Fall Soccer

Blake enjoyed playing soccer this fall. His team was the Rockets and he played with a couple of the boys in our neighborhood, Liam and Walt. I think the part he liked the best was the party at the end of the season at Pizza Planet and of course don't forget the trophy. Always a big hit!

Ben's First Day of Preschool

Ben had his first day of preschool today. He was in denial that he was going. We would ask him if he was going to school and he would always reply "No!" This morning he was excited to wear his backpack and carry his nap mat. He walked in happy and was happy when we dropped Blake off. Then on to his room. When we got there he started being really shy and tearing up. It wasn't too much drama, but he was definitely sad. His teacher, Ms. Shannon, came over an talked with him and then grabbed a toy and he sat on her lap playing. He didn't want to take off his backpack, but that was fine. My friend, Kristy, called me with a report when she walked by saying that he was still sitting on the teachers lap, wasn't crying, and his backpack was off.

When I picked him up he was outside his room with his teacher, Ms. Pam. She said he woke up upset from his nap (wow, he really slept - shocking) and he wanted his other blanket. I had only sent one of his two blankets, but it was his favorite one. Guess I will send the other one next Thurs. She said he had a great time and was happy!

Blake's First Day of Kindergarten

Blake started kindergarten on Monday. He was really excited about it and went in with no problems. When I picked him up he said he had a great day. He said his favorite things were chapel and story time. He also got to bring a show and tell item. He chose to bring his magnifying glass. He has another one of Friday, so we will see what exciting thing we will chose. We had to pack his lunch, and if you know Blake this can pose a problem. The kid is a very picky eater and doesn't eat much that is not heated. He tolerates peanut butter and honey and I was happy to see that he ate half his sandwich. He keeps talking about a friend named, Hunter. We will see if this is the next Jorge, although I doubt it. I have yet to figure out which little boy he is. There are 6 boys and 1 girl in his class. They are all early 5's (mostly summer birthdays). So it's great they are all young kindergartners and most will go to public kindergarten next year.

Ben missed having Blake around. We have had fun playing together and running a few errands. It is so much easier with just one. We were even able to go to the grocery store on Monday for an enjoyable visit. I'm looking forward to having special time with Ben.

Blake and his teacher, Mrs Byrne

Hyatt Hill Country

We traveled down to San Antonio last Thursday through Sunday for a last summer trip. We stayed at the Hyatt Hill Country which is totally kid friendly. We went with two other families - The Fudges and Russes! The boys had a blast on the beach area, the lazy river, riding their bikes, and playing on the playground. They loved sleeping in the same room with Mom and Dad, although at times it was a little crazy, but they did pretty good calming down to nap and for bedtime. Blake decided that he wanted to sleep in his new sleeping bag he got for his birthday. I felt bad having my kid sleep on the floor for 3 nights, so I got the mattress off a roll away bed and he slept on that. He was happy and we were happy to change our room to a king bed. Much better sleep for me! I got to go to the spa and get a nice, relaxing massage and Brent got in almost a full round of golf. It was raining the morning they were suppose to golf so they went in the afternoon instead. We decided to skip Sea World this year. We were able to see some college friends, the Peavys, who live in San Antonio. They came to our hotel Thursday night and we enjoyed catching up with them and their adorable boys. The boys traveled really well. They of course enjoyed watching their movies and were entertained with that the whole way. We only had one bathroom stop each way. They had a decent nap both directions and then back to their shows. We stopped at Georges in Waco on Thursday for lunch (although I would of preferred Ninfas food). That was fun to be able to recall many fun Georges experiences!! All in all, it was a great family vacation.

Here are some pics of all the fun....

Ben and Blake intently watching their shows

Roasting marshmallows to make smores!

Ben and Addy. They were so funny and had a great time together.

Face Painting. This didn't last long. He got upset cause it felt funny. He went back and got a football on his arm.

The guys having a lazy river race

Ben and Addy's favorite thing to do. Lean over and put their heads in the water and crack up laughing

Brynna, Blake, and Kate working together

Ben watching his movie in the room while Blake and Brent were watching the "Movie of the Night"- Finding Nemo

Blake's 5 Year Old Party

Blake turned 5 on Monday, August 11th. Very crazy to believe!! We had his party at Baskin Robbins the Sunday afternoon before. It turned out great and he really enjoyed himself. He had 16 friends attend so it was a little chaotic and crazy at times.

After his party we went to Hawaiian Falls for some water fun. He absolutely loved it. He was a little hesitant at first to go down the small slides by himself, but after a few times with mom he got up the courage and we couldn't get him off of them. There was only one bigger slide that he could do (based on height). So Blake and Brent got their mats and headed up. I was thinking that he might chicken out at the top, but he didn't. He loved it and of course wanted to do it again. This time I got to go. I didn't get any pictures at Hawaiian Falls, but it was definitely a fun experience.

Cheese!!!

The little ones enjoyed making a mess.....

Opening his gifts from Brent, Ben, and I after we got back from dinner Monday night.

Future Rock Stars

I'm not really sure what I was thinking. I think I have lost it. We were driving home today after lunch and noticed our neighbors having a moving sale. We went over there (just 2 doors down) and saw a drum set. Now I have always been against this since hearing it at a neighbors house, but for some reason I thought maybe it wasn't such a bad idea! I caved.

We brought them home and the boys were ecstatic! They played them in the game room upstairs for a while before nap/quiet time. After that I decided that maybe these new drums should be moved to the media room to minimize the sound. This is where they have stayed. They love them, and I think I have found a way to not hear them as much. If it buys me a few moments of them playing together without my assistance, then I think they will be worth it.

Also, Blake is having his first night sleeping on his top bunk bed. He is so excited. He asked me last night, but I wasn't quite ready for it since I was putting him to bed solo at 9 pm. So I told him we would get it ready for tonight. Hopefully he will sleep the whole night up there. Who knows what might happen!

**Just went in to check on Blake. He seems to be sleeping pretty well. Please excuse the Indian print pillow that for some reason he thinks he needs to sleep on. Not Moms first choice...