The Treadway Chronicles: Family Fun in Bryan, Austin And Lots More

We have been really busy, so I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. At least you'll get to see lots of fun pictures of the little man.

In my last lengthy blog, I talked about going to the rodeo. Well, since we had so much fun and since two weeks ago was Spring Break and Connor didn't have Mother's Day Out and I needed activities, we went back with a friend and her son. It's actually funny, because Connor and Jackson are 6 days apart and they get along great.

We had fun again, but I will say it was a lot harder to get around the rodeo without Jeff. I hadn't really factored in how hard it would be to push the stroller and hold Connor's hand if he was out of the stroller, or keep tabs on the stroller and Connor at the same time. It's not easy having a toddler who will dash off at any moment. I wanted him to be able to get out and explore, but there are other times that you need the stroller for longer sections of walking. We made it alright, but I sure did appreciate Jeff, that's for sure.

Our biggest adventure was two weeks ago, when Connor and I went to Bryan, TX on Friday and then on Saturday we drove to Austin and drove back home to Sugar Land on Sunday. Jeff couldn't join us, because he was skiing with his family, including his sister Stacey who is finally off her cruise ship for a few weeks.

Anyway, it was quite a whirlwind, but it was totally worth it, because Connor and I got to see all of my family and we had a lot of fun in the process. When we arrived in Bryan on Friday morning, we got to see my sister Julie, all the way in from Colorado and we got to meet her boyfriend Brian. We played all morning and even got some time by the pool. Even though it was 80 degrees outside, the pool temps were a bit too chilly for this warm blooded Texan, but Julie and Brian actually went for a swim. Brrr. While Connor was napping we also went over to the Miramont club and played a fun game of tennis. There were lots of laughs for sure.

As a special treat, my parents had arranged for a babysitter, so after Connor was in bed, we went back to Miramont for dinner. It was really nice to catch up and have some adult time. Anytime I have a babysitter, it's a special treat. Not cleaning up dinner isn't bad either.

Around noon Saturday, we all piled in our cars and drove to Austin to attend my nephew Martin's 6th birthday party and boy was it a fiesta. After having three kids, my sister Erin's backyard has transformed into a kiddy playland; that plus a bounce house, yummy food, a pinata and perfect weather, we were all in for a real treat. She had a huge turnout too, so there were kids and adults everywhere.

Connor didn't nap in the car, so he missed the beginning of the party getting his beauty rest, but when he got up he definitely had fun. Unlike his daredevil cousin Libby, he's not much of a bouncer, so he stayed clear of the bounce house, but he LOVED all the trucks, the sandbox, the snacks, and all the kids to watch and play with. We didn't put the kids to bed until about 8:30 that night, but it was totally worth it. They had a great time.

Grandma and Grandpa drove back after the party, but since Jeff wasn't coming home until Monday, I decided to spend the night in Austin and hang out on Sunday. Erin, Arthur, and I all admitted that we hadn't eaten at the party, so we ordered a pizza, reflected on the awesome fiesta, and took a nice deep breath. What a day.

On Sunday, Connor was obviously still sleepy from not really napping well and going to bed late, because he slept until 8:15am!!! Mommy really needed that, let me tell you after two late nights in a row. We got up and were welcomed by a delicious pancake breakfast by Arthur. It is always so cute to see all the kids eating together. After breakfast, Arthur and Martin went fishing with a few buddies and me, Connor, Erin, Winnie, and Libby went to Zilker Park to play and to ride the famous Zilker Zephyr (train).The weather was a little more cloudy, but still great, so we had a blast.

After the park, it was time for lunch and naps. Connor had a different idea about that though. The crazy guy decided he would continue his messed up sleep schedule and not nap at all. I don't know if it was the pack n play or getting up late or what, but he just talked and talked in his crib for nearly two hours. Finally at around 3:30 I said, "OK, I guess he's not napping." He seemed OK and soon afterwards his cousins woke up too so he had playmates again.

I had been really wanting to get some pictures of Connor with bluebonnets, because I had seen some on my drive to College Station and I wasn't sure if I'd get another chance, so I asked Erin if she knew a good spot. There was only one spot she knew of and it was kind of a small patch, but we did our best. A squirmy toddler is not the best model, but we got a few decent pics and at least I can say I took some pictures of him in bluebonnets this year, and in the state capital nonetheless.

After dinner and bath it was time to drive home. Connor fell asleep in the car about 5 minutes into our drive. It was a beautiful thing and made my drive back to Sugar Land so much easier. Sleepy boy.

Last weekend we were in town, but we actually got to see Erin and Arthur again, because they came to stay with us, so they could attend our joint birthday party we had on Saturday night. It was a late night affair, so Connor had his first slumber party at Jeff's boss' house. Jeff's boss has a son two months younger than Connor so they offered to take Connor for the night too. When we picked him up the next day, the Mom told me that the boys slept in the same room and so they didn't fall asleep until almost 11:30pm!!!! I couldn't believe it! I know this family is more flexible with bedtimes but 11:30 is pretty late for a toddler.

Oh well, Connor has been recovering all week and seems to be doing just fine. He likes his sleep and will do his best to make it up. At least we got a night to ourselves, which is exactly what we needed and we are extremely grateful for that.

Well, enjoy some pictures from our recent adventures. We have a busy April, so stay tuned.

I know I posted this pic on St. Patrick's Day, but we took it before we went to the Rodeo the second time and it's cute enough that it's worth reposting. Hee hee.

Messing with his Cowboy hat before heading off to the Rodeo with Mommy and her friend Sonya and her son Jackson.

Jack and Connor playing footsie between their strollers at the Rodeo.

Connor was a little more nervous in the petting zoo this time, but he still had fun. Here he is petting a llama.

Jack and Connor amazed at all the animals.

We didn't do this the first time, but this time we did this fun toddler scavenger hunt thing where they go to different farm stations and put things in a bucket. Connor really liked it.

Rifling through his bucket. We got wool, an apple, an onion, a peach, an egg, milk, corn, and a tractor sticker. At the end you went to the market to exchange your items for a prize. We got crackers.

Riding home, Connor was being silly again with his hat.

Fast forward to Bryan to visit with Julie, her boyfriend Brian, and my parents. Connor is only there a few minutes, but right away he wants to play with Grandma and Grandpa's trucks.

Now through Grandpa's legs.

Um, Connor, I don't think Grandma wants you picking her flowers even if you look really cute while doing it.

Connor got in his bathing suit, but he didn't like the feel of that cold water. He didn't even like to stick his toes in. He'd rather play basketball on the side. Man, a toddler by a pool is terrifying. He liked pushing his truck right up next to the pool. Ugh, it was very scary for this Mommy.

Connor seems to prefer men to women and even though he's shy, he seemed to warm right up to Julie's boyfriend Brian. He came over and sat right on his lap. It was so cute.

Friday evening, Grandpa and Connor took a stroll on the fairway together. Here they are coming back. It was pretty sweet.

Saturday morning, Connor was ready for more bonding with Brian. Here he is reading the morning paper with him.

Connor sharing a cracker with Grandpa. I'm sure he loved that.

Time to clean the pool, we put Connor right to work. He makes an excellent leaf inspector.

We made it to Austin to celebrate birthday boy Martin's 6th birthday. What a cool firetruck pinata.

Sassy Libby and Aunt Julie getting some last minute cuddles before she has to fly back to Colorado.

Libby (2 in April) is such a daredevil and SUCH a cutie. She is happy to jump in the bounce house along with all the other older kids, including the 6 year olds.

Arthur, birthday boy Martin, and Grandpa grilling some burgers and dogs for the party.

Pinata time! It was a sturdy pinata. All the kids got a try.

Connor's dinner that night consisted of crackers, fruit, cake, and a juice box. Dinner of champions. Ha!

Connor really liked playing in the sandbox at Martin's birthday party.

Mother and Daughter bonding at the party. I think Erin and Libby look a lot alike.

No matter what was going on, you could always count on Connor coming back to the trucks.

The D'Andreas also have this fun mini-roller coaster in their backyard for the kiddos. Even nervous Connor had a try and liked it.

The D'Andreas have chickens, so they can have fresh eggs and Arthur let the kids meet them. They are very domesticated.

Before bed, Uncle Arthur really got Connor laughing. It was really funny to watch.

On Sunday morning, it was sweet to see Libby and Connor playing trucks together.

We went to Zilker Park in Austin Sunday morning and Connor had fun climbing the stairs and going down the slide with his cousin Winnie.

We were so excited to ride the famous Zilker Park Zephyr. Here we are, ready to ride.

Martin and Arthur were fishing, but Libby, Erin, and Winnie had a great ride.

A view of the train.

Here are my best attempts at bluebonnet pictures this year. He wasn't too cooperative, but I'm not sure if many toddlers are.

Hanging out by the bluebonnets.

Getting up close and personal with bluebonnets. What a Texas boy.

Before we left, the kiddos had one last meal together. What a happy crowd.

Last weekend before our party, Connor decided he wanted to "help" fertilize the lawn. What a big "help" he was.

He's got quite a good technique actually.

Connor also wanted to help water the rose bush. He thought it was particularly funny when Daddy let him get sprayed a little with the water when he touched it.