Brushy Creek Sports Park and a Family Bike Ride

A couple of Sundays ago we decided to take our bikes out and go for a ride at Brushy Creek Sports Park. We hadn't really been to this park before and Eliana hadn't been for a ride in the bike trailer yet. We enjoyed the bike ride and let the kids play for a while at the playground. We decided that we want to make this a regular activity but unfortunately after the recent floods, the park is still under water, so we'll need to find another location in the meantime.

Here is Eliana in her ride! Joshua loved this jungle gym

Jaron in the jungle gym

Pretty girl!The boys loved all the neat equipment they had at this park. Here they are on this thing that spins around using body weight.


So water, please, please, please go back down so we can enjoy our new favorite park! We tried another location last week and it just wasn't the same!

First Grade

Here we are in First Grade! I can't believe I have a couple of first graders on my hands. I was so proud of them. I had tears, but only because the boys were so brave and grown-up when we walked them into their classrooms.

We took Joshua first. We found his locker and put his backpack away and then we found his desk. His teacher had a little gift baggie full of goodies for the kids and some activities to get started on. Before I left, Joshua gave me a big "squeeze hug" and said "I'll NEVER let go." ...and then he did and he gave me a big smile and said good-bye.

Next was Jaron's class. Same thing -- we found his locker to put away his backpack and then found his desk, which was the same desk we decided on at Open House. He said hi to a couple of friends and sat down. He gave me a big hug and was ready to get started on his activities. I couldn't believe it. On the first day of Kindergarten, he wouldn't let Nathan or me leave, but today, he was such a big boy, so excited to be in first grade and to be wearing his awesome "dragon shirt!"

The boys in front of the school Joshua at his deskA very happy Jaron at his desk



Here's to a terrific First Grade year!

Texas Memorial Museum

The last Thursday before school started we decided to take some time and visit the Texas Memorial Museum. This place is right up Jaron's alley because he is ALL about dinosaurs! He knows more about dinosaurs than anyone you'll ever meet, well...at least anyone his age!

Case and point: This picture is what you and I may refer to as a Pterodactyl. Nathan points up to it and says "Jaron, look up there! What is that?" Jaron responds, "Quetzalcoatlus." Nathan says "No... Ptera..." But, Jaron stood firm with his answer. Obviously, as adults, we know more than he does, right? Wrong. Who knew that Quetzalcoatlus was the Latin name for the Pterosaur? Jaron did. Naturally.

Joshua looking at insects under the microscope

In the sea life exhibit

Had to take a picture of Jaron with the T-rex skull in the background

Both boys by the Sabertooth Tiger statue

We spent the rest of the day eating a late lunch at Juan in a Million and then attended the boys' open house at school where we met their first grade teachers and saw their classrooms.

Walburg Biergarten

One of our favorite places to go is the Walburg German Restaurant and Biergarten. We love this place. It's kid friendly, there's live music, cold german beer, and lots of german food. We spent a few hours there one evening and a great time.

I had to take a pictures of these ginormous corn dogs. I ordered the kids food off of the kids menu. I thought, ok a corn dog is good...I had no idea how big they'd be and they ate every last bite!

Joshua on the dance floor with all the girls

Ellie and me...I took this one and I'm obviously not good at photographing myself

Nathan and Eliana. Love that laugh!

Can't wait to go back for Oktoberfest!

Port Aransas Vacation 2010

On July 19th, we loaded up and drove down to spend four nights at the coast. We had the best time. The week was full of beach time, family time, fishing, eating, and just all round relaxing.

Jaron was stung by a Portuguese Man-of-war on our first day at the beach and he was in a lot of pain and too afraid to get back in the water right away. But, I was so proud of him -- he just couldn't stand missing out on all the fun for too long and got right back in the same day! The jellyfish must have been in full-force because Nathan was stung by one the next day. His wasn't a Man-of-war, but it hurt just the same. We made sure to bring our vinegar and everyone healed up fine.

Here are some highlights of the week:

Cousins at Momo's house

Playing in the sand

The boys LOVED boogie boarding

This pretty much sums it up!

Bye Port Aransas! Hopefully we'll see you again next year!

Six

Six years ago on July 15th, 2004 our lives changed forever! Double the chaos, double the fun, double the love! Here is the first day of Jaron and Joshua's life. At 8:43pm Joshua was born at 8lbs 5oz and at 8:44pm Jaron was born at 6lbs 8oz. Oh, how I sometimes wish I could go back in time and really savor every single moment, but as you can imagine with twin babies, it's often just all about survival. One thing I know, God doesn't give twins to everyone and we thank God everyday that we were one of the lucky ones.

Joshua is on the left and Jaron is on the right

On Saturday, July 17th we celebrated the boys' 6th birthday at our community pool, which made it so easy. Everyone had a great time!

Joshua with Natalie Peach

Opening presents

Melissa with Connor and Me with Eliana

Blowing out the candles on the Dinosaur Cake!

One

Here's a picture of the first day of Eliana's life...the first time I ever held her 9lbs 2.8oz little body. Such a beautiful little blessing. So strong, so alert, and so full of love. I thank God everyday for this precious little gift he's given us in Eliana. Eliana, which means "God has answered our prayer." Yes, He has.

Eliana's birthday is on July 6th, but we decided to celebrate her first birthday on the 4th of July. Since Nathan would be off work and we'd likely be with some of our immediate family anyways, we thought we might as well dig into some cake and ice cream while we were at it. She had a blast.

She LOVED her cake!