Good, real good

I always look forward to the summer because I desperately need a break and I long to spend uninterrupted time with my children.   But the adjustment period at the beginning of the summer is always so tough. 

It always takes us about 2-3 weeks to work out all the kinks and get used to being around each other 24/7 again and throw in a couple vacations and that gets us into July. Now out of nowhere they've called me up and tell me I have to be at school in one week.  What's up with this?  I just got my act together, we are in the best groove and I'm loving this life. 

We have gone to the water park almost each Thursday, to a secluded neat park in the early (for me) morning hours, eaten lunch with dad, played and shopped with our neighbors everyday, had picnics in my classroom, played choo-choo trains, dressed up, read chapter books, played Barbies, tossed footballs, rode bikes, swam and swam and swam some more.  It has been the absolute best summer. 

This summer we have finally potty trained Brent and Caitlyn has her first loose tooth.  Jeff has taken both kids to the deer lease TWICE by himself!  And they will go back again during hunting season!!  This is all big stuff baby!

When I first held my Caitlyn and Brent I fell in love and I just couldn't imagine that each day I would fall in love more and more.  It just keeps getting more and more fun.  WOW!

It is sad to see this summer come to a close but it has been good, real good!

Salute to Fallen Soldier Jerod Osborne

My friend and neighbor Jenn and I loaded up the kids and took them out on State Highway 66 between 2:30 and 3:30 today to wait in the 99 degree weather during nap time because a fallen soldier from Rockwall was coming through on his way to Rest Haven.  We defiantly wanted to show our support.

 It was about 45 minutes before we saw the motorcade but the kids did a nice job of waiting.  Before we came up to the street I explained to Caitlyn about soldiers, wars, respect, honor and many more questions.  It took so long to explain it all to her because I was trying not to choke up.  She has such a hard time with death (Gigi and Chauncey).  She did really well about that but cried because of the fear of loud noises of the motorcycles when the motorcade actually took place.

About 5 minutes before the motorcade got to us a man pulled up and joined us.  He was so nice and took pictures.  It was so helpful, considering we had our hands full with our little guys.

Brent made me so proud and waved his flag so sweetly.  It was a life changing event to honor Jerod Osborne. He was just 20 years old.  Just a boy.  He was killed by a roadside bomb while serving as a U.S. Army combat medic in Afghanistan. It is truly amazing to see what our fallen military receive and deserve. 

Another day at HFalls

We had a blast at Hawaiian Falls again today.  I remembered my camera today!

Brent finally got brave enough to go on this slide.  Last time he was aiming for it and the big bucket of water dumped and he would have nothing to do with it.

We came home tired and unfortunately a bit burned under the eyes.  I forgot to reapply sunscreen.  I can't stand when I forget to do that.  We usually only last about an hour at our pool but we will go for about 3-4 hours at the water park.  Big difference.  Anyway, nothing better than a long nap after a day spent in the water!

Bedtime Funnies

Bedtime can be cuddly, full of giggles or just flat out miserable and with tons of protesting.  Tonight was a night full of giggling.

We started the evening brushing teeth and jumping all over the bathroom.  Then Brent and I hid from Caitlyn in bed.  It was so cute because he would say, "Shhh!"  and then start giggling like crazy.

Caitlyn finally picked out a book to read and then we got busy reading.  It was a dictionary book I'd had since my childhood.  Brent would listen, think about it, then stop me by putting his hand on my cheek and say, "Mom, let me tell you something." He would be back a couple of words wanting to add his thoughts.  I would say yes or the correct response and get back to where we were in the book. 

This kept going on to the point that I was tickled and Caitlyn was ticked.  I had to add in "Brent be quiet, just listen."  To which he would reply in a whisper voice, "Okay, I'll listen."  Then the cycle would start again. 

Caitlyn's response in all this, "Mom, put him to bed.  Put him up!" 

How could I get mad when he was patting my face so sweetly?

12 Puppies

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We are getting a female puppy out of this precious litter.  This momma dog had 12 puppies between Saturday and Sunday.  Wow!  There are 6 girls and 6 boys.

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They kind of look silly right now with their eyes shut and they don't even make much of a sound besides grunting.  But aren't they still just adorable! 

I know two little ones at my house that are going to be in puppy heaven!  Who am I kidding, they already are!

Toy Story 3 and a Carnival of sorts

Yesterday morning Jenn and I took the kids to Bounce House sort of Carnival right up the street.  It was incredibly hot and our little ones would only get in the original bounce house of jumping, no slides or fancy obstacles.  Which is a good thing because I would probably have to go through it and get them out.  It was only about 96 degrees at the time so we only lasted about 20 minutes and then head to Chick Fil A and it's literally cool indoor playground.

Last night Jeff and I took the kids to Toy Story 3.  They both unbelievably adorable in their 3D glasses (so wish I had my camera).  They both did so well in the movie and were very into the action.  At one point Caitlyn even screamed out!  Ha! I love the idea that toys could have a life after kids leave the room and have relationships, but wouldn't it be great if they took the initiative to organize themselves too.  Or maybe that is really why our toys are ALWAYS mixed up!

Last but certainly not least our puppy was born last night.  The momma dog had 5 females and 4 males.  So we will bring our newest addition home on August 14th!!

New play areas for Summer 2010

If you ever check this site you might have just fallen out of your chair, cause there is a new blog.  About time.  Right?

I hope you are having a great summer! We are!  It just keeps getting better.  Ages 2 and 5 are so fun and yet in my household there are still naps every single day.  Ahhhhh!  The life!  I am soaking up every single minute friends.

Yesterday we used our season tickets to Hawaiian Falls and it was a blast.  We met up with a ton of teachers and their kids that I work with.  Caitlyn took off on the slides in the kiddie area this year with no prompts and no fear.  She swam long lengths underwater because the other kids were doing and she was so outgoing and brave.  I love that about her.  Brent enjoyed jumping off the edge of the pool and swimming around in his life jacket.  When he went to bed last night he asked me, "Can we go to the water park again tomorrow?"

Today, my dear friend, Jenn and I went to IKEA.  We were newbie's there and had no idea what to expect.  WOW!  Today we just scoped it out but next time and many times there after we are going to tear that place apart.  I'm pretty sure we are both making some pretty serious plans.  I love how they have kid areas set up too.  Our little ones can't wait to go back and play.  HA!  We tricked them into thinking it was their playground.

I'm so super excited because we are getting a new puppy and she is being born tonight!!!  A chocolate lab and we are thinking of naming her Sadie.

And just because I might not ever blog again for months on end, here is a picture of Caitlyn in her recital costume.  It's the only picture I have on this computer that is current.