The Andersons' Antics: Headed to Houston

We had a very fast paced but fun weekend. Friday night was Allie's school fundraiser and Saturday morning was Kenzie's birthday party at Jumping Party. We couldn't miss this party because not only is Kenzie a good friend but she is also Mrs. Jantz' (Allie's teacher) daughter. Here is a picture at the party:

Right after the birthday party, we headed to Houston for some time with family. Also, Allie believed that Cynthia Clawson was there to sing to her (Aunt Sally coordinated a women's retreat this weekend but because of the school fundraiser and birthday party we were going to miss it. Cynthia was the leader at the retreat). We drove straight there and were able to get in a little shopping before a family dinner. I'm so disappointed that I didn't get a picture of Allie with Ro (Allie's great, great Aunt and one of the quads) or that I didn't get pictures of other family members. I did remember to carry my camera this time but I forgot to take pictures until later in the evening when Cynthia and Allie were playing the piano together. That was too precious to miss a photo op. Allie loves music and singing so this was a special time for her. We're so grateful that Aunt Sally arranged a special time for us all to get together! That night back at the hotel, Allie was invited to have a "sleepover" with Grammie! Yea!!!!! Justin and I enjoyed a nice, peaceful night. The next morning, we decided to skip out on church, have breakfast with family, and head back to Waco for for Homegroup that evening. Allie's new obssesion is ice skating. I'm not sure why since she has never done it but Olivia (new cartoon on Nick Jr. based on the book) had an episode where she was an ice princess. Allie no longer wants to be a missionary but instead an ice princess. She has decided she wants to work for Disney on Ice when she grows up! Anyway, the Galleria in Houston has an ice skating rink and we thought since this may be her only chance, why not. Well, the ice skating rink didn't open until 1:00 p.m. and it was 11:00 a.m. We didn't want to wait around, but the complete look of disappointment on her face along with the fact that she didn't pitch a fit, only shed a few tears, melted our hearts and made us stay and shop! Allie and Justin passed the time riding the glass elevators up and down. I made my way through the stores but was suprised that I didn't find a single thing that we needed. Finally, the time had come....Allie could not settle herself down she was so excited! She was given a pair of red ice skates that were probably as old as me and away she went. She loved it!!! Justin held onto to her pretty good at first but then she gained enough confidence to venture out on her own. Justin would stand several feet from the wall holding her arms and when he let go, she would skate to the wall. She did a great job for the first time. She even made several spins. She eve asked Justin to let her do a "jump-spin"! She attempted to go off on her on when it happened. She fell. Knees first. The rink was pretty crowded and the ice was scraped up so she had some pretty bad looking cuts on her knees. She was ready to leave. We couldn't let her leave on a sour note so Justin took her back to the middle, held on tight, and let her skate a little more. It didn't take long for her to enjoy it again. Today I heard her mention to some friends that she wanted to be a fairy princess mermaid when she grew up. Sorry Allie, can't help you there!