Forced hikes

I took Michael out to the Big Thicket National Preserve near Kountze, Texas. It's a little under an hour to drive there.

As I was strapping Michael into his seat, I asked Michael, "Are you ready for a little adventure?"

He responded, "No. A BIG adventure!" That's my boy!

We visited the Visitor Center, and we got a map of the park. The ranger suggested a "short" hike for us.

It was a great hike! A mile-and-a-half. A long trip for a little guy. I heard multiple times, "Mommy pick me up." But, he walked it all himself. (Of course we rested as needed and took water breaks.)

A big adventure indeed.

At the Visitor Center

Starting our hike

One of our water breaks

Curiosity--I love it! We saw some frogs and lizards.

On the trail

Dinos at the Zoo!

Last week, David, Michael, and I met David's grandma and her husband (Linda and Ken) for a morning at the Houston Zoo. The zoo has a dinosaur exhibit right now.

That was our first stop. There was a love/hate thing going on for Michael and the animatronic dinos. Yes, they were cool. Very cool. But, they also moved, and that was scary. He was both fascinated and horrified. He made it through the entire exhibit, and he happily talked about the dinosaurs for the rest of the day. He says he wants to go back, so we haven't scarred him for life. Plus, later on in the day, he "rode" a dinosaur that was out for children to play on. (It didn't move.)

Afterwards, we all met Jill (David's aunt) for lunch at Barnaby's.

Michael's favorite dinosaur of the moment, Bracchiosaurus. That terrified look is because the T-Rex is right around the corner!

An Elmo Party

I took Michael to the #2 Birthday Party of one of his preschool mates.

The theme was "Elmo."

There was a kiddie pool set up, which Michael had lots of fun splashing around in.

Also, there was a piñata. Now, Michael has never done one before, but he caught on quickly. You whack the thing. (Even better if it has a picture of Elmo on it. I think parents wouldn't have minded taking a hit.)

Lots of fun for MDC3! (And birthday boy too, of course!!)

Pool fun

Pointing out to the birthday kid how to hit the piñata

Taking a whack

Worth the effort!