cousins preschool

We had the youngest Houston cousins over for preschool yesterday. We did our preschool songs, some games, read The Very Busy Spider, ate a spidery snack, made spooky spiders, and played a lot!  I think they all had fun, and even the littlest ones wanted to be in on it. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised since they just want to do everything the older ones do.

time out with julie

It's a lot more fun than time out with Mom! We had a lot of fun with Julie here last month - a sleepover, playing at grandma's house, out to lunch and ice cream, on and on. Spencer ended up with ice cream from head to toe, literally.

blue flames

Trevor is playing his first season of soccer - he's #11 on the Blue Flames. (He had hoped that they could be the Cheetah Racers but he was cool with the Blue Flames anyway)  I'm surprised that he is a little timid when it comes to getting in there and going for the ball when someone else has it, but even after just one week he's getting more into it. It's like he's having too much fun watching what all the other kids are doing that he doesn't really think to get in on it himself. He likes to be outside the circle where he can see what's really going on. He can run really fast, though, and buzzes around the clump of kids chasing the ball. He's had a few shots on the goal and a few assists but mostly he's having LOTS of fun.

He's really big on celebrating for his team mates!

Dirty Gatorade-face Boy a.k.a. #11's Biggest Fan!

Getting some tips from the coach.

Here he had a little bit of  a breakaway and shot it at the goal. It hit the pole, bounced off the defender and went in. So, we'll count it! 



All the while, Spence is playing and cheering on the sideline. He is pretty sure that it's his soccer game, too.

circles circles circles

Are everywhere! These are the beginnings of a quilt I'm working on. It's really fun if you want to try, first you cut 504 circles from denim, then you cut 504 squares from material, then 504 squares from batting, then you trace 504 squares onto the denim, then you sew 504 circles to 504 squares of batting and 504 squares of material! I keep working on this in spurts, but all these circles are addicting and I like how it is shaping up.

The material I'm using is some that Sydnie sent me and was Grandma Johnson's. Plus I have pairs of jeans from our own closets and some that Barbara sent me. I think it will be so fun to see the material and think of all our family every time!

all for love

Papa and Lee Lee and Mikey braved the heat and humidity to come visit their favorite little Houstonians. Trevor and Spencer definitely felt special - we all did! - to have visitors in July. :) It may have really paid off for Mikey in gaining ground on the quest to be the favorite uncle! And I'm so grateful for the quality time that Papa and Lee Lee gave to the boys.

We started off a little slow... Trev and Spence were hit with a little fever. We just laid low and enjoyed a little time together.

 But we made up for lost time quickly by taking the boys to Chuck E Cheese. Can you see where Trevor got his skee ball skills??

Chuck E Cheese has serious power over these boys - this was their 3rd time going and Trevor asks me pretty much daily when we are going again. We've decided that when Spencer is potty trained, this will be a perfect reward.

 Mostly while they were here we just hung around the house. Papa worked and Lee Lee and I entertained the boys, and took them swimming a couple of times. Spencer showed off the ABC train to Papa.

 If Mikey is not the favorite Uncle, at least he can claim that he is the funniest - Trevor even thinks the way he dresses is funny. Don't we all! :)

 I guess we wore Papa out!

 We went to the Houston Symphony for the 4th of July celebration. It's always a fun thing to hang out with the family, eat some snacks and listen to the beautiful music. The little boys are getting more brave when it comes to the cannons, too. I can't get enough of this little boy's dimples!



Trevor has a serious Angry Birds addiction. This is him opening a new level. We don't have such fancy cell phones, so when these guys left so did the Angry Birds. When asked which he would miss more, Grandma or Angry Birds, which do you think he said???

 Trevor couldn't wait to play ball with Papa and showed off some of his sweet moves.

 We ended their visit with a trip to San Antonio. I am so glad we went! It was cool to see the Alamo and Riverwalk at night and I would love to go back and eat out (without children, of course!) one night at one of the amazing restaurants along there.

 Next up - Sea World! We arrived shortly after it opened and played ALL DAY. We still didn't make it to all the attractions! Trev was especially impressed with the Shampoo roller coaster - his first coaster ever. It's no contest, however. Michael was by far the most excited of anyone to be at Sea World and ride the roller coasters! We had a fun, but long, day at Sea World and can't wait to go back!

Thanks for such an awesome visit, Mom and Dad! We Love You! And can't wait to see you soon. Please come visit during a time when Houston is actually enjoyable and we will really show you a good time! ;)

I have more pictures of this trip in Picasa if anyone cares to see.

Jr Dolphin

Trevor had his end of season party for swimming lessons - donuts, juice, a medal, and hanging out. He made some good progress in his swimming and loved the "coaches" who helped him. They were so nice to him and made him feel special. And I'm pretty sure he had his first crush on one of them. It was cute.

riding bikes