The Zoo, Miss A's request to see Soundsuits @ CAM Miss Kelly's, tuckpoint project continues and A Day in Pompeii @ CMC

 We had an hour to kill late  Monday afternoon so Audrey and I went to the zoo.  This is not a great picture but I included as Miss A said "smile elephant" when I took it.

 Below is Miss A climbing to touch the evergreen tree outside the safari restaurant.

 The tuck point job continues this week at our house.  They are doing a great job but it is somewhat noisy.  Audrey greets the contractors each day with a cheerful "hello  workers!".

 Tuesday she surprised by requesting to go see the soundsuits at the art museum.  It was rather convenient for me as I needed to buy my yoga pass that day too so we walked up there after her nap.  In the picture above she was watching the artist Nick Cave dance in his soundsuits (no way for me to explain) and she kept saying "this is interesting".  Just stunned me.  And prompted me to think about taking her to the new Pompeii exhibit opening Friday at the Museum Center.

 Wednesday at breakfast before Miss Kelly's library class.   Audrey has been congested but fine otherwise.  I on the other was starting to feel miserable particulary on this day.

 So we stayed home Wednesday afternoon and Thursday... well except running a few errands.

  Look no hands.  Impressive for this little "safety girl".

  Thursday night after dinner we walked in the garden to see what has started blooming (crocus and hyacinths, daffodil and tulips are poking up too).  We also saw just how much clean up we are going to have to do soon.

Friday morning John came with us to the Museum Center to see "A Day in Pompeii".  We really enjoyed the exhibit.  My mom and I traveled to Italy in 1984 and took a walking tour of Pompeii.  One of the things I remember about that tour was it was 112 degrees that day but not so uncomfortable as the humidity was very low. 

 We toured in the morning as we are expected to get some severe storms this afternoon.

 There were three 8 minute videos throughout the exhibit. 

 Stickers and a book helped keep Miss A entertained.

 Afterwards we went to the Bar and Grill for lunch.

 Miss A the shameless double dipper for ranch dressing.

Home again

 Miss A in the lobby of the hotel on Sunday morning as we were getting ready to head to the airport.  It was such a great trip and were sad to say goodbye to our friends.

Although it appeared Miss A was going to sleep on the way home this was a short cat nap and she became a little fussy for the trip home.

  It was a pretty day so we decided to take the ferry home from the airport.

Sunday night was Paula's Oscar party.  After I put Audrey to bed I had just enough time to run to Paula's and make it before Billy Crystal's opening monologue.

These are pictures from the next day, when we went to Paula's for leftover dinner.  I am so impressed with her creativity.

  This is one of my favorites.

  These pictures don't do the party justice as there was a lit up runway and professional photographer (one of our new friends from Pilgrim).  The runway entrance would have had a red carpet too except Paula had a flat tire that day and accidentally left in the trunk of her car.  The party was a blast and just like last year I said there would be no way I would stay until the end and once again I did.

  Paula loves George Clooney and I prefer Brad Pitt.  So there were Clooney pictures all over her house, including the bathroom) and this lone Brad picture.  I used George as my coaster.  They both lost that night.

 Miss A eatting picnic style at Paula's the next day.  Notice the squatting position to eat.  Kids.

  Coloring with Paula in the fun birthday hat.

Trip to Texas Part III Elmo Birthday Party

 Saturday morning started with a morning swim at the hotel pool.  Well, in theory at least for Miss A who decided she would rather watch people swim. 

The birthday party started at Chloe's house at 3:00 that afternoon.

Below is a picture of the birthday girls eating dinner.

 And then they both opened gifts.

 I included this picture only because it shows the outfit best.

Below Miss A is checking out one of Chloe's gifts with Mr Don and Grandma Margaret.

 Then the birthday girls had cupcakes.

  Can you believe the decorations.   Adorable. 

On the rockers with travel pillows given to them by Kay.

Below is a candid picture of Audrey and Chloe's cousin Ashley I thought was sweet.

Chloe and Audrey sang "happy birthday" to themselves while they were playing next to the fireplace.

Trip to Texas Part II

 Miss A getting current in the hotel lobby Friday morning.

 Before we headed to Dallas for a day at the World Aquarium.

 I thought this building was pretty cool.  Apparently Ross Perot and family have donated half the cash to build this $100M + Nature and Science Museum.

 Chloe and Audrey with their fathers watching the manatees at the aquarium.

 Miss A feeding a toucan a blueberry.  She has been talking about this for days.

 Random cuteness in the rain forest.

 Miss A talking to Mr. Don (aka Chloe's daddy).

 We were there for the otter feeding time. 

Lots of hugging which was unprompted by the adults.

  Back at Chloe's house and playing with Uncle Raymond!

Chloe was incredibly generous with her toys as well as her family too.

After dinner Friday night the girls tried on these adorable birthday outfits.   Sandra made these for r for the joint B-day party we celebrated the next day.