A park as pretty as a painting...

This week I was craving a little less Cat in the Hat and a little more culture, so me and my mini Huckleberry Finn headed uptown to the museum district.

Dear Heather: This place was like a little Louvre! I am so sad it wasn't open when we tried to go. I was astonished at the artists gracing this gallery. Next time we are leaving the boys with the men and spending the day in Houston's museums:)

James isn't even out of Pampers and he is posing with a Picasso (and he didn't even seem to notice). I am hoping someday he will think it's cool.

A picture of a cafe to commemorate my one year anniversary of when I Ooh la la, fell in love with Paris:)

After our meander through the museum, the rest of my day started to feel like I was strolling (or stroller-ing-rather) in a Monet. My perspective of the park became a colorful canvas filled with beauty and balance. I just wanted to park it, take out my pallet, and watercolor my day away. But because I am not at a point in my life to spend hours as a painter, I took pictures instead...

This park is dedicated to cancer patients. We thought of Grandpa Gregory who is having his Chemo treatment today. And since he can't be here, we thought we would share...

We hope Grandpa feels better this weekend and that he gets well soon!

I love art that focuses the beauty of this life and makes you see your own surroundings in a lovelier light. At the museum I saw a quote by Picasso saying, “painting is another way of keeping a diary.” I'll add to that...taking pictures:) I am so glad for blogs that work like an artist's view finder; capturing the more picturesque moments of mommy hood...(and leaving the less to be desired in the diaper pail:) Can't wait to catch up on everyone's posts this weekend! TGIF!

Extra Extra: Girl Meets Grandma for First Time...

When I was little, I used to dream of finding out I had a long lost sister and we’d be reunited and be instant besties. I obviously didn’t understand the logistics of having a long lost sibling and as far as I know (unless they go all Schwarzenegger on us) my parents have always been true to their nuptials. So now that I don’t want an extra sibling (although finding out Oprah is your sister would be sweeeeet), I’d say the next best thing would be a long lost Grandma:) Meet my Great Grandma Silvia. Well I guess she wasn’t always lost and I’ve always heard about her, but never put two and two together to figure out how we are related. Grandma Silvia is my Grandpa Down’s step-mom. She has always lived in Texas (which seemed so far away back in the day) so my family and I haven’t met her. This weekend was her 82^nd birthday party, so we all traveled to see her and wish her happy birthday.

For all my brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles out there, this is Bobbie - Grandpa Down's half brother. It was so cool to meet him because he had some of the same characteristics of Grandpa Down. He seemed really loving, kind, and laid back. Just like our beloved Grandpa.

I've always loved looking at old family photos and hearing family stories. Especially when they are laced with the romance and excitement of the wild west. So I was pressing Grandma Silvia for lots of info about my great Grandpa. It turns out he was quite the cowboy and he used to ride his horse to her farm in Texas. It was love at first site and she married him at the "ripe old age" of 13!

Our reunion with our lost relatives probably won't be featured on Good Morning America anytime soon...but it was still exciting. We really enjoyed visiting and appreciated the sweet southern hospitality. Thanks Grandma Down for setting it up:)

Heather's Here!

And it is hot! Too hot for picnics, too hot for taking pictures, and for James... too hot for pants. People keep telling me Houston's July is like Utah's January (borderline unbearable ) . But instead of huddling by the fires..here, we frolic in the fountains...

Another Day in the Park...

Southern living at its best is the bee’s knees... The balmy air, the beautiful parks, the stately estates...

But most all, I love the mossy oak trees:)

"It's a Watermelon Life"

happiness equals...

A Scholarly Stroll...

If you are looking for a special way to jump start your Sabbath day, take a stroll through a college campus early on a Sunday morning.

Thanks to generous patrons there is usually a plethora of cathedral like buildings, lush landscaping, and peaceful pathways. The magnitude of the architecture plus the solitude of the grounds (thanks to all the sleeping students) is sure to inspire.