Houston Dynamo vs. DC United

This afternoon, we went to the Houston Dynamo game against DC United. It is the first leg of the Eastern Conference Finals. Andrew was so excited about seeing the other Houston Dynamo team play. And he was adamant about wearing his Houston jersey too.

Unfortunately, James had to teach tonight so that meant that he was going to have to leave early. We explained the situation to Andrew and he said that he wanted to stay at the game with me. So, we took both cars car to the stadium and made our way to our seats.

Lucky for us, Quincy was kind enough to buy the tickets for us and as a season holder, he got our seats at a discounted price (basically no taxes or fees), which was really nice. And they were pretty good seats.

Sadly, DC scored first and the Dynamo didn't score at all during the first half. We walked James out to the doors and said goodbye. Then, Andrew and I went to see Quincy at his seats for a little bit during halftime. After, I was going to get Andrew some pizza, but the lines were still long so I told him we would get some when the game was back on. But then, I told him if he could wait we could go get some Vietnamese food at Huynh, which Andrew loves, and he said okay.

The second half was unbelieveable! The Dynamo scored three goals to win the game. It was awesome!! Andrew was so excited when they scored and when they took the lead too. He was pretty good at the game. He did ask for the iPad, but managed not to play it the entire game. Thanks to the distraction of all the scoring by our team!!

After the game, I kept my promise and we got Andrew some thit nuong and eggrolls. He ate a crazy amount of food and was well behaved at the restaurant. Well, he was really good pretty much for the entire evening. I was proud of my little man. It was a fantastic evening!!

Go Houston Dynamo!!

Mary-Ann's Bridal Shower

This morning, I attended Mary-Ann's bridal shower hosted by a family friend of the Ferguson's at the Ferguson's beach house in Hitchcock. It was a lovely shower--the hostess and her helpers (Scott's mom Gwen, his sister in law Shannon, and Shannon's sister in law Lisa) did an amazing job with everything from the mimosa bar to the delicious array of food.

Sadly, I had to leave early because Andrew's last soccer game was exactly at the same time and I was trying to make the post-season party at Prince's Hamburgers. But unfortunately, I hit traffic coming up from Hitchcock and arrived as the party was ending. I got to see a few people, but I guess it's how it works out sometimes. And I should see most of them again at least by the spring season if not before then. Hopefully, one of the parents post some photos from today so that I can see them.

But I needed to attend the shower--I am the matron of honor after all. And am glad I got to go for a little bit. I can't believe her wedding is less than a month away!!

Mary-Ann's Bachelorette Party

After soccer, we came home and we got ready for some weekend trips. I was headed off to Lake Charles for the night for Mary-Ann's bachelorette party while James was taking Andrew to Austin for some Lenz family time.

Ngoai came by the house to pick me up and get some Andrew time in and then we headed off to pick up Aunt Monica at her house. We didn't have any problems on the drive in and arrived at L'auberge a little over two hours later. Mary-ann and her friends were driving separately and going to meet us there.

We checked into our rooms and headed downstairs. Ngoai and Monica played some blackjack while we waited for the guest of honor to arrive. I left the two ladies gambling downstairs while I met Mary-Ann upstairs in her room. We hung out for a while while the girls (Mary-Ann, and her friend Hayden, and one of Scott's nieces Allison) got ready for the night.

Then, we had dinner at Asia where we were joined by two more of Mary-Ann's friends, Taylor and Edy. After dinner, we headed to casino area for some gaming. Mary-Ann wanted to play craps first so I watched her play some of that, but there wasn't much luck to be had there. Next, we went to play Pai Gow and we did okay, but weren't winning much there.

Later, Mary-Ann joined the girls who were playing slots and I found Monica and Ngoai who were at the blackjack tables. The girls ended up going to Jack's After Dark for some drinking and dancing and Monica and I joined them later. After it closed, we back into the casino and played some more craps and blackjack. Sadly, most of the group lost that night, but Ngoai was lucky that night and won, so that was good.

This morning, we got ready and packed up. After checking out, we ate some breakfast at The Cafe. After, we did some more gambling and left Lake Charles around 2pm.

It was a fun getaway. I missed being away from James and Andrew who had a great time in Austin. I was sad more of us didn't have better luck at the tables, but oh well. It was mostly just nice to get to celebrate with Mary-Ann.

YMCA Fall 2012 Soccer Game #6 Team Houston @ New England

The entire team really had a great game this morning. We are really seeing the kids improve every week. Andrew played both offense and defense, but didn't score any goals. But all in all we were happy with his play.

And no, we don't technically keep score, but our own knowledge, our team scored three goals to the other team's two. But most importantly, we are just glad they are having fun, continuing to score, and gaining some more confidence.

Trick or Treating 2012

Our family continued our yearly tradition of trick or treating with the Armstrongs in West U. We brought over some Thai food for dinner and ate before getting the boys dressed. Daddy arrived from work just as we were still getting everything--and everyone--ready.

Andrew was of course Optimus Prime. Ryan went as Han Solo while Linda dressed as Princess Leia. Max was Luke Skywalker, Rush was Darth Vader, and Griff even dressed up as Yoda. It was pretty awesome!

So, it was finally time to go trick or treating!! Andrew and Max led the way while Rush followed a little behind. But all the kids did great! They didn't forget their manners too much. I was very happy with the way they walk ahead of us and didn't run too far. And they all did a wonderful job with being safe and watching when they were crossing streets.

We ended up going up and down their street and one more before calling it a night. The boys seemed quite pleased with their stashes. We hung out at the house for a little while longer before calling it a night ourselves since it's a weeknight.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

SLDS Halloween Parade and Party 2012

This morning was the Halloween Parade and Party at SLDS. Andrew thinks this is one of the funnest days at school during the year as do most of the other kids at school.

At drop off, all the kids were really excited and loved looking at each other's costumes. Then, it was time for the parade.

The kids in the class did a great job in the parade. Some were very sweet and even waved at me when they passed me by. Andrew even stopped to give me a hug, which I thought was very sweet. And then Zachary, who was right behind him, gave me a hug too. I loved it. After the parade, we congregated in the courtyard for photos.

Then, it was time for the class party where the kids dined on cupcakes and juice boxes. Jeannie brought wooden jack o lanterns for the kids to color for the craft. The kids had lots of fun with that.

It was a great morning; and Andrew had so much fun.

Transformers...Pumpkins in Disguise

When asked, Andrew initially said he wanted Daddy to carve the pumpkin this year and not me. Yes, I was a little disappointed, but honestly, I can see why he would pick James. But James has been working a lot this past week so it fell upon me to do it anyhow.

I gave Andrew some choices for our jack-o-lantern and thought of the Autobots icon. So, I found a template online and showed it to Andrew. O little Optimus Prime was sold after that.

It was my first time to use a template and only my second attempt to carve a pumpkin (last year being my first). Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Brownies

Our little sous chef really loves to help Nonna make her awesome brownies. The last few times we have seen her, he will ask her if he can help her make them. And of course, he loves getting to taste the fruits of his culinary labor.