Walking The Cow

"Lucky stars
In your eyes
I'm walking the cow"
- A Camp










After yet another fun morning at The Museum of Nature and Science (today's theme was Dino Dash) we headed to downtown Dallas. Located in the heart of the city Pioneer Plaza is an unforgettable stop on a beautiful day. Just outside the front door of the Dallas Convention Center is downtown's largest public open space. Commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market, the park features native plants and trees, a flowing stream and a larger than life bronze cattle drive. Each bronze piece - 40 longhorn cattle herded by 3 cowboys on horses - was created by artist Robert Summers of Glen Rose, Texas.








Not only are the cattle and cowboys fascinating, there is a waterfall and stream with stepping stones. The kids had a blast trying to jump across the water. Only 2 out of the 8 little feet got wet! The place must be beautiful in the spring once the vines and shrubs are in full bloom. I will let y'all know...

Today's photos!

Don't Blink

"Don't blink...
You just might miss your babies
growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads...
So don't blink!:
- Kenny Chesney



Our Little turned 3 on Friday and Ms. Pink is already 3 months this week (as she rolls over independently)! Where does the time go?

Seems like not too long ago Big was our only baby. With only a 'blink' I have been married 5 years, have 3 kids of our own, and before I know it this too will be a quick blur!

Nature's Dance

"I can smell the grass
and touch the flowers
among the trees
I pass the hours
and fantasize
I let the dance of nature
inspire me..."
- Ayreon





After a wet and chilly weekend and another front approaching this week, we were anxious to enjoy this beautiful spring-like day. Browsing my "to do" list of outings, we decided to head 30 minutes west of here to visit The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Known as an urban wilderness...the FWNC&R is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands reminiscent of how much of the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex once looked. Replete with native flora and fauna, the area beckons to those searching for a piece of nature to refresh their spirits and reintroduce a measure of tranquility to their increasingly urban lifestyles. Over 3600 acres, the FWNC&R is the largest city-owned nature center in the United States and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural history of north central Texas . Over 20 miles of hiking trails provide easy access to a myriad of natural wonders to be found on the Refuge.




We hiked 2 different trails totaling a little over a mile and drove past the bison range and prairie dog town. Inside the Hardwicke Interpretive Center we saw snakes, turtles, and baby alligators while outside they caged a bobcat and a possum. The park has great picnic facilities and even has a Preschool Discovery Club the last 2 Fridays of each month from 1030-1130.




Don't expect to take a stroller on any of the trails and even my almost 3 year old need a hand on a few paths. Challenging with Ms. Pink in my Ergo, but we survived as always. We will definitely head back when the flowers are in bloom and hopefully make it to the Preschool Discovery Club. The park also offers guided hikes, canoeing, bird watching, and evening strolls.

Today's photos!

My Valentine

"And even if the sun refuse to shine.
Even if romance ran out of rhyme.
You would still have my heart.
Until the end of time.
You're all I need.
My love, my valentine."
- Martina McBride





I love these secondary holidays where you can spend more time baking and making arts & crafts rather than shopping and planning huge meals. With Daddy in another time zone for the week, we took full advantage of all our free tme.






From Rice Krispy Treats, to home-made valentines for school, 40 sugar cookies with sprinkles, and another trip to the Museum of Nature & Science...we are Valentines'd out! Hope everyone has a day full of LOVE! XOXO

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Pure Imagination

"Come with me,
And you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination.
Take a look
And you’ll see
Into your imagination."
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory






Today we visited the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. With the lower level dedicated to The Childrens Museum (ages 0-7), any child can get lost in their own imagination. From the Little Urban Farm to Explore Your Town, stations provide props, dress up, and endless other items to aide in pretending. One can climb on a fire truck dressed in a firefighters coat and hat, crawl through an ant mound while sporting a bug costume, dance on a stage with surrounding distorting mirrors, or pedal a tractor around a corn field. Floor puzzles, a water room, musical instruments, simple science projects, and live critters will keep you busy too.





Each Wednesday from 10-11:30am (during the school year) a drop-in program is provided for preschoolers. With monthly themes, relevant to the season, you can hear a story, sing a song, create a craft and enjoy fun activities. Today's theme was Little Buckaroos. After our short song and story we headed across the hall to the craft room...




FINALLY a craft room that looks like a craft room. Paint stained tables, minature chairs, little people's art on the walls, markers with unmatched lids...all very welcoming to the kids. With the help from 2 Jesuit seniors earning their community service hours, we made horses with clothes-pin legs, stamped bandanas, bluebonnets, and cowboy hats. The boys had a blast!

Today's photos!

Animal Farm

"This world is big and wild and half insane.
Take me where real animals are playing.
Just a dirty old shack,
Where the hound dogs bark...
On Animal Farm, my animal home."
- The Kinks





This morning we headed north of Dallas to visit the Heritage Farmstead Museum. Built in 1891 in a region of rich blackland soil by Hunter Farrell for his wife Mary Alice and daughter Ammie, what is now known as the Heritage Farmstead was a pretentious, yet practical, farmhouse. Its elaborate jigsaw trim was characteristic of the time; wrap-around porches and north-south orientation with opposing doorways satisfied the need for shade and cross-ventilation in a period before air conditioning.



After running around the farm, meeting the animals, checking out the buildings, and smelling the rosemary we headed inside the Foreman's Cottage for Friday's at the Farmstead. Each Friday at 1030 they offer a 90 minute themed lesson geared towards children ages 2-5. Today's theme was "counting." We began with a story than walked around the farm with a bag collecting 'nature's treasures' while counting them. Then returned inside to make a craft out of our collection.




We had a great time and stayed to enjoy a picnic lunch following. We will return in the spring once the farm is in bloom and the weather is a tad bit warmer.

Today's photos!