Williams Family Trip 2011

The trip started with Lila boarding Gran and Toby's RV on July 24 for the 5 day journey to Washington state.  Along for the ride were Gran, Toby, Ginger, Jana, Abbi, Alex and Aiden

The adventure included horny toads in New Mexico

Hiking in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah

(Lila hiked 2 miles by herself.  She kept saying, "Gran, I'm gonna climb that mountain")

Swimming in Salt Lake City, Utah

and horse back riding in Idaho (also Susie's dog Speckles 

made quite an impression; 

I have been hearing a lot about that dog)

Shawn and I flew into Seattle, WA on July 30th and I was sure ready to see my girl.  She just wanted to know what her Daddy had brought her back from his business trip to London (typical).

The next day, we headed to Pike's Market.  I never get tired of all the color in that place

On Monday, we packed up and caravanned to Salt Creek Park campgrounds in Port Angeles, WA

The park is located on the coast of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  There are starfish, anemones, clam beds, hiking trails and a great playground. 

 

We even saw this bald eagle; there is a nest near the camp

Wednesday, we went on a whale watching tour.  We left from Port Townsend and sailed off to a town called Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.  We were able to see a lot of whales and couldn't have asked for better weather

 See the baby one

Thursday, a lot of the group headed into town for shopping.  The campgrounds had a lot of old World War II bunkers, and Shawn and I decided to go with his uncles Tony, Brian and Wayne on a "1 mile hike". It actually went more like this:  4 men, 1 pregnant woman who has to pee often, a dog, 1 bottle of water, 3 1/2 hours, about 5 miles, and a ride in a pick up truck.  It's a long story, but we actually hiked to the top of a small mountain and got up above the fog and got some really great pictures. We finally found the bunker but it was a lot less memorable...more importantly, we finally found our way back!

Friday, we took the kids to Crescent lake, toasted to the end of another family trip and started packing up for the trip back home

This trip takes so much planning and organizing and is so much work for the Williams' sisters, and we are very thankful to them for all the wonderful memories we make on these trips.

Swimming Lessons

Quote of the day

"Everybody needs to make money, so they can buy me nice things"                                                       

                                                                  Lila Echols
                                                                   6/22/2011

Dance Recital

On June 2, Lila had her first ever dance recital.  She was so excited about the costume and make-up.  She told me "It's going to be dark, and there is going to be bright lights, and there is going to be a lot of people, and it is going to be beautiful"

The "pre-game"

All the ladies patiently waiting

The recital was held in a big auditorium and there were a lot of people there.  All the girls went on stage and performed and had a great time, which I think is a huge accomplishment for 3 year olds.  Lila danced some of the time, but she sang every word to the song loud and proud, and of course, we thought she did great.  I love that her mouth is wide open in every picture, and you can tell she is singing her little heart out.

The fan club

Lila Quotes-Body Conscious Edition

*  " I need a drink of water to slow down my heartbeat "
*  " The sun is making it hard for my lungs to breathe "
*  " Mom, my boobies are strong "
*  " Cheese makes you grow tall "
*  " Exercise makes your heart beat loud "

* Nana:  Lila, do you eat French toast?
   Lila:  No.  It makes me dallergic

*Lila:  Mom, that's a beer truck (parked at Z Tejas)
  Me:   Yes it is (a little puzzled and surprised)
  Lila:  Beer is for grown ups
  Me:   Yes
  Lila:  Not for kids
  Me:   No
  Lila:  But, I'm a growin'

Easter 2011

Once again, another fun-filled holiday has come and gone.  This past weekend went by in a flash.  Friday evening, we went to Gran and Toby's.  Lila couldn't wait to see her cousins.

They can't get enough of this swing

These kiddos got along and behaved so well all weekend (Lila woke up in the middle of the night on Saturday crying for Aiden).

...of course there were lots of dogs.

Saturday, we went to the outlet mall, and then Nana, Blue Papa, and Natalie came over for a while, and then we went back to Gran and Toby's for a cookout.   

Sunday morning, after checking out the basket loot, we headed to Pappasito's for lunch

and, of course, the traditional pictures

Then, back to the Burleson's for the Easter Egg hunt

Aiden cracks me up.  He is so funny...

I don't know where he gets it from

By the end of the festivities, I think we all felt like Russ

Lila has always been afraid of the Easter Bunny and Santa.  The other day we were at the mall, and the Easter Bunny waived at her, and that is all it took for her to overcome her fear.  She was determined to take a picture with that bunny.   The little girl in front of us started crying, and Lila even tried to help her and kept telling her, "I was afraid, too, but the bunny is really nice".  It was so cute, and I was proud of her for overcoming her fear.  It was one of those moments when I felt like I was watching her literally grow up in front of my eyes.