Fun Pictures

Here are some random fun pictures from the past month or so.

 Beckett received a Scholar Shout Out at school last month. As the note states, he stopped and looked to a teacher before running into the driveway area in the middle of their playground (REALLY developers...you thought this was a good idea because???). Anyway, with this note, his name was also read over the announcements, I received a phone call from the principal and his picture is hanging on the cafeteria wall. He is so proud of himself for "stopping and thinking". 

 Beckett's reading ability has exploded this year. When he started the year he was reading on a level 5. Now, only a month later, he is reading on a level 14! It has clicked and he is so very proud. In this picture he wanted to read to Grant on the swing....not to me. 

 Every Friday we get together with some friends for "Freaky Friday." Basically the kids run around for a couple of hours while the moms sit back and relax...and yes there might be a couple adult beverages involved. It's really fun and something we all look forward to. In this particular picture, the boys got into the girls sidewalk chalk and decided to decorated themselves as the blue team. The girls were, of course, the pink team. And then there was a bit of street wrestling. It was highly entertaining to watch. :-)

 For one day of Red Ribbon week, the boys had to dress up for the career they wanted later in life. Both said "soldier like my Dad." So Roger dug out some old uniforms. So cute.

Happy Birthday Grant!

Oh. My. Goodness. Grant is 8. I am so proud of my little man. He's kind, generous, smart, dedicated, persistent, loving, and focused and we love him more than words can express.

For his friend birthday party, Grant invited a few friends and we went rock climbing at Main Event. Then we went to a burger place nearby to enjoy some yummy food and cake. Everyone had a great time - I just love his friends.

His actual birthday fell on a Monday. So we went out to dinner and then he chose to go to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. YUM!

 My handsome boys getting "fancy" for Grant's birthday dinner. :-)

Double scoop baby! Happy Birthday Grant!!

SOCCER rules our life!

Soccer began in August and it has taken over our life. This year Grant is playing Academy level soccer. This level is more competitive - each player has a position to play, there are refs, and...most importantly for Grant...there are goalies. We play teams from all over Austin (yes sometimes we have to travel). He is so excited for this year and I can't wait to see how his skills develop over the season.

Beckett is also playing again. He is still playing at the recreational level. He has an interest in soccer, but not the love of the game that Grant has. I have a feeling it will come with time as he and Grant are constantly playing and practicing and really that's all they talk about some days. :-)

With 2-3 practices a week and 2-3 games on the weekend, we are all on board and I guess we better all love soccer! :-)

 Very proud Daddy

This was taken during one of Beckett's games. Big brother sitting by little brother, discussing the game and strategy. SIGH....love them!!

First Day of School 2015!!

I am not going to lie, I am having trouble with the fact that I no longer have a child that needs to attend Kindergarten. They are growing up so fast. And now, because of the way the school is laid out, the boys are not even in the same side of the school building. UGH. Pulls at my heartstrings...and also makes me so very proud.

Beckett is incredibly excited to have the same teacher Grant had in first grade - Mrs. Paulsen. And really, I am too. We love Mrs Paulsen and I can't wait to see how Beckett does this year - I think he is going to thrive.

Grant has Mrs. LaFevers. We don't really know anything about any of the second grade teachers, but he was excited to see a few friends in his class.

 I didn't take this one fast enough - they had just been holding hands. Such great brothers. :-)

End of Summer

 Summer Fun!

We took a trip to a local library that has a wonderful summer program for kids. We went to get messy Monday and now we are there for the fire trucks and other big trucks. So glad they still enjoy this kind of stuff!

Finally found an indoor skating rink and introduced them to the wonders of roller skating. Grant has had skates for awhile and Beckett got some for his birthday. And look at the wonderful "walker" they invented! Gave Beckett lots of confidence for his first trip...and it saved mom's arm from being pulled off! :-)

We went with our good friends - Joe and Kamryn. 

Crazy sweat hair - it was like a sauna in there!

Stopped for burgers because traffic was horrendous! 

Hit the BMX trails only once this summer. :-(  Maybe try to make it more this fall when the weather cools down a bit.

 Went skating with Daddy once too. You can't see it in this picture, but he was still in his walking boot. Thank goodness that ordeal is all over with! 

BARTON SPRINGS

Sadly we have lived in Austin for 3 years and had not made a trip to Barton Springs before. I admit that I was very worried about losing the kids, the traffic, and well...the people that might be there (did you know they allow topless sunbathing??) But for my friend's birthday she invited us to go with them. It ended up being an incredibly HOT day...which is good because the water is FREEZING!!

 Megan is living in Austin so she came down and met with us for a bit. The boys were very excited to see her. :-)

 WOW!! I don't remember the last time this happened! Sure sign of a fun, busy day.

 Lunch with my friend before hitting the pool. 

 Sometimes the boys like to look and dress alike - this was one of my favorites.

TRIP TO HOUSTON!

Every summer we try to make one trip to Houston to see the Kelleys. This year Meg wasn't there, but we did get to spend some time with Drew. Was great to see everyone.

 Enjoying some beignets. MMMMM...so hot and sugary! The boys were in heaven. :-)

 Hitting the lazy river at a very fun pool in The Woodlands. There was even a tube slide. I don't remember the last time Amy and I screamed like that. :-)

 Beckett popping out 

 Very fun and incredibly HOT day at the Houston Zoo. Taking a break in the air conditioned 

gorilla exhibit.

 See the guy behind us? So cool.

 Enjoying a cool down with a slushy of some sort.

My new job starts next week. School starts in 2 weeks. UGH. Where did summer go?