"If you like Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain. "

Since we moved here I’ve been wishing they had made a mommymatch.com. It would be a website where I could submit my profile and be matched with my perfect play-date pal. My profile would probably say something like... Mommy seeks other mom with small tot. Someone who is laid back, likes taking pictures, playing at the park, doing things on a dime, and doesn’t mind infringing on naptime.

Since I started getting lonely for my peeps, James and I have been doing a little story hour hopping. It is like the singles bar for stay at home momsJ Last week another mom got my digits and I was as excited as in college when a cute boy would ask if he could call...

Meet Erin. My perfect mommy match. She has an 18 month old and she just moved here from Washington D.C. Her husband just started a job here and she is an interior designer.

Last week during tropical storm Don, Erin and Emilia were still down to go to the park and the zoo. We are so excited we found friends who are up for an adventure and don’t mind getting caught in the rain:)

The Gregorys and the Gatsbys...

Texas definitely has lots of mega wealthy people, with deep Dior pockets! A lot of the pockets filled with “old money” from the oil days. I’m not going to be naive and say money can’t buy happiness, b/c I think a little sure can help. On the other hand, I've seen enough episodes of the Housewives of Beverly Hills to know that Kelsey Grammer’s wife doesn’t have it so great either. I believe happiness comes from having a purpose, someone who loves you, food in your belly, and giving gratitude for the gifts God has given. That being said...I still love looking at all the big shiny things in this town...Like the buildings, handbags, sports cars, home stores, and most of all the stately estates...

We took a Sunday drive through George H.W. Bush's neighborhood. I am sure he would have invited us in for a BBQ if he knew we were passing by:). But we didn't want to be a burden. George Foreman also lives here in Houston. I'd have been more inclined to knock on his door for dinner...b/c He can cook frozen steaks on his grill;)

Lately I love going by the Galleria to window shop and people watch. Dear Kimme, Houston has a West Elm!... You and Liza can appreciate this:)

John pointed out that this fabulous couch is worth more than our car He drives to work:)

James doesn't mind we have an old car. He would take a ride on an escalator before a spin in an Escalade any day.

Saturday we dragged John around our favorite spots in the city. Since he is usually hard at work when we're doing our exploring.

Here is a view from the top of that tallest building. Houston seems to have hundreds of these highway interchanges. I'd be perpetually lost if it wasn't for my GPS!

How did we ever survive a new city before our sexy sounding Aussie on our dash?

As I wrote that last comment about being lost, this guy started playing the world's saddest song on the worlds largest violin:)

After a weekend like this, I'd say I feel as lucky as a Houston heiress...and we hardly spent a cent. But if I so happen to strike oil in my backyard tomorrow, you bet your bottom dollar, I'd be glad to be a billionaire too:)

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...