Happy Kids = Happy Birthday

I didn't really want anything for my birthday but happy kids so that my day would be enjoyable. =) I took the kids to the mall so that Karis could buy a doll she's been wanting for awhile. She used some gift money to buy it herself. We then split a shake and an ice cream cone and everyone was happy. 

Derek made a surprise visit home in the middle of the day to drop off some flowers. He also sent me a sweet note via Facebook earlier in the day.

 

In the evening, we had dinner delivered and then enjoyed ice cream cake for dessert (sugar makes my kids crazy).

The Start of Our Summer

Summer is in full swing! It is hot and most days we're confined to the indoors. Our air conditioning runs around the clock. 

I've been trying to keep the kids busy so we all don't go crazy in the house. Thankfully the kids are easy-going and there's plenty to do around here. Since I now have three kids with me at all times, we rarely go grocery shopping or run errands. Those trips have proven to be ineffective (I get so distracted I always forget to get something I need) and not very fun for any of us (but mainly me). Instead, we've been meeting up with friends, playing at church's indoor play areas and occasionally, we have lazy days at home. 

Here are some recent pics.

Hanging out on Daddy's motorcycle, longing for the day when they'll be able to go for a ride.

Ready for a "big girl" bike, Makena loves to ride Karis' bike every chance she gets.

Fun at a water park with some of Karis' preschool friends.

Cooking up stuff in the kitchen.

Reading books together at home

From Sweet Baby to Crazy Kid!

I can't believe we've already been here in Texas for six months! The photo on the left was taken shortly after we moved here. It was the first time Kyle was in a swing. I took the photo on the right earlier this week. What a difference six months makes!

It's Heating Up!

When we wake up, the temp is already in the mid to upper 70's. By dinner time, it's in the upper 80's/low 90's. Aunt Stephanie gave the girls a sprinkler ball awhile back and today was the perfect day to use it. In the morning, Derek took the girls to get some donuts and then to the mall to stay cool while I napped with Kyle. When they came home, Daddy blew up the big ball and it was time to get wet!

It's fun to notice the difference in the girls. Child A goes full force and runs around the ball -- lovin' every minute.

Child B, not so much. A bit hesitant and not really wanting to get wet. 

What will Child C be like??

The girls went back out after dinner. Notice the wardrobe change.  

The girls being silly.