Port Aransas 2013

We made our annual trip to the Texas coast last week.  We rented a house with a friend who has 2 boys the same age as our 2 boys. 
Molly really took a liking to the ocean.  In years past, she has been scared of the seaweed and waves but this year she was riding the waves with daddy and loving it. 
Johnny was still a little timid in the ocean but he did enjoy it.  There was also a pool in the neighborhood so he was able to spend plenty of time in the water.
Samuel loves the water; he doesn't care if it is the ocean, a pool, the hose out back, or the bathtub.  That boy loves to splash!
All of us enjoyed the time away and can't wait to go again in a few weeks and show our cousins from Iowa the beach!!

And he's off. . .

Samuel finally figured out how to crawl about 2 weeks ago and really mastered it about a week ago.  Within a week of figuring out crawling, he was already doing this:

Oh boy, it's about it get a little more crazy here!

4th of July Fun

We visited our friends, the Noriega family, for the Fourth of July for the second year in a row.  They have a beautiful back yard and pool.  Their 4 kids plus our 3 made for lots of swimming, playing, and fun. 
The kids ended the night with sparklers and some smoke bombs.  They all loved the "fireworks" especially Johnny who was dancing around he was so excited about the sparklers!

 

 

First pedicure

Last week Molly asked if she and I could go to dinner.  She said the boys could go one place and we could go another.  Of course that melted my heart and made me feel a little me bad all at the same time.  I was so happy she wanted to spend time with me but also felt bad because she probably just needs some one-on-one attention. 
We decided a pedicure date would be great, and it was.  Grandma Karleen and Granddaddy were visiting for the weekend so Grandma Karleen also joined on our girly outing.
Molly loved her pedicure and has been happily showing everyone her painted toes!

Calendar

I was super proud of Molly today.  She was asking me to help her make a calendar but I was busy getting everyone ready to go to an appointment.  She brought this to me, which you can't really see in the picture, but it says, "CLDR".  She wrote that herself in a effort to write calendar.  This was her first real attempt at sounding out words on her own so I was excited!

Samuel 9 months

Samuel is now 9 months old, wow!
His current stats:
Weight: 18 lbs 4 oz (14-15th percentile)
Height: 27.5" (24th percentile)

He is on the smaller side but is growing steadily.  He still has not use for baby food so we are officially going full on finger foods.  Tonight he was happy with steamed peas and broccoli as long as he could pick it up and feed himself.  Samuel is trying soooo hard to crawl but still has not mastered it, any day now!  Lastly, he has 2 teeth on the bottom that just started poking through about a week ago. 
Samuel is a fun boy.  He loves to watch Molly and Johnny play, loves to clap, loves to smile, and yes, loves his mama!!

It's a . . . Johnny

After I put Johnny to bed, almost nightly, this is what I find roaming the halls.

And who could it be. . .

VBS take two

The Church of Christ where Molly attends preschool held bible school which was open to the public.  Molly and Johnny were both able to participate.  This was Johnny's first time to do any kind of activity without parents or Molly so we were a little apprehensive but he did great!
Here they are enjoying ice cream the last night:

 Johnny joining in on the group singing:

Father's Day 2013

We celebrated Father's Day by letting daddy choose the plans for the whole day.  It included an Irish breakfast prepared by the kids and I, a movie, a trip to Academy, a pizza buffet, and a little down time.  Yes, lots of junk food and lots of TV. . . I think the kids enjoyed it as much as Paul ;)
I am thankful for all the Paul provides and for being the cornerstone for our family.
The kids are fortunate to have such a loving daddy.  They can never get enough of daddy throwing them on the bed or tickling them but best of all, they love his cuddles and goodnight hugs and kisses!