Grapefest

The city of Grapevine as an annual festival every year called Grapefest.  I've never been before and it's been years since Jon has been.  The weather had been great so we went to church on Saturday night so we could have all morning on Sunday to enjoy.  Well, the weather ended up being much more warm than we had anticipated so we were all a bit miserable!  It was also incredibly expensive to ride rides and eat all the food, so we were a little frustrated.  And we were almost going to leave until we walked a little further and found the huge kids area with petting zoo and play zone.  I was so glad it was there otherwise we would've been pretty disappointed.  We were glad to have gone, but I'm not sure we will jump at going again anytime soon. 

Harper and I both wore braids for the day.   

This was by far the scariest thing we have ever let her do.  It's bad enough it was a carnival ride, but the thing didn't even have a strap to put around her waist.  We didn't have many tickets left, so one of us didn't ride with her (yes, if a parent rode, you had to pay as well).  That thing took off so fast, and every time she went around, she waved.  We just kept saying "Hold on! Don't let go!"  whew!

Riding in a cute little pink car.

Hugging the lego puppy.

Making friends at the petting zoo.

She picked up a chicken!  I couldn't believe it!  I was so oddly proud of her.

Daddy and Harper rode down the biiiiig slide together. 

Harper's New Game

One of the activities Harper invented last month when couped up inside due to the heat is this:

Ketchup

Waaaaayyyy long overdue for a post. What can I say, summer has sapped up all my energy and free time for many reasons.

This has been a record-breaking summer in Texas. I just heard on the news this morning that it is actually the hottest summer on record in the US... EVER! Our average lowest temperature was 86 degrees and we had the most 100+ degree days. All I can say is UGH. I've always said the heat has never really bothered me because I just go from my car to the house, work, store, etc... all of which have air conditioning. But now that I have kids who like to do things outside, I feel much differently. We had to get creative when and how we did things. We didn't even go to the pool very much because it was simply too hot to be outside at all. Totally miserable.

Jon has had some really random hours due to meetings, conferences and overtime on top of the overnight shift he already works. He has also started attending a mid-week morning men's Bible Study regularly again and attends a ministry opportunity once or twice a month. All of this is great, but it has required us to be extra thankful of the time we do get to spend together. We've been using an online calendar so we can keep up with his schedule and make sure we know who's taking the kids, when who will be gone, etc.... It's been hectic!!

I've also been very grateful to have gotten a promotion at work and am still transitioning from my old position to my new one. It's been extremely hectic at work in the process and I've also been required to have a longer commute temporarily while I train and get used to my new position. I'm very excited about the opportunity but there is definitely a learning process just as there is with anything new. All this to say -- I'm exhausted!!!!

And now to the kids. Harper is 3 1/2 and amazes us each day with her ever-expanding vocabulary and the silly things she comes up with. She has always been a great observer of things. Some of her favorites are pointing out certain cars and saying "Mommy! That's like YOUR car!" even when we it's super far away. She always notices when someone is wearing something "new" (meaning she's never seen it before) or when something is different about a person, no matter how minor it may seem. She also observes people's behaviors in a big way and loves to play pretend teacher. It's usually very cute, but sometimes she can get too bossy so we have to bring her back to reality. She is extremely helpful of Jasper and is usually very happy to assist with him when we ask her to. For instance the other day we were in the front working on the yard and Jasper was exploring the garage when he got himself trapped on the step. He didn't want to take the step down, so I asked her to help him and she made it her mission to take his hand and guide him down, lovingly saying "C'mon Buddy, I'll help you! C'mon Jasper, it's okay, take a step". She is heavily influenced by friends at school, which is sometimes good but sometimes bad. We work really hard to keep her grounded at home with remembering respect and obeying. She really strives to do good and wants to be such a pleaser. She's very sensitive but also quick to laugh and forgive as well. She is so loving and just plain awesome.

Jasper is 18 months old today! He is really a funny little guy but very different than Harper. It's so interesting to see the differences between them. He is quite independent when it comes to playing and his teachers agree -- he is quite happy to explore things on his own but plays really well with friends as well. He is quite stubborn when he chooses to be and has a very quick temper which sometimes shows itself in anger, but most times in tears. He can be quickly consoled when picked up and hugged, but would much prefer just to get his way. On the flip side, he is hysterically funny and really thrives on being silly and making someone else laugh. He has the absolutely biggest smile and mouth I've ever seen on a child - it cracks me up! He finally took his first steps on August 1st at 1 week shy of 17 months! That's the stubborn side I spoke of earlier. He definitely has me wrapped around his finger, but I've been working hard not to cater to his every whim and be more stern with him. He is extremely loving and gives great hugs and kisses whenever you ask. He also willingly goes to anyone who asks and always has a smile for strangers who talk to him. Like Harper he is very observant and is obsessed with dogs -- he notices them everywhere! His voice goes up an octive or two as he shouts "doggy!" and gets quite excited when he sees them. He is very attached to his blanket which isn't a problem-- yet. Thankfully we have a couple spares for when they need to be washed. He is a fantastic sleeper and loves to take naps, even at school, which is such a relief. His vocab is expanding, but most of the words still sound the same. He still refuses to say "Mommy" (there's that stubborn side again!) and instead calls me, Jon and Harper "Dahyee". We've gotten him to say "Harper" several times, but it's not his go-to name for her.

After that marathon wrap-up, here are tons of pics from recent weeks (months?) and a short description.

At the bouncy place where we spent a few afternoons during the heat letting the kids burn some energy.

Decorating brother with a water bottle label. He is so patient with her and was very willing to oblige.


Then herself.

Crashed out with Brobee and his blanket.

Thoroughly enjoying his dinner.

Looking at their (temporary) tattoos we got from a restaurant.

Sibling hugs in their play tent.

Sibling love as she tries to pack Jasper away in Daddy's suitcase.

Showing off that winning smile (and huge mouth!)

Posing for her first day of her new class.

She picked out her outfit herself, which she does every day now -

with some input from Mommy. :)

Swingin'

I loved this video from Six Flags, and it's short enough that Blogger would let me post it without giving me any trouble.

Fourth of July Weekend

We had a lot of fun on 4th of July weekend. We got out and about a little bit and tried to make the most of it. We still didn't do all we had planned/talked about, but we tried! Saturday morning I took the kids to the splash pad. Jon had worked overtime and needed a few hours to sleep in. The weather is HOT in Texas, so I had planned to get up and out of the house after breakfast and a few chores. Turns out we got there before the water was even turned on! We went to the playground for a bit and worked up a nice sweat before we walked back over to the splash pad where, thank goodness, it was up and running.

It was Jasper's first time there and I was a little concerned about his knees since he refuses to walk yet. Turns out I had nothing to fret about - he did just fine of course! It took him a little while to get used to being wet and getting sprinkled, but he became fascinated with the little fountains and mostly stayed with them, not minding the occasional squirt and spray from nearby. I had remembered to bring the kids buckets and toys and they were a hit!! They love filling them up with water and hitting the water with the shovels. A lot of the other kids kept borrowing our things, and since my kids didn't mind, I was fine with it. I was so glad I went back in the house for them. :)



Sunday we went to church and came home for lunch and a good nap -- all four of us slept 3 hours! 3 HOURS! I'm a notoriously bad sleeper and bad napper, so I was thrilled and amazed at a 3-hour nap for myself, let alone that everyone else took one too! It was AWESOME.

That night we took the kids to fireworks in the city where Jon works. Every year they have a big family event with bounce houses and a train with a live band and vendors, followed by a big fireworks show. I'll be honest- I'm not really a fireworks person at all. They just don't do anything for me. This is actually the first year that Jon and I have ever intentionally gone out to see fireworks on the 4th, and I can't remember the last time I did before that. It was HOT of course, but tolerable until the sun went completely down and the slight breeze became nonexistent. ugh. When the fireworks started, Harper immediately jumped into Jon's lap and was scared for a little while until she got used to the noise. She enjoyed seeing the beautiful lights, though she never did get out of Jon's lap. Jasper didn't care for the noise either and was very content to have his head on my shoulder the whole time, peeking up every once in a while to look. I think he was more tired than anything though. We were up LATE, especially for my kiddos who go to bed very early.

Monday the 4th we spent hanging around the house not doing much of anything. We had intended to go back to the splash pad or to the community pool, but we were all really tired from the night before and it was nice and cool in our air conditioned house. :) Eventually that afternoon we blew up the inflatable pool and let the kids have some fun. They loved it - I love that kids are so easily entertained by some water in a kiddie pool and some plain old cups.

It was a good weekend and really nice just to have family time. It seems like we don't get enough of it. I love 3 day weekends!!!!

Here is Haper's "I'm mad!" face that she demonstrated for me after I told her the back windows in Mommy's car don't roll down. We stopped for gas and Jon had rolled down our windows for some air while he pumped. She wanted hers rolled down too.

At the fireworks show.

Splashing in the backyard on the 4th.

Jasper Goes to the Store... Or Not

Daddy/Daughter Date Night

Chik-Fil-A was holding a Daddy/Daughter date night the night before Father's Day as a way for Daddies and their daughters to get out and spend some quality time together. It was such a sweet idea, I was so glad we were able to sign Jon and Harper up for it.

I helped Harper get ready in her necklace, tutu and sparkly shoes while Daddy shaved and put on a tie. They looked so sweet!!! Daddy opened the car door for Harper and even gave her a cup of punch to drink on their way there -- such a treat for her. They had reserved parking for those participating and even a dedicated register to order from. The tables were set up with gift bags for all the daughters which included a flower to take home and flavored chapstick and of course a cow. They also had placemats with conversation starters -- they were mainly for a little bit older girls, but the idea was just so sweet. The dads were given a booklet to take home in order to give you ideas and topics to talk to your daughter about after the event. The servers brought them their food at the tables reserved just for them and everyone tried to make it a really special event. Harper had an absolute blast and Daddy loved the opportunity to get some one on one time with his special girl. We hope to do it again!

Just before leaving on their date.

Opening the door just as any gentleman should!

After they got home, she was so excited to show me everything she got, including her flower.

In-N-Out

This post is a few weeks late, but it's a momentous occasion that must be celebrated: Texas now has In-N-Out!!!!

By sheer coincidence, I happened to be in the area the day it opened in Frisco. Frisco is about 45 minutes away from our house, and we really only ever are in Frisco because it's where Ikea is. So it really was crazy that I had planned to catch up with a long-time friend from California who was in Frisco that day. I didn't end up actually getting to taste In-N-Out that day though, seeing as how after sitting in the drive thru lane for 45 minute, thinking I was finally getting close -- only to discover I had another TWO HOURS to wait. Yes. Two hours. uhhhhhh... yeah, no thanks.

We did go back that Saturday to try again as a family, but it was still about a two hour wait, so we decided against it again.

FINALLY, a couple weekends later, we ventured over after church. We go to the first service and get out before "lunch" really starts most places. It was perfect! "Only" about a 15 minute wait in line to order, and about 10 minutes to get our food. We got a table outside and I savored every bite of my animal-style grilled cheese. Mmmmmmm.... The only bummer was that Jasper was not feeling the greatest that day, so he was a bit unhappy at times. You can see a lonely tear on his cheek in the picture below as he's eating his french fry.

All-in-all, it was everything I have dreamt it would be in the almost 2 years since I've had it last. Just like California and definitely a taste of home. I can't wait to go back!

Taken on opening day - the line was absolutely incredible.

Thoroughly enjoying his chocolate shake.

Jasper's First Day of School

The time has come for Jasper to start going to daycare. We have been so grateful for the time he's gotten to spend being spoiled by Nana and Papa, but we knew this day would come sooner or later. Very thankfully, we were able to have him start attending "school" at the same place Harper does. It's a familiar place where we know all the faces, and they've already been seeing Jasper daily when we pick up and drop Harper off. It's very comforting to have them in the same spot together.

His first day went really well and drop off was a breeze. The kids were all playing outside, so he had a great distraction of the toys and balls outside and was never upset. The rest of the week was a little tough for him in the mornings, but by Friday he was reaching his arms out for his teacher, happy to wave bye bye, assured we were going to be there to pick him up in the evening.

Of course we've also had to deal with the expected illnesses that come along with the daycare environment, and that has been no fun at all. We are praying we are over the hurdle and that things will be smooth sailing from here on out!

He is really doing great, being more adventurous with trying to walk, and getting some socialization. His main teacher is very happy with how he's adjusted and comments a lot on how independent he is. The other teachers love to dote on him and tell me how happy and sweet he is. It makes me feel so assured that he's being well taken care of.

First Day of School

Six Flags, Part II

We were very fortunate to get to go to Six Flags for a second time in a month for free. We took full advantage and stayed in Looney Tunes land for almost the entire time in order to make up for us missing most of it last time. Harper and Jasper loved it. Yes - Jasper got to ride a few of the rides too! We even took him on two of the actual adult rides - the teacups and the spinning sombrero. The teacups were fine, but the spinning sombrero was a little bit much for both he and I. I couldn't believe they allowed kids of any size on that ride!

We did run into a few of the characters, and even though Harper looooooves the Tweety she won last time, we could not convince her to say hi to the life-size version. No way, the small stuffed one is just fine, thankyouverymuch! Then Daffy Duck walked up to us and basically scared the life out of Jasper. I think my kids will be taking after me in the no character department. I was terrified of them for a looooong time as a child.

We hit all the rides in the Looney Tunes land at least twice, three times if Harper wanted to. The day was all about just letting her have fun. It was VERY hot though, so we only lasted about 4 hours. I had been wanting to ride the Conquistador since the last time we were there and only Jon and Harper had gone on it. We saved it for the last ride this time and the two of them went on it together. As soon as they got off, Harper and I went on it together. It's a fun ride, but my mistake was looking out at Jon as it rocked back and forth, back and forth, and once I got off I did not feel good. We made it out of the park and to the car and I was feeling queasy but figured it was just hot and had been a long day. Once we started leaving, Harper complained her tummy hurt, and having experienced her history of vomiting in the car, I shoved our makeshift trash bag on to her and told her to use that if she needed to throw up. She said no and eventually dozed off after having a few salty crackers to help settle her stomach. No sooner had Jon realized he had missed our exit to head north, did we hear Harper in the backseat start to cry again. It was slow motion as I reached back to ensure she had the trash bag back, but I was too late - she was getting sick all over herself for the umpteenth time in the car. *sigh* I guess The Conquistador twice in a row would do that to anyone. Poor girl. Having no way to even make a dent in cleaning her up, we had no choice other than to keep going, and what a fun ride that was! It took her until the next day to feel better, but hopefully the day was fun enough to not make that experience her lasting impression!!

Daffy and Jasper = not a friendly meeting.

Harper and Daddy waaaaaaaay up in the sky.


Jasper, having no idea what's in store for him on the teacups.

Harper and Daddy ready to turn that wheel.

Harper and Jasper on a tandem flight.

He doesn't look it here, but Jasper thought the swings were so much fun!

Jasper's first real taste of ice cream - and enjoying it!

Six Flags

A few weeks ago we went to Six Flags as a family. My company's annual picnic was being held there this year, though it was less "picnic" and more "enjoy the free parking, tickets, games and lunch on us". Sweet!!

We hadn't told Harper where we were going ahead of time, and after church we headed to Arlington. I don't think she had any idea what the heck it was until we actually got inside and she saw people on the rides. It was my first time at Six Flags over Texas, though I've been to Magic Mountain countless times, and it was fun to see how this one compared and to see it through my kids' eyes for the first time.

Somehow we managed to miss most of Looney Tunes land the entire day. I still don't understand how we did it, but we didn't discover all the tiny rides until the very end of the afternoon, so we were a little disappointed about that. We promised Harper we would take her again and she could ride all those rides we missed. (Little did we know we would be going back again so soon!) But my little girl made me so proud by being so excited to ride all the big rides she could!! She is not my little daredevil by any means, and can be very difficult to judge how she will handle a new experience. She was so outgoing and adventurous, she even got upset about being too small to ride some of the rides. We had an absolute blast riding the different things with her. Since we had missed most of Looney Tunes land, there wasn't much for Jasper to do but hang out in the stroller most of the day. He slept for a good while which was very needed. We saved the carousel for last and it was great. Both kids had so much fun going round and round and up and down.

Though it was very hot in the afternoon, we were so glad to have gotten the opportunity to go for free and have a good time!

"Our First Amusement Park!"

Yosemite Sam


Snoozin' while Harper and Daddy rode the cars.

She won this Tweety all by herself!

She really loved the "punch" (Powerade) we kept allowing her to drink all day.

Harper and Mommy on the train.

Riding the carousel.