Colorado- Day 1

We left this past Sunday for a week in Breckenridge, Colorado. I don't know who was more excited: me and Cory about escaping the horrible Texas heat or Parker about flying on an airplane.

We have never flown with 2 kids before and I have to admit, I was a little anxious about how everything would go. The biggest help was that my sister flew with us and I honestly don't know if we could have done it without her. Between all of us, we had 4 suitcases, 2 car seats, 2 strollers, 2 backpacks, a carry on bag, and 2 toddlers to keep up with. Her extra set of hands ended up being very useful.

Riding the shuttle to the terminal Check in at the airport could not have gone smoother and we found a corner to let the kids watch a movie while we waited to board the plane. There was also a small play area right next to our gate so the kids could run around and get some energy out before they had to sit still for a couple of hours.

Checking out the planes Watching "Finding Nemo" while we waited to boardThe flight was not too long and they both did great! Parker enjoyed a new sticker book while Eden read her favorite book with her daddy. Then they watched a couple of episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on my iPhone. Before we knew it, we had landed and were on our way to Breckenridge.

Happy Birthday Aunt MerMer!

Happy Birthday Aunt MerMer!

We are looking forward to spending a week with you in Colorado!

Have a wonderful day!

We love you!

Wordless Wednesday

Daddy's Girl

For the past two weeks while Parker and I have been at swim lessons, Eden has been having some quality father/daughter time at home. She is becoming quite a daddy's girl. He is now the one she wants to play with, read with, and eat her bedtime snack with. I love watching their relationship grow as she gets older. She has completely got him wrapped around her little finger!

Swim Lessons

Parker finished two weeks of swim lessons today. The first week was a little touch and go. Parker was not sure what to think about having to swim with his teacher, and there was some crying and a lot of whining heard by all. The second week, Parker became a completely different swimmer (thanks to a "Come to Jesus" meeting in the car and a little bribing with suckers).

Parker can now swim the width of the pool without floaties. He can jump off of the diving board and swim to the side all by himself. He can hold his breath and, with help, dive down to retrieve a toy on the bottom. He's turned into a little fish!

Cory and I are amazed at the progress he has made in the past two weeks. His teacher, Miss Jenny, was a miracle worker. She was so patient with him and knew just how much she could push him in the water without making him give up. I am excited to see him continue to progress as the summer goes on and he gains even more confidence.

Parker and Miss Jenny Jumping off the diving board
Practicing his kicks
Video of him swimming to the steps

Cousins

Growing up, I was not close to my cousins. This was probably due to the fact that we did not live close to them and I did not see them very often. When we did get together, we always had fun playing and as an adult, I enjoy seeing them at family functions, but I never formed close relationships with them.

One thing I have always wanted is for my kids to be close friends with their cousins. We are so lucky that my sister lives less than an hour away and we get to see them almost once a week. This summer we have been able to get together several times to play. It is so fun to watch the kids interact as they get older. Parker truly enjoys when we get to play with them and his face always lights up when I tell him that Addison and Aubrey are coming over. My prayer is that they will be more like siblings than cousins and they will always enjoy spending time with each other.

Playing in the tent

Parker is going to have quite a job taking care of and protecting all of these girls as they get older! Don't they just look like trouble in the making!

Here the are playing "Ring Around the Rosie". So sweet!!

Library Summer Reading Program

Parker, Eden and I have been participating in the local summer reading program at the library. They have weekly programs for preschoolers and we have also been reading at least 7 books a week to meet our summer reading goal.

Last week, the program was held at a local theater where we got to watch a play geared toward kids. I am not sure Parker grasped the meaning of the play, but I am glad he got some exposure to the theater.

Mommy and Parker before the play started

During the play, the actors invited the kids to come on the stage to participate. Surprisingly, Parker was one of the first ones to go down to the stage.

Parker and his friend Jewell

Today was the last weekly program of the summer. A local wildlife park, Fossil Rim, came and talked to the kids about animals. They brought animal skeletons, antlers, ostrich eggs, and zebra skins to show the kids, but the hedgehog and tarantula were the highlights of the program.

Next week is the end of summer party for all of the kids who have been participating this summer. We've really enjoyed the weekly programs and hope the library does this again next summer.

Chillaxin'

Both of the kids love to play with the games on my iphone, especially when I download some new apps. I recently got a new puzzle app and they both love it.

Here is Eden before bed last night. Doesn't she look like she's living the high life? No worries in the world...just chillaxin' with mommy's phone!

BClan Reunion 2010

This past Saturday we had our 7th annual 4th of July BClan reunion. The BClan is a group of 8 of Cory's closest friends. They all started hanging out in junior high and have remained good friends ever since. The 4th of July weekend is the one time of year that they all try to get together and catch up on their lives. It started out small with just a few of them being married and no kids. Now all but 1 is married and there are 8 kids running around (and 3 more on the way). We always have a great time and look forward to this weekend all year long.

This year 6 of the 8 guys were able to come. Lewis and Bart...we missed you and hope you will be able to make it next year.

The gathering is always held at Heath's house. While it is a time for the BClan to get together, lots of our family and friends also join us to celebrate the 4th of July. This year, we had one of the biggest crowds that we have ever had.

There is always tons of good food, 4 wheeler rides, and skeet shooting.

Parker and Eden both had a really good time playing with all of the other kids that came. Parker's favorite thing this year was driving the jeep. He spent most of his time taking some of the little girls for rides.

Parker and Avery

Parker and Addison

Parker and Eden

Eden spent her time jumping in the bounce house and, of course, playing in the dirt and rocks.

We ended the evening with lots of fireworks. Parker and Eden both watched them without getting scared (as long as they were in my lap!).

We had a wonderful day getting to hang out and visit with old friends and are already looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Happy Birthday Granna!

Today is my mom's birthday! I am not sure what I would do without my mom in my life. She is truly one of my best friends and I am so thankful for everything she does for me and my family.

We hope you have a wonderful day and that the upcoming year is filled with many wonderful memories! We love you!