Waco birthday celebration

None of the family would be able to make Justin's birthday party in Houston due to the date I chose. So the same weekend of Elise's graduation we had a family party for Justin in Waco.

On the day I had originally chosen Justin came down with a fever. We went to the Urgent Care in Hewitt, and 49 minutes later had a diagnosis of bronchitis, sinusitis, and a double ear infection. So 48 hours of antibiotics later we had our redo.

We decided that lunch at Fuddruckers and bowling afterwards would be the winning combo for our four year old. I show this photo not so you can see the gifts but of my camera bag. It was full of my lenses, flash, extra memory cards, etc. But much to my surprise I had no camera body! Left it at my parents' house! The Lord was having a sense of humor with me - here we were with everyone present, Justin in a #4 shirt, etc. But no fancy camera. Thankfully my mother-in-law had her point-and-shoot in her purse!


Tom getting the whole crew ketchup. Aaron & Elise brought Elise's sister and mom, Shane & Ryan, and all the grandparents were present for the special occasion.


Justin had to play games first, with Uncle Aaron, a fellow gamer, watching him steer.


This is totally not a snobby camera comment, but just a truthful one - how in the world do you point-and-shoot users use your camera indoors? Oh my word - every single photo where Justin moved for a split second was like this one - a complete blur!


Though Justin questioned this gift at first with curiosity, we now read by lantern every night before going to bed.


This face just makes me laugh.


All Smith birthdays have a cookie cake, and Justin even made sure we were having one. He kept trying to figure out all weekend whose party was first - Elise's grad party or his Waco party.


Justin took the camera around and took photos of everyone, including himself.


He barely bumped his hand right before singing Happy Birthday and burst into tears. Still kind of a sickie with those tears. But we collected ourself in time for the singing.


Our almost 4 year old


Then the grandparents and Uncle Ryan headed to the AMF bowling lanes in Waco. Let me tell you, I don't know how people in Waco can justify paying that price for such an old bowling alley. I was so shocked at the price, and even told the guy that their prices were the same as our brand-new/swanky/waiters-take-your-order/bumpers-go-up-and-down-for-kids-only bowling alley. We don't even go much because it's so expensive! But I digress, we found a deal where the 8 of us could take turns on 6 turns of bowling.


Apparently this was the first time Derek had ever seen his mom bowl. And she was pretty dang good! And I think quite surprised at how fun it can be.


We bowled with bumpers the whole time, which kind of messed me up.


The Michaelis threesome


Waiting his turn by all the balls.


Giving a cheer after a spare


I am sure they are talking bowling strategy right now.


Derek being artistic and taking a photo of his shoe.


Trying out a strategy of rolling the ball carefully to get those 3 pins


Grandpa Tom was by far the best bowler



Tom had the 186, and Mary Beth and I shared the 62. So someone had to come in last!


The rest of our stay in Waco was filled with fun randomness. We went to the Baylor "Meet the Players" event.


Justin truly could have cared less about the players and was much more into the bounce house.


And into throwing the football.


And shooting the basketball.


We got their at the end, so the lines weren't too long.


Derek showing us that the chin-up bar is a bit short for him.


But not for our sock-wearing pajama boy.


Justin got behind lens and took my photo.


And then Birdie's attempt.


I did not take any photos of the rest of our stay in Waco, but it was such a nice reprieve from our normal rush around weekends when we come into town on the weekends for 36 hours. I got some along time individually with Kacey, Julia, Katy, Ann, Amanda, & Lauren. And no kid interruptions, which was such a blessing. I was able to go to Zumba not once but twice!



I have never tried this new phenomenon in Houston due to my lack of tight, shiny clothing and not a trace of Hispanic heritage in my white frame. But what a nice change to go to First Woodway, see all shapes and sizes as well as workout attire, and sweat with all of Waco! My mom goes to this several times a week, and what a treat to workout with your mother. Much less be taught by the very talented Angie Wood. So I got my Angie fill while taking instruction in my first class (though I wish there had been more time to see you, Angie). Wish I could have gone to more. Stunned at how much hips still do not move like everyone elses, but I can stay on beat for the most part. Made me miss those wonderful friendships in Waco, but also me realize how very much a part of Houston we've become.

Thanks Mom & Dad for housing us for so long! Even with a sickie child the whole time, it was so nice to be away from the norm. Until next time...