Hinshaw Family Vacation

It's been months since I've posted here!  I just hate that I don't do this more often.  Not because I really care about others reading what's written here, but simply because I want to be able to look back on these posts and remember the happenings of the best years of my life.

Lots of things that have happened since my last post, but for tonight, I'll just post about our mini vacation last August.  Hopefully over the next few days I can catch up to current events! 

Lucas and I finally took Cade on vacation.  The first couple of years of his life we took vacations without him because he didn't seem old enough to really enjoy vacation.  Then when we went to Playa del Carmen in 2010, Cade seemed to understand that we were leaving and wanted to go with us.  We promised him at that time, that we'd take him on vacation the following summer (2011).  Little did we know at that time, that we'd have a newborn during the Summer of 2011.  (Well I guess we knew it was a possibility since we were trying, but you know what I mean...)  Lucas and I toyed with the ideas of Gulfshores, AL or Tablerock, MO but, since we had Addi in tow, we decided to go on vacation somewhere pretty close.  Since Cade had never been on vacation, it was all the same to him anyhow.  Our destination - Dallas, TX! 

Lucas and Cade at Dave & Busters

Addi hanging out in her carrier at Dave & Busters - she was a real trooper!

We drove down on a Thursday.  We got into town in time to get ready and have dinner.  We went to this restaurant called, "Magic Time Machine".  It's a themed type restaurant similar to Molly Murphy's that used to be here in OKC.  Magic Time Machine was a NIGHTMARE!  The place smelled bad, the service wasn't good and then Lucas saw a GIANT insect (I won't say what kind, but let's just say it wasn't what you'd want to see near food) scurrying across the floor.We gathered up our things and headed out of there pretty quick!  We then found a restaurant nearby called "Blue Mesa Grill".  Their food was delicious, service was great, atmosphere was good for adults, but not geared toward kids.  Since Cade missed out on Magic Time Machine, we told him we'd take him to an arcade as the entertainment for the evening.  The waiter gave us directions to a nearby Dave & Busters. 

I didn't know that D&B is geared toward adults until we got there.  As I was walking in, I felt like people were starring at me for bringing a baby in.  It was ok though, there were a few other kids in there.  Lucas and Cade played games for about an hour while Addi and I watched and took pictures.

On Friday, we got up and had breakfast at Denny's.  Then we headed downtown to the Dallas World Aquarium.  I wasn't too excited about the aquarium beforehand, but I was completely wrong about this place.  The aquarium was beautiful.  They had some cool animals that I had not had the opportunity to see before.  One of the animals was a sloth.  It was just sitting in a tree eating, no cage or anything.  We were able to get very close to it.  They had an employee standing next to it to make sure no one tried to touch it.  They also had an anaconda, which was very cool and creepy!  They had alligators, monkeys, snakes, an octopus, all kinds of beautiful fish.  I would go back even without the kids - it was really that neat.

Lucas and Cade outside the Aquarium

Cade outside the Aquarium

Sloth

Toucan

Penguin

Giant Tortoise

Shark Tank

Saw Shark

Sea Ray

Lucas and Cade in the Shark Tank

Leopard

Sea Turtle

On Friday night we went to the Texas Rangers baseball game.  The Rangers ballpark is very nice.  Their staff was unbelievably friendly.  I can't tell you how many of their employees stopped us to ask if it was the kids' first game and where we were from and all that good stuff.  It was over 100 degrees outside during the day and well over 80 at night.  However, we were up high with a breeze and I was able to dip towels in an ice bucket to keep Addi cool - so we were A OK.  If you ever want a weekend getaway for your kids, a Rangers game is a great idea!

Such a cutie with his foam finger!!

The Hinshaw Family at the Rangers Game

On Saturday, we headed over to the Fort Worth zoo.  Cade saw a komodo dragon on the Discovery channel about 6 months prior and wanted to see one in person.  I did a little research online and found out that the Fort Worth zoo has one. 

We got to the zoo around 10 a.m. and it was already approaching 100 degrees outside.  The first thing we saw, and in my opinion the most impressive, was a giant saltwater crock.  This thing was massive.  I had a hard time talking Cade into taking a pic with it.  I was pretty intimidated standing to it myself, so I understood!  When we got to see the komodo dragon, he was just kind of laying there in his brown boring enclosure.  He never moved or anything.  Cade had hoped to see him catch some prey, but we knew that probably wasn't going to happen since they only eat like once a month or something.  Needless to say, the komodo dragon is a lot more impressive on the Discovery channel than at the zoo.

Cade and Me and the Giant Saltwater Crock - I had to talk him into getting

close enough to take this pic and then get in the picture with him.

Cade and a Giant Snake - I forgot what kind..?..?..

This picture is a little blurry but the look on Cade's face is priceless!

Komodo Dragon enclosure

Turns out the komodo statue was more fun than the actual komodo...

On Saturday night, we went to Allen to the outlet mall.  I got some school clothes for Cade and a few new outfits for Addi.  I also got a couple of new purses at the Coach outlet. :o)  The highlight of our evening was our dinner at In and Out Burger.  Since up until recently, they've only been located in CA and Vegas, we haven't ever eaten there.  Since the franchise is new to DFW, they were super busy.  So busy that we had to eat in the car, but we didn't care it was worth it!!  I hope they build one (or 10) here soon!

Cade and Lucas...  They give In and Out 2 Thumbs Up!!

Isn't it funny how music can touch our lives?  Country music in particular is always good medicine for my soul.  This song touched my heart this morning. The first time I remember hearing it was about 7 years ago at Lacey Garrett’s funeral. It touched me then and still touches me every time I hear it. But, now that I have a daughter of my own this song is even more special.


In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

One Princess is Married Today ... Another is Born!

Well, it's finally here - April 29th!  I got up at 4:30 a.m. and began watching the wedding of William and Kate.  It was very beautiful and neat watching a "commoner" become a princess.

Now, my thoughts have moved on to bigger and better things.  My own little princess, Addison JoAnne, will be born later today.  I go into the hospital at 10 a.m. for a C Section scheduled at noon.  I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.  I hope and pray that it all goes smoothly! 

Lucas and I will be sure to post some pictures of our princess later this afternoon/evening.

We would love for friends and family to visit us at the hospital.  Please call Lucas' cell if you don't know the details of where we'll be!

Shaunna

2 weeks and 6 days to go... seems like an eternity!

Well in less than 3 weeks Ms. Addison will be born! Normally 3 weeks wouldn't seem like a terribly long time to wait for something exciting to happen; especially when you've already been waiting for months. But, waiting for the birth of your child really is torture.

I remember when I was just a few weeks away from my due date with Cade. I could count down the days and secretly wish and hope that he would come early. The thought of waiting even one day past my due date sounded like such torture - both emotional and physical!

This time around things are not much different. The waiting and anticipation seems too much to bear at times. However, I know that in just 5 or 6 weeks, I'll be wondering where the time has gone. It's funny how you can't wait for your kids to be born and then once they're born they grow so fast it makes your head spin!

Considering I'm 35 weeks pregnant, I'm feeling quite well. I have a little bit of swelling in my ankles, but it's not too much. Other than that, I just have your typical aches and pains from carrying around extra weight. Sometimes, it's hard to maneuver around, but I'm managing!
I wanted to share Addison's 3D pictures. We had them done a few weeks ago when I was 31 weeks along. The first thing I said when I saw her face on the screen was, "She looks just like Cade did!" The ultrasound tech had a hard time getting Addy to keep her hands and feet off her face. She really liked being curled all into a ball. The ultrasound tech kept pressing on my belly trying to get Addy to readjust. I think Addy was getting agitated because at one point, she kicked her foot in the exact spot where the tech was pushing. It was the funniest thing! Maybe it's a sign that Addy is going to be feisty! One thing is for sure, she is going to be just precious and beautiful!

Her Face and Arm

Mouth open!  

Her Face

Her long foot!

Her Face!

Precious Face!

My baby shower was last Sunday, April 3rd. My best friend, Courtney, did a fabulous job throwing my shower. She put so much time and energy into making sure the day was just as I imagined it.  I don't think she could've done a better job.  (Thank you so much, Courtney!)  She had some help with games and entertainment from my sister-in-law, Heather. Heather had everyone play the string around the belly game, but it was fun!  LOL  My boss, Vicki, allowed us to use her beautiful home as the venue. I can't thank her enough - it was the perfect location for a gathering of this size! 

The shower turned out awesome. It's amazing how loved you feel when so many people show up to celebrate with you. My baby registry was virtually completely fulfilled! I won't have to buy any baby clothes until Addy is at least 6 months old - which is awesome! I can't wait to see how cute she will look in all those outfits!

Below are just a few of the pictures from the shower.  Some of the pictures turned out fuzzy; so I just included the ones that were more clear.

Courtney working on the table - it turned out so pretty!

Food table

 Courtney and me before the shower

Beautiful flowers - Lucas' mom, Jamie, arranged those.  She did a great job!

 Heather and me before the shower

 Cade and his cousin, Marti, before the shower

 Cade was supposed to help me open presents, but since we let him open the few that were to him first, he just wanted to play with his own!  (Can't say I blame him!)

I got several, "I love Daddy" items...  they are so cute though.  It's probably just a sign she'll have him wrapped around her finger from minute one!!

Isn't this little dress the cutest thing?!

More "I love Daddy" stuff....  hope she loves momma too!  LOL

Cute little baby sweater!

There's an "I love Mommy" outfit!  :o)

These little booties are just darling!  I already packed one pair to go to the hospital with us!

Cade and me after the shower.  Notice the "Big Brother" t-shirt?!  Too cute!

I'm hoping to get Lucas and Cade motivated to do some pregnancy pictures this weekend.  Once that is done, I think we will be 100% ready for Addy to arrive. If all goes according to plan that will be Friday April 29th at noon!



Our Little T-Ball Star

At the ripe old age of 4, Cade has entered the world of organized sports. Lucas and Bodie decided to put Carter and Cade in T-Ball this spring and coach the team. Bodie went down and signed up to coach a team then informed Lucas that he had no intentions on being the head coach - he'd leave those duties for Lucas! LOL Lucas and I were pretty nervous about the idea of coaching a T-Ball team since we had never been involved with any sports team as a parent. The first couple of weeks were pretty crazy. We were stressed about finding a uniform supplier and getting our team together.


We named our team the Athletics. We have the same colors and logos as the Oakland Athletics. Our first practice was on Monday March 7th. It was a cold day but all of the kids and parents seemed pretty excited.

Our first pre-season game was last Tuesday March 22nd. Let me just say, I had no idea that a sporting event could be so funny, intense, entertaining, and exciting all at the same time! I was so proud to watch all of the boys. We have several standout players on our team! Every single one of those boys tried their best and made at least one good play. A few even provided some entertaining laughs for us parents.

Our first inning was our best. I'm not sure how many runs we scored in the first inning, but my guess is at least 5. Carter scored a home run during that inning. Carter is a great player with skills that seem to far surpass what you'd expect from a 5 year old. He got all 3 of our outs (on the 1st 3 batters) during the first inning while he was playing first base! GO CARTER! He also slid into home on one of his scores! I can't wait to see this boy play in a few more years.

Carter sliding into home!  Go Carter!!

Cade had a good game too. He is the only 4 year old on our team (this is a 5 year old team), but you really can't tell that he's the youngest. Cade got a hit both times he was up to bat - one of his hits resulted in an RBI; however the batter after Cade struck out which was our 3rd out. So, Cade didn't get to score. The other time he was up to bat he got out before making it to 1st. I was so proud of him both times though. He looked like a real ball player out there!

Cade's Hit! GO CADE!

In the 3rd inning, while our team was in the outfield - Cade was determined to get his hands on the ball and get some action! Every time the ball went into play he chased after it. (No matter how far away it was from him.) When one of his teammates would get the ball (usually Carter), Cade would stand about a foot away waving his arms yelling, "Throw it to me! Throw it to me!" When they didn't, he would get so upset. After this happened about three times, Cade had had enough! He started crying and walked out into the outfield. One of the umps was a sweet, young girl. She went over and talked to Cade and gave him some encouragement. He sucked it up and got back in there with the rest of the kids.

Cade and his umpire friend!

Probably the funniest moment in the game was when one of our players, Caison, ran from 1st to 2nd; but Brooks, the player on 2nd, didn't run to 3rd. Instead, he stayed put on 2nd! Everyone kept yelling for Brooks to run to 3rd. Then when we realized he wasn't going to, we began yelling for Caison to run back to 1st! By this point Caison was confused too - so they both stayed on 2nd. In the end, one of the boys was called out, which was our 3rd out. When Brooks got back to the dugout, he began telling his dad (Mark, who is also one of our coaches) about how he was on that base first. He really just didn't understand how he could be in the wrong, because he was there first, so it was his base! It was so cute! :o)

Our boys won their game, which made me so proud! They were rewarded with some goodie bags I put together.  The bags had a package of Big League Chew, a package of Sunflower seeds, and a Gatorade.  I also glued this sweet poem to the outside:

My Little Hero

It's time to knock one out of the park

You're my T-ball Hero you see

But if all you can do is swing till you're blue

You're still a hero to me

And I'll never forget the first ball you hit

It seemed like a home run to me

I shouted and hollered and got all excited

As I watched you - do you're best for me

That makes you a hero - a - T-Ball 'Hall of Fame'er'

Regardless what others might see

Because that's how I see you - You're My Little Hero

And forever that you'll always be

- Robert Yborra

GO ATHLETICS!!

Shaking hands with the other team after the game

Cade drinking from someone else's water bottle!  LOL

Carter climbing the fence of the dugout

 My uncle Victor all decked out in his Athletics gear!

 LtoR:  Dax, Cade, Hunter, Carter

 Maddy put black makeup on all the boys.  Here she is putting it on Dax.  (Maddy was such a big help to the coaches with making sure all the boys knew what was going on when they were in the dugout!)

 Cade in the outfield

 Carter waiting for his turn to bat

 Coach Dad showing watching Carter bat

 Proud Pape

 Cade in the outfield

 Cade and Carter

Cade and Carter sitting on the curb enjoying their Big League Chew

 Cade and Carter after the game

Momma's Hair

Just a quick post...


My little Caders just loves his momma's hair. I think it all stems from when he was a baby and stayed with his Aunt Dimples "Annie". Annie has very long thick black hair. When he was just a few months old and first learning to grab at stuff he would always grab her hair and play with it. Well it caught on so much that even now that he is 3 years old, he still loves hair.

I asked him the other day if he liked other girls' (his Mema, his Nana, etc.) hair, or just mine. He says, "I just like your hair, mom." Anytime I pick him up to carry him somewhere, he immediately puts one hand in my hair. It almost as if he thinks it's a handle bar. Sometimes at night or early in the morning he'll even ask me, "Mom, can I play with your hair?" I always let him even though it hurts so bad.

There is nothing more sweet than having your child love on you! Such a sweet boy! Love him so much!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  It's a 3 day for us since it's MLK day on Monday!  Woohoo!

My New Year's Resolution...

My New Year's Resolution is to blog more often... not just when I have cute pics to post or after a birthday, holiday, etc., but about all the everyday things that happen that make our life so special!  Cade is always saying something funny or cute... and when he does I want to have it recorded so I can go back later in life and laugh at those special childhood moments all over again.

Ok, funny story of the day...

This morning I went to wake up Cade - and he was tired.  He rolled over, looked at me, and said, "But, mom I'm still sleepy.  I'm just gonna take a little nap."  Then he tried to go back to sleep.  Of course, I couldn't let him...  Poor guy.  A few minutes later when I was trying to brush his teeth he said, "Momma, can I just play with your hair for a lil bit?"  That boy just loves playing with my hair.  Especially when he's tired or sleepy.  He's just so sweet and so precious.  Love him so much!