Bumble bite

We went up to my parent’s lake house a few weeks ago.  We headed out to Thousand Trails to feed the deer and play.  It was beautiful and the kids had a great time.

 

All was going well until poor Reese got stung by a bumble bee.  It came out of nowhere and somehow got her on the left wrist while she was bending down to get something.  It is almost two weeks later and she is still constantly saying, “bumble bite” and pointing to her wrist.  I take this with a grain of salt.  This girl likes to talk.  She has become incredibly verbal lately, anything from “like your shoes” (or earrings, etc) to “no like” to “Ella/Austin STOP!”

At almost 21 months she can verbally communicate most of her thoughts.  Not sure if I forgot how quickly this happens or if she just hears so much that we all say that she is talking early.  I laughed when she told grandma the other day, “I eat tacos too.”

After the bumble bite, Reese and Jeff went back to the house so she could nap.  The rest of us stayed and played some more. 

The funny part is that the highlight of the adventure was playing fetch with my aunt and uncle's dogs.  Austin and Ella thought that was fantastic! 

Rain?

  It has been so long since we have had a good amount of rain.  Fall is in full swing and we got a cool, rainy morning last Saturday.  Reese was in awe.

Black Friday – 2011

Jeff had to work so the kids and I were on our own.  I wanted to take them to the zoo, but Austin asked for the children’s museum instead.  I love the one in New Braunfels…and since that is so close the outlet and the kids needed new shoes anyway, what sane mother wouldn’t take them by myself to Stride Rite.  Keep in mind, this can be a disaster even when Jeff and I go together.  Amazingly, it wasn’t too bad.  I surrendered and let Austin and Ella choose what they wanted, and now Ella will show anyone who will pay attention  her new princess sparkly tennis shoes.  We got in and out and headed to the museum.

It is one level and open so I am able to let the kids run and still somewhat keep an eye on all three.  Ella headed to her favorite spot, the grocery store, right away.

The second favorite part was the art room.  Our little artist here, took the baby from the nursery exhibit and insisted she have it while painting.

   

I was tired and happy when Jeff came home that evening, and I think the kids were too.

Thanksgiving 2011

We had everyone at our house again this year and lucky for them I didn’t cook:)

18 adults and 6 kids, and we had such a wonderful time.  It was our first year to add friends to our family mix, and we were so happy to have them.  We have so much to be thankful for, and even through the daily trials and tribulations, it really doesn’t get any better than this!

I completed all of my sewing tasks by Wednesday evening, including the new panels for the dining room and living room.

I got a little addicted, and they now know me by name now at JoAnn fabrics.  I have found that I love it though.  Ella comes with me and gives me her opinion.  My grandma (mom’s mom) was an amazing seamstress and the sound of the machine always makes me think of her.

                   

Egyptian Day at Austin’s school

The 1st graders were celebrating all things Egypt.  This meant we had our first experience making a costume for school.  It came out…okay.  Not great, and a lot of glue left on the table, but a mummy he is.

Austin wanted to capture the moment with his two friends, Josh and Collin.  It was pretty cute to see all the kids dressed up.

Coloring outside

A rare afternoon when I get the kids home after work and they all peacefully colored outside while I made dinner.  (At least for about 15 minutes) But, I took it, because a year ago this peaceful few minutes was hard to imagine.

      

Tricycle Ride with Reese

Last month we went for a ride, which started like this -

A few minutes later, Reese was off and pulling the trike -

 and then 30 seconds later, decided she was done with the whole thing and just wanted to sit and enjoy the day:)

Baseball – Fall 2011, Oakland As

Another season, come and gone.  It was Austin’s final one with coach pitch and tee.  In the spring he and his team will move up to just coach pitch.  He did a really great job, I don’t think he used the tee at all this season.

The most important thing is he loved it! Every practice and every game.  It was a turn from season’s past when every now and then he would not be too into it.

 

The obligatory family picture I make us take.  We are so proud of you buddy!