1st day of school 2011

Summer free time ended and school has started. You wouldn't know it by the triple digits we are still experiencing every day here in Texas. The kids were all excited for the 1st day. They would never admit that to you, but Phoebe had her outfit picked out for at least a week. Ethen was anxious to get 7th grade started and looking forward to playing football for his school. He had no interest in fulfilling my need to take 1st day of school pictures so these were all I got. He has to be up at 5:50 a.m. to get to school for practice so that is a bit tough on all of us.

It is still pitch black outside! I almost feel bad for him.

Here is a fun picture Phoebe took looking serious. I did a cute inside-out side braid for her hairstyle.Luke 1st grade, Phoebe 5th grade

Phoebe is 10

My girl hit double digits this past week. I put together a luau themed party with 14 friends and we had 3 hours of non-stop fun. Phoebe was able to go with her Aunt Tina to make a cake again this year. Lots of fun colors on this one. It was red velvet with chocolate buttercream inside....oh so yummy!!!! I planned lots of activities and didn't even have enough time to do them all. We ate fruit kabobs and Scott grilled Hawaiian Chicken kabobs that the girls gobbled right up. We played water balloon games and made flower leis. I didn't get pictures of everythign because I was having too much fun being involved. Ethen was a huge help in blowing up extra water balloons and keeping things running. Can't believe Phoebe is already 10 and growing up too fast.

Whip Cream Faces after the bubblegum game

It's over 100 degrees here so we had a slide (thankyou friends) to cool off

The hit that ended it for Hula Girl

Splash Pad Cool Off

I recently discovered a new splash pad and sand area close by. While the older kids were off to Utah with grandparents I took the littles and a friend to cool off and get out of the house one day. It is a pretty fun place. They do a water light show in the evenings but I haven't been to see that yet. They had fun running around in the cool water and playing in the sand.

sneaky boys following Paisley

Makes me want to play at a real beach. Ok lets be real...makes me want to LIVE at a beach!

Conversation with Luke

Tonight while talking with Luke: "I am the one who gets the most ouchies is our family"
Mom: I think Paisley gets a lot too.
Luke: I get the most though.
Mom: Maybe because you do the most crazy activities.
Luke: Like climbing trees? I think that is what I am meant to do. Being a monkey.

I love this kid. He thinks and says the best stuff. And he is right. He is very much like a monkey.

swim videos from champs

Trade Days

We have a local flea market called Trade Days here in our town. It happens one weekend every month and so on Saturday we decided to take the crew down and check it out. I didn't get very many pictures becuase it was HOT. We managed to stay a couple hours I think but then decided to get back into some air conditioning. The kids really like puppy row and everyone had fun looking at all the adorable pooches. The kids all tried talking the adults into getting a new puppy, but to no avail. However, Nana was VERY temped to bring one home. Maybe next time :)

Nana might be the coolest grandmother around. Here she is getting feathers in her hair

Annie found this great button I just had to take a picture of

This is how we bowl

We had a lot of fun this week with Nana, Papa, Graeme, and Annie visiting. I signed the kids up for some free bowling passes (you do have to pay shoe rental) and we had a good couple hours of bowling. A lot of us even got a few strikes!

Annie looking good

Phoebe and Paisley

Mom was by far the most accurate

Graeme and Luke waiting happily for their turn

The kids with their preferred balls

Cupcake camp fun

Phoebe and Annie were able to go to a cupcake class from a friend here locally that is a professional baker. They made filled cupcakes, cake balls, frosting, flowers, and marshmallow dipped cupcakes. They both had a really fun time, but did have sugar overload for a couple of days I think. They turned out so cute.

Phoebe's tray

Annie's tray

Champs Swim Meet

My parents drove out this week to see Phoebe and Luke swim in their Champs swim meet. They were both so happy that Nana and Papa could come to watch and they brought cousins with them!! Here are some pictures from that morning. They each swam in 4 events and did great. We are still waiting on results, but both of their relays qualified for All-Stars! It has been a great swim season and fun to see how much they have improved on their strokes.
Luke likes to hike up his suit. Someday this will be an embarrassing picture to him!

Thank you to Mom, Dad, John, and Annie for coming out to watch and support

Swimming Action

I should put it out here that I did not take the 1st 4 of these pictures. My camera doesn't let in the awesome light that some of these are showing. I can only wish that someday I will have a sweet camera that does.

We are so proud of both Luke and Phoebe and how much they have improved over the season. They both really love swimming and it is so fun to watch them competing. They are both so driven.

Leaving the nest

The birds have ventured out of the nest. One was out a few days ago and I am pretty sure has taken flight and left us already. These two are probably not far behind.