new way to watch movies

We are going to have to find a new way to watch movies on any given family night. Our Blockbuster video rental store went out of business! My daughter told us she knew it was going to, but when my husband went by that same day, they were already empty! I guess for any upcoming family movie nights we are going to have to learn how to order from netflix or get something from the redbox! Gone are the days of browsing the video store!

to each his own

When you have teens in the house, sometimes "family night" means letting each one do his own thing that night. For teens, just being home together is considered "family night!! Letting each have his/her own space and time to "chill down" makes for a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere in the home, which is the essence of family night.

on the lake

We were talking about going to a lake today to practice an open water swim. I asked our kids to go with us to canoe or kayak if we could find one. That way they could hang around and watch out for us if something happened. We did not get to go due to the weather, but our daughter was excited about being able to just go out on the lake for a while! I am hopeful that we get to do this soon. Anything the kids want to do makes a great family night (day)!

dinner outside

With the beautiful spring weather, my teenage son asked if we could eat outside tonight. What a great way to spend a family dinner. Good food, good company, and good weather! It feels good to have the sun shining down, not too hot, not too cold. Seems like kids never outgrow the simplicity of a picnic!

burgers and blues

Discovery Green in Houston has lots of family activities. Many are free. On Wed. March 17 you can come out to the Green and listen to live blues music. While there you can enjoy burgers and other items purchased from the Lake House Restaurant. This week's music will be put on by the Milton Hopkins Band on the Anheuser-Busch Stage. The fun starts at noon. Weekly concerts go through April 12.

buying a television

Our television has been out for some time. When looking at them we decided we could not afford one at the time. However, with us being gone for a while, we were able to save the grocery money that would normally have been spent. So I am now thinking that a good family night activity would be for us to go pick out a new tv. We like to watch tv nearly every day, though our tastes in what to watch varies! My husband and son especially like to watch and lately, with a couple of teens hanging around, we spend many evenings watching television together. It seems that since it has become a common family event, it would be a good idea to pick out a new tv together.

Tour de Hood

While watching Texas Country Reporter last night, we came across a great program taking place not too very far from us. It is called Tour de Hood . Dr. Veon McReynolds has in effect started an inner city cycling club. This cycling group is for all ages and abilities. He has collected an array of bicycles and allows folks to come out on Saturday mornings for a ride. The ride is at an easy pace for everyone to enjoy. At the halfway point, there is a break for fruit and water. Helmets, bikes, snacks, and even t shirts to wear are all provide to participants at no cost. All are invited to join. You can bring your own bike if you prefer. And if you have a bike that is not working, you are invited to come on Fridays and they will help you fix it! Dr. McReynolds is also wanting to get a few three wheeled bikes so that senior citizens who don't feel comfortable on a bicycle will still be able to join in the fun of each week's ride.