1st day of School–Aug 26, 2013: Kinder & 3rd Grade!!!

My babies, my sweet, fast growing babies, started Kinder and 3rd grade today.  I am so proud of them and so excited for what the year will hold for them.
Sweet Ella – you were nervous and a little scared, but walked into that classroom this morning with confidence and gave me and daddy a quick hug and a kiss as we left.  No tears, only mine as we left the building.  In my mind, it is just yesterday and I am sitting down on the couch, only to have my water break, and the joy of holding you for the first time later that day.
Austin – you also were a little nervous.  It was a new school and you knew you would be making new friends, which you did, even before daddy could leave the gym where he dropped you off at.  You were worried that someone might make fun of you for wearing glasses, but didn’t let it worry you for long. I am so proud for how much you continue to learn and grow and know that you will be a great big brother for Ella there at school! 
Jeff and I really struggled about the house we will be moving into soon because it did mean a change of schools for the kids.  However, we have many friends who have been at Huebner and they have loved it, and as we walked through the halls this morning and saw so many smiling and familiar faces, we felt good and know that Austin and Ella will do well here.
We love you both so much and can’t wait to see all that you do this year!

Summer Houston trip 2013

Jeff had the great idea to get out of town for an end of summer trip to Houston.

I failed to grab a picture of Buckees, but we hit it on the way there and on the way back, a definite highlight of the trip for the kids

First up when we got to town, the Houston zoo.  It had lots of shade and had great exhibits that allowed you to get close to see the animals.

Next up was swimming at the hotel and then a short walk to the Astros/Rangers game.  Our favorite stadium because it is so easy to get in and out of…and it has air conditioning!

My handsome boys!

I’m not gonna lie, that tired smile says there is not enough beer in this entire stadium to make up for the exhausted three year old who won’t stop crying and whining.

And with that, the girls and I left and walked back to the hotel and let the boys enjoy the game in piece.

The next morning we hit the aquarium before leaving town.

Austin loved touching the sting rays.  One of these slimy creatures splashed the kids so much, Ella was completely soaked!

The trip was a lot of work, but we had fun and made memories.  Love that Jeff plans and has us do these adventures!

Randomness while away from my 4 loves

In Nashville for work the entire week.  I tried FaceTime last night and it was a fail, three kids trying to squeeze onto one screen.  Austin and Ella fighting, Austin gets frustrated and just leaves, Ella starts crying and leaves, and then Reese says “Mommy, I cry for you.”  I asked her why and she said “I need you.”  Uggh, heart wrenching.

So, today I tried a different approach, called while the Austin and Ella were at home with the babysitter, Ella was busy coloring and didn’t want to talk.  Austin talked to me for a few minutes and sounded happy.  I called back again tonight about 7:20, missed Reese, but it seems like talking to me just upsets her more.  Ella answered Jeff’s phone and for the first time ever (over the phone) I had actual conversations with both Ella and Austin.  She was chatting up a storm, took the phone to Austin and then he had an actual conversation with me. 

Both nights brought tears to my eyes, but for different reasons.  Tonight was happy tears.  Traveling is definitely not my favorite part of the job, but it is wonderful to see my kids grow and advance.

My tears turned to smiles when Jeff sent me these.  New backpacks that they picked out arrived tonight.  He said Austin was excited!  It will be new schools for them both and new friends.  They seem happy and thus momma is happy!

Tri-Pearl

Jeff is officially addicted.  He has actually done one more Triathlon before I was even able to get this one posted.

We are so proud of him and so blessed to have such amazing friends and family who support us all!

Sarah and I have been friends since the 3rd grade.  We both married men who love to workout and do these crazy races, while we do pretty much nothing.

 

I saw a car magnet the other day that summed it up:

So proud of these gals and guys!

Baseball, popsicles and Grandpa Al’s wonderful, flat cul-de-sac on a summer night

Even mama got in on the action

Hilton Head wrap-up

We tried to go to the Crazy Crab for dinner our last night, but we didn’t plan well and arrived to a two hour wait.  We will plan ahead better next time so we are sure to get our seafood fill.
Ella snapped a few pics on our way there.

It is really hard to describe how we feel about Hilton Head, other than to say we love it deep down in our souls.  We feel relaxed and happy there and are so thankful to Grandma Chris for giving us such a great vacation!  I know that we are building memories for our kids and hope we are able to keep coming back for years to come.

4th of July at Hilton Head

Reese LOVED riding the ponies, so she went back that morning for one last ride of the trip.

She thought it was a little stinky.

The sass has arrived…already.

Then it was back home for pool and beach fun followed by fireworks on the beach.  Fabulous way to celebrate the 4th!

Ella has been very animated with her mannerisms lately, this pic is a perfect example. She cracks me up!