HAAK Winery

We visited our first Texas winery this past weekend in Santa Fe, Texas. For our sister Susan's birthday we gathered at HAAK Winery for the evening. There was a little blue grass band with a small dance floor, good food and wine. It was absolutely beautiful amongst the grape vines right at sundown. The kids had fun playing hide and seek as we walked the vineyard. We will have to take Gma and Papa next time they visit!

Smoothies all around!

Another exciting summer day at the Higgins house including fresh fruit, yogurt, a blender and a few not "so bored" anymore kiddoes. Ashlee found a refreshing simple recipe in her "I can do it myself" cookbook called Summertime Smoothie. A couple of peaches, a banana, yogurt, and a hand full of strawberry's is all it took to make a delicious treat. Ashlee wass very happy with her cooking talent...and from the picture you can see there were a few other family members happy too! Can't beat having a fun time with siblings while making a healthy delicious snack. Smoothies all around!

G-Ma and Papa Visit

This past Wednesday evening Gma and Papa Hoenerhoff came to Houston for a quick visit. After Dad's meetings and Mom's appointments, they were were able to come for dinner and stay the night. The kids were so excited! James almost immediately attached himself to Papa. He made sure Papa was near him even in the car when we left for the restaurant. "Sit" he told Papa as he pointed next to his car seat. The next morning when it was time to say goodbye...James once again told Papa to "sit" next to his car seat. The crocodile tears pouring out once the door closed with no "Papa" in sight. Only a few minutes down the road before he asked me "Where Papa, Granma?" with his hands up in the air. I explained that Gma and Papa had to go home. He thought for a second, and said, "Oh!" And that was that...no more tears.

We love Aunt Wendy and Uncle Bill!

We had a fast and furiously fun weekend visiting Aunt Wendy and Uncle Bill! Our long weekend began with a smooth drive...made it in 4 1/2 hours flat...no stops! We were happy about that until we lifted the sopping wet baby James out of his car seat. Thank goodness for the removable splash pad that I was able to easily grab and throw into the washer. At least we didn't bring headlice this time. Aunt Wendy made sure of that by checking each head as we walked in the door.

The first day we got up early and headed to the waterpark called NRH2O. That place is "sooo fun" according to baby James. Everytime he slid down a waterslide he would yell "sooo fun!" Too cute! I wish I had pictures, but decided it was an overall good decision not to bring the camera as we were wet the entire day. The "Great Tide Wave" had to be the best ride at the park. Huge slide with a inner tube made for two. I had the best partner of all...my Itta!

The girls enjoyed hanging out with Uncle Bill each evening playing the Wii. Ashlee barely could move her arms after all the boxing and swimming. But she didn't let it stop her...from beating Aunt Wendy's scores. Guitar hero was a blast as well...


My good friend from high school in England, Stacey Walrath Kuhn, was able to stop by and visit. I hadn't seen her in 16 years! It was so good to catch up with her. Wendy and Bill spoiled us all rotten by grilling an Alaskan Halibut and King Salmon dinner. YUM!


Ty became baby James' best friend almost instantly when they became ball buddies. James would throw the ball and Ty would run to get it. James would yell "drop!" And the process would start all over...again and again!

As always hanging out in "White Paradise" was nice and relaxing. The kids (including Darrell) played in the pool until they were waterlogged. When our time was over we didn't want to leave...sad goodbyes, but great memories made! We love Aunt Wendy and Uncle Bill!!!

July 4th Celebration!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Can't beat the heat!

Today temperatures were once again in the 100's! Texas heat is grueling! You can't beat it unless you find a pool or stay indoors where there is a working air conditioner. That is the key word here...working! Indoors is definitely not a place you want to be if your A/C is not working...so I found out this past weekend when ours decided to stop blowing cold air. Thank goodness we had the window unit from Hurricane Ike stashed in the garage. We had a family slumber party in the one room and all slept like babies! Best hundred dollars we ever spent!

The kids found relief in the "cold tub" in our backyard. It's actually our hot tub but in the summertime we don't turn on the heater and it becomes a nice refreshing "cold tub!"