People will talk about you when they envy you and the life you lead. Let them. You affected their life. Don't let them affect yours.

The other day I was laying in bed waiting to drift off into zzzzzzz land and I couldn't help but think about each one of the kiddos. I have this huge desire for them to be happy. Okay, sure everyone wants to be happy but I couldn't help but replay their belly laughs in my mind and I realized I will stop at nothing to make these three kids HAPPY. Some people say that all parents want their kids to be healthy, happy, successful, etc but I'm here to say that is not true. I often think that lines get crossed and the parent makes the mistake of putting themselves before their children. Don't think it's true? Then why do parents not raise their own children, why do other people step up to the plate and raise them, why are kids not defended, supported? You see, to really put someone ahead of yourself is to commit your life, not just until they are grown and moved out, but your life to your children. Yes things will change and you won't be doing their laundry at 25 (at least I won't be) but you never stop wanting the very best for them and never stop loving them. I'm not saying I'm the world's greatest parent because I'm not. I pretty much do something I probably shouldn't every single day but one thing will never change, I want happy kids that are not damaged.
Ricky and I are so very sad and so very happy, thankful, blessed, you name it that the kids are nearly 3. They help dress themselves (Madi dresses herself and Gracie... all. day. long.) Gracie and Madi put their shoes on, they pick up their toys, feed themselves, help bathe themselves... they are pretty self sufficient. They understand things like what is going on in a movie, what we are saying, etc. Their vocabulary is expanding everyday, and they are just older. Their looks and everything. I still feel like it's only been a year since they were born. The past almost 3 years have gone in the blink of an eye and I just want things to slow down. I'm still thinking it's February and here we are and it's nearly May! I mean where does the time go? I think we are so blessed that Ricky is able to see them so much and I'm able to stay at home with them. I couldn't imagine how things would be if I was away all day and Ricky worked during the day.
We've got a very busy week with an appointment everyday. Madi stayed home from school today because she wasn't feeling very well. I took her to the doctor and she is now taking her inhalers and on medication to help. My back is much better and the pain is very tolerable.
I found out the place we will be staying in San Antonio. It's a 5 star resort and looks absolutely amazing! I think it said there are 5 pools and they have activities for kids every day, trails to walk along, smores every night around a camp fire, and get this... they have a baby sitting area for the kids so the parents can go to one of the many bars, restaurants, etc. WHOO HOO!!!
Oh, this is day FIVE of no soda!!
KP

She speaks a language all her own just a little like her mother and she knows I love her so when I tuck her 'neath the covers - Jimmy Buffett "Delaney"

We've decided a couple major things the past couple days. The biggest being we will take the entire summer off from all therapy!!! WHOO HOO!!! We are so excited about this. This will be the first time since the kids have been home from the hospital to have this type of break. I'm looking forward to the kids doing swim lessons, library visits, park time, and stuff that does not require a schedule!
The other thing is we are doing a major budget overhaul. That's always fun... not really. UGH! We really don't want to go in any debt for either one of us to go to school. Ricky's tuition is free but the books are very expensive. Oh well, it's a small sacrifice for a huge reward when it's all said and done.
Something really AWESOME happened the other day. A couple weeks ago DARS contacted me and asked if we'd like to be submitted to a conference type thing they were having. They said it would be a long shot if we were selected because on a number of families could go and it was for all of Texas. I said sure since we'd never gone to anything like that but didn't put too much on it because of the circumstances. Well... Brody's name was selected!! We got the call on Thursday. The entire family is going back to San Antonio in June for a Thursday- Sunday all inclusive including our gas, food, hotel, etc. The first day we get there is a free day, the second day we'll be all day at Morgan's Wonderland that amazing amusement type park for kids with disabilities, the third day will be a conference type setting full of helpful information on visually impaired children, etc. and the fourth day we head home. I cannot believe this. I'm so excited to learn more about how we can better help Brody as his parents but also for his schooling, and even how his sisters can help him. We might stay an additional day or so and head to San Marcos or Austin since it's so close. There are a couple places we'd like to see out that way. It will depend because Ricky and I will both be in school and I know one of his classes is Monday- Thursday. Plus our new little budget plan... see it stinks being responsible.
I'm feeling much better. Thank goodness!
In other news our washing machine and dish washer went out in the same day. Ricky was unable to fix the washer so we had to go buy another one. He hasn't had a chance to look at the dish washer yet but I hope he can fix it because there are so many other things I'd rather spend money on than appliances!
The kids are doing really well. Their vocabulary is really taking off the past couple weeks. Ricky and I are very impressed with where they are. Love those Littles!

KP

God's plan for your life far exceeds the circumstances of your day.

Monday afternoon I hurt my back really bad. By that night I was unable to walk or lift my legs. Brody's major appointment was Tuesday and I joked I was going to be there even if I needed a wheel chair. Tuesday morning I was able to walk barely. I got myself to the shower and remember having the shower on but not being able to breathe. The next thing I know Ricky is standing over me yelling at me and I was on the floor of the shower. Never in my 26 years have I passed out. He helped me up and I laid on the bed for a few minutes then got up to get ready for Brody's appointment. Well Ricky said forget the appointment he was taking me to the hospital. Off we went. We got there and immediately took me in for an EKG and put me into a room. The doctor came in right away asked a couple of questions and started ordering test. They started an IV, did blood work, I gave a urine sample, and started ordering test. They also gave me Morphine for my back pain which didn't even touch the pain just made me tired. They said I had to do a CAT scan of my chest to rule out blood clots. Let me just say that test sucks. They inject you with this stuff that burns the inside of your body and makes you feel like you are peeing yourself. They also ordered a number of XRays of my chest and spine along with a MRI of my spine. The MRI sucked too. They gave me more Morphine and after that didn't touch the back pain either I told them not to give me any more pain medicine because I didn't want to take those drugs since they were not working. After 3 bags of fluid and all those test we had a diagnosis; my L5 S1 in my lumbar was bulging. The doctor said I'm really lucky it wasn't pinching any nerves because that would warrant surgery right then. He thinks I passed out because of dehydration and severe pain. I also have a mild UTI. At first they said I would have to stay the night but once they found out it was a bulging disc and I had a chiropractor, I was able to leave. We spent 7+ hours in the ER.
I learned 2 very important things Tuesday. The first was how scary it must be for the kids to go through those test or just going to the doctor in general. I knew it must be a scary thing for them but I have a new even bigger appreciation. The second is while they were ruling out everything under the sun that I could have, it made me realize how much we need to focus on being healthy and trying our hardest to prevent xyz. I want to be here to watch my kids grow old and have their families and I want my best friend by my side. In other words enough of the sodas, eating out, not getting enough sleep, anxiety, etc.
when we got home I went straight to bed and slept 17 hours. I guess all the pain medication finally got to me. I went to the chiropractor Wednesday morning and he adjusted my back. I thought I was going to die during that but it was nice to have the electro probs hooked up afterwards. It basically mildly shocks your back in certain areas. He said I have to go 3x a week for 4 weeks. Oh and I get to wear a really cute fashionable back brace. My back hurts so bad that I don't care how ugly it is because I'm wearing it.
I am waiting on the GI clinic to call me back to reschedule Brody's appointment. They said they didn't have anything and would have to meet with the doctor to figure out how soon they could get him in.
I can't believe this happened but I really can't believe this happened on a day so important as the day of Brody's appointment. I feel really bad Ricky found me like that but so thankful he was home. I freak out just thinking about what if he wasn't home.
So here I am the second time in my life were I was truly just scared of what was going on with me (the first being when I was near death the day I had the kids) and so thankful I'm home with my babies and my love. I have strict orders to not do anything until my back is fixed so I don't jeopardize pinching nerves. I'm pretty much listening to those orders. Kind of hard not to with Ricky around. I love that man. He takes such good care of me and our babies.
Brody's MRI of his brain was Friday but the hospital called and said they had to reschedule it so it looks like we will be doing it on May 5th.

KP

E I E I O

Old McDonald Farm was AWESOME! DARS catered lunch from Jason's Deli, had a face painter there, a station to make bird feeders, and clay art. Smokey the Bear was also there since Earth Day is today. The kids each got their very own Cypress Tree. We have to wait until they are a little bigger before we can plant them in the ground and then figure out where we will fit 3 trees that grow very large... small yard problems :)

KP

It's tough to figure how two souls could be miles form one another but still you and me somehow found each other. Without you I'd survive but I'd have to have the notion that I could live this life just going through the motions.

I hate when being responsible stops you from booking a vacation stat. Instead it looks like we will be paying off a bill. I guess the only great thing is we will only have one debt left plus our house. I HATE debt! Ricky and I really wanted to go on a short vacation again this year though... oh well.

We've got a very busy week next week. Brody has his famous appointment with GI and his MRI. I'm looking forward to all of the tests and appointments to stop but I hope we can get some much needed answers.

Tomorrow morning we are going to Old McDonald Farm. Brody's DARS is hosting it. It will be the first event we've gone to with other children that are blind and legally blind. They also invited the girls which I think is very nice. The kids went to the farm last fall for a birthday party and loved it. I hope the weather warms up quickly tomorrow. Luckily Ricky will be able to go with us too so we are having a FREE family day! Couldn't be more perfect!!

The kids' godmother and my best friend is such a wonderful mom (the reason she is godmother). She has three kids, one boy and two girls. Her oldest is graduating in a couple weeks and has been very active in school. They've been so busy with prom, banquets, college acceptance, college dance tryouts, etc. and on top of that her youngest is a cheerleader and had tryouts this week (she made it!!). Luckily her son doesn't try out for football until the summer. I'm so proud of her kiddos and lucky to have such a wonderful friend and "Aunt" in the trips' lives.  Anyway, she is so busy all of the time and tells me this will be me before I know it. I guess this means that Ricky and I won't rest for another 15+ years :) but I wouldn't trade a second of this life for anything. I look forward to cheerleading, dance, soccer or whatever the kids want to participate in.

Cute Alert: Ricky picked up the kids from school on Thursday. We decided to get them out a little early because we were having bad weather. Anyway, the kids decorated a pot and planted a flower in it. When Madi saw Ricky she showed him what she made and said, "I plant with Mommy". I work in the flower beds often and she always wants to help weed it. She puts on my extra pair of gloves and helps. It warmed my heart that she thought of that while she was planting her flower at school. These moments teach me so much. It's not about things it's about time. I hope Ricky and I always remain focused on that. Our time is so important but more than time it's the quality time. I think I'm going to stop in and get a little pack of flowers so we can all plant some this weekend.

This life might not be easy but beautiful it is!

KP

I'll eat you up I love you so

I am so thankful I'm married to the person I'm married to. I'm not sure if it's our generation per se but hearing the way some wives wait hand and foot on their husbands makes me sick to my stomach. I'll never forget when I first met Ricky's family and the dynamics of his parents marriage. I felt like I was in some type of twilight zone. My father was a very sufficient man. He made his own plate, got his own glass of sweet tea, etc. My mom did do housework but she also didn't work outside the home. Anyway, it's interesting for me to speak to friends (all my friends are much older than I am) and hear them just talk about how they brought their husband dinner to the sofa, etc. I am such an independent strong willed person that I couldn't imagine being Ricky's servant. Ha, that makes me laugh just typing that! This lady here will always have a back bone.
With that being said, I'm so thankful I'm married to Ricky. If I allow him, he will help with whatever I ask. He helps get the kids ready for school, sometimes drops them off at school, will go to doctor appointments, washes all of our laundry, folds it, and puts it away, he works full time, will be starting school in June, and will even help with dinner. Writing it out it does seem like a lot but there is no other way things could run the way the do without his help. Luckily in our house we don't have the mentality of it's a man's job or a woman's job. If the air filters need to be changed and I can do it, I do. I love to mow the yard, and lets face it, it takes a lot to take care of three little ones. But we are a team. It's not divided and I couldn't imagine there being an expectation of slavery!
Anyway, today Ricky was a rock star! He took the girls to school, went by his school for some last minute paper work, and took Brody to his EEG test. The test was only suppose to take about 20 minutes but three hours later they were just heading home. Ricky had to get to work so the girls and I met him to exchange cars. I get so burn out going to the med center all the time and I really appreciate that he helps when I'm at that point.
We bought tickets to a baseball game in May. We are both really excited about that. We were going to take the kids but decided to go have fun and take some time away from them for a few hours. Momma is needing a vacation. It's been a year since we went to Key West and Miami and boy I can sure tell. There is nothing like getting away and recharging!
The past couple days I've been purging piles of stuff around here. Does one really need 10 blankets? No. I made a big trip to the donation center this afternoon. I'm really looking for a less is more balance. The hardest part is for me to get rid of the kids' toys. Maybe because it's not my stuff to get rid of and their stuff all looks brand new. I don't know but it's a weak point. I'm getting rid of crib sheets, my Coach diaper bag. Can't believe I'm parting with that but I didn't really ever use it and I don't use a diaper bag and never really did. Ricky and I are in desperate need of a wardrobe now that we've gotten rid of everything. We were laughing yesterday because we use to spend any tax return on new clothes. Ha, my how things have changed! We do buy clothes all the time but they are always size 18 months and always for certain toddlers! They get everything! If I have my way, I'll have half the house donated. Less is more.

A sweet look into our home:
Sometimes when Gracie is getting down from the table, she doesn't push her chair out enough and is caught between the table and the seat of the chair. Today the same thing happened to Brody. I didn't see it right away but I was wondering why Gracie was walking back into the kitchen so I watched her. She walked over to Brody's chair where he was stuck and pushed it out so he could get all the way down. How sweet is that ????  As soon as Brody was down he told her thank you and gave her a kiss. They never knew I was watching them. At dinner Gracie got stuck and without any hesitation, Brody walked over and pushed her chair out so she could get down. She said thank you and gave him a hug. These moments are all the confirmation I need that Ricky and I are doing our best raising these children. Love fills this home no matter what.

KP

"My strength comes from knowing I have the ability to do anything, my weakness comes from the desire to do it all at once." -Mark W. Perrett

Just close your eyes and you will see that we are where we're meant to be

I had one of those moments late last night where I was WOWed. I get this quite frequently but something about last night and again today made me really take a serious look at a couple things.
To have people personally contact you to say that you as a mother, your kids, your husband, your family unit INSPIRE them is something I don't take lightly. I get message from "How do you do it" to "Your story is such an inspiration" a lot and I've always thought that it was really nice of them and it's great to have some encouragement in all our chaos but what struck me is I don't want people to think we are perfect because we are not. I hope that we don't try to seem perfect and I don't want other young moms to think they are not measuring up because I have three kids with the things we deal with, etc and they are so overwhelmed and seem like they can't even shower, make dinner, do any house work, etc. Here is a very big secret, my house is a mess ALL the time, I wish I could shower everyday, and we eat out way more than we should. I can't do it all. Actually, maybe I could but I choose to spend quality time with my kids and not chores. This life is hard, it's exhausting, it's always changing, it's so many things but I always try to remain grounded, thankful, and remember daily how blessed we are. We don't deserve this wonderful life with these beautiful children but I am so grateful with all the blessings we have. Ricky and I have been through the darkest times in our lives during my pregnancy and when our babies were born. It forever changed our lives, how we look at relationships with people, and our relationship with God. Yes, it seems like it's always something going on with the kids but what I know is God was with us then and He is with us everyday. I do worry sometimes but I know the kids will be okay when all is said and done. I have that peace.
The second thing I've realized is I have such a great platform and duty to help others. It could be sharing our story or just being supportive to other moms, I don't know but all glory be to God and not me because my strength, my kids, and husband's strength is all God's doing. I could have never done what I've been able to do without Him.
Anyway, I hope our readers find inspiration. I hope my children see that they are here not because of doctors but because of God's grace.

Brody was released form the hospital tonight. It's a long road ahead but I hope we will be able to get everything sorted out with his GI issues. His daddy went shopping while Brody and I took a nap today and brought him back a UT baseball cap that fits him perfectly. The doctors and staff thought it was too cute and of course so did we.

I know I wrote a couple weeks ago that Ricky will be starting school in the summer. It's such a blessing because his company will pay his tuition 100% and 50% of his books. We do have to pay for the tuition up front but after the class is completed they reimburse him. His HR lady named a number of career opportunities within Halliburton he will have once he has his degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am one proud wife! I'm so excited for him!! He has a very big goal of getting into a prestigious university in the Houston area once he is finished with his basics at our local college. He even talked about possibly moving to Austin when it's time to transfer. Which brings me to my next thought...

There is something satisfying with being happy with what you have and where you are. It's an amazing feeling knowing this is where you should be in this stage of life. It's not about material things. That has been such a hard lesson but once we realized it, we couldn't be happier.    .... Just close your eyes and you will see that we are where we're meant to be....   LOVE that song just LOVE it!  We are suppose to suck it up and finish our degrees, being present parents, being married not just coexisting. All of those things makes this life the best there is!! This is the season we are in and I will take this life and be happy and make this best out of it.

KP

Brody- hospital stay

Brody was admitted into the hospital last night and will be there at least until tomorrow. Will post more when I have time and we know more of what is going on.

KP

"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." Neil L. Anderson

Madi's new favorite trick is opening doors. Please feel sorry for us!!! Now she thinks it's sooo cool to come out of her and Gracie's room about 4 times each night when she should be going to sleep. Tonight was the same little game but as soon as I heard her open the door I told her to get back in bed. She did! When I walked into our room tonight I found this... 

Sound asleep on her daddy's side of the bed. She had been asking for him a lot tonight. Melts my heart :)

Tomorrow is a very important appointment for the kids with Endocrinology. I hope we can find some answers and make a plan. Brody's stomach is still really distended. After I dropped the kids off at school, I went to the Pedi to show him pictures of Brody's stomach I'd taken over the weekend. He couldn't believe it. Now Brody is on formula for only for the next 24 hours. Dr. Leach gave me two bottles of the stuff so I didn't have to go buy any. We have to see what his stomach does over the next 24 hours with this to see what the game plan will be. He also personally called our new GI doctor to tell him what is going on and get him an appointment sooner than the 23rd. I have a feeling if we don't get this figured out within the next couple days we will end up in the hospital. I really hope that doesn't happen. 

Here are some pictures I've taken recently. I took these this past Friday. It is impossible to take a picture with all three looking and smiling! And the two at the end are from Easter day after we got home from vacation.

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

Two and a half years ago we were finally blessed again to have our babies discharged from the NICU.  I will never forget that terrifying moment when Brody came home and everyone left early that afternoon. Ricky was out of state working and wouldn't be home for several days. I had three little babies on oxygen, monitors, and Brody came home on a feeding tube. It was incredibly scary because it was me. Their lives so fragile even then all depended on me. How was I going to care for them by myself? Well, I allowed myself to freak out for about 30 minutes. I sat totally terrified and then I said enough. I had to do this and I COULD do this. For the next couple weeks I placed a feeding tube into my son's stomach, prayed every time I wouldn't damage anything on the way down from his nose into his stomach, checked the placement with a stethoscope, and fed him. I did it because his well being depended on me.
I say all that to say this, Friday I took the kids to the Pediatrician. Madi and Gracie have a bad cough and Brody had been making himself throw up. If you've followed us long you know he has undiagnosed stomach issues. Anyway, Dr. Leach and I were talking about what we've been up to, I was filling him in on appointments we've went to the past month, etc. when there was a knock at the door. He asked me to open it and the xray technician was there. He said by the way I'm getting an xray of Brody's stomach. Off Brody went with the lady like a super big boy. I was really proud of him walking hand in hand with her like nothing was wrong. The xray came back and Dr. Leach said something along the lines of WOW, What is going on, HMMMMMM. The film showed massive amounts of air in his gut. This happens daily and Brody looks pregnant- that is the best way to describe it. He said until further notice, fruits and veggies only. No dairy and no meat. I also have to call him with a progress report on Monday.
I loaded the kids up and had another one of those freak out moments. I don't really know why, it isn't nearly a big deal as other things I've faced but this is all on me. His well being depends on it.
I've been doing some research the past couple months about organic foods, what they are putting in our foods that we buy at the big box stores, and I've even been juicing but I wasn't ready meaning I didn't have all my research. Heck, until Friday I didn't even have a vegetarian recipe!
I've been taking pictures every night of his stomach and so far it's still getting really large and he is pretty miserable. It's concerning because it gets so large and presses on his lungs making it hard for him to breathe.
We've all adopted this diet. There is no way in this world I'd make two sets of meals. The girls have done well with it however they both went with me to the grocery store yesterday and the moment we were backing out of the driveway Madi announced she wanted a taco Momma! :) She cracks me up!
And because we can't do anything half way around here, Ricky was also in the ER on Friday night. Luckily it didn't require a stay but I have to find him a good doctor to follow up with.

Life is good, the grass is green, the good Lord is smiling on you and me.

Meet me in the middle of a moonlite Chevy bench seat and do a little bit of country song

Today is a big day for us. Today marks 5 years we've been in our little house. I'm so proud of this house. It's not the biggest and best house there is but it's ours and I'm quite proud that I bought this house at 21. Goals are so important! This house gave Ricky and I roots. So many memories have been made here but the best have been in the past almost 3 years. There is nothing like having your own home. We are in no hurry to leave here although this time last year we were. Things change and the fact of the matter is the kids have an adopted family in our neighbors across the street which is great since we don't really have much of that, Ricky is headed back to school as am I, and the next house we live in will be built with everything we want which will cost a pretty dime. So until then we will stay in our little house that could :)
Therapy started back today. We love our team and are so blessed with qualified therapist that adore our kids. HOWEVER, it's so much. It might not seem like it's a lot since it's only 3 times per week but it's three times per week from 9am-11am and school two times per week. The days we also have appointments are just miserable. Today we had to meet with our lawyer and Gracie had a dentist appointment on top of the therapy this morning. This is our every week. By the time the evening rolls around we are just exhausted day after day. I've always found strength and kept going  but at what point will we not be so busy like this? I want the kids to start fun activities like dance or gymnastics this fall so it's only going to add to the problem and the kids will be going to school three days a week in the fall. See, no break. And if I'm so exhausted I know the kids are. I don't know.. I guess I'll just be thankful for this season in our lives because I know we are so blessed to be where we are and I'm just so thankful I have healthy kids.
I can't believe they will be 3 years old in three months. It seems so unreal. Time to start planning their birthday!! I LOVE planning parties for them :)

KP

"Bucee the fever" -Madi Faith

Our vacation was everything I hoped it would be. There were priceless memories made that I will cherish forever!
Thursday we left for our almost 4 hour trip to San Antonio. We stopped at a huge gas station/ market called Bucees. Bucee is a beaver so I told the kids, "look guys it's Bucee the beaver" Madi said, "Bucee  the fever!" it was so cute! Anyway, we drove right to the Japanese Tea Gardens. I highly recommend it. Everything about it is FREE which is awesome but it's beautiful there. They have stone walkway bridges, beautiful flowers, koi fish ponds, a huge waterfall, etc. I took a ton of pictures of the kids. We had one big scare when we first got out of the car there; Brody had a seizure the second we took him out of his car seat and stood him on the ground. It was just like the one he had in December where he turned purple, his body was stiff, eyes rolling back, and making horrible noises. It was a good 5 minutes. Seizures are so horrible and so scary. He wasn't really feeling great while at the gardens. While we were there the kids spotted a train and had to go on it. They still love trains from when we went on one at Christmas time. We left the gardens and went on the train ride. Brody was back to normal by then. They had so much fun. We headed to our hotel after that, had dinner, and then it was bed time for our big day the next day.
Friday we were all up and ready by 6:30am. Hands down it was the best money ever spent going to Sea World and having breakfast with Sesame Street. We patiently waited for 9am to go to breakfast and when our kids saw Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Grover, Zoe, and Big Bird... oh my word! I can't explain it. They lit up. They were so happy and so excited and in complete shock. Our three stood out because they are triplets and people freak out over triplets (that is another story) so the characters flocked to them :) I wish everyone could have been there to see the way Madi interacted with the characters. Oh my sweetness! I have the most precious pictures of the kids with their "friends". We left breakfast and headed to see Shamu. The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. Sea World was the best and the kids are so lucky to have the daddy they have because $130 later we were leaving the gift shop with each of them picking out a shirt and stuffed animal. I will note the kids did not like feeding/ petting the dolphins. Of course that was one of my favorite things but they kind of jump out at you looking for the fish. We left there around dinner time. I also highly recommend the all day dining pass. We got one pass and it fed all of us all day long. We saved over $100 on food, drinks, and snacks by getting this pass. We had dinner at the original Rudy's. If you don't know what Rudy's is, you must find one and eat there ASAP!
Saturday we were staying in a different hotel so we woke up that morning, packed up, went to breakfast, and then headed to Morgan's Wonderland. Morgan's Wonderland is an amusement type park specifically for kids with disabilities. It is hands down the most wonderful place. 30% of their staff are volunteers and it's probably the best experience we've ever had at a place like that. If you know of a young person with disabilities please tell them about this place. We played for hours and when the kids were finally so exhausted they had to sleep, we left and headed to a farm in Fredericksburg, TX. I've been wanting to go up to that part of the hill country for forever now but I found out about this farm called Wildseed Farm. They supply all the wildflowers along the Texas highways for the State of Texas. It was a really neat place and I was able to get really great pictures of the kids in bluebonnets. We left there and headed to our hotel on the Riverwalk, got checked in, and headed down the Riverwalk for dinner. That was the WORSE thing we could have done. For one there was a major league baseball game near there that was the first one ever so there were an extra 75,000 people in that area. UGH! It was a horrible experience with so many people smoking, adults not watching my little tribe, and just a hard walk for the kids (the triplet stroller wouldn't fit down there). We ate dinner and went back to the hotel where we went for a swim, ordered room service, and watched a movie. We all slept hard that night.
Sunday we got up, packed, and headed to San Marcos, TX to visit the Wildlife Ranch. The ranch gives you food and you drive through the ranch as the animals come into your car!! for food. It was an experience! Ricky had a run in with an ostrich and I had a run in with some hairy lama looking thing with buck teeth! The kids LOVED it! We left there and I drove home!
It was a very busy 4 days but we didn't feel rushed, didn't feel over booked, and it didn't fly by! It was so perfect and we enjoyed each others company so very much.
Our lives aren't easy. Our days, weeks, and months are jammed packed- always but I wouldn't trade a day of this life for a second of my pre kids days. This is what life is all about. This is what the dream is!

KP