Library Classes ROCK!

The past couple of weeks we have ventured to another library. We are so lucky to have so many libraries around us and when looking for classes, can really pick and choose.

The first class was presented by a company called Mad Science. It's a nationwide company that presents science experiments for kids. We attended one in Fishers and the kids loved it. So when I saw this one I was SO excited and made sure to make note of it on our calendar.

As you can see in this picture, Grant was chosen to help in the last experiment. As you can also see from this picture, Beckett was devastated and ran back to where I was sitting, crying and upset. Up to this point, We had lucked out...at every library presentation, both boys always were chosen. This time - no dice. It was for their safety. In fact, we went up to the front afterwards to check out the bubbles and while I was helping Grant, Beckett was about to touch the dry ice with his finger. Luckily a mom saw him and alerted me. Just what we need - a frostbitten finger.

Here is the video of Grant in the experiment.

Today we went to the library again and saw Critterman this time. As advertised, the presentation was full of animals that make you squirm. We saw alligators, tarantulas, hissing cockroaches, and snakes, snakes snakes. So glad I decided to sit on the floor with the kids...2nd row (heavy sarcasm here). That tarantula made me shriek. The performance was very entertaining and the guy was great. I hope that he presents at the kids schools or we are able to see him again.

 Both of the boys are suffering through allergies right now and so have not been at 100%. So Beckett laid on top of my lap for the entire show. Nothing like 50ish pounds fully reclined on your lap!

 Texas alligator.

 Rose something or other tarantula. Disgusting. 

 Grant touching the Burmese Python. The snake was shedding it's skin, so Grant picked up a few pieces for a souvenir.

Both the boys have been filling out their library reading logs this summer. One of the prizes was a free pizza at Pizza Hut.

 RANDOM PICTURES FROM THE PAST WEEK

 We have become friends with another family in the neighborhood. This family has a boy going into Kinder and another going into 3rd. They love playing together - here is "snack time!" at the pool last week.

 This morning Grant put on extra armor - i.e. a blanket under his knight tunic. 

Sunday with Dad

Roger and I have started spending 1 on 1 time with the kids on Sundays. The boys love the extra attention and it gives them a break from each other.

On this Sunday, Beckett got the short end of the stick as they say. He and I hit Costco. Although he did love the slice of pizza, that as he said, is "the size of my head."

Grant and Roger headed downtown. Their first stop was disappointing - an old school video game conference. It was really small and not much to it. Grant had fun and really that's all that matters.

After lunch they went to the Capital. We wanted to go there on Saturday, but as I said in the previous post...way too hot. They lucked out and tours were running. Here are a couple of pics.

I love that he puts his hand in his pocket. So cute.

Build and Grow

Why haven't we tried this before? Last Saturday we went to a building workshop at Lowes. The boys received a kit, a hammer and an apron. We found a spot on the floor and got to work. This week we built the pizza delivery truck from Toy Story. The boys had a great time and Roger and i were impressed with the kits. Very fun. I do wish they had tables set up though - we got really dirty.

 Boys rockin their shades.

After the trip to Lowes, we took the train downtown to see a 3-D chalk drawing. The light for the drawing wasn't the greatest, but I think you get the idea. Unfortunately it was UNBELIEVABLY HOT on Saturday. So by the time we walked the 3 blocks necessary to see the drawing, all we wanted to do was get back to the train. So we stayed long enough for me to get these 2 pictures and then we got to the AC ASAP.

 

This guitar was on the way back. 

 

Grant wanted to check out my sunglasses.

 

Random Pics

Here are some random pictures from the last couple of weeks.

 Grant jumped onto the back of Beckett's bike for this one. Don't worry, they didn't go anywhere. :-)

 Grant fell while getting out of the tub. Here is the result. He also banged up his elbow. I tell ya...crazy kids!

 Riley has taken over the kids chairs in the playroom. It's her new go to place. She sleeps there and sometimes just lays in the chair and stares out the window. :-) 

FREE SLURPEE DAY! There is a website called freefuninaustin.com. Everyday the blogger lists free or cheap things to do in and around Austin. The latest free item - Slurpees from 7-11. Our favorite so far though - flip flop day at a local smoothie restaurant. Just for wearing our flip flops, we received a 24 ounce strawberry banana smoothie. It was amazingly big and super delicious! The kids were so excited. LOVE this site!

House Photos

I have had several requests for pictures of the house. Please excuse the mess. If I wait till house is all picked up then the pictures aren't ever going to be posted! :-)

 Front of the house. That's a Texas live oak in the front yard. Hopefully it will fill out to start to cover the driveway too. Not too much shade from it, but it does provide a bit.

 View into the house from the front door. The office is immediately to your right. The door into the garage is on your left.

 The office - on the front of the house.

 Entry way. Sorry the window washed out the picture. It lets in tons of light - always nice.

 I love this kitchen. I miss having an island, but I guess the double ovens make up for it. :-)

 Another bonus of the kitchen area - this built in desk. LOVE! The storage is unbelievable. That's a pantry door on the left. The hallway to the kids bedroom and guest bedroom is on the right.

 View from entry through kitchen, into living area.

 Kids playroom. This is on the back of the house right off the living area.

 Hallway to master. I am standing in the living area.

 I love our master bedroom. The windows are amazing. It's my escape from the craziness.

 Master bath - garden tub, shower stall and double sinks.

 Hallway to kids bedroom and guest bedroom. Standing in the living area.

 Kids room - we have plans to paint.

 Guest room. Nothing exciting - right now its the overflow room...or another place for the boys to play. :-)

I can't wait to use this back patio when it cools off. We have shades up and curtains that need to be hung. Right now it's just too hot.

 We have a few live oaks in the back yard. They provide a bit of shade. We have plans to build the kids a playhouse in this area. Those windows are the bump out in the master.

Back corner of the yard. I have plans for this area too...when it cools off. :-)

We love the house. Have plans to add some color to the walls at some point. I hope this gives you a better idea of our new home.

Parades, Snow Cones and Bowling - OH MY!

I can't believe the 4th has already come and gone. This summer is flying by!

We went to the community parade in Round Rock. The kids love parades - especially the marching bands. Unfortunately there weren't any marching bands in this parade (REALLY Round Rock???) but there were LOTS of cars and motorcycles and candy. The kids love all those things too. :-)

After the parade we hit a restaurant we have been meaning to try. Surprise bonus - kids meals include a snow cone! Awesome! Love those red tongues! :-)

On Sunday we decided to surprise the kids and take them bowling for the first time. Grant was super excited. And as you see from the video, he dances pretty much the whole time too! :-)

Grant getting ready to take his first trip to the lane. He looks a bit nervous....