Changes

Summer 2011 has seemed to be a summer of changes for us.  We've had a great summer--thus the lack of posting--but it has kept our family on the go.  In early june we decided to move forward on a home improvement project that we've talked about since we bought our house almost 5 years ago.  It's over and I'm so glad, but it was as inconvenient as I had predicted and dreaded.

Our kitchen....

den after most of our furniture had been moved...

stairs....

hallway....

and our bedroom all before shots.

Then, after 3.5 weeks, 3 sets of movers, 5 nights at a hotel in town and 5 days at the beach our house was changed!

our new den with hardwood flooring!

We decided while we had movers at the house moving things for us we'd go ahead and move our bedroom furniture into our guest bedroom.  We had a queen bed and wanted to move to a king.  We have changed to a king bed and that's it!  We do have some furniture ordered and will maybe post another changed photo when we get our room fully in order.  Does anyone have ideas on bedding?  Looks like I need some serious help!

As a little hobby we've started changing these yummy blueberries.... 

into yummy jam!  We bought some jam from a farmer's market a few weeks ago and after eating the entire jar in a week I thought we should give it a try in making our own to feed our unhealthy habit.

and this is our biggest change for the summer....

Houston is now sporting Buzz Lightyear, Cars, and Nemo on his bottom!  He was easier to train than I thought he would be.  Dry at night after day 2 and no more pull ups at all for us.  Makes a mama a little sad and happy at the same time.

And just like that.....

our girls started and finished kindergarten!  What a great year they had.  They are reading better than me, learned math that amazes me, and know more about insects from their science unit than I ever wanted to know!  They were initially sad about school being out, but are having too much fun to look back right now.  Here is their big school year in review....

First day of school....

a much anticipated ride home on the bus....

modeling their class shirt...

posing with their class scarecrow...

their class pumpkin...

a field trip to the zoo (with Miss Story)....

they had breakfast with a special guest at Christmas....

their 100th day of school--looking so mature....

they learned some serious soccer skills their kindergarten year...

thought about what they want to be in a few years...

decked out for their school program "A Day in the Country"....

Aidyn rocked her speaking part....

as did Hollyn....

had some field day fun....

limboed at a their year end beach party...

and played musical beach towels....

said goodbye to a sweet teacher and some sweet friends...

and headed off to start their summer and get ready for first grade.  A lot a fun was had this year as well as lots of learning.  You girls are growing up and we're so proud of the little ladies you are!

Summertime!

Hugh took the girls to the farmer's market last weekend.  They got lots of goodies for us and they were delicious!  Can't beat fresh veggies.  Hollyn told me she bought the squash herself.  She was very proud of herself.  All of the kids are wanting to eat a peach each day for snack.  I'm thankful for their eating habits.

We've also made a trip to the lake already.  We had a great day on the water with dear friends Memorial Day weekend.  The water was crowded so it was very much feeling like we were on the ocean, but we had an absolute blast and the weather could not have been more pleasant!

We're enjoying summer break so far.  We've been to our neighborhood pool several times already and have gone to story time at the library as well.  Bible school is next week so I'm sure we'll be having more fun!  Until next time, enjoy some fresh veggies and  try a peach for snack!

The Sweetest Girls Ever!

I'm playing catch up but I wanted to document something the girls did for Mother's Day.  They made the most special place mats ever!

Hollyn loves her Mama because she cooks good food! She says my favorite restaurant is Mexacan, my favorite animal is a pony, favorite store is WallMart, favorite food is tokos (tacos), my favorite thing to do is hug, and my favorite words are I love you.  How sweet is that?

Aidyn says she loves her mom because I am spishl (special) to her.  She says my favorite restaurant is Tuzky (Tazikis), favorite animal is a lion, my favorite tv program is Belle (Beauty & the Beast), favorite store is WalMart, my favorite toy is barbie, my favorite thing to do is go to the jim (gym), and my favorite food is salid.  I will love and cherish these prizes forever!

Tomorrow is the last of kindergarten for us.  We had our end of the year party today and I will be posting soon on the kindergarten wrap up!

Tug of War Champs!

We have been extremely busy with fun activities this month.  Hopefully I'll get take the time to get most of them documented.  The girls only have 4 days of kindergarten left!  It's unbelievable how quickly this year has gone and we have been very busy this month packing as much into kindergarten as possible!

Here is a recap of Field Day.  I will say this was a very organized and fun event.  The girls could not tell me what they enjoyed the most! The school had 5 inflatables, a shaved ice tent and all of the typical field day activities.

Hollyn headed her team and Aidyn was the muscle at the end of the rope.  The girls won all three tries! 

One attempt was boys vs. girls!

Miss Story went through the wind tunnel with Aidyn.

Hollyn escaping the wind tunnel.

Aidyn was game on when it came to the running races.

Hollyn was so fast she got past me before I got her picture.

(Hollyn)

(Aidyn)

(Aidyn)

(Hollyn)

(Aidyn)

(Hollyn)

(Aidyn)

(Hollyn)

All of our Sea Friends!

Oh, baby Houston!

Houston is such a fun little boy--all boy that is.  I've decided  to put some updates on the blog of some funny stuff he's been up to....

This is what Houston does with "bubbledum" when he's bored.

He also loves chapstick.  Notice the 6 pack in front of him.  One flavor will never do.  Sometimes it ends up looking like his bubbledum.