A Visit From Ashtyn

Luckily, Ashtyn came to visit her Gram & Grandpa this weekend! This means that we got to play with her too. The girls had the best time playing together & Bubba had the best time irritating them. We missed you Thatch.....you would have enjoyed antagonizing the girls!!

Daddy took us for a boat ride. Both girls put on their life jackets without any complaining. They both love to be outside & love the water...good thing if you are in this family!!

Saying "cheese" for the camera. Isn't she a cutie?

Since there weren't many boats out, Daddy let Cheney drive the boat all by himself. He did pretty good. Someone has to learn to pull Daddy all over the river so he can ski!

Swinging in the hammock--loving each other!!

THe BEST Present Ever.....

....is a box of styrofoam peanuts!!

We have always known that they like the boxes better right??

Redwing Debut

On Cheney's birthday, he had his 1st baseball game. Last year, he played t-ball & he had a lot of fun, but honestly, it wasn't REAL baseball. Everyone batted until they hit the ball & everyone ran the bases.....no matter what. This year, it is REAL baseball..well, sorta. You can only swing 5 times then you are out & if you don't get to the base before the other player, then you are out. 3 outs & the inning is over. They do use a machine to pitch the ball & after 5 runs are scored, the inning is over. I was pretty nervous....this is getting more competitive. Yes, it is exactly what I want him to learn, but it sure did break my heart when he got out at 1st base. The look of disappointment on his face made me want to go running to the dugout & tell him that he did his best, but I stayed on the bleachers. It would be embarrassing right??

Coach is giving the team some last minute instructions. Cheney is the one with his elbows on his teammates shoulders. He is great team player & that quality makes me SMILE!!

He is DETERMINED to play catcher. He has struggled because the ball comes out of the machine at 35 mph. When he doesn't catch it and it hits him, it hurts!

Looking meaner than he is.....does he REALLY need batting gloves at this age??

Focused....notice the tongue!

His team did an AWESOME JOB.....he batted 3 times & got 2 hits. He made an excellent stop when he was playing pitcher & would have had an out, but the 1st baseman dropped the ball. We definitely have some things to work on....next game: tonight!! I told you that we were just going to move to the ballpark!! Come join us!! It is the place to be!!

Birthday Presents

Cheney came home from school yesterday to find this in his room!!

He is pretty excited....he wanted a pet to sleep in his room. I vetoed a snake so we agreed on fish!!

Cheney had his 1st baseball game on his birthday. Needless to say, he wasn't too thrilled about waiting until AFTER the game to open his presents. I have baseball pictures for a later post.

Opening his gift from Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry

Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry really do make Cheney feel special!! He enjoyed reading the card.

Showing off the cool gifts from Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry

For Aunt Kerry only!

I think this gift is from Laura, Bobby, & Ashtyn. When he opened it, he said "exactly what I wanted!"

Very cool.....from Uncle Mitch & Aunt Reva!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEME & UNCLE MITCH!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!

To My Little Bug-

Seven years ago, I woke your Daddy up in the middle of the night and said "Don't be alarmed. I think I am in labor and I am going to take a shower." He rolled over and went back to sleep. I don't think either one of us really thought you would arrive 2 days early. But several hours after that shower (which was a waste because I was sweating several minutes after getting out!!), you entered our lives and nothing as been the same since.

You were such a sweet baby!! We had no idea if you were a boy or a girl until the doctor said "It's a boy!" Secretly, I think your Daddy knew you were a boy all along.

You really didn't know what to think of all the people who celebrated with you on your 1st Birthday!

By the time you turned 2, you were IN LOVE with the Wiggles!!

Spiderman was the design of choice for your 3rd birthday!

My personal favorite was your 4th birthday party! A football party!! MeMe made a great cake!!

For your 5th birthday, Pop arranged for a miniture pony to give pony rides!

Your 6th birthday was at ZDT! It was so fun!!

And today, my little buggy turns 7! Where did the time go? You are such a smart boy and I know that we have many more adventures ahead. Thanks for changing our lives on that early morning!!

Mommy & Daddy Love You With All Our Hearts!!

Kite Day

Yesterday was Kite Day at Chandler's school. Mommy had plans to attend but she had dumb "Bus Safety Training" so our bell schedule was different so she couldn't go. Luckily, we have an AWESOME Daddy who made it over there to help fly kites.

Our instructions were to MAKE a kite. When Daddy got there, he found out that we were one of only two families who followed the instructions. The rest brought store bought kites!! Did you know that they make inflatable kites now?? CRAZY STUFF!!

Daddy made this fantastic kite for Chandler. Thanks for taking care of me, Daddy!!

Getting ready to fly it!

The sun was really bright on Friday, but today is DREARY!!

Watching her kite in the air. Unfortunately, it didn't fly as high as the store bought kites. Maybe next year we shouldn't follow the directions!!

What a great way to kick off the first day of SPRING!!

Cousins

Thatcher came into town the other weekend. We sure did have fun playing with him!!

Chandler and Thatcher were so cute!! They play together really well & they love to give KISSES!!

We are so glad that we can get to know our cousins!!

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

Chandler is always watching me lay out the outgrown clothes so that I can take pictures & list them on Ebay. The other night, I handed Chandler her pj's when she got out of the shower. She proceeded to lay them out & then ask for the camera. I asked her why she needed the camera. She said she needed the camera so she could sell her pj's on Ebay. Good Grief!! She is listening & watching!!

These are her pictures....we need to work on presentation!!

Wordless Wednesday

Put In Perspective

Today has been sad....

One of my students from last semester & one of MeMe's current students was involved in a car accident with her mom and brother this morning. Sadly, her mother was killed, leaving behind 3 children. One of the children is only 6 months old. I can't imagine losing my mom when I was in the 11th grade. Please pray for Ashley & her family.

Also, I have had this blog on my sidebar. You might have clicked on it at one time or other. This young father lost his battle with brain cancer this morning. He leaves behind a wife and two boys. But they know he is in Heaven with Jesus. Thank you Jesus for loving us!! Keep this family in your prayers. They are only a representation of the people that I know that are struggling through life right now.

Helping Hands

Thatcher & Chandler really enjoy helping Grandma with her rehab. They walk all over the rehab area with her.

She is doing a great job & is coming home on Wednesday!!

Hospital Silliness

Grandma moved into the rehab area of the hospital. Cheney & Chandler had fun playing in her wheelchair!!

Craft Day

Our last day of Spring Break was cold & very rainy!! Of course, we need the rain very bad but we were sad that it rained the majority of the week. Friday was craft day at MeMe's & Chandler LOVES crafts!!

She is working intently

Ready to iron



Showing off her coaster

Wheels On The Bus

Chandler sings anywhere & everywhere. The other night, she walked around & sang this song for what seemed like hours. I was so tired of hearing it!! But then, I got her to sing it on video. She makes me laugh everyday!!

Newest Music Video Installment

You all know how much my kids like to dance to music. I have posted about it here & here. They are just so talented!! The other night, they decided that it was time for another installment in our video gallery. This time it was to "Get Your Head In The Game" from High School Musical. Remember, you have to pause the music on my blog to get the full effect....but it soooo worth it....seriously....it might be You Tube worthy!! I was laughing so hard that I was crying when I was filming it....

Chandler's reaction to getting her pj's off is a little disturbing....who taught her to dance that way??

Buckhorn & Texas Ranger Museum

Today, Daddy took off work so we could have a mini-Spring Break trip. Unfortunately, it was 70 degrees at 7 am this morning, then the temperature dropped to 50 degrees & it started raining. It was 80 degrees yesterday!! You know the saying in Texas: If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes & it will change. So, with jackets in hand, we headed off to San Antonio. Destination: Buckhorn Museum!!

We walked in & Cheney immediately started pointing out all the cool things!!

Here he is posing with a Hyena.

Chandler was afraid the stuffed animals would "GET" her so we have no pictures of her close to an animal. She looks cute anyway!! She wants to grow her bangs out--she looks older with them pulled up!!

Cheney listened to every one of the diorama narrations about Texas History. Here he is learning about the pirate Jean Lafitte.

I think this diorama was about Stephen F. Austin....Texas is sure proud of it's Texas History!! Cheney said "Well, I am proud of it!"

After we looked at all the exhibits, we sat at the bar from the old Lone Star Brewery.

Daddy & Bubba had a root beer-really, it's ROOT beer!!

Chandler was trying to be cute! She was successful!

Then, we headed to the Texas Ranger Museum. Cheney learned about Bonnie & Clyde. This is one of their get-a-way cars.

Then, we toured an old Texas town. The kids got put in jail!!

A trip to the saloon isn't complete without visiting the shooting gallery.

Then, it was Chandler's turn.

Our plan was to walk on the Riverwalk. We have never taken the kids down there. BUT....it was just too cold & rainy so we headed home.

THANKS FOR A FUN DAY!!