Wister Lake

This last weekend Sarge's uncle and aunt came down for a visit.  He's an avid fisherman, so we took him out to go fishing.  We found a beautiful spot over by Wister Lake.

The kids were excited to get started.

He didn't care what he caught, as long as he had his boots and glasses.

Learning from the pro.

After a little bit, we headed over to the docks.  This one had a sign posted that said "No swimming, no wading and no shin allowed."  We think it meant no fishing, but since we all still have our shins we decided to move over to the other dock ;)

By this point she was really bored and didn't want to be fishing anymore.  But since I don't have a license, I have to have a kid by me to pretend I'm fishing.

She finally cheered up when we headed over to the playground.  It was full of things that spin (and make you dizzy and nauseous)

This one was easy to get stuck in and hard to stop spinning.  I had to have Junior help me stop it and let me out.

I'm so thankful we live in an area that has so much to offer for family fun.

July Rewind

This last month has been busy.  Lots of things going on around the community and with the family.

A local church had a Back to Basics day with demonstrations on soap making, canning and how to process a chicken.  They also had lots of water for the kids to play in.  Sweet Pea loves playing in the water =)

Junior decided he wanted to try biking down the hill to Grandma's place.  He didn't quite make it.  Just a few scraps and bruises.  He was back to feeling like himself in no time.  Although he's a bit disappointed he might not have any scars from it...

My parents came for a visit.  It was great spending some time with them and hearing about their trip to China.  It also meant that we no longer have to run an extension cord from the pole to the camper.  My dad was nice enough to help us run a wire.  Now we can actually run the air conditioner without blowing a circuit.  

She's just too cute =)

My sister- in- love and her family came for a visit as well.  We took a Girls' Day and went and had our nails done.  Sweet Pea was disappointed that she didn't get hers done.  Maybe next time.

And we took them all to the drive- in to see Monsters University and The Lone Ranger.  It made for a late night, but it was lots of fun.

Spent some time at the local splash park.

Not as big as some of them around Dallas, but you can't complain about the price... FREE!

After taking a semi- break from schooling, we're starting to get back into it.  Grandma has taken over the art department.  I think she's having more fun with the art projects than the kids are ;)

Over the next few weeks I hope to have lots of pictures to share.

Thankful Thursday: Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!

Two years ago, the cutest, most precious baby entered out lives.

The first few months were filled with heartache and uncertainty.  Even after having three kids, we were in unknown territory.  Two days after she was born, we found out she would need open heart surgery.  It was confirmed that she has Down syndrome.  

But, it doesn't matter.  She is ours and we love her unconditionally.

Yesterday we celebrated.

Two years of giggles, smiles, stubbornness and squishy hugs.  While we're still waiting for her to decide to stand and walk, she has found her own way of getting around (Please turn off the sound, there was a political discussion going on in the background ;) ).

When trying to figure out what kind of cake to make for her, I came across this idea: 

Ice Cream Cone Cakes

The instructions looked easy enough.  But...

Oops.

But to be fair, they didn't all turn out like that =)  And the kids had fun decorating the *fails.*

See.  I just had to make sure I didn't fill them too full and there were no cracks in the cones =)

Today I'm thankful for squishy baby hugs and the chance to be Sweet Pea's mama.  

What are you thankful for today?

Thankfulness

Thankful that I can look out my window at this.



And not this.

(Love you, Dad, but I really don't miss the cold and snow =))

Thankful Thursday: Vacation

The first thing I'm thankful for this week is time away with the family.

We took a couple days this last weekend/ first part of the week to take the kids on a little adventure.

Yup, we took them here:

Plotting our path through the park.

Feeding the dolphins.

Sarge, Junior and Girly in the back row of the Journey to Atlantis ride.  They LOVED it.

Girly and Rosita

Junior and Telly (Did you know Telly does Insanity?  Can you picture what he'd look like without it?)

Sweet Pea wasn't too sure what to think of Telly sitting next to her.

Waiting for Junior.

Because Junior was riding this...

And of course we had to see Shamu =)

The second thing I'm thankful for is Sea World's Here's to the Heros program.  Four free family tickets and 30% off food and merchandise in the park for active duty families.  We ended up only having to pay for 1 ticket and parking.  And our food inside the park of course =)

The third thing I'm thankful for is people who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.  

On our way out of San Antonio, we stopped to see the Alamo.

Because a few men were courageous enough and determined enough to ensure their families could be free.    

Thankful Thursday: Lemonade

I've been thinking about this post most of the day.  Received some frustrating news this morning and I've been trying to put a positive spin on it and rise above the negativity.

I'm trying to figure out a way to take these lemons I was handed today and turn them into lemonade.  Even though right now all I want to do is squeeze the lemon juice in someone's eyes ;)

Source

So what am I thankful for today?

I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow.  It's not always easy, and the situations aren't always comfortable, but in the end it's good for you.

I'm thankful for family and friends who point me to the positives in situations.

I'm thankful for the laughter of kids and how it can brighten the day.

So, what do you do when life hands you lemons?

Thankful Thursday: Emotional Health

Emotional health is just as important as physical health.  But a lot of times it is completely overlooked.  To help with that, I am going to post things I'm thankful for and I challenge you to do the same thing =)  Think of Thursdays as your emotional health day and list at least three things that you are thankful for that day.

Today I am thankful for my husband, Sarge.  He works hard so that I am able to stay home with the kids.  He's a wonderful daddy and takes time everyday to connect with the kids.  

This morning I was thankful for cooler weather.  It was only 66* when I went out this morning and it was very much appreciated, especially since I was doing a speed workout =)

I am thankful the kids slept in this morning and I could enjoy a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.

What are you thankful for today?