Kaatje by the Pro

Due to a very generous present from friends for Kaatje's birth we qualified for a free photo shoot at an upscale children's clothing store (as a marketing event for both store & photographer I guess). As the shoot was only 10 min I only took Kaatje, who at the time was 6 weeks old. Herewith some of the results.

Samen

K: "I have the BEST big brother in the world!" (could her head be any rounder?)

K: "This is him:"

R:"Fishie Kaatje?"

 Or a Kiss? (with runny nose -;)

R: " Hey you! - Don't ever mess with my Sister!"

R: "Kaatje milk"

R: " You see Sis' this is how the Baby Gym works."

(Samen = Together)

School Bag

I made Rick a new School bag so he can help us out a little by carrying his own stuff as soon enough we will have him, his things, Kaatje & her things to drop off or pick up at school. He was pretty chuffed and was very serious this morning carrying his own things (and not quite awake!).

Kids & us

Especially for the Grand Parents some new shots of us all.

 All a little Tired after a long day

 Kaatje smiling to her daddy

 You can almost hear her say ' What do you mean I am too young for that?'

Rick & Eelco going Tooh-Toot for the train in Herman Park.

 Kaatje Blowing Bubbles

SHO (Golf)

The weekend before last we went to the Shell Houston Open, which is the big preparation tournament for the Masters a week later in Augusta (Georgia). With some free tickets available we dared to take both  kids and just see how it went. As no camera's and cell phones are allowed on the premises we only have some phone made pictures 'after' in the car park.

As you can see Kaatje was done but relaxed. She had some Indian Suncreen stripe thing going on in her face and wearing the bare minimum as it was so hot but otherwise content the whole day. Rick also was a real trooper and as he shoes were soaking wet from the day before Rick's only footwear option left got him loads of attention.

We lasted almost the whole day and Rick was really really good at being quiet at the right moments. He also was very good at helping say 'aaah' when someone just missed a put or clapping at good scores. Bright boy!

As you can see Papa was very very proud of his kids and had a very good time himself as well. Mr Mickelson that day made his big move (playing -9 for the day) coming from far behind in the field to take the lead so we made it to the most exciting day as well with lots of good play all around. He went on to win the Tournament (and play not so well at the Masters).

A week later when I switched on the TV to see the Masters someone just missed a put - so Rick said 'Aaaaah'. So cute!

This morning

Rick has a Big Boy's bed these days meaning he can climb in and out himself. This morning I heard he was awake some 15 - 20 min before I went into his room to get him, as I heard all sorts of chatter coming from his room, and this is what I encountered....

Smile!

Kaatje does real proper smiles these days. And the recipient of most of them is?......Rick. And He in turn is properly honored with all his sisters smiles and really appreciates them so happiness all around. (and some tears of joy from Mom watching it all unfold -;)

 Kaatje is also starting with Gymnastics

 Not Kaatje's most charming picture but clearly daddy's girl

 And mommy's of course as well.

And Rick's little sister - he loves to help and takes a lot of own initiative to do so!

Auke Auke Auke

Our Nephew Auke and my Sister Neeltje and Martijn came to visit us. We were all very excited they came over and Rick could not stop shouting out in ethusiasm - Auke Auke Auke! Although tired from the trip Tante Neeltje also appeared happy to meet Kaat.

Auke quick enough adjusted to and complied with local looks

Rick helped to test all of Kaatje's presents

And by the next morning it as if it never had been any different

In return for 'missing' the Rodeo show Eelco took Martijn to see the basketball. The guys made 3 pics only....1 of them with beer, 1 moved shot of the game and the below....one could think 'typical' -;)

 We seem to have some pictures of Rick in a similar position. With Auke though it took some coaxing with food otherwise he was not the biggest fan of our favorite chair. I must admit - it is NOT this seasons color and you can't exercise your legs very well whilst seated so we understood.

Auke liked Rick and the exersaucer a lot though and Rick liked Auke a lot too although he sometimes found it difficult to see Auke use his toys.

 Kaat and Auke developed a somewhat calmer relationship and just 'hung out together' here in the zoo. Auke was busy making calls to his friends back home as you can see. Rick had no problem sharing Kaatje's stuff with Auke, such as her bunny, as Auke was much cooler then Kaatje. (Kaatje was called Auke for quite a few days after he left in hope we think...)

It was really nice to be out with the whole family and all the kids (Kaatje is lying in the black stroller 'underneath' Rick)

 Gorgeous Rick overseeing all in our large people carrier 

 Dinner at Kemah Boardwalk

 Martijn & Rick on the watch tower in Brazos Bend - finding the alligators.

 Ah - there it is!

 'See Auke', says Rick, 'any kitchen utensils and dad's razor (or part thereof) are all great to play with. and ehm you must be seated at the bar at all times when any cooking is going on'. (Sitten Daar - is Rick's most uttered words at home - which means he needs to be seated at the bar on the Kitchen Isle)

Roaming Battleship Texas on our 'Bonus day'.

 

And a lovely family portrait of our visitors all tanned after a week of LOVELY spring weather.

Rick and I were clearly more serious 

 Much to explore!

And then it was really time to go home in our huge family vehicle for the last time and a fantastic week came to an end. It took us a while to find the most suitable arrangements but we ended with Auke & Kaat in the back with 1 adult in between for soothing & pacifier duties, then another Adult & Rick on the middle row (this way Auke did not face Rick in the car and would actually sleep) and Mama Maartje as the Driver. As per good America design the car fitted all that and 3 strollers if needed and then some more. It also had some 17 cupholders and Brad Paisley & Sesame Street in the CD player.

Bye Bye!

Rodeo Rodeo Rodeo

The Houston Rodeo lasted 2.5 weeks and I took full advantage of it. After a visit on day one with Oma Marijke I went 'alone' with some friends on a weekend night to see the actual Rodeo Competition and Concert. Every night there were two hrs of Rodeo Events followed by a mini concert of mainly Country stars but also acts such as Janet Jackson and Kiss.

The Rodeo events are kicked off with a prayer and the national anthem followed by Tie-Down Roping, Bareback Riding, Team roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, Chuck Wagon Races, Calf Scramble (high school kids catching calfs), Barrel Racing (the only Women's event) and Mutton Bustin (4, 5 & 6 year olds riding sheep as long as they can)

You can also go during the day just to watch the cattle & cattle shows, the Carnival (Kermis) and other attractions. So in order to test my mothering skills I took both kids there on my own as well one day and did things like the 'Fun on the Farm Route' with Rick above.

Things went pretty smooth so I was pretty pleased with myself although Kaat did not show much interest in the whole event.

 Eelco used some of his last 'Paternity Leave' to go to the Rodeo with the whole family. Even at his 4th trip out there Rick did not get any more courageous with the animals.

The family outing was quite a success and Rick still had energy after his St Paddy's day ceebrations at school.

 As we went at the end of the day we event stayed for the Rodeo & Show and were seated just under the roof in the stadium and Rick & Kaat had their first pop-concert.

That day the stadium was packed! (Capacity 60,000)

 The most difficult part was if either of us had to go to the bathroom. The stairs and stadium are VERY steep. Whilst Eelco did a balancing act with Rick on his neck, Rick ate the French fries out of the cup in his hand!

A few days later I took Neeltje to the Rodeo too as a surprise. We already found out on her first trip here that she is quite the cowgirl. This was the night of the finals and our favorite, Bobby Welsh, won the Bull Riding (maybe there are some interviews with him on You Tube or something). Country heartthrob Brad Paisley did the concert that night (Hits like Mud on the Tire and This is Country Music) so it could not get any more authentic and we had a good time.

 The morning after we went again for the last time and took all the kids & the men as well.

The cattle shows were still ongoing.

And it appeared Martijn & Neeltje had no problem enjoying the Texan cuisine. Not sure the Dutch City Slickers understood the eating etiquette very well as Martijn dared to ask for cutlery with his turkey leg. As you can see he did not get any!