The State Fair

After having lived in Dallas for more than 4 years, I finally made it out to the State Fair! I've been during the college days during the TX-OU game, but never since then. This was of course Payton's first fair. I didn't realize how many fun things they have at the fair, especially for kids. Our highlight was the petting zoo, which had tons of animals including a baby giraffe. Overall, it was great weather and we had alot of fun with Auntie Angela!

Parents

The last 2 weeks, my parents have come to help watch Payton because I've been just swamped at work. We really appreciate all their help! and it's always fun to hang out with them. Several of my friends have also told me that Payton looks more like my mom than me or Mike. What do you think?

Rediscovered passion

It took me four years to discover that there were many places to fish in and near Dallas. In fact, we live about 10 minutes from White Rock Lake. I guess I was too preoccupied studying and playing basketball.

Roberta and I grew up in Houston and one of the few recreational activities that we both enjoyed was fishing and crabbing in Galveston (well, just crabbing for Roberta). My love for fishing grew out of my dad taking my brother and I fishing in Galveston. I can't wait until I am able to teach Payton to fish. Hopefully, he won't be as squeamish as his mother (Roberta cried once because she felt bad about putting a live shrimp on a hook).

In the last few months, John Valenzuela and I have been fishing regularly on his speedy boat on Ray Hubbard Lake (I think his boat has a faster 0-50 mph time than my car). Thanks to John, Roberta and I (as well as several in our church) have enjoyed consuming fresh sand bass and hybrids.

Below are pictures of a recent outing. We hooked into some big sand bass.

Visiting Uncle Chuck and Auntie Harriet

This past weekend, Payton and I visited Uncle Chuck and Auntie Harriet in Madison, Wisconsin. The weather was perfect and we did many fun outdoorsy things and ate lots of good food. This was Payton's first trip outside of Texas!

Here's Payton smiling at the lions at the zoo.
In Auntie Harriet and Uncle Chuck's apartment getting ready to eat breakfast. (Thanks Auntie Fay and Uncle Chris for the UT outfit!)
Payton falling alseep on the bus ride to University of Wisconsin's Union, which is located right by a lake.
Enjoying some sun with Uncle Chuck as we wait for brunch.

Thanks for a great time Auntie Harriet and Uncle Chuck! We miss you!!