Painting

I finally had something other than swimming and water park pictures to post. Alycia and her kids slept over so Nick had more time to finish his thesis. We did go to the pool but the kids also did some painting. Most of them made pictures of space. This was Carter’s first painting experience. He did paint on his paper that I taped to his highchair tray, but he also ate the paint too. Good thing it isn’t toxic. I guess I will have to hold off letting him paint with oils.

A Few Words

Making Up Songs

Headstands

Sam let me sleep in today which was wonderful. I did find some funny pictures on the camera though. Gavin and Renée are into doing ‘tricks’ right now. I guess these are their newest tricks.

Booster Chair

Carter crawled into Renée’s booster chair. I assumed that meant he wanted a snack. He was as happy as a clam eating at the table. If he didn’t make such a mess with his cereal I might consider switching him.

Fireworks

We went to Grapevine Lake to see the fireworks this year. We thought we had a great spot and we had our camping chairs and blankets all set up, but when the first firework exploded in the sky we realized that we didn’t chose too wisely. Because of the direction of the fireworks, there was a group of trees in our way. We grabbed the blanket and the kids and moved to a better viewing spot. It was so much fun to watch Carter’s face as he viewed the fireworks. That is one of those fun things about motherhood, discovering the world a new through your child’s eyes. It was a great ending to a fun day.

4th of July

We started our 4th of July celebration at Johnson Road Park for the Ward breakfast. The kids decorated their bikes and got to have a parade. Gavin and Renée had so much fun decorating their bikes the night before. Carter enjoyed the sand box and even went off on his own and played. He usually just wants to be held when we are in a new place or there are a lot of people around. It was great to see that he is growing up a little.

I got us all matching t-shirts but Sam lost his, so he got to take the picture. Isn’t Carter hamming it up!

After naps Alycia and her family came over for dinner and swimming. We had brisket since we are Texans now. Alycia made chocolate raspberry crème brûlée.

Rene'e can Swim!

Renée has been getting braver and braver in the water. She has been jumping in and loves to swim around the pool wearing her life jacket. Today we went to the pool together after dinner. We took off Renée’s life jacket to start teaching her how to swim and she could swim. It really was amazing to see her progress just this evening. She started by mostly using her legs to swim straight up. Then she started using her arms and swimming horizontally in the water. Gavin also taught himself to swim. I am thinking that it is our Speedo life jacket and a lot of exposure to the water that has turned my children into fish. It has been nice not to have to pay for swimming lessons.
Carter is enjoying the pool more. He now has the balance to float in the water with water wings. He loves it when Sam and I throw him back and forth.

This is what Gavin calls the airplane dive. Doesn’t that look fun!

The first video is of Renée swimming and the second is of me throwing Carter in the water. You can also see Renée swimming in Carter’s video.

Tae Bo

Alycia posted a video of the kids doing her Tae Bo video. While we were there Blake put it on again for Gavin. They are so funny that I had to post this.

Trey's Birthday

Trey turned two and we spent the whole day celebrating. We spent the morning at NRH2O. Then we had a party at Alycia’s house. Alycia made dirt cake and we decorated it like you would a diorama. It turned out really cute. Trey loves Curious George, so the kids got to wear monkey masks. We gave Trey a bubble mower. Carter loved it and we had to fight him off of it so Trey could have a turn. Happy Birthday Trey!

First Article of Faith

Maybe a Prince

The kids found a toad in the front yard and they were so excited to hold it. I love the picture of the two of them. Gavin can be so sweet to Renée. Renée gave the toad a kiss just in case it was a prince. It wasn’t. Maybe that only works with frogs.

First Talk

Renée gave her first talk in Primary on Sunday. She did a great job. The video is of her practicing with her dad. She wore clothes for the actual event.

Mmmm Cake Batter

I took the first two pictures while my kids were sharing, yes they were actually sharing without fighting, the beater. I thought I captured enough of it but Sam luckily caught the last two after the rest of us moved on. It appears that Renée really likes cake batter and who can blame her.

We love the pool!

We made it to the pool for a few hours. Sam hasn’t gone to the pool too much with us because he is usually working when we go and when he is off we usually go to the water park. We did make it there on Friday. The kids love to swim with their dad because he throws them around and lets them hold onto his neck while he swims underwater. I got to lie on a lawn chair and read a chapter in book without having to worry about my kids. What a treasure that was!

Movie Night with the Thurmans

The Thurmans invited us over to watch The Last Samurai while our kids watched their own movie in another room. Really what happened was Spencer told Sam that he had recorded the movie off of the TV which meant it was edited. Sam really wanted to see that one, so he told me to make it happen. The Thurmans were nice enough to share their movie with us. The kids did pretty well considering they were up so late. Renée did complain, “That big baby (their two year old son Owen) keeps getting in my way!” Thanks Susan and Spencer.

Another Baby Shower

I went to Brook’s baby shower, so that meant I made another boppy. I have a lot of pregnant friends, so I have been sewing a lot more than usual. Good thing I get to watch Lost while I cut, pin, and iron.