Summer Road Trip #1

Last week, we went on our first road trips for the summer to see extended family. We had a great time when not traveling in the car. It was great seeing family and letting our kids play together. My brother-i-l and his family caravaned with us. Thanks! It helped to have kids' cousins with us to play and see as we traveled.


First, we stopped in OK City for lunch and to see the OKC Memorial. It was nice to finally see it, although Daddy and I agreed we need to go back without kids to see the museum portion.

The Survivor Tree -- 90+ Years Old
Second, we stopped in Jenks, OK to see Daddy's Uncle & his family. Altogether, we had 8 adults and 8 kids. I tried, unsuccessfully, to get a picture of all 8 kids. (Maybe another one of you got one.) We even went out to eat together for dinner.






Third, we went to Neosho, MO to see Daddy's grandmother, uncle & aunt. The kids had fun playing together at grandma great's house. There's something to be said about living in a small town -- don't have to worry about locking your doors, the kids playing outside, no traffic and you can shoot off fireworks at home. And, the weather was great -- high of 77. Nice break from the TX heat! The 'big boys' had a blast shooting off fireworks. We got a picture of Grandma Great with all 6 of her grandkids at church Sunday -- last picture.

Haircuts

Sissy and JT got a haircut yesterday. I wanted to post a picture since Sissy cut off 5 more inches, and JT was still enough to get a better haircut. Sissy's hair was to her waist; she cut off 3 inches in Spring and now 5 more. It hasn't been this short in a very long time. But, it was her idea and she has been talking about it for awhile. I think she looks cute with her haircut, and she's just thrilled with it. And, JT looks so "big" with his cut. He's looking less and less like my little baby boy. Both growing up too fast.

A Pirate Birthday Celebration

Ahoy! Captain Jacob had a pirate celebration Saturday for his 3rd birthday. The kiddos played in the water, complete with a pirate ship wading pool. They had fun with the water blasters and wading pools while the adults go to melt in the heat. Not sure what I was thinking...next year, we'll do something indoors or the big pool so all can swim. JT had fun though and was happy to spend the day with family and friends. He was especially happy Grammy & Papa were able to make it.

Happy Birthday, my little pirate!

Make a wish! Cousin Zach might be the smallest pirate, but he was right in the middle of everything. No fear!

The boys were "shooting" the big girls in the other "ship".

Arrrgh!

Sissy and JT getting ready for the party! JT's cousins gave him a racing helmet. He loves it!

JT's friends, the 3 H. brothers, gave him pirate gear. He loves it of course.

Don't you love his pirate look here -- Arrrr!

Mommy & Daddy gave him a "big pirate ship" to play with. He loved his friend's so much and now has one of his own...many hours of play, no doubt.

Happy Birthday JT!

Happy 3rd Birthday JT!

Dear JT,
Yesterday, you turned 3 years old. I have to admit to myself that you're not a little baby anymore. I cried a few months ago when I was going through your baby clothes and giving them away. I couldn't believe it -- my last baby is no longer a baby. You've have learned so much this past year. You surprise me all the time by how much you can say now, using new words almost daily. You're into trains, pirate ships, fire trucks and outdoors...all boy, for sure.

You have always been entertaining and funny, but that is accelerating with the expansion of your vocabulary and knowledge. You make us laugh and smile all the time. JT, you are just plain funny! Your delivery can be so dramatic. We have a blast playing with you and laughing at you. Sometimes, it's just hard to get upset or discipline you, because you're so darn cute. You are definitely our extrovert...never met a stranger. You'll talk to anyone, make friends and entertain.

This past year, you have gained confidence and strived for independence. We've entered into some "terrible 2's" (now 3's) as you're learning what you can and can't do and frustration to communicate as fast as you're thinking. But, this is normal and I know it will get better as fast as you're progressing. You've had some pretty good tantrums, but not nearly as many good "flop downs" as your sister when she was a toddler, if that makes you feel any better. :)

You are so stinking cute I can hardly stand it. I love those big, blue eyes & blonde hair your daddy gave you. You're still a skinny little thing. It looks like I don't feed you, but I do. Although, this past year, you've managed to survive mostly on air. Hopefully, this next year, you'll go back to eating good and growing more.

I know I still "baby" you in many ways, but I'm hanging on to my last baby and enjoying every minute I can before you no longer want to cuddle and be Mommy's little buddy. I've tried to turn you into a "Momma's Boy", but that's not happening. Like your sister and even the 2 cats, you LOVE your Daddy, always eager to see him and spend time with him...whether it's playing or "helping him" with his work.

Bottom line, you are such a blessing to my and Daddy's life. Simply a joy! And, this holds true for your Sissy too. You two are very close; it's fun to watch you play together, which goes pretty well...most of the time.

Happy Birthday, my baby boy. I love you! Mom

Sissy's Birthday Celebration

Sissy had her birthday party yesterday. She really wanted to go to the American Girl Bistro & Bontique this year. Probably the only time, but we splurged. Sissy got to take 2 buddies. She took her best friend from school, Jaidyn, and her cousin, Ariel. I think they had a good time, especially the birthday girl.

The "Girls" and their AG Dolls are ready to go!

Lunch

Happy!

My big 7 year old Shopping

Done shoppingHome for cookie cake & ice cream

Then...time to play outside
"Strike a Pose"

Action Photo...Little brother loved squirting the big girls, Daddy and Papa.

Happy Birthday Sissy!

Sissy turned 7 yesterday.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, precious baby girl!

Dear Sissy,

I can not believe you are 7 already. Where has the time gone? I cried yesterday morning as I watched you sleep before waking you up for school, knowing you were now 7 and how amazing of a little girl you are. I am so over joyed and drop-to-my-knees thankful that God blessed Daddy's and my life with you. As I care for you and challenged by you, I'm reminded that you teach me and make me a better person; I strive each day to do the same for you.

You've grown up so much in the past year. I've watched you gain more confidence, make new friends, do well in school, read on your own, help teach your little brother (for good & bad..LOL) , draw closer to taking your step of faith, and, basically, started acting like a big girl, complete with some new "lingo". :)

There are so many memories I have from the past year, but one that makes me smile with pride was watching you dance in our church's Sounds of Christmas. You've never liked crowds and tend to be shy around people you do not know well. It was a big step for you to dance in a musical with many other dancers in front of a lot of people. You did so well in all 3 performances and all the rehearsals.

One of the many, many things I love about you is your imagination. You love to play pretend...dress up, barbies, dolls, etc. Like when I was a child, you enjoy spending time playing alone, just you and your imagination. I just know you'll enjoy reading as you get older...adventure is only as far away as a book.

I also love how kind hearted you are. The sweet notes, pictures & stories you give me (& Daddy) just keep coming. You worked so hard this year to make my birthday special. You are so generous with your friends and your little brother (sometimes..LOL). At school, you wrote about what you want to be when you grow up -- an animal shelter volunteer so you can take care of the animals and find homes for them.

I love how artistic you are. Beyond being terrific at coloring, you can draw so well. Last year and this year, the class awards you received at school were for being artistic. I've kept so many of your drawings for your scrapbook.

I love how funny and entertaining you are...always have been. Thank you for the laughter and smiles you've given me, Daddy and JT. You march to your own beat and I love that. Just the other day you were dancing through Target. Daddy asked if you could walk normal. My answer was "No." That is one wish I have for you...to always be yourself. You are unique and special.


And, of course, I have to mention how beautiful you are. I love to look at you, especially into those big, blue eyes. And, you are beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. I love seeing your actions and words that demonstrate that. I've always told you (& will continue to) that God made you special and I know he has a special plan just for you.


I love you!! Mom