The State Fair of Texas

This past Saturday we made our annual trip to the State Fair of Texas! Even though we were very sad that after many, many years as a family tradition, our grammy and grandaddy and aunts and uncles couldn't join us, we still had fun! We started at the car show to meet up with the rest of our home group. We were only in there about 5 minutes - yea for me, but the kiddos were able to see this really cool robot. Then it was on to the petting zoo, here is where the fun began! Kaden and Kinsley's faces beamed with joy as they were able to see up close and personal all the pot belly pigs, chicks, cows, goats, ostriches (some quite agressive, eating cups and all I might add) , a bongo, llamas, a very precious mommy and baby donkey (Kinsley's favorite:)), etc. After the animals the next stop was, of course, the most important - FOOD! It doesn't get any better then a HUGE bag of cotton candy and a Fletchers corn dog at the fair! Kinsley LOVED the cotton candy and as unhealthy as it was, we had to just "look the other way" when she sneaked it out of the bag, which was "hiding" in the back of the stroller. Her chubby hands and giggles were just too cute to deny when she grabbed the fluffy pink stuff and shoved it in her mouth. After our tummies were satisfied, it was on the the Third Day concert. On the way we were lucky enough to be in the path of the parade and were able to see all of it. Again, the kids eyes were filled with wonder, with all the costumes, and bright lights! They especially enjoyed the Lion King float:) The concert was great and very crowded, which was cool being that it was a Christian band. I just kept wondering how many people out there listening weren't Christians, and kept praying that somehow a seed was planted that night. It was beautiful listening to so many people sing about God and to watch our home group kids playing and dancing together and loving on each other (as was the case with Kinsley and Adam)! We all had a great time and we are so thankful for our home group friends!

Petting Zoo at the Fair

Kaden and Kinsley's First Musical!

This last Friday night we took the kids to see their first musical: The Lion King. It was a surprise trip for them, they didn't know where we were going until we got there, and they were so excited when they found out! It was a wonderful show, truly one of the best plays I've seen. They loved all the animals, especially the birds, and their favorite part was the "Hakuna Matata" (sp?) song! They have both been watching The Lion King movie all week, and playing "Lion King" in Kaden's room with all their toy animals:) What a fun family night!

PUMPKIN PATCH 07'

We went to the Flowermound Pumpkin Patch today and Kaden and Kinsley had a blast! We look forward to it every year, and this being our third, did not disappoint. They loved picking out their own pumpkins, riding in the wagon, jumping in the bounce houses, taking a hayride, eating snow cones, and running up and down the rows of pumpkins! We all had tons of Fall fun!!!

First Day of School!!!

Kaden, Kinsley and I started school at New Creation Preschool September 4th (my dad's b-day). Kaden LOVED it right away and Kinsley is taking her time getting used to it. They were both so excited about their new lunch boxes and back packs!!!! How cute they are in their rooms sitting at the table like big kids and painting, learning, and playing with their new friends! They are growing up so fast and I just want to freeze time and sit back and soak it all up. They are like little sponges and are so proud of their "work" they do there! I am so thankful to be with them to experience it all:)

San Antonio/Sea World - more pics!:)

These are pics of Grandma and Grandpops with Kaden and Kinsley, our hotel, the Riverwalk, and the beautiful Alamo!

Our Trip to San Marcos and Sea World!!!!!

This was our first family vacation in about 4 years (since Kaden was born). We started off staying in San Marcos so we could shop the outlets - man, we didn't put a dent in that place -it was huge!!!! We had fun shopping at The Gap and Calvin Klein, Pottery Barn, Old Navy, Childrens Place, and Carters. Then it was on to Sea World.

Grandma and Grandpops met us there at our beautiful hotel on the riverwalk. That night we ate on the Riverwalk at a Mexican restaurant - yummy food, but even better dessert. After eating we began our first of many walks up and down the Riverwalk, just sightseeing:)

Saturday we woke up and had a delicious breakfast at the hotel, looking out on the water, and then it was on to Sea World. If only I could capture the wonder and excitement in my children's faces!:) We did pretty good in pictures but you know what I mean! Kaden and Kinsley LOVED it, and just took it all in. We saw pretty much every show there was to see, they especially loved Shamu and the "Big Fat Walrus" show. At lunch we ate yummy hamburgers and the kiddos both had cute little happy meal lunches with a Shamu box to keep of course! Grandma also bought them little plastic Shamu's as a souvenier, which they haven't stopped playing with since we got home and love to splash them in the tub! At the end of the day we stopped off at the waterpark and cooled off during our short little dunk in the wave pool - Kaden screamed in excitement the whole time, while Kinsley stayed back with Grandma and Grandpops at the table.

That night Curtis and David wanted to watch the OU game and found a place on the Riverwalk playing it - all I have to say about that is good food/not so great atmosphere:) Then we went on a fantastic boat ride up the river and learned much about the history of the Riverwalk. It was on to the Alamo after that for a quick look and picture opportunity - it looks beautiful at night by the way. Then back to the hotel where we were asleep before our heads hit the pillow!

Because we didn't get enough the first time, Sunday found us back at the outlets for more shopping. We closed the place down and then it was finally time to head home.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpops for a funfilled weekend! We miss you much already! Until next time! :) :)

Alexandra Jane - What a beautiful baby!

Mom and I went to Shreveport, LA to visit the newest addition to our family, my second cousin, Alexandra Jane. What a beautiful and good baby she is! A head full of hair and precious dimples are just a few of the things that make her so cute. Natalie, my cousin, and Joe, her husband, welcomed her into the world on August 15th at 10:21 a.m. She was 7 lbs, 4 oz of preciousness, and was 18 1/2 inches long.

As you can see from the last picture...she is also the first granddaughter and namesake to a very proud grandmother that just can't get enough of her! How lucky she is to have so many that love her! God bless you as you grow Alexandra!

Colossians 1:9-14

HAPPILY MARRIED 8 YEARS! WOW!

Curtis and I just had our 8th anniversary on August 14th. I truly don't know where the 8 years have gone. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and precious family. It was funny though, we both forgot that day until late that night. We had a really busy day and it honestly did not even cross my mind until Curtis mentioned it that evening! I know it's terrible but we did end up celebrating at Three Forks restaurant in Dallas, we had a wonderful dinner and then went to see The Bourne Ultimatum at the movie theater at Northpark Mall. I give God all the credit for our happy and blessed life together and I am so thankful that our love truly does continue to grow for one another! Thank you Curtis for 8 of the most fabulous years of my life - here's to many, many more!

CUTE COUSINS

My sister Jayna's kiddos came to stay with us a few days and we all had a wonderful time. They were so precious and so helpful with everything! They had a blast watching movies, playing games, playing at the playground, making crafts, etc. We can't wait until the next slumber party, Kaden and Kinsley just LOVED it!!!!

Go Storm! Blastball was a "blast"!

It doesn't get any cuter than little boys playing tee-ball, or as in our case, blastball. They all looked like little bobbing head dolls as they ran around with their huge helmets on. Yes, the batting and catching were fun, but the best parts of blastball were jumping on the bases that squeaked, after game snacks, and getting a REAL trophy at the end! I've never seen Kaden happier than he was running around, or trying to be the first one to catch the ball! We had a wonderful time with all our friends that joined us for this season too - thanks for all the after game dinners and shaved ice (snow cones). Ready for soccer anyone?

Waterpark and Blastball

A couple of Tuesdays ago for Moms and Kids Club we went to Bedford Splash, an extrememly fun waterpark close by. Kinsley had fun "swee-min", and Kaden, being the little daredevil that he is wanted to do all the big kid slides! They had a blast with all their precious little friends and especially loved this turtle!

The other picture is of my little "Storm".
Blastball is now over but was so much fun! Now were on to the next sport - soccer I think! I love being a little - league mom!

Summer Days

Ahhh, those fun summer days. I love these pictures of my kids just being themselves. Kaden and Kinsley love each other so much and spontaneously stop to give each other hugs - until one of them has had enough and moves on:) They have had a blast playing outside this summer with it being as mild as it has been. Kinsley's favorite thing is to dig in the mud and get all dirty. For a two year old I guess it doesn't get any better than that! Kaden loves to spray water on the dirt and make the mud for Kinsley and "accidentally" sometimes sprays her!:) This is what being kids is all about, I miss those days, but have enjoyed re-living them through my kiddos this year. Here's to kicking off your shoes and getting your feet dirty!