March Madness

March has almost come and gone and no posts? Wow, where is the time going these days? I guess two little ones will do that to you. The kids are doing great. Haley had a busy month with soccer. I'm not sure soccer is her sport but she goes out there every game and tries her best, that's all we could ask for. She has two more games left and then I think we will hang up her soccer shoes for awhile. Technically, she just wears her tennis shoes since her feet are so small they don't make soccer shoes her size! This summer we're going back to Little Gym for Haley. She really enjoyed that and it seems to be more her speed, not to mention it is indoors.

Haley and I did attend the Houston Ballet the other day and saw Sleeping Beauty. It was my first time at the ballet too and I'm so glad her and I could share that experience together. She really liked it, although it was very long and she got a little tired at the end.

Jackson is growing like a week. His vocabulary is really starting to pick up and wants to get into everything. We can only understand a few words but he tries very hard to repeat you. The other day Haley was at Grandma's house and Jackson was at the backdoor calling, "Hay yee, Hay yee". It was precious! We have talked about starting Jackson in swim lessons this spring and Little Gym in the summer too. He needs a way to channel all his energy and get some structure.

This past week the entire family was hit with the stomach bug. Poor Jackson also ended up with an ear infection but we're happy to say we're all better now.

Big, exciting changes are ahead for The Vara's. Hopefully we can blog more about it soon...

Here are a few pictures from this past month.

Haley and Mommy on picture day

Haley's soccer team. We have looked and looked for black shorts for her but no luck. She is just too tiny in the waste. She's wearing the same size as Jackson in shorts - 18 months!

Go Haley!!!

Proof Haley does get in on some of the action

Jackson likes to help Daddy with his tools.

All dressed up ready for the ballet. Buster got in the picture too!

I can never resist a spaghetti shot. Jackson is so happy when he is dirty.

The kids having lunch outside

Hi. Yes, Jackson eating, again

Pretty Haley even when she's not feeling well

Jackson's other love is water. Helping wash the car

You missed a spot Mom. I do have to confess: I can count on one hand how many times I've washed my car in the last 3 years. So thankful Daddy keeps it clean for us.

Fun in the sprinklers

Having too much fun

Soccer time and a trip to San Antonio

Soccer season has arrived! Haley is playing on a coed 3 year old soccer team through the YMCA. Her first practice was on Thursday with the first game this past Saturday. Her team is named The Dynamo and as you can see the colors at orange and white. After bribing her with M&Ms, she finally put on her jersey, which swallowed her. She was too cute! We couldn't find any soccer cleats small enough but she didn't mind. She was a little timid on the field but the important part is she got out there! She even kicked the ball once on a kick off and had an awesome throw in. She's very analytical so I'm thinking she is just studying the field and next game she will be right in the mix.

Posing for a picture before the big game

Checking out the field

Ready to kick off

Watching all the other kids attack the ball :)


The soccer game was a ton of fun and we are so proud of our little girl! After the game we went to McDonald's with Uncle Mark then headed out on a road trip.

Matt and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on Friday. My mom was in Hawaii and Haley had her soccer game the next morning so we decided to make it a family occasion for the weekend with a trip to San Antonio. We'll celebrate our big say one night soon.
Our first stop was the Wildlife Ranch. It was awesome! It's an African safari right in Texas. You drive through in your car and the animals come up and feed out of your hands. I'm not sure I have ever seen Haley laugh so hard. Jackson wasn't too sure what to make of the animals keeping wide eyes the entire time but he enjoyed it as well.
We drove in and were greeting by these guys.

Hey there buddy

Jackson checking him out too. Yes, the window on the car is down. Crazy!

This one knew just what to look for. Where is my food little girl...

They even have bison on the free range. Not sure I would keep the windows down for those guys if they were up. This morning they were just chilling.

Jackson getting in on the action throwing them some food

African cattle too and longhorns. They weren't too interested in our food, whew

Now the ostriches, that's another story. These guys were aggressive and so entertaining! Haley could not stop belly laughing at them.

Coming in from the top...

That's what I wanted

We even got to feed the zebras! This guy also got a little excited with the food and eventually we had to shut the window :)

Never thought we would get this close!

Oh no! Another ostrich. We had to close all the windows and he was still pecking at them.

After the driving tour there is a petting area where the kids enjoyed the goats. This one is more my size, mom.

Haley was having a blast

After a bite to eat we checked out the lemurs and headed back to the hotel. What an awesome adventure!!!


The kids took a nap then headed out to the pool with daddy.

Then we went to the "beach" and built a sand castle. Getting it started...

Haley checking out the lazy river. This wasn't heated and was freezing!

There's our handsome boy.

And our beautiful, precious girl

After some water our castle is looking good.

Whoa, Mom. This water is cold

Cheese! Why Jackson why do you have that big grin on your face?

Because I like to eat sand, Mom! YUCK. Jackson was eating sand by the fistful. Needless to say, he has had a very rough day today with a horrible diaper rash.


Today we took the kids down to the Riverwalk and on a boat ride. Not even 1 minute into the boat ride Jackson had a blowout diaper. What to do??? Good thing for us we were in the front of the boat. Bad thing for the rest of the boat, we were in the front of the boat, up wind. By the time the tour was over Jackson was not a happy camper. Poor guy's bum is not in good shape from all that sand. Ahhh, never a dull moment with our little man.
Despite the blowout, we had a wonderful time on the Riverwalk and finally made our way home. What a fun adventure. Can't wait to go back.

Ice Day 2011

Snow Day 2011 turned out to be an Ice Day 2011. The kids daycare closed so Matt and I both stayed home with them taking turns so we could get some work done too. We had a fun day despite hanging out inside most of the day.

Our fountain started to freeze on Wednesday. By Thursday the icicles were huge!

Haley was checking out the ice on Matt's car

Icicles formed on our roof all around the house

Jackson wasn't too sure what to think about all this cold weather. He couldn't figure out why the grass was crunchy and slippery

Then he found the neighbor's toys. What's this mom?

Haley was busy finding everything that was frozen. Tiger too.

The freezing rain early Friday morning helped break up some of the icicles. Haley and Jackson were checking it out.

Our chairs, tables and trampoline were covered with 1/4 inch thick ice.

We didn't last long outside. So what better to do then hang out in the kitchen

Jackson looking innocent

There's silly Jackson! Who knew strainers could be so fun?

Haley loved her new hats too.

What a fun day with our precious gifts!!!!!