Blake and Ben's First Day of School

Blake is starting 2nd grade and the day has come for Ben to start Kindergarten. Ben was super excited and was not scared or worried at all about school. That helped me not be too sad and I knew he would be great and have a fun time. He has a couple of good friends in his class and he was happy about that. He also has Blake's kindergarten teacher, Miss Wolfe, so that is a huge blessing. We love her and know that Ben is in good hands.

Blake was happy to start 2nd grade as well. He knew quite a few kids in his class, but 2nd grade seems a little more serious. His teacher is Mrs. Joyce and we have heard great things about her. Can't wait to see the boys grow and learn a lot this school year!

Brooke's First Day of School

Brooke had her first day of Mother's Day Out! She was excited to go to school! She always wants to be big like her brothers. It was nice because her school starts before the boys. So Brent and I took the boys to the Frisco Discovery Science Center and then shoe shopping for school. Brooke's teachers first comments were "Wow, she is very independent....I'm impressed." She had a great day and was excited to go back.

This is a random pic from a few days before. Brooke seems to often get into the pantry and help herself to Oreos. She's a mess!

Blake's 8th Birthday

I'm sure I say this every birthday but WOW I can't believe that Blake is 8!

This year Blake wanted to have his party at Amazing Jake's which is a big indoor games, rides, laser tag, rock climbing, etc. The kids all played laser tag together and then went upstairs and did all kinds of activities. Blake and his friends had a great time! I on the other hand did not. My new iPhone 4 that I had for about 3 weeks was stolen at the party. I wasn't too bothered until I realized how expensive iPhone's were when not bought on a contract extension. Oh well. Glad Blake had a blast so it's all good.

Birthday morning opening his gift....another DSi since the other one broke



Having breakfast on the "You are special today" red plate

Party time
Blake and Eric
Brynna, Kate, Addy, and Parker
Liam and Walt
Brookie

Ben and AJ....... hugging a little too close

Blake's cookie cake...per his request
He got his whole name!
Laser Tag




Game time







Blake, you bring so much joy and laughter to our lives! You are the most sweet and caring little boy. You always are asking people how their day was and remembering to ask them how something went. You are such a hard worker in your company, BSBA. You love to email everyone and are still a whiz on the computer. You received an iPod touch from Grand and Pops for your birthday and you are super excited to add apps and put all your music on it. It's great because you can do it all yourself! You continue to keep everyone updated on your blog....The Blakeington post that you decided to create one day. You started Taekwondo this year and are really enjoying it. You did great in your belt testing and were so pumped to get your yellow belt. You have the most incredible memory. I often find myself asking you to remind me about specific events, etc. You are a great student and your teachers love to have you in their class. You are truly a blessing in our lives and we are so thankful we are your parents!!

Hyatt Lost Pines

We headed down to the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop just outside of Austin. We had been to the Hyatt Hill Country before and loved how family friendly it was and heard that Lost Pines is very similar. We asked Brock and Erin if they wanted to join us along with Grand and Pops. It was a Baldwin family vacation!!

The kids were in heaven. The pool area was great. It had a beach type area, lazy river, and a fun slide. Everyone enjoyed the lazy river, including Brooke. She would not let me hold her as she wanted to just float along by herself. Have I mentioned before that she is just a little independent! She also loved going down the slide with me. Blake loved the slide and the lazy river. Ben just preferred the lazy river. We spent a lot of time at the pool, although I don't have any pictures -( Unfortunately, Ben was stung by a bee when we were eating lunch the last day. It was quite the scene, but he ended up being ok!

The kids also loved playing at the park, riding bikes, playing soccer, making smores, watching a movie on the lawn, and face painting. Blake and Pops went on a GPS Lost and Found adventure. Blake was really excited about this and we are thankful Pops wanted to do it with him in the hot temperatures. They had a great time and found lots of the puzzle pieces.

Right before we left, Brent took Blake (Ben didn't want to go) kayaking. Blake really enjoyed it and was a big rower.

We had a great time hanging out with the family and getting to spend some quality time together. My kids love Carter and Luke and had fun playing with them. Can't wait to do it again!! We loved our trip to the Hyatt Lost Pines!

The road trip begins....



Coloring while we wait for our table for dinner






Smores









Playing on the playground









Soccer


Blake and Pops before they set off for the GPS Lost and Found


Face Painting


Silly girl trying to do a head stand


Watching the ducks

Bubbles





Getting ready for Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on the lawn








Brooke and Luke decided to watch from the empty towel bin





Stole a few pics from Mallory who was there right before us.
Blake and Brent's kayaking trip

Sign of a great trip although none of the naps lasted too long!