Wii ... wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

An outdoor carnival 7th birthday party

For Noah's 7th birthday, we decorated the backyard for a classic kids birthday party. We had balloon darts, a kissing booth, fortune teller, clothes pin drop, marshmallow shooting gallery and the very popular pie in the face. We munched on hot dogs and popcorn and had ice cream clowns for dessert. Every one braved the 50 degree weather and fun warming up with popular relay races. The kids had to dress up in Brian's clothes, run to the end of the yard and pop a balloon by sitting on it. Fun was had by all!!!

Happy Birthday, big guy!!! We love you!!!!

Fall football

This fall, Noah wanted to try flag football instead of soccer or baseball. I was a little apprehensive, because I have not wanted the boys to become interested in tackle football (it just scares the daylights out of me). He was pretty reserved most of the season, and hung in the back of the field. He played running back and did his job well. Toward the end of the season he scored several touchdowns. My prayers were answered after he walked by a tackle game and saw humanity lying all over the earth and decided that was just too rough for him (YES!!!!!) He is anxious to get back into soccer, and some am I.




Brian and I were not impressed with the parents in the flag football league, specifically the dads. The way they carried on yelling at the kids and showing their exasperation at missed plays was disheartening. You would have thought that their kids were playing in the pros. These parents were serious (and I see now why football is big in Texas), but come on, they are only in the first grade!!!





First grade football comes complete with cheerleaders who did an amazing job, complete with banners to run through and homecoming gifts!!!

Halloween 2008

Our Halloween turned out to be darker and spookier than any we have ever had. We were without power for two days (long story!!!) and we took advantage of it by eating by candle light. After dinner we headed out to Trunk or Treat and then trick or treating with some friends from school. Both boys choose Darth Vader this year, although Camden quickly shed his costume because he was too hot.

Spoooky Night with movies and pumpkin carving!
Great Fun

Western Round-up

Friday was western day at school for Camden. His two favorite things: going to school and playing dress-up were almost too much for him to handle. He was decked out and looking very handsome in his western duds. He picked up his trusty horse a.k.a. Soda Johnson (Camden picked out the name) and rode into the sunset. Okay, not really into the sunset but he rode all over the playground.

The love of running

As far back as I can remember, Noah has always had a love of running. More than baseball or soccer or football, he just loves to run. When he brought home a flyer for Marathon Kids from school, it piqued my curiosity. He was crazy excited about running a marathon, so how could I resist.

He attended the opening ceremony where he ran a lap around the track. At the end of the school year, when he completes his marathon, he will receive a medal for his accomplishment.


Run, Noah, Run!!!

Halloween choices...

So many costumes to choose from.

The boys got creative with a box, markers and misc. items around the house and made themselves robot costumes. I don't think they will be worn on the big night (they each have already decided on Darth Vader) but they had fun being creative and even more fun playing around.

The Boys bathroom

The boys bathroom needed a serious update. Pink and teal had come and gone and they said it "just wasn't their favorite colors". I get that, so 1 year ago we started stripping wallpaper and this summer we finished the update. We textured and painted, took done the 80's full wall mirror above the sink, changed out all the fixtures and the faucet. We went to Pottery Barn (I love that store!!!) and bought a few accessories and last we hung some of the boys artwork on the walls to make it their own.

Growing up too fast

Camden had a wonderful first week of Pre-school. He had no hesitation and was full of eagerness to start the year. He has a wonderful teacher this year who is going to be a perfect compliment to him. He was excited to take his back-pack for Show & Tell last Friday, and pointed out that it had light up wheels and a place to put his cell phone. What???? his cell phone????



This weekend was Gracie day at the pool. Well, not technically... she swam with about 100 other dogs. She started off slow, going to anyone who she thought might take her outside of this gate that she was brought through. After about 15 minutes and no takers, she ventured into the water where she had fun. She quickly found a tennis ball and would take it and drop it in front of any human or dog to throw it for her. She played ball and swam for about an hour. All of the dogs were very social and well behaved. Lots of Labs and Boxers, it was funny to watch them all interact.

Summer is officially over:(

Relief!

Licking, chewing, scratching, licking, chewing, licking, chewing... you get the picture.
I had enough!
She had enough!
the solution...socks!
She's happy:)
I'm happy:)

Boat races

On a rainy day the best thing to do is have a boat race...





and then go eat at Keller's!!!! It doesn't get any better than this!!!

Start of a new year

Here he is, all ready and anxious to start the first grade. He had one litter quiver of nervousness at "meet the teacher" but those butterflies have settled and there is no stopping him now.

Oh my, how you have grown over the summer!!! You went from missing two teeth (thanks to your brother) to having 5 empty spaces ready to be filled. You have also grown in maturity. With much assurance and determination you stood firm in your decision about what type of backpack and lunch box you wanted this year. It wasn't about the "character" or the "newest" it was all about functionality for you (had to have a handle and wheels and the lunch box must attach) and I applaud you.

I know the Lord has great things planned for you, and I am going to just sit back and watch you grow. Happy first day of first grade, punkin eater!

Power Lab VBS

We survived another year of VBS. Brian and I ran the pre-school crafts/experiments station and enjoyed every minute of watching the kids have a great time. We exploded things, bubbled over with thankfulness and were brave enough to make and then touch slime!



Noah's got the power...


I celebrated a birthday during the week of VBS. Yes, I am 36. I'm not shy about telling you because Camden will tell you and complete strangers in the grocery store how old I am. We celebrated mine and my dad's birthday this past weekend. The boys thought that I would like a pink race car cake to eat .... and you know what, I did!!! Thanks guys for making me a really cool cake!!!!

A trip to the dentist

Camden had his first trip to the dentist in July. He did great!!! He really liked "Mr. Slurpee", the "special sunglasses" to protect his eyes and the "tickle toothbrush". No cavities to report...phew~!!!!

More summer fun

The summer isn't complete without a trip to the "beach" in one of our nearby communities. We met several cousins of Brian's for the day and just hung out swimming and building sand castles.

Afterwards, we drove to a local mall and rode the carousel.



We finished off the day with a frozen custard. YUM!!!

Sea World, Part 2

Day 2 at Sea World was spent at their water park area. This was the first time that Camden was tall enough to ride water slides. And ride water slides we did! Once he started he didn't want to stop. So, we spent the entire day wet and having a great time.




On our final day we drove to a wonderful Children's museum in New Braunsfel's, where the kids had fun relaxing and just playing.

Camden dressed as an astronaut complete with moon boots.


Noah and Daddy building dams in the water to change the flow.

Camden wallpapering the inside of a house.