Hawaiian Falls

Every Friday we meet up with Deborah & Shannon (and all the kids) at Hawaiian Falls. This has been so much fun b/c almost all of the kids are swimming (except little Carter) and they have the best time. So glad we decided to get passes, they have already paid for themselves and it isn't even July!

Swimming Party at Ashley's

Ashley was so sweet to have us over to swim last week. The kids swam for 3 hours straight with a short 15 minute break to eat lunch! They had such a great time. Thank you so much for having us!! Let's do it again soon.

It's the small things....

Happy Father's Day to Jeff!! We had a good day, we went to MY dad's and hung out with my sisters and our families. We brought a pool and Dad has a slip n' slide, so the kids played in the water most of the afternoon. Jeff even took a turn-HA!

Jeff is the most amazing Daddy. I was thinking of all the things that make Jeff such a great Dad and I realize it is all of the small things. Our kids are madly in love with Jeff. The way they look at him, the way they squeal when the garage door goes up, and the asking everyday if Daddy will be home tomorrow...is it the weekend? The diappointment they express when we tell them it is Sunday night and Daddy has work tomorrow. They just enjoy him so much. Again, it is the small things that make Jeff such a wonderful father. It is when he is cleaning out his tools, the way he will sit with Reese and Collin and show them all the tools and explain what they do...and answer all their questions. It is the hours the 3 of them spend in the garage while Jeff works on the motorcycle and that BOTH of my kids know what a carburetor (sp?) is. It is the way he lays in their room while he tucks them in (if it is their turn) and talk to them about camping, hunting, vacation....whatever it might be. It is that he will count from 1 to 100 just to teach them how to do it. It is that Jeff will fill up watering cans/buckets OVER and OVER an OVER again while he is in the backyard. It is building sandcastles in the sandbox countless times. I am so thankful for all of the small things. Thank you Jeff for being YOU. Thank you for all you do for our family. Most of all, thank you for all of the love and attention you give to our children and for the SMALL things. This is why our kids love and adore you.

Build-A-Bear Birthday Party for Arabella & Ashton

Yesterday we went to Arabella & Ashton's birthday party at Build-A-Bear and Rainforest Cafe. The kids have never been to build-a-bear, so they had enjoyed making their animals. Reese chose a jaguar and Collin chose a tiger. They have had them in their arms, every moment, since yesterday. Happy Birthday to our dear friends and thank you for a great time!!

Dallas World Aquarium

Last Wednesday, we went to the Aquarium. This was a really fun trip because Reese and Collin were so "into it". They were so excited to see the frogs, snakes, sting-rays, the jaguar....and I could go on and on. I think I even saw some jumping up and down and pointing when they saw a starfish. This is not a cheap excursion, so when the kids really do appreciate and enjoy the experience, it makes it all worthwhile. After the aquarium, we went and had lunch at El Fenix. This was YUMMY and fun as well. We had a great time with Janis, Arabella, Ashton and Grandma Chris!!

Soccer Camp

Reese and Collin had soccer camp this week. I had already signed them up for this camp in the middle of the soccer season, so wasn't quite sure how this was gonna go. Collin hadn't loved soccer and Reese was ready for it to be over. Well, they LOVED it! This was the Bristish Challenger Soccer camp and they worked so well with the kids. Collin would come home after camp and ask he if could go out back and practice.

Coach Ronan was over the little ones (4-5 year olds) and he did a really good job. It was extremely hot, so I really was surprised they were able to keep them excited and engaged. At the end of the camp, the coaches gave each individual child an evaluation and a hand written note. I thought this was such a nice, personal touch.

Recital

Reese had her recital yesterday (Saturday) and she did such a wonderful job! They were "angels" and performed to "Angel of Mine"...it was such a sweet performance. I can't believe how much Reese has grown this year, going from complete fear of performing in front of others to being so excited for all of us to come and watch her. Mommy, Daddy & Collin, Aunt Ali & Uncle Andy, Coco & Papa, and Nana & Apa' were all there to cheer her on. Everyone was so sweet to bring her flowers and share in her joy. After the recital, we all came back to our house for some Congratulatory (is that a word?) treats! Reese and Collin had more than there share of brownies, cookies and cupcakes. Way to Go Reese!!!

Princess Tea Party

Ashton & Arabella invited Reese to a pre-recital princess tea party today. The girls all dressed up and Janis had everything decorated so cute! The girls had such a good time playing dress-up, eating a "fancy" lunch, making a necklace, eating cupcakes & iced/sprinkled pretzels. Such a fun day for the girls!!