Harper

Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

Jasper

Lilypie Third Birthday tickers

Thursday, July 7, 2011

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.



Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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.


Friday, July 1, 2011

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.