4th of July

We went to our city's 4th of July celebration. They had lots of food vendors, live music, bounce houses and a train ride. We saw people from church and one of Karis' preschool friends. It was definitely the place to be!

Showing off their patriotic dresses from Aunt B!

We got there early to get in line for face painting, one of Karis' favorite things. There was still a line, so what better wait to pass the time than to enjoy some Italian ice.

No face painting for Kyle.

  

Flower girls

Mirror image!

Despite hearing balloons pop left and right, we got in a long line for a balloon. Unfortunately, Makena let her balloon touch the grass and hers popped shortly after she got it. It was so sad. 

By that time, it was close to 9 pm and Kyle was getting a bit loopy (his bedtime is at 7:30 pm). Derek dropped Kyle and I off at home and he took the girls back out to watch the fireworks show. The girls stayed up 'til 10:30 pm. With such a late night for the kids, Derek and I got to sleep in until almost 8 am the next morning!

Tough Girl

A little story from the park today. For the past year, Karis has been so determined to master the monkey bars. The only thing that holds her back is the length of her arms. She definitely has the strength and determination. Karis usually attempts the bars, falls and then tries again...and again... and again. Today was no different except that these monkey bars were really high up. 

She tried a few times and she couldn't do it. She did it a couple times with my help, but she really wanted to do it on her own. 

  

She saw me with my camera, so she wanted me to take a picture of her. I guess that made her even more determined. While I was snapping photos, she just went at it. She lost her grip and her face hit the ground. She didn't hit it that hard, but enough to leave a mark.

I held her for a little bit until she stopped crying. To my surprise, she wanted to go back and try it again. This girl is tough. If you look closely, the tears on her face hadn't even dried.

She didn't master the monkey bars today, but she will one day soon.

Along with being tough, she's got a pretty good arm.

Petting Zoo

We've had cooler weather the past two days. It's been such a nice break. I thought today would be the perfect day to check out a little petting zoo that is only open in June and July. The girls loved all the animals. There weren't very many of them compared to other petting zoos we've been too, but the kids had lots of fun.

  

  

They had some sidewalk chalk for the kids to use.

Kyle ate his lunch in the stroller and apparently I didn't bring enough food for him.

Afterwards, we went to the park right next door. I put socks on Kyle to keep his feet clean and protect them from the hot ground. He acted like his feet were stuck in cement.

He did the same thing the other day went I put shoes on him for the first time since he's been walking. I didn't think he'd do the same thing with socks. Silly boy, you can walk with socks on!

  

Kyle Really Likes His...

Doggy that Nana got him.

He is quite an affectionate li'l guy. Lena and I don't recall the girls so willingly giving us unprovoked hugs and kisses like Kyle does. He unloads the kisses first thing in the morning. The leg hugging happens throughout the day.

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.