Reagan's First Movie

We went to the movies today with a few friends. We saw the Oceans movie. This was Reagan's first movie in the theater and Peyton's second. They each had a small baggie of popcorn and M&Ms (sneaked in!) and munched on that for most of the movie. When the treats ran out, they got a bit restless, but they both made it through the 1 hour and 40 minute movie. We're really looking forward to seeing Toy Story 3 this summer in the theater! We already have two free tickets!

Reagan's Comments on Moving

Mommy: "Reagan, are you ready to move to San Antonio?"
Reagan: "Yeah."
Mommy: "Are you ready to move into our new house?"
Reagan: "No. I want to go to Step-an-nie's house."

Reagan made a bluebonnet today at school out of popcorn that had been colored blue with melted chalk. Tonight I asked her: "Did you make a bluebonnet at school today?" Reagan: "No. Bluebonnets are at Grandma's house."

House Update

Things are starting to move on the house we are trying get! We've agreed on the original contract and the massive paper trail has begun! :) We close on our current home in exactly one month from today!

We went to our favorite "celebration" place (Gatti's Pizza Buffet) for dinner tonight to celebrate that we most likely won't be homeless in one month after all! Reagan was watching the local news on one of the TVs and all of a sudden says, "That's San Antonio!" We look up to see a reporter standing in front of an office building. Not in San Antonio, but we still thought it was funny!

The Great House Search

After a very fast sale on our current home, we decided that we had to make an emergency trip to San Antonio last Thursday night to spend the weekend house hunting. All of us hopped in the car after Dustin came home from work and headed out. Our first stop was Freebirds for dinner - Peyton's request. Then went started out on the long drive down I-35.

We finally arrived at Brett & Stephanie's house at about 11:30. Brett met us - Stephanie (who has a very early start to her school day!) was already in bed. I took the kids inside and put them in the beds Stephanie had ready for them. Dustin started bringing in the luggage. All of a sudden, he came running back into the house, frantically searching for one of our small suitcases (we had brought two small suitcases for each kid and the large one for us). When he couldn't find it anywhere inside or outside, we concluded that it must have been stolen right off the sidewalk by our car (where Dustin had set it while bringing in another suitcase). Since we didn't hear any cars go by, the thief must've been nearby and on foot. So Brett called the police and the he and Dustin got in the car to drive around the neighborhood. I figured out that it was Reagan's suitcase that had been stolen. Two cops knocked on the door minutes later. As they were taking my statement in the living room, we heard Bob the Greyhound barking from the bedroom. Stephanie opens the door, Bob rushes for the cops, and Stephanie got a very rude awakening to find cops in her living room at midnight! The cops left a few minutes later, promising to drive around the neighborhood, but they weren't very optimistic about us getting Reagan's suitcase back (and neither were we). Dustin and Brett returned home, and we finally got to bed.

On Friday morning, I made a rush trip to Target to get diapers and other necessities for Reagan for the weekend. Grandma and Grandpa arrived to pick up Reagan and take her to their house for a couple of days. Then Peyton, Dustin, and I met with our realtor for two days of back to back showings! Peyton was such a trooper! When we finally got some time on Friday afternoon, Dustin took him to the neighborhood pool to swim for the first time this year. On Friday night, Brett & Stephanie went to the Spurs/Mavs play-off game, and we spent a quiet evening at their house.

Saturday consisted of more house hunting. We found one to make an offer on and wrote up the offer. Peyton got to swim once again. Stephanie and I got pedicures! We met Grandma and Grandpa at Texas Roadhouse for dinner and to pick up Reagan (who had had a terrific time over the last couple of days having Grandma and Grandpa - and the new kittens - all to herself!).

On Sunday, the four of us along with Brett and Stephanie visited Parkhills Baptist Church (where Reagan will be attending Preschool next year) and then had lunch at Jason's Deli. We heard back from our realtor an agreement couldn't be made with the owners of the first house, so we looked at a few more houses and put a plan together to make an offer on a second house on Monday. We left San Antonio not feeling very optimistic. Even dinner at our favorite Wings N More in Pflugerville didn't raise our spirits much!

However, late today, we received a counter to our offer, and we are planning to accept the offer tomorrow!

It's Sold!

After 4 days on the market, we received an offer on our house! We had a contract the next day! Now we rush to San Antonio to find our next home! We will close on our house in McKinney on May 27.

Reagan & Mommy's Trip to South Texas

On Saturday, April 17, Reagan and Mommy flew to San Antonio. Reagan was very excited to get to ride on an airplane! This was her second airplane trip (her first was also a flight to San Antonio when she was 4 months old). She did great! She loved the clouds! At one point, she looked out the window and said, "Look! Snow!" Brett and Stephanie picked us up at the airport, and we drove to Pawnee to attend the Pawnee All-School Reunion. Dad was waiting for us when we pulled into the parking lot. Reagan immediately jumped into his arms. We walked inside, and Reagan spotted Grandma right away. She said, "I see Grandma!" and went running up to her as fast as she could! The Reunion was held in the brand-new school in Pawnee. It was fun to see the new building!

During the entire time we were there, Reagan was either Grandpa's shadow or was in Grandpa's arms. "I want to go with Grandpa!" she insisted over and over, even when I would ask her if she would like to go with Mommy. Even when Grandpa had to be on stage during the program (he was the MC), Reagan wanted to "go see Grandpa". Grandma took Reagan outside to play along the sidewalk. It had rained that morning, and Uncle Jackie was very proud of himself for teaching her how to jump in puddles!

When the reunion was over, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to see the new 3 week old kittens (there's 5 of them). Reagan immediately fell in love with them! They and the mama kitty have a large box in the garage. Grandma would pull out one kitten at a time and set it down so Reagan could pet it. With each kitten, Reagan would pet it softly, say "Don't worry!" in her super-sweet voice, and would then suddenly grab the kitten around the middle with both hands and lift it up! Most of the kittens did not like this game very much! There was one, however, that was very calm and didn't squirm while Reagan held it. The kids have been promised a kitty after we move into our new house, and I think that kitty may have the best disposition for our family!

Later that evening, Brett, Stephanie, Reagan and I headed back to San Antonio. On Sunday morning, we all went to church at Community Bible. That afternoon, Stephanie, Reagan and Mommy met with a realtor an looked at a few homes. Then it was time to go back to the airport. Reagan enjoyed this plane trip as much as the one coming to San Antonio!

Daddy and Peyton had a fun weekend as well! Our house went on the market Saturday morning, and we had several showings on Saturday and Sunday. The boys went to the soccer game on Saturday, and they ate out couple of times, Dustin let Peyton "pick" each time - he picked Dickey's and Chipotle.

Peyton's Picaso

Peyton and Reagan have really been into the Toy Story movies lately. One day, Peyton came out of the playroom with his Potato Head. "Look, Mommy!" he said. "I made Picaso!"

Singing in Chapel

Peyton and his class singing one morning in chapel.

Yep - We're Moving!

It's official! The Francis Family is moving to San Antonio! A couple of weeks ago, Dustin asked his company for the opportunity to do his job from home from San Antonio. Permission was granted quickly and easily! :) So the next step is getting our house on the market and sold! Dustin and I have spent every spare moment the past couple of weeks doing little and big projects around the house in preparation for getting it listed. We're finally ready to get it on the market this weekend. We're selling it "by owner" through an on-line company, which will (for a small fee) give us access to list on the MLS and other listing sites. We'll also have a lock-box on our door so realtors can show our house to clients without us having to be at home.

Our goal is to be in San Antonio in time for Peyton to start Kindergarten there in August. We plan to buy a house close to Brett and Stephanie. Stephanie is the librarian at Specht Elementary in Comal ISD, just north of 1604 off of 281. They also live in the neighborhood. We're only looking at houses that are zoned for Specht so Peyton and Reagan can attend Stephanie's school. We've also made contact with a realtor in San Antonio - through Brett and Stephanie. Reagan and I will be going to San Antonio this weekend for a reunion, and I have a meeting scheduled with the realtor to get the process started!

We've told Peyton all about the move. For the most part, he has been excited! He knows he's going to be going to school with Aunt Stephanie next year. We've told him that we are probably going to get a 2-story house, and his bedroom will be on the 2nd floor. We've also promised him a pet! Mom and Dad's cat recently had kittens, and we've promised him that he can have one after we move. He seems to realize that we won't be in the same house but that we will be taking all of his toys and animals and furniture to a new house. He did get upset today for a little while. While he and Reagan were at school today, Dustin and I moved out some "non-essential" furniture and other items to "stage" the house. We also boxed up all of our pictures and winter clothes to make more room in the closets. He returned home to find some things gone and boxes sitting everywhere. An electrician was also working in our room. Peyton started crying and said he was sad because we were moving. We talked through everything and told him that it was okay for him to be sad and that some things about moving made Mommy and Daddy sad, too. We talked about what we have to look forward to, and, after a while (and lots of snuggles and reasurring) he felt better. Tonight he enjoyed "writing" on a couple of boxes after I packed them up. In the picture above, Reagan was "helping" me add filler paper to a packed box. "I help you, Mommy!" she proudly said!

Reagan's First Pig-tails

Reagan wore her hair in pig-tails today for the first time! In the car this morning, she patted her bows and said, "I have cute hair!" She actually kept her pig-tails up all day at school!

More of Peyton's Math

Peyton continues to wow us with his math abilities! He continues to be really interested in measurements of time. However, he doesn't like going to bed, so we've had to add time to his "wake up time" for each time he fusses about going to bed. (He's allowed out of his room at 7 am. One "fuss" about going to bed pushes that back to 7:05, 2 "fusses" = 7:10, etc.) This system seems to work pretty well for him!
Anyway, today in the car, he asked me, "Mommy, how many 5s are in 60?"
"What do you think, Peyton?"
"There are 12. So if I fuss 12 times, I can't get out of bed until 8:00."
A couple of thoughtful minutes later....
"Mommy, how many is 3 12s?"
"What do you think, Peyton?"
He first answered 32, then 38, then 36.
"So if I fuss 36 times, I can't get out of bed until 10:00."

Reagan's "Big Girl" Room

Reagan's "Big Girl" room (for the next few weeks, anyway!) is finally finished! She's been great about sleeping in her bed! She's only got out a time or two! The second night in her bed, she unfortunately had a nightmare or something and woke up terrified! She was shaking uncontrollably and had a hard time going back to sleep. We were concerned that she wouldn't sleep in her new bed after that, but we coaxed her back in it. She really bounced back from that, and has done great ever since. She insists on her closet doors being open at night! She crawls under the covers, sweetly tells us, "Der's nofing to be skered of" and "Stay in da bed." She falls asleep pretty quickly and stays in bed until 7 or later. (Her bedtime is still 7 pm)

Robber's Cave

Last weekend was our Sunday School's class's annual trip to Robber's Cave in Oklahoma. Peyton was plenty excited as we packed throughout the day on Friday! As soon as Daddy got home from work, we loaded up and headed out. We got to our cabin right at dark. By the time we chatted with friends, unloaded the car and finally put the kids to bed, it was 10pm. The kids (who were both sleeping in the same double bed) feel right to sleep. The both slept through the night - we were a bit worried since it was the first time they had slept in the same bed.

The next morning, Mommy and friend Amy cooked breakfast tacos for 44 adults and kids. Peyton liked them so much that he had 3 entire egg and chees tacos, after eating a bowl full of cantalope! Later in the morning we headed for the cave. For some reason, Reagan wasn't quite as adventurous as she was last year - she insisted that Daddy carry her the entire way up and the entire way down! Peyton and Mommy found a black snack on the trail - other friends saw a copperhead! The kids had a great time in the cave, exploring and sliding down the cave wall!

We spent the afternoon at the main park - playing on the playground, in the water and on the boats. Peyton insisted on paddling the paddle boat himself this time, which meant he had to sit on Mommy's lap and I had to keep my legs out of his way. Reagan, sitting in the middle, insisted on steering.

That evening, we played more back at the cabins, had dinner and enjoyed time around the campfire with s'mores! We also made a banana boat this year - you slice a banana open, add marshmellows and chocolate chips, wrap it in foil and place it in the ashes surrounding the fire to melt everything together.

On Sunday, we enjoyed a pancake breakfast with everyone before heading home.

Spring Sing and Open House

This was a big Spring Sing/Open House for Peyton - his final one at Kid Care! After 3 Spring Sings (one every year since he was 3), this was definitely his best performance. His class was on the top of the risers on stage. "Performing" is completely uninteresting to Peyton, so he was bribed with ice cream. He did great! :) Mommy had to sit close to her class, but I still got to see every minute of Peyton's performance. Reagan sat with Daddy on the second row. She enjoyed the performance so much that she kept insisting, "It's my turn! It's Reagan's turn now!" So Daddy and Reagan had to leave a bit early!

A perk of being a teacher is that we got to visit the kids classrooms before the Open House time. Both classrooms were filled with fabulous artwork! Peyton and Reagan have such creative teachers! We oooed and awwed over their work!

Decades

Peyton has been wanting to learn all about measurements of time lately. We've started with a second and have worked our way up to learning what an eon is (we had to use Google!). Today Peyton came up with his own labels: "Ten seconds is a second decade. Ten minutes is a minute decade. Ten hours is an hour decade. Ten days is a day decade...." (you can probably figure out the trend!)

Tonight at dinner he wanted to know what was smaller than a second, so it was back to Google to get the right answers!

Easter Day

The kids woke up bright and early on Easter morning and ran to the living room to discover what the Easter Bunny had left for them. This year's baskets included Disney pjs and swimsuits for this summer's trip and flashlights and sidewalk chalk for next weekend's camping trip to Robber's Cave. They found a few other goodies in their as well. As we were making breakfast, Peyton, Daddy, and I talked about the original Easter morning 2000 years ago. Peyton had an interesting question about how Jesus came back to life. He wanted to know if a prince kissed him. So we took advantage of the situation to discuss the make-belive movies verses the truth! :)

We headed out to church in time to make it to the 9:30 sevice - the most crowded service of the day! We decided to let Peyton come to "big church" with us, knowing there would be many young kids in there today. He did great throughout the singing and about 1/2 of the sermon. Suddenly, he announced (to Dustin, myself, and everyone with in a 12 foot radius), "I need to go poo-poo! I need to go now!" He and I hurriedly climbed over the couple sitting next to us (parents from Peyton's preschool class who were smart enough to leave their preschooler in Sunday School!) and raced up the aisle and to the bathroom. After taking care of business, we spent the rest of the service hanging out in the foyer, waiting for Daddy. After the service was over, we picked up Reagan and headed to Greenville for Easter lunch with Gran Gran and PePa.

Gran Gran made a yummy roast Easter lunch, and we all ate way too much! We enjoyed visiting with them and let the kids play in the yard for a while. Gran Gran also made an adorable Easter Bunny cake, which we had to get a picture of before we devoured! Of course, Peyton and Reagan both refuse to look at the camera these days! And, it just occurred to me that we didn't get any pictures of the kids in their Easter clothes! Oh well, maybe I'll attempt to fake an Easter Day picture this week.... or maybe not....

Preparing for Easter Day

The kids dying eggs.

Peyton making Ressurection Rolls.

More Painting

This weekend, Daddy painted the cabinets in the master bath. Reagan decided to "help".

Washing Machine Soap

As I'm reaching for the bottle of Tide above the washing machine, Peyton screams, "No, Mommy! Don't use it!"
"Why not?"
"I put dish washing soap in there!"

Easter at Kid Care

Reagan showing the cross she made at one Easter party.

Coloring a cross

Peyton's class adding their flowers to the cross - a Kid Care tradition.

By the time Peyton's class got to add their flowers, the cross was already pretty full. Most of the kids had to search for a bit to find a spot, but not Peyton. He went straight for the space at the bottom. What's funny is that I remember him putting his flower at the bottom of the cross last year, too. But last year, he and I searched for a few moments before realizing that there was space at the bottom. This year, he just went straight for the bottom!

Peyton's Class