Fun outside

Because we don't have a large space to play in the backyard, we have to let the kids play in the front. Not something we do too often, it makes Ron nervous. We left them go nuts outside on Sunday while Ron mowed the lawn. They were so very happy and sweaty. For some reason I thought they would really get into kicking the ball around and hitting the ball off the stand. But they preferred to run around aimlessly. Syd tried to drive her jeep but it was tough for her. She preferred to be carted around by our next door neighbor, Carter. He just turned 3 in June but he is a professional driver. Hayden enjoyed helping Daddy mow.

And we are crafting

Hayden has become more interested in the crafting, lately. This makes me very happy because I sometimes worry about his attention span. Of course, he is soooo terribly messy. Syd never was so it wears me out. But that is okay. I enjoy it so much when he participates.

Violating Child Labor Laws

The Birfday Boy

I must say that the party went well in my opinion. We swam, let the little ones take turns smacking the pinata and finally let the 13 year old from next door bust it, then had cake and ice cream. Hayden enjoyed it as much as he enjoys any large social situation. He tolerated it. He got many many fab toys and is a very spoiled boy.

Relaxing after a hard swim

Wet swimsuits are so uncomfortable.

Crafting with a friend

Our cousin Ash spent the morning with us not too long ago. She turned 2 in June and is a precious thing. She was all by herself as her mother was helping her grandmother pack up to move. She was 100% perfect and seemed to enjoy herself. She and Syd made tamborines (H was not interested) and then they all enjoyed experimenting with bowls of beans. I loved having her over. Wish she could come more often but alas she lives in Austin, now.

Ashton painting in one of H's old shirts.


The master painter at work.


This is one of Ashton's first painting experiences and went straight for the hair with the paint brush. She picked her colors herself.


Ashton jumping right in.

Trip to Dallas

The kids and I joined my parents and sis for a trip to Dallas for a wedding a couple of weekends ago. We had a great time. Hayden continues to be a delight in the car. Sydney not so much. For some reason she doesn't want to nap while riding and it was not fun for the rest of the passengers.

Gigi got the three of us as well as Granny and Aunt Morgan tickets to the Ringling Bros circus. The kids enjoyed it. H-Dubya fell asleep at the end, but that was to be expected. Due to Granny's handicap status we parked unbelievably close, (for $15; EGADS!) and got some fab-o seating because she can't handle stairs well. Here are a few pictures. I know they are blurry but it is all I had on my purse camera. Gigi took others that she will send me soon, hopefully.





We also went to Amanda Morris' wedding. Oh my. A ball was had by all. Hayden stayed home with Aunt Missy and had a fine time. This was Syd's first wedding to attend and she loved every minute of it. Amanda was beautiful, and Syd was so very quiet during the ceremony. Made her mama so proud. The reception was A-MAZ-ING. At some sort of club in Fort Worth. Amanda is such a darling that she had bags made up for the kids. It glow in the dark bracelets that Sydney loved, pez, a customized coloring book about the wedding with crayons, little toys, etc. Amanda also had a candy bar with tons of chocolate candy. Poppy took Syd over to it straight away so she ate candy all night long. And oh, did she dance. She shook it on the dance floor or ran around on it for most of the reception. She had so much fun she would randomly shriek on occasion. The photographer took tons of pics of her. I bet Amanda is wondering what that was about. As soon as Syd saw that the bridesmaids had taken their shoes off to dance she sat on the dance floor and pulled off her shoes and socks, too. There was even an older little girl that she made friends with and would dance with occasionally. She is already asking about the next wedding she will get to attend. Unfortunately I think she is going to have to sit out of the next couple.


Syd and I with my next door neighbor growing up and Morgan's BFF Whitney.

Another Excuse

H-Dubya turned 2!

Yesterday! We were actually in Dallas for a wedding, so we didn't do too much other than insist he wear a shirt proclaiming his new age and his name. And we took him to the Rainforest Cafe, which he was done with before eating any of his lunch because he was so tired. He woke up at 6:30 a.m. and didn't go back to sleep every single morning. He usually sleeps til 8.

Anywho, we are having his birfday party on Friday, the 8th. I was worried Poppy would be horrified and resentful about sharing his birthday weekend, but I went for it anyway and he seems fine.

Here is a picture of his invite.




I made these 4X6 and so they cost me less than $5.00 to have printed at Walgreens. I used envelopes that we have around the house so the invitations were quite inexpensive I am proud to say.

I have many events to blog about and should be around more. I quit my job with 4-H. It was a great job and I just loved everyone in the office, but I am going to work for Brokeback for now and see how that goes. I will get to work from home, which will be fab. Finding reliable part-time childcare for as little as I could afford to pay (considering how little I made) was virtually impossible. I asked around, networked if you will, joined care.com, etc. And most folks wanted close to what I was making per hour. So I am looking forward to my new "position". I will keep everyone updated.