Disney World 2010

One of the great thing about Bryan's job is that he occasionally gets to travel to some really nice places.  This year we decided to incorporate our first family vacation out of a conference Bryan was attending in Orlando.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about flying with a 2 year old, but we lucked out and got a direct flight on JetBlue.  I definitely recommend them for anyone traveling with kids or husbands with short attention spans.  We all survived the flight and make it to our hotel right in the heart of Disney World.  Our second challenge would be making it around the parks without losing our little one who doesn't like to hold your hand for more than a few seconds and thinks it is quite funny to run from his parents.  I even resorted to buying a wrist leash, I know, I know, I can hear my sister now saying how awful those things are, but at Disney we needed some back up.  We started day 1 at Magic Kingdom, then Ethan at I visited Typhoon Lagoon and Hollywood Studios on day 2.  Day 3 was a relaxing day back at Typhoon Lagoon followed up by a return trip to Magic Kingdom on day 4.  Ethan really enjoyed meeting Buzz Lightyear, Lightning McQueen and Mater.  Ethan and Bryan rode in the race cars which was great until they had to get out of the car.  Of all the rides I think he enjoyed riding the escalators at the Contemporary Resort before our dinner with Mickey.

Day 4 at Magic Kingdom...and we still look pretty happy

First Ride of the park...The Tea Cups

Meeting Buzz Lightyear

Dinner with Mickey...more interested in food than Mickey here

Ethan wasn't too happy about meeting Pluto

Driving race cars with daddy

Ethan turns 2

Yes, it doesn't seem that long ago that I was writing about his first birthday. This year we were so lucky to have great friends, great weather and no melt downs. The kids and dads had fun getting in the pool and thanks to little Elliot, Ethan now knows how to jump in the pool.

Ethan picked out a Toy Story theme this year, it was a tough choice between that and Cars.  I'm not sure where he learned to blow out candles, but he did a great job.

Later, after a good nap we took his new bike out for a spin around the neighborhood...I think it was a hit.

Like father...like son

Vaccine debate

I have not used this blog for anything more than posting family pictures and keeping you updated on our lives, but there are a few thing I feel are important to pass along, not only as a mom, but as a health care professional. The debate on vaccines continues, however, the evidence continues to grow in favor of their safety and lack of evidence that they cause autism. So much so that even some of the most well know proponents are changing their minds, including Jenny McCarthy. Here is a link to a blog from the author of a great book about parenting.

A year in review...well the second half at least

I am finally making my way back to our blog after many, many months away. I blame Bryan really...you see, he bought me an Iphone and I became addicted to it. I read my emails, keep up with Facebook and play Oregon Trail. As a result of my new found vice I have neglected this blog as I rarely use my home laptop. So where do I begin to catch up? I really admire those of you who blog regularly and actually have witty, humorous things to say. I find the holidays, particularly the new year a time to reflect and try to be better.
Since my last post in August our lives have changed in ways we could not have imagined. Ethan has continued to grow (he's still on the bottom of the growth charts, but plodding along).

Bryan and I both turned another year older, 31 is not nearly as cool as being 30, but at least I still occasionally get carded buying wine at Costco...although the "I didn't realize you were that old!" comment by the checker sort of negates any positives of the whole situation.

Bryan and I took our first vacation since Ethan was born (and my first trip away from him for more than a day)! We were so honored to share in our good friend Chris' wedding on the beautiful North Fork of Long Island. We went on an amazing wine tour, relaxed and celebrated with dear friends. We even spent a day in the city before heading back to Texas and reality.




For some crazy reason I decided to train for my second marathon as an attempt to get back into shape. I had an amazing running partner and friend who helped me train and complete the San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon in November.

Bryan continues to kick but and take names at work, managing more people at work and taking on more responsibilities. I am so proud of his accomplishments, his drive and his determination, am I'm just glad I don't have to work for him...I think he would have fired me by now.

When our ice machine stopped working, what started as just replacing the refrigerator turned into a huge kitchen remodel including new granite countertops, all new appliances, re-staining the cabinets and new paint. As much HGTV as I watch I don't know why I was suprised when a 2 week project has turned into a 2 1/2 month project. We survived for two weeks without a kitchen sink or a stove and thanks to Steve and Kristina didn't have to stay home with the toxic fumes. In the end we have a fabulous new kitchen that was worth all the headaches and waiting.

But the most significant change this year was the loss of my grandmother shortly after Thanksgiving. Inga Dixon was one of the most amazing persons I have ever met. She was loving, kind, strong and generous. She outlived my other grandparents by 20+ years and as a result, until now I have never know a time without her. We all knew this time would come and I am so thankful that she was able to spend her last days at her home in Johnson City surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We had snow this year in central Texas the week of her death, which is a rare event, but one that is fitting for a girl from a small Swedish town who settled in West Texas of all places. One of the last times we talked she said she wished she could have done more for me and my sister, which is so her, she was always doing things for others. We reminisced about the things she taught me, here are just a few:
1. Baking. While my mom has many talents, she fully admits that cooking much less baking has never really been one. Inga on the other hand was a masterful baker. From apple pies to sugar cookies to cakes, it is all because of her that I have the basics.
2. Crochet. While she knitted sweaters and blankets the only thing I really ever finished were pot holders and those usually ended up in an odd shape.
3. Swedish. I can count to ten and ask if you would like a hot dog in Swedish because of her.

This Christmas was hard, our first without her. I only managed to put up the tree this year, I couldn't bring myself to put out my Santa collection (it was inspired by her own collection, another thing we shared), although they will be up next year...she would like that. Her Christmas sweaters did make an appearance this year...Steve and Bryan wore them proudly.

Family Photos

Life has been a little crazy lately and I have neglected our blog. I am still working on getting pictures from the 4th of July off the camera and onto our computer...Bryan doesn't let me around his computer and I can only nag him so much. We had a great time at the Callaway's again this year. Ethan is growing each day. He is running all over the place, and getting into everything. He loves to play outside, I just have to keep him from eating rocks and dirt. We had some family photos taken a little over a month ago to celebrate Ethan turning one. Sara, our photographer, was amazing and the photos are too. She was so great to work with and as you can see her work is incredible. You can check out some of our pictures at http://www.slopezphotography.com/blog/ just scroll down a little. Enjoy!

Ethan Turns One

Ethan's first birthday was Saturday, which is still a little hard for me to believe. Although the week before his birthday was a little stressful, it was all worth it! We had originally planned to have a pool party, but the weather had a different plan. It began pouring down rain at 3 o'clock when his party was supposed to start. I can't thank all of our friend and family who braved the weather and came to celebrate Ethan's big day. The kids had fun running around the house and playing with Ethan's toys and the adults had fun playing Guitar Hero and drinking Bryan's world famous margaritas. Ethan really made out great with lots of really loud toys, one of which was a payback for a gift that Gracie got for Christmas (guess I will have to think about future presents a little more closely). He wasn't too excited about his cake but did manage to get icing all over his face and clothes.

What a year we have had and how far we have come. Ethan says a few words now (mama, dada, hi and bye). We are still waiting on teeth, but he can eat regular food, in fact carne guisada, rice, beans and guacamole are among his favorites. Oh yeah, and crackers too, no meal is complete without at least a few crackers. He is cruising around and has taken a few steps recently. I am so excited to see Ethan continue to grow and can't wait for what this year will bring.

Opening gifts

He really enjoyed the wrapping paper

Thanks for the really loud train Dr. Alamia

Yum...chocolate cake