Spring in Texas

Sunday evening drive. Spring time. Texas state flower, bluebonnets.
4.17.11

The Napping House

For the past five years and 10 months, our house has been a napping house.  One of my kids has always needed to be home for a good nap in their bed.  For the past few weeks, our house has not been a napping house.  Joshua outgrew his naps, and Austin is at the lovely age where he can just nap in his car seat.  This makes the days very long sometimes, but it is so nice when we are out and about running errands, or at the pool, and we don't have to hurry home.  I have a feeling this won't last long, so I want to enjoy it while it does! Here's to being around town at 2:30 pm!

Summer Hairdo

With temperatures in the high 90s and 100s, it was time for a new haircut for Joshua. He wanted his haircut to look, "like Daddy's".
6.15.11
Before.

During.

After.

He had a hard time looking away from the mirror.  The next morning he said, "me wike my hair".

Happy Birthday Dave

37. I never thought this birthday would come. I remember seven years ago, right after Dave finished MBA school, and when Dave and I started on this dental journey thinking, "If Dave goes to two years of school for pre-requisites, then to dental school, and then specialty school, Dave will be THIRTY SEVEN when he finishes!" Hallelujah.  The time has arrived.  Happy 37th birthday to my very best friend, the love of my life, the father of my children, and a very dedicated student.  I'm so excited to buy him a real present next year!

Texas Rain Storm

I have never seen rain like I have here in Texas. It's still really warm outside when it rains, so the kids love playing outside in the rain.
4.19.11

Dave joined in on the fun and showed Joshua how to stomp in mud puddles.

Joshua caught on quickly.

After the rain stopped, Joshua got the hose out to make the puddles even bigger.
Audrey changed out of her bathing suit and into her pajamas and then decided she wanted to play in the mud.
Or she thought she did.

And then the sun came out.  The storms here stop as quickly as they start.  The kids loved being lifted into the air and landing in the mud puddles.  Audrey got used to the mud and got all muddy.  She can get her stinkin Hannah Montana pajamas dirty any day.

My Big Boy

Joshua wanted to make his own peanut butter and honey sandwich. And so he did. He forgot the honey, and used the heel of the bread, which was fine by me. Then he smeared peanut butter all over his hand while I was nursing Austin. That wasn't very fine by me.
4.19.11

Easter

We have been traveling lately trying to figure out where we want to settle after Dave finishes.  We spent Easter weekend on the road, and the kids LOVED staying in a hotel, and swimming in the pool.

Easter Sunday.  Too bad I forgot to pack a brush, hence Audrey's french braid.

Luckily the Easter bunny knew where to find us, and the kids loved the egg hunt in the hotel room.

Easter dinner at Rudy's. No dishes, no mess, good food...perfect.

Kindergarten Graduate

 

She did it! WE did it! Audrey graduated kindergarten. We all survived the first year of school for our little family. She earned a purple ribbon, which was the "big heart" award. I couldn't have chosen a more appropriate award for her. Her heart is so big, and so tender. She is my sweet little girl, who is growing up way too quickly.

 

She wanted a picture throwing her hat.

 

That morning we went to the school to watch the graduation ceremony. Dave was able to come, and stood on the other side to video tape her coming in.
I'm not gonna lie.  Hearing the graduation song, and seeing her walk in all big kid like...it made me cry, a few times.
Looking at her Dad.

My stinkin battery was dying so I missed the picture of her actually getting her diploma, but here she is right after.

She was very serious. That night I told her I was so proud of her, and that I got a little teary watching her graduate.  She said, "I kinda cried too.  I can't believe I am done with kindergarten!"

Looking at Joshua.

Her whole class.

Coming back in to sing some songs.

The four kindergarten classes.

Moving their tassels to the right side.  They take this graduation stuff pretty seriously.

Throwing the hats.  Audrey didn't.

Back in her class room for cake and a slide show.

Every time her picture was shown on the slide show she turned around to make sure Dave was watching. He was.

She got to hold Austin and was such a proud big sister.

She was so happy Dave was able to come see her classroom.

Austin was the hit of the party.

Audrey really does have a big heart.  I let her come home from school early that day, and I found her reading books to Joshua.  Such a sweet girl. Happy summer!