Grandma Chris’ Birthday!

Such a rough year….such a GREAT day!  So happy we were all able to celebrate!!!

And I thought it was only the kids I would have trouble getting to all look at the camera

The girls giving me a preview of their teenage years and all three kids getting in their baby cousin’s carriers.

After presents and food it was time for swimming.  Reese was a jumping queen.

Ella became a fish today!  She started off with the life jacket, but by the end she was jumping in and swimming across the pool on her own.  We are so proud of her!

Birthday cake with helpers!

We love you Mom/Grandma Chris!!!!

4th of July- 2012

The 4th fell on a Wednesday this year, kind of weird because we went back to work Thursday and Friday.  But, that didn’t stop us from celebrating.  We hit the Comal River in New Braunfels for the first time and went tubing.
We weren’t sure the littlest ones would be allowed on the river, but ages 2 and up were good to go, so all 19 of us headed out.




The first hour was a little rough with Reese, although Ella and Austin did great.  She sat with me in my float with a bottom and was not happy about getting splashed going down the first and only major rapid.   But, after a while and some good daddy snuggles and then Ms. Katherine snuggles she was fine.  Not nearly as relaxing as floating the river when you are 22, but still a great time! 
We hit Grandma Chris’ when we headed back into town for more swimming and all collapsed into our beds that night.  Poor kids didn’t’ even get to see the fireworks.

Every night as I put Reese to bed (and the others if I am tucking them in), I ask her what her favorite part of the day was.  She is still saying "river."  She keeps telling me about the slide she went down, like Dora (I tried to play it up when we were going down the rapid) and the dog that was in the water.  But, if you ask her if she wants to go back, she says, "not again!"

I  bet she changes her mind, and we can’t wait to float the river again next year!

Restaurant at home

Ok, my last food post for a while

I went to see a movie with friends and the kids and Jeff stayed home.  Austin wanted to play restaurant, a game he and Grandpa Al invented where he comes up with dishes with whatever items are available in the house.  (Dishes created from a 7 year old mind, not your Food Network creations)

It appears that Jeff designated it an ice cream sundae restaurant.  Austin made the menu.

He then served up the girl’s (and baby doll’s) orders and I think they will definitely be back to this establishment again!

What’s for dinner?

The second I pick them up from summer blast/daycare (before we even get to the car), they ask what we are going to have for dinner and tell me how hungry they are.  It is as if they have not eaten for days and they will die of starvation if they don’t eat that very minute.
I try to at least get them to snack on something healthy, so bananas and yogurt drinks are a big hit.
It buys me about 10 minutes of peace and sometimes silliness like this to get dinner going.

Treats after dinner and Rain

We don’t allow a treat every day, but it was raining and what better way to pass the evening than a sweet to eat and dance party on the front porch.  Jeff and I are dreaming of someday when we will have more outdoor space and a better view from our front.  But, for now it will do.

The kids got to choose between a popsicle and ice cream. 

Once the girls saw Austin’s choice they were begging for ice cream as well.  Tough luck sisters, you get what you get and you don’t’ throw a fit  Though they tried their best, they were unsuccessful in convincing him to share.

Potty Training, the 3rd and Final Chapter

I realize she may be very unhappy that I have this picture when she is a teenager, but it is where we are spending so much time these days, I couldn’t let it go undocumented.
It was treat time after dinner and she proclaimed she needed to go, but refused to put down the popsicle.  Being that she is the third child and I have given up on so many battles, I said, “bring it with you.” 
We aren’t making great strides, but I do have faith that someday…I will no longer have to wipe someone else’s bottom.  After 7 years, I feel I have fulfilled my diaper changing duties and I don’t want to do it anymore. 
We are all going to do a happy dance when this cutie pie gets it down.  Until then, together we will sit and laugh, sing songs, and eat popsicles in the bathroom!