Bang Goes the 4th

We had a super fun 4th of July. 

Kate and I were matching in our patriotic fruit shirts. She loved being "fwins."

We got Pinterest and made patriotic food, plus tried out swine apple dogs (hot dogs and pineapple wrapped in bacon. Yum!)

We invite friends over to grill and swim and play. The kids had so much fun 

When it got dark, we pulled out the sparklers and poppers

Then Dallin pulled out the big explosives and lit up the sky. 

He had a very excited audience. 

It was a 4th of July to remember!

Slipping and Sliding

We got this slip n slide for Kate's birthday party, but it was too muddy then and for week's afterward to use. But it finally dried out enough to use it and the kids had a ball being crazy on it. 

Best Friends

Kate loves all her dolls and Barbies equally. When it was time for movie night, she fit her Barbies and her beloved Camille, the American Girl doll, on her pillow to enjoy the movie with her. Best friends gotta stick together!

Three!

Kate turned three! Our pretty princess was so excited for her birthday and especially for the presents. She has a princess pool party, complete with this princess cake. 

We decorated crowns and ate her favorite foods. 

It was pretty wet since we got a TON of rain earlier in the day, but we made the best of it. And she was a happy birthday girl. 

Our pretty girl loves dressing up, clothes, dolls, Barbies, playing babies, watching YouTube videos of kids playing with toys, Pinkalicious books, teasing her brothers, swimming, and pretending to be a princess. She has a strong personality and knows what she wants from life. We love our Kitty Kate!

Cindy

We got word that a Tropical Storm named Cindy was headed our way and projected to make landfall in Lake Charles. We stocked up on supplies and prepared for the worst. And then not much happened! We got a little rain and some wind. We actually ended up getting more rain in the next week, that led to flooding in our area. But it had nothing to do with Cindy! The kids enjoyed playing in the mud and enjoying the mess in our backyard. 

Zoo of Fire

 

We spent a hot and toasty Fathers Day at the Houston Zoo 

We saw all of our favorites, including the hilarious bears and the amazing elephants. 

My what big ears you have...

The petting zoo was also a hit. They loved petting the goats. 

We had a fun ride on the carousel. 

This boss lady took over the map and control of the trip. 

By the end, we were all pretty hot and tired, but we had a great time!

Butterflies and Gladiators

We visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science and really explored the museum this time. Some highlights:

We always love the butterfly exhibit 

The kids have a love hate relationship with it. They love it, but are terrified a butterfly will actually land on them. 

They also enjoying seeing the other life inside, like the iguana and turtles. 

We also saw the gladiator exhibit for the first time. 

Jack and Dallin were very interested and read up on everything. 

Luke had some interest. Kate had none, but I did my best to entertain her. We managed to get this selfie. 

One thing Kate was interested in was the gladiator on the left. She insisted we go back and look at him many times, although she declined to have her picture taken with him. 

We also saw the dinosaurs, wildlife, gems, Egyptians, Native Americans, and the Hall of Chemistry. 

Hotel Living

We spent a weekend in Houston just to getaway. Dallin and I took turns going to the temple and the kids loved hanging out at the hotel. 

They thought the hotel indoor pool was super cool and could have spent hours in it and the hot tub. 

They also thought the room was cool and that they were pretty cool in their beds, in a room with two tvs. 

It's the height of luxury. 

Swim Team

This year Jack joined the Moss Bluff Marlins swim team and has absolutely loved it. He looks like Michael Phelps every meet with his swim cap, jammers, and goggles. After his first meet, he said this is his new favorite sport 

They practice three nights a week. Luke and Kate like to come along for the splash pad fun and have made new friends. 

Jack has been getting lots of ribbons. He really excels in the backstroke, but does well on freestyle and in relays. He's looking forward to the final meets of the season. 

Book of Mormon Stories

Moroni 10:5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.       

After 17 months, our family finished reading the Book of Mormon. Some nights were easier than others. Some nights the kids really listened; other nights they didn't. But I know that they have felt the Spirit and are building their testimonies! 

Hideaway

We discovered an awesome little gem of a park tucked away. It's right along the river and seemed to be empty, except for this visitor that spied on us while we ate lunch. 

The groundskeeper even gave us a ride to the back where there was even more toys and a beautiful view of the river 

We can't wait to come back!

Art Camp

This year we signed up for art camp - and it had a theme- Monsters!!!

They spent five days designing, painting, drawing, collaging, and sculpting monsters. 

Even bigger news...Luke joined Jack this year for the fun! 

He had as much fun as his brother and definitely acted like a big boy. Ms Julie loved him too! 

We now have scary monster art adorning our home from all their projects!