Friday, July 20, 2012

Happy Birthday, America!

Around these parts, the 4th of July is a pretty big deal (as it should be).  Our neighborhood does a fireworks show on the 3rd.  We usually walk down to the cul-de-sac at the end of the neighborhood where we can get a view.  
The Eatons came early and we did a little swimming before the fireworks, and then went over to the Cashes.
On the 4th, some of our great neighbors organize a block party every year, complete with water slide, snow cones and bike parade.
 Lila decorated her own bike.  It wasn't quite as elaborate or flashy as some of the others, but she did it all herself.  We printed out a coloring page for the wheels, and she wrapped her handle bars with crepe paper and embellished with foil star stickers.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

June Recap

So much happened around here in June.  I was reminded over and over again how blessed I am to have such wonderful family and friends.  We had a lot of adventures, a lot of firsts, and a lot of visitors.

Jana and the cousins came to visit and took Lila with them to Sea World.  We love spending time with them so much, and I really appreciate them always taking Lila everywhere with them.
Alex was showing Audrey things on the iPad and she would just watch him.
 I love this picture.  Just look at those little faces...pure joy!

Landry got two teeth.  Aiden was upset that he had to leave town and didn't get to see Landry's teeth, so I had to take a picture and text it to him.
That same week, we also had visits from Blue Papa, who was in town for a conference and Nana who was staying the weekend with Natalie, and Oomma who took Lila to her first concert.  They went to see The Texas Tenors at the Palmer Events Center, and spent the night in a hotel. 
The next week Lila went to Bible School.  My neighbors helped teach the vacation Bible school at their church and they took her and brought her home every day.  We love the Ellis family so much.  They are wonderful people and we are very blessed to have them right next door for all these years.
Here is Lila performing at the Bible School ice cream social.  She was a little nervous at first, but then she wanted to go on stage with Mrs. Laura.  She was so proud of herself and, of course,  I was proud, too.
Mom got to have a night out.  
Very lucky to have all these ladies in my life.  This is a group of my co-workers and former co-workers, who try to get together once a month.  First of all, I am lucky that I like what I do for a living, and I have a good job.  Not everyone can say that.  Second, I am blessed to have these women in my life.  We have been through births, death, sickness, health, marriages, divorces, good times and bad together...and we still like each other (most of the time).

Then I got a big surprise at work.  I was standing there, when these two ladies walked in.  This is Janet and Claire.  They are former co-workers who are now semi-retired, but remain two of my favorite people, and it is always a treat to see them...and they brought me these quilts they made; one for each of my girls!
We finally got out the splash pad.  All the girls had a great time (and drank a lot of water!)
It seems lately, everyday I hear a story from someone, and I am reminded how fortunate I am to have had such a great twin pregnancy, and how blessed we are that these two babies were born so healthy and happy.  They are amazing little creatures
 Lila learned how to swing all by herself...
and she learned how to blow bubbles (in JC Penney at Lakeline Mall with gum from Chuy's)
and, I finally had time to get a pedicure (my first one since January 10th).  A much needed pedicure that was a gift from my Mother-in-law.  

I Have Been Blessed by Martina McBride
I get kissed by the sun
Each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the
Bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my
Front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

Monday, June 25, 2012

Our newest addition...

Meet Little Olivia.  Lila actually named her "Little Olivia" after an epidsode of Olivia (the pig) where Olivia names all the dolls Little Olivia, Little Olivia II, etc...Olivia is like a member of the family.  
She plays with us
Goes places with us, and sits in a car seat base (and we can't leave her in the car, because "it gets too hot and you can't leave babies in the car, Mom!")
See Lila's phone stuck in the side of the car seat?  That is exactly what I do.  She doesn't miss anything!
Here we are leaving Chuy's.  Lila got mad that day because we wouldn't get a sling for Olivia's car seat at the table.
Going to Michael's

Her bottles go in the fridge, and she has just started eating cereal (of course she has her own bowl, spoon and box of cereal)
Her belongings get labeled
She gets swaddled for nighttime
...she also takes medicine for reflux (just like Audrey), and when she is sleeping we are not allowed to go in that room or turn the lights on.
I love my quirky little Lila Bug.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Hallettsville, and were able to do so many fun things.
On Friday night, we went to Anneliese's t-ball game and then over to the Noska's for dinner
We had story time with Nana,
fed chickens and ducks with Papa G.

Here's how Landry spent the weekend
Audrey watched the Indy 500 with Papa
we met Granny G's new dog, Luvey
and we went to the Sacred Heart Church picnic where Lila 
had a blast.  She rode the train, did the fish pond, jumped, did the cake walk, and played Bingo


Friday, June 1, 2012

Jr. Pre-K Graduate

Last Friday, we attended a program at Lila's school to celebrate the end of the school year, and showcase the accomplishments the kids have made this year.  We have loved all Lila's teachers since she has been at the school (since 4 months old), and this year was no exception.  Melissa and Janet took all the kids to the Cedar Park library every other Monday, had a Chinese New Year parade complete with paper lanterns and dragons, had picnics, dug up worms and always had the classroom decorated to the hilt for whatever theme they were learning about.  Lila learned so much this year; she knows how to write, count to 30, and is beginning to sound out words.  The theme for her class was building self confidence, and they did so many neat art projects, and you know we are big fans of arts and crafts.  

During the program, they sang "My Country 'tis of Thee", recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge and sang their class theme song, and we watched a slideshow of pictures from throughout the school year.
this was her picture of the slideshow
with her friends Jayden and Charli
Sitting with Michelle and Charli

Theme song:
If what I am is what's in me
I'll stay strong, that's who I'll be.
I will always be the best me that I can be.

There's only one me, I admit
I have a dream, I'll follow it
it's up to me to try...

Oh,  I keep my head up high.
Keep on reaching high
never gonna quit
I'll keep getting stronger

Nothing's gonna bring me down
Never gonna stop, gotta go
'cause I know I'll keep getting stronger.

What I am is helpful
What I am is musical
What I am is smart
What I am is brave
What I am is helpful
What I am is special

There's nothing I can't achieve
because in myself I believe.
I'll keep my head up high.
Keep on reaching high
Never stop, gotta go
'cause I know, I'll keep getting stronger