She's Here!!!

And we are all doing well in this zoo we call home. More to come!

Camping, Twins, and the Big Day

The other night I guess Justin's creative juices were flowing because he decided to build the kids an indoor tent. We usually just use blankets and chairs but this time he went all out. He brought in a tarp, zip ties, and a kitchen chair to our upstairs balcony. He even put down the green sleeping bag to simulate grass. The kids ate marshmallows and made finger puppets with a flashlight. Kinsley slept in the tent all night but Colby ended up in our room.

Last night while the kids were supposed to be resting and watching a movie, apparently they were riffling through Colby's pj drawer. This is what they ended up sleeping in. Colby had two pairs of Batman jammies...the ones Kinsley are wearing are a size 2T! They thought they were so cool.

Monday is the big D day for Baby Hadley. We are all counting down the days. Last night Justin brought in an early "push present" from my mom. It is a statuette of Kinsley's dance picture. I had gotten one for my mom for mother's day. I really wanted one for myself but we were in the middle of picture mania that time (dance, cheer, school) so I couldn't justify to myself spending any more money on pictures. Thank goodness Terry is intuitive because I got my statuette. Thanks Mom!

I don't know if anyone else's kids are all excited about Toy Story 3 but my kids are. We are braving the crowds not only on opening morning but also at our neighborhood's brand new movie theater that opens today. I really don't want my water to break because I think my kids may make me stay through the movie regardless.

Summertime Fun

Last Friday, Justin and Colby were invited by a friend and his son to go to the Astros/Cubs game. Our friend has season tickets with phenomenal seats. While they were there, one of the Cubs threw the boys one of the game balls. Since Colby was their guest, they were sweet enough to let him have the ball. I'm not sure who was more excited, Justin or Colby. They both came home that night talking a mile a minute!

Colby will probably kill me when he's older for posting these pictures. Luckily 99% of the time he's all boy, but this is what happens when you have an older, bossy sister.

All this week Kinsley has been going to tennis camp at our church. The kids learn and play tennis, have a Bible story, snack and do crafts. I'm pretty sure her favorite part is the crafts.

Play-Dough time

While Colby and Justin were at the Cubs game, Kinsley and I met some friends for Girl's Night. We ate Mexican and then the little ones painted pottery. Kinsley decided to paint another bank. I have to say she is definitely improving in her pottery painting skills.

The first week of summer vacation

We have been enjoying a pretty lazy summer so far. We spend LOTS of time in the pool and luckily the kids don't seem to be getting burned out by all the swimming yet. Here are a few pictures from the past week.

Before Church last Sunday

We've done a few art projects too. Here, the kids are painting felt dogs that I've been hiding since Kinsley's birthday.

Justin turned the big 31 this week. We made him a cake that morning. I thought I was buying strawberry icing but actually it was pink colored vanilla (one of the hazards of shopping with both kids). We tried to "man up" the cake with blue sprinkles and candles.

Colby's potty training adventures. He's watching tractor videos on Justin's iPod.

Some friends from MS were in town visiting family this weekend and luckily we got to meet up with them at Discovery Green downtown for a while. Here's Bella at the water park.

We were a little unprepared so our kids were the only ones in drenched clothes....but they had fun!

Watching the sailboats and enjoying a snack.

Princess Day, Pre-k Graduation, and Jimmy Buffett

About a month ago, Kinsley's school had baseball day and Kinsley kept asking when they were going to have princess day. I tried to explain that having a princess day wouldn't be fair to the boys in her class. Well the other day at pick up, her teacher told me this Tuesday would be princess/pirate day. Apparently Kinsley rounded up all the girls in her class and went to the teachers and demanded they have a princess day. I see student government in her future.

Ready for beloved princess day.

You never know what this kid will be wearing when she comes downstairs.

Yesterday was Kinsley's preschool graduation. They all did great and she is so excited about Kindergarten next year.

This child was wild as ever at the graduation/tea party. We are on our way to his first swim lesson and I'm praying hard for his teacher.

With her certificate!

Last night Justin and I went to see an outdoor Jimmy Buffett concert. Despite being VERY pregnant, we had a good time (Justin was very accommodating to me).

These hippies in front of us were almost as entertaining as Jimmy. Half the time, this was our view.

A Diaper Shower and the Kids Playing

I have a confession to make. If someone would have told me this time last year that I would enjoy living in Houston as much as I do, I would have never believed them. When Justin and I picked the area of town we wanted to live in, we chose it for it's phenomenal schools and big trees (seriously, I wanted somewhere with trees). Little did I know how wonderful the people are here. We have made so many great friends that have become our "Houston family." Some of these wonderful people threw us a "surprise" diaper shower. I put surprise in quotes because someone accidentally told me about it. Baby Hadley got TONS of diapers and wipes. Justin and I were amazed at all they did for us. Unfortunately, the only picture I got was of the diaper cake.

Now some pics of the kids playing. Here, Kinsley convinced Colby to play wedding. They are saying their vows to each other. It was hilarious, and a little creepy.

He's just so cute!

Listening to Justin's iPod.

This week is a busy one for us. Amongst other things, we have a baby shower, dance tea party, Kinsley graduates from preschool, a preschool tea, doctor appointments, and a Jimmy Buffet concert for Justin's birthday. They are also having water day at Kinsley's school today and she is pumped. Here she is ready to go!

Mother's Day Weekend

We had a great Mother's Day weekend with Mimi, Pops, and Nanny. Kinsley's recital went really well (and it was short). We mostly hung out by the pool, which is mostly what the kids and I have been doing for several weeks now. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Justin tried to get some pics of the kids Sunday before church.

At least they are being sweet to each other.

Hadley's room is finished and I love it!

Now if she would just get here to see it.

My mom and dad made the letters for her monogram.

This isn't even the beginning of her clothes.

She has boxes, bins, and drawers full. I'll have to change her 15 times a day in order for her to wear everything.

Hanging by the pool.

I like to call this one "Big Man in a Little Tube."

We played 8 seconds on the inflatable pool toys.

One of me and my brothers' favorite thing to do is mess with my dad. Seriously. It looks like we've passed this down to Kinsley. Sadly, he was actually awake when she did this to him.

My kids are obsessed with my dad's fish on Fishville.

Looking at the lake after dinner one night.

My dad showing off the B for our front door he made.

My mom got Kinsley a new tutu and she was definitely feeling cute.

Lucky dog.

More pool time.

Putting on a concert for the grandparents.

Kinsley's recital

She looks so grownup to me!

Their dance was mainly on stools. It made me so nervous but they all did great. I can't wait to get the DVD in to watch it again.

Love this one!