Life is Too Busy!

Last Sunday, I decided the kids needed to have some FUN and not have to run around with me doing errands! We walked over to the park next door and played for over an hour. I love watching them play knowing in their eyes, there is not a care in the world.





I LOVE THIS PICTURE, when I look at her sometimes, I can't believe she's mine.Having fun before bedtime!
Cameron and Baby Brianna....look at her checks!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

This post is a little of this and a little of that! On the weekends, we have been walking/running a lot around the lake at the Warren Complex. This particular day, Gracie & Dad joined Cameron & I. After Dad and I did a few laps, we went to the park. They LOVE this park!

And then we come home and go swimming to cool off.

Do you see Shamu? This Orca Whale goes EVERYWHERE with us. I brush his teeth, put the seat belt on it, give it Dr. Pepper (because whales too need a "refreshing" drink), etc. etc. etc. I really hope we don't loose this whale. I might have to purchase some back ups for the future. I really don't mind, I love that she looks after Shamu with such conviction. She'll be a great Mom one day.....ok, I don't want to think about that right now.

At what age to you begin giving your children chores? I asked Gracie to take the trash into the garage one night. Goodness, she complained the entire time. I remember at 5 years old, my mom used to put a chair next to the sink and have us wash dishes. I do think I will start thinking of some easy chores.
Feeding a picky eater! For those of you who know Gracie, you know she is a PICKY eater. She literally eats like 7 things. I made baked some fish sticks and cut up some cucumbers. She ATE it all!

The hat again....the hat was too big for Cameron's little head. It was funny watching him walk around with this hat covering his entire head. Hilarious.I try to change out the kids toys about every 6 months. I do it more with Gracie's books and puzzles than the actual toys. Well, today, I decided the play room needed a new look. My sister Ysela bought this tent for Gracie for her 2nd birthday. I put it up and take it down. It's been down for about a year now, so today, we put it back up. Cameron was in and out in and out in and out in and out. He did not tire of this. After Cameron went to bed, Gracie grabbed her books and layed in the tent. She said to me, "Mom, I have a new place for private time". How cute is that?
And lastly, Cameron's big booboo today. Since he has taken off walking around like crazy, he tends to get a little excited and loose his balance. The picture below shows what happens when he gets too excited. He bumped his head on a chair at school. It's actually much darker than the picture shows. I think this is first real BOOBOO. I have a feeling we will have many more of these with Cameron!

Catchin' Up

I have been so behind in posting pictures but here are a few of Gracie. Last week was a fun week at school. Monday was "Groovy" Hat Day. As you can see from the picture, Gracie's hat was a big hit.

I find it amazing and amusing watching Gracie grow and try to put words together. Ms. Misti told me that last Thursday, Ashton (one of Gracie's friends) took one of the sea animal toys from her before she was done and she yelled "Ms. Misti! Ashton is cheating on me" Instead of Ashton is cheating....too cute! I could only imagine what her days are like each day with 10-11 4-5 year olds. Here is a picture of her summer class! How happy does she look..

Here is a picture of Lacy, the milking cow that visited their school. I'm not sure if that was her name, but that is what Gracie name her. Cameron was in awe of Lacy when he saw her. He just kept saying "Moo-Moo". Once I learn how to post video, post video of him imitating a Lion - it's the cutest thing ever!

Cameron is Talking

Well, not really. But he has added some new words to his vocabulary. Today, when I picked he and Gracie up from school, Ms. Joy was blowing bubbles. He looked at Gracie & I and said "bubble". I stared at him to make sure I heard correctly and he pointed his little finger and said "bubble" once more. How adorable is that? I was getting wet swim clothes from his cubbie and he and Gracie were playing with a ball and I heard his sweet little voice say "ball". This is a BIG day for us as this morning he looked out the window on the way to school and said "car". WOW!'

Things this week were hectic and busy as usual. Kenny took the kids swimming Wednesday evening which was a nice treat for them. They both slept like "babies" that night despite Cameron's 2nd molar breaking through.

Here are a few new pictures of the kids. Cameron is beginning to enjoy life in the pool with the floaties.


Gracie has been trying to read to Cameron. She gets about 30 seconds of his attention, it's all down hill after that.....but she's trying. She's such a great big sister.



Water, water, water, water, water....Cameron LOVES water. He really enjoys playing with the water hose. It's one of the few times something captures his attention.

Cameron's First Hair Cut

Kenny & I always said we were not going to cut Cameron's hair. Well, we changed our minds. The day after we got home from our vacation, we took him to get his hair cut. We were surprised at how well he behaved.

Munching on ice by the pool (of course). His first molar broke through, so I figured that's why he was so into the ice on Sunday. I'm sure it soothed his gums quite a bit.

Another souvenir from Sea World...

Vacation Pictures Part II!

SeaWorld! All I can say is WOW. We had such a wonderful time. We were worried the heat and the walking around would be too much for the kids, but we were wrong. They had such a blast. They (we) really enjoyed the shows. Gracie cracked up during the Sea Lion show.


This is the Sea Lion stage. It is amazing these animals have been trained to performed.



We visited this part of the park many times. It was a sure way for all of us to cool down quickly. Cameron was NOT a happy camper when our time was up.

For those of you who know Gracie, she is not one to try new things. This girl would eat the same thing every day if we didn't fight with her. But during our trip to Sea World, she surprised me. We climbed a net to get to the top of the pirate ship. Trust me, it was not easy. The entire way up she kept saying, "I can't do this, I'm going to fall down". I heard this over and over and over until she realized we weren't going to fall down. It was very rewarding to see her accomplish this.

Ferris wheel, monkey jump, we went all out.
Daddy & Gracie cooling off.....

We didn't get the chance to pet a dolphin but the kids enjoyed watching them. Of course, Cameron was adamant about getting into the water with them, he & I had to take a walk.
Lastly, watching Shamu! This was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. I got chills down my back as I watched these trainers interact with these killer whales. Again, it is truly remarkable watching these enormous animals perform. Gracie & Cameron were glued the entire time. Of course, we have a rubber Shamu as a souvenir which Gracie carries every where we go. Today, she was letting Shamu drink Dr. Pepper from her cup. Gotta love her imagination.
Once I figure out how to post video, I will post a clip. I love this picture, they didn't look real standing up close to them either.

Even though white sandy beaches and margaritas sounded much more appealing than San Antonio, we had such a wonderful vacation.