Cascarones

Well, I was thinking that ever since we got married and moved to the border, we've always had cascarones on Easter. I can't believe I let it slip my mind on our first year away! For those of you who haven't lived on the Mexican border, cascarones are confetti filled eggs that you break over people's heads and the superstition goes that it's supposed to bring you good luck. Anyway, they're tons of fun and kids LOVE them. Here are some pics from the past few Easters and all the fun we've had with cascarones.

Abby's 2nd Easter, but the first one she actually got to participate in!




I love these two...."what was that?"





"What are you doing to me?" If looks could kill....poor Alessandra!

My sweet baby! 2006









These are from 2007. It had been raining for several days and we weren't even sure if we'd be able to go outside because it was COLD....in the 30's I believe which is VERY cold for Del Rio!





Our friends' little boy, Raymon, was very serious about this!

Abby had a blast!

See the store bought ones? Those were the ones I brought! ;)

I'll have to get the laptop out for the ones from last year. I'm too lazy for that right now! More later!

Bippo the Hippo

Well, I finally got up the nerve to take the kids to the dentist this year. I'm horrible, but I never wanted to take Abby to anyone that might scare her or make her dread the dentist like some people do. I searched for a pediatric dentist while we were in Del Rio, but the closest was in San Antonio which was a 200 mile drive and I just couldn't imagine driving that far and still having a pleasant experience with a child in a dental chair.

After we moved, I found www.bippothehippo.com and to my delight Dr. Brasher was only 35 miles from us! So, new dental insurance card in hand, I took her. Matthew took the day off and stayed with Ethan because I wasn't sure what to expect from her. To my surprise, she did amazing, and was HAPPY to be there! Her hygenist's name was Carrie, and she showed her everything before she started, brused her teeth (they don't use the electric polisher thing on the kids), flossed, then she asked Abby if she could take pictures....and Abby said YES! She did an entire set of x-rays, which they said some 6 year olds won't do, and never flinched.

The worst part for her was when Bippo the Hippo came out to take a picture with her. She did take the picture, but she was clutching my hand while she stood on one side of the water fountain and Bippo stood on the other side. They printed us pictures, and even made her a button with one. If I ever get my scanner back, I'll post it, because it's hilarious.

Anyway, yesterday was Ethan's turn, and, well......look for yourself!

Needless to say, he did GREAT! Completely cooperative! You'd never know that I literally have to HOLD HIM DOWN to brush his teeth most days. When his daddy asked him what his favorite part was, it wasn't the stickers or balloon, or goody bag he got....it was the motorcycle he is holding in the pictures. They have a toy room and they got to play before and after his checkup, but he didn't get to bring that motorcycle home. I did promise him something if he was good, and Abby too if she behaved while he was there. They were angels. So, I asked them if they wanted a toy (a small one) or if they wanted to go to the movies....they agreed (gasp) that they wanted to see Monsters vs. Aliens. So we did.

It was a great day! And I didn't feel crazy at all yesterday, which is a real accomplishment for me!