good plan to us, and the men helped them all, not even sure how many young kids were in the pool, 7 young ones I think until the toobin' gals got back and then lots of noise and chaos happened at the pool.

July 4 th

2010-07-04T18:22:00.001-05:00

We are having a pool party, burgers alcohol and friends.. A great day

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Everyone is now here

2010-06-30T13:44:00.001-05:00

Goodbye Kim.. Safe travels back

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