Samuel turns 3

Samuel had his 3rd birthday at end of September.  After renting a waterslide for multiple years for Johnny's birthday we knew it is something the kids love.  I was considering renting another for Samuel's birthday party when I was struck with an idea to just buy one!  I settled on a moderate sized one and the kids had a blast on it and are still enjoying it.
Our Samuel James definitely has a fun personality and brings lots of smiles to this house.

 

 

 

Johnny starts preschool

Anyone who has talked to me in the past 5 years knows I have been stressed with the decision of sending Johnny to kindergarten this year or sending him to preschool for another year.  I have gone back and forth too many times to count but when the day came Paul and I decided on another year of preschool.  We are now over a month into preschool and I am happy with the decision.  Johnny has become more confident and assertive  already.  The teachers at his school are sweet and are doing their best to push him to be more of a leader in class.  Being a leader is not always his strong point, he is the sweetest boy and usually gives in to his older sister's ideas. . . nothing wrong with that but I want him to be able to stand up for himself.  I digress. . . the first day, my handsome Johnny!

Molly starts 1st grade

After a super fun summer, Molly had to go back to school.  We all miss Molly when she is in school.  I would say Johnny misses his playmate the most.  On Saturday mornings they play and play and play together.  On Fridays Johnny will usually ask me multiple times, is today Friday? So Molly doesn't have any homework? She can just play after school?  Yes, yes, yes!! (to clarify, we are 2 months into school, just behind  on the blog).

 Pedicures in preparation for the first day!

 

She also looked really sweet on the second day of school!

 



Johnny turns 5

Johnny turned 5 and we celebrated it. . . multiple times!  We were in Nebraska visiting grandma and grandpa on his actual birthday.  That day all the cousins went to a water park and that evening we had a little party.  When we got home we celebrated again with a waterslide and friends. 

 

 

The week after his birthday we had a mommy and  Johnny afternoon.  I took him to Main Event to play video games and rock climb.  He successfully made it to the top multiple times!!



July wrap up

We had so much fun this summer, I didn't stop to take time to blog about it.  I'm going to try and do a few abbreviated posts to get caught up.  In July we visited Granddaddy and Grandma Karleen, went to Rockport again, had a fabulous day  at McKenna Children's Museum plus Cabela's, played a lot, swam a lot, went to several bible schools, finished up taekwondo, and enjoyed lots of family time.

 

 

 

 

Clearly by the pictures above my children are taking an interest in fishing, something that really tickles their daddy.  Although fishing is not my first love, I sure love seeing how excited the kids get  when they catch a fish-now if they could just learn to bait their own hooks, I have baited lots and lots and lots of hooks!!

Girls Visit

We were so excited to have Brooklynn and Julia visit this  summer.  They were chaperoned by Grandma Jane, who we were equally excited to host.  While here, the girls and I went to Lady Bird Lake and tried out paddle boarding.  It was a fun experience, something I hope to do again.

Molly wasn't feeling well during the visit so we took it easy one afternoon and all went to the movies!

We spent one day at Cow Creek playing all  day in the water.  Uncle Paul bought snorkels  and taught  the kids how to use them.  They enjoyed looking at  the fish underwater.

 

We also did a lot of just playing and goofing around. We had a fire pit, played ball, made lemonade, had a slumber party, went to the candy store, anything fun we could think of.   And hand stands, the kids practiced hand stands, all the kids. . . everyday. . . I have no explanation for that one!  We sure love those girls and hope they visit us again.