CHRISTMAS 2009

Christmas morning I woke early, 7:00 a.m., to put the breakfast casserole in the oven. The only family members we were missing at my brother's, Cameron, in MI at this time were my sister, Teri, and her crew. They were driving in that morning (drove all Christmas Eve into Christmas morning). Teri and her family made it at 8:00 a.m. and soon everyone woke. It was very exciting and crowded! There were 10 kids (12 to 2) and 9 adults.
Once we finished eating breakfast we walked to the boys into the room where the tree was and they got to see their Santa gifts. Joshua got a keyboard and Andrew got Tonka trucks. Then we watched groups of kids open their gifts. We started with the youngest two, Andrew and Oliver (both 2). Then moved on to Leelan (3), Joshua (5) and Cadance (5). After that we let the girls open their gifts, Audra (8), Samantha (9), and Robin (10). Finally, the older boys opened gifts, Christopher (10) and Kalab (12). I guess that is not really all...the adults opened in groups as well...couples. Then we opened stockings. Seriously, it takes a long time for 19 people to open gifts. I think it is important to really let everyone enjoy seeing what each other gets and having their moment to thank everyone, so we took our time. It was really a good day!
Jeff and Andrew left us that day to fly back home. Before they left we all enjoyed a feast thanks to Cameron and Jennifer. Thank you both for hosting us all at your home. Too bad we missed the snow in TX and had no snow in MI. I would not change anything...I would change something. I would have spent more time with Jeff and Andrew.
Happy Birthday Jesus!

Our family!

My sister's family...she has 5 kids!!!

My brother's family.

Mom, Randy, Pat (Randy's mom), and some random pics.

MI TRIP

The boys and I left for MI on Friday, December 18th. Well, actually we left Friday to go to Mom's and then left from her house on Saturday. So, the map says it is a 16 hour drive from Emory. We had to drive up to Oklahoma City to pick up Randy's mom and then head on up to Livonia, MI...17 hours from OK. Anyway, it took us about 24 hours to get to MI with the stops and ice weather in some spots. WOW! It was pretty hard on Andrew. It was also pretty hard to sit so many people in an SUV. My knees are still bothering me. Hopefully the ride back home will not be so rough.

We have been playing in the little bit of snow that is on the ground and trampoline. We have gone Christmas light looking, out to dinner, tons of shopping, cookie decorating (Audra is the artist), baking (eating the left overs of the baking), and just really enjoying visiting with family we see very little of (for those of you that know me this is huge for me...I really think there is nothing like family, even if you have differences).

Jeff flew in this morning...we are so very excited to see him. In fact, Andrew and Joshua will not leave him alone. My sister is driving in tonight (we pray she and her family will be safe on their drive). We should have 19 people here...a really full and joyful Christmas morning. Merry Christmas!

Our drive...

Playing in the snow...

Cookie Decorating...

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Joshua has been practicing for his school's Christmas program since the beginning of November. We would catch him singing various songs. He even put on mini-programs for Mimi and Grampie with piano and all. Needless to say we were all looking forward to hearing him and seeing the festivities. Jeff, Andrew, Maammaw, Mimi, Grampie, and I were all in attendance. Joshua sang and signed his heart out. The only problem I had was his white t-shirt. I had him in a nice sweater (I am not normally good at making my boys look good) and he ended up taking off his sweater just before they walked in because he was hot. Ugh! Oh well! I loved seeing him anyway. In fact, it brought tears to my eyes to hear him singing on his own.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

The boys and I had the enjoyment of attending a cookie decorating party this year and a Santa party. There were so many fun things to do...decorating cookies, coloring Christmas pictures, reindeer crafts, manger crafts, seeing Santa, eating goodies, and of course enjoying friends. I did not get pictures from the first party, but hope to get a CD of pictures soon. The collage below is of the second party.

My favorite parts of the parties were seeing the boys really enjoy themselves and getting into the Christmas spirit. The second part was finally seeing Joshua nearly sit in Santa's lap. I could not think of a better present. No, Andrew cried as we were waiting for Joshua get a picture with Santa, but his day will come. In fact he went running to the back door when he saw Santa enter the front door.

CHRISTMAS PARTY GOODIES

Joshua's pre-k Christmas party is Tuesday, December 15th. To get ready for the party we baked some Christmas goodies, Christmas Tree sugar cookies, and Candy Cane rice krispie treats. Joshua helped mix the cookies and cut the tree shapes. Andrew helped cut tree shapes as well. However, he ended up eating more of the mix after shaping the tree than he made. I really don't like taking time to do this, but doing this with Jeff and the boys really made a difference. They are not perfect, but we did them as a family and I would not change them.

WORKING FROM HOME

Jeff has been working from home a lot these days. In fact, his new position gives him more opportunity to do so. Currently Jeff goes to our room to conduct conference calls and work on his computer. I hear Andrew go to his room and shut his door...I don't like him going into his room on his own these days since last time he was there he climbed the shelves in his closet and fell from the top...I walked in and saw him on the floor talking on the phone and typing on his laptop. He looked just like his dad. I ran to get my camera and got the shots below. The one he is looking at the camera he just got thru pointing his finger at me and saying "NO NO NO!" I tell him the same thing when his dad is on a call and I am shooing him out of the room. What a cutie! What else are they learning?

BIG BOY BED

My friend, Danni, was getting rid of a full mattress set...so we moved Andrew to a big boy bed. I probably spent 3 days looking for bedding. I did not want a theme and could not do the same as Joshua's room...it is just so dissapointing that there is not a lot of options for boys out there (clothes are the same). Anyway, I did just settle on the bedding that I ended up with. I do like it, but it is not my favorite.
It has been a long week with him in the big bed. I think that is mostly due to the fact he has a left ear infection, especially since the past few nights he has done really well in staying in his bed all night. Keep up the good work Andrew.

I am a little sad not to have a crib in the house any more. I wonder if we will have to setup a crib in the future...only time will tell.

COUSINS

Morgan and Jack were in town over Thanksgiving. They have grown so much. Their personalities are shining bright and we love them so. We are really lucky that we do get to see them as much as we do seeing as they live in South Carolina. Thanks Kristen for making the long trip to Texas!
They came over for some cousin play time and dinner one night. Grampie's and Mimi's house is pretty awesome, but they do not have all the toys that Joshua and Andrew have. Morgan had fun with all the toys, but enjoyed the kitchen the most. Jack was really stuck on the balls. He just might be a little sports player. We were able to get a few pictures in, but I am not sure why I thought I could get four kids to look at the camera. I cannot even get two kids to look at the camera at the same time.

NOVEMBER 10TH...5

Joshua turned 5 on November 10th. We celebrated his birthday with a "police" birthday party. I contacted our local police department, Northeast Division Police Department, with a request to help with my childs birthday party...like they have anything else better to do, right? LOL! Anyway, they said we could do a tour of the station and a tour of a squad car. Awesome! That is all Joshua would need to have a perfect day, see picture of him in the car. With the party set with the station Joshua put on his police uniform (Halloween 2009 costume), packed up the bears we got to donate to the police officer for his squad car (bears are needed for kids that could be scared when they have to ride in squad car), and headed off to the station to meet his friends. Senior Corporal Geoffrey Pettay was stuck with...I mean happy to give us the tour of the station and squad car. The boys even got the chance to make the siren go off way too many times. After pushing all the buttons in the car we enjoyed cake and ice cream, gifts, and the boys chasing each other (at times tackling) with the party favors (lazor guns). Happy Birthday Joshua! You make our hearts smile!

FLORIDA

Jeff and I went to Florida at the begining of November to celebrate our anniversary (8 years in September) as well as watch a friend, Brandy, get married. It was my first trip to FL and our first trip away from the boys in a long while. Needless to say FL was beautiful and our trip away from the boys was just long enough.

We stayed in Ft Lauderdale at the Marriott Harbor Beach. We had an ocean view room, which was awesome. We got to see all the large ships go in and out of the port. They were amazingly large. We relaxed at the pool every day, worked out in the gym, took naps, read on the patio with some snacks and a beer.

The wedding was at the Hyatt. It was a lawn wedding and so Brandy. The colors, the atmosphere, the food, the music all reminded me of Brandy. Thanks for including us in such a special time Brandy. We had a lot of fun and are so happy for you and Dan.

FUN IN OCTOBER...

Yes, it is now December and I am just now catching you up on everything we did in October...Dallas Arboretum Pumpkin Fest (twice), Trick-or-Treating at Joshua's school, Trunk-or-Treating with Mom to Mom, neighborhood Halloween party, and of course Trick-or-Treating Halloween night. Enjoy the pics...

First trip to Dallas Arboretum. We met my Thursday night Mom to Mom group...that was the plan. Jeff tells me I over book us...I scheduled this, plus the wedding in the same day.

Trip two to Dallas Arboretum. Mom came into town and we took her to see the beautiful flowers and have a picnic.

The pre-k 4's classes go trick-or-treating in the halls of the school. It was fun to see everyone dressed up. We had a little party after lunch with the kids eating cookies and making a ghost collage (Thank you Meredith for the idea).

Trunk-or-Treat with Mom to Mom. The girl in the pink is Emma Coleman. She won for best girl costume. Joker won for best boy costume. Gene Simmons was just a great costume too.

Neighborhood party on left and trick-or-treating on right. We just go to a few houses around the house and then hand out candy. Aunt Traci came over and handed candy out with the boys while Jeff and I went to a movie.

FRIENDS & A WEDDING

At the end of October we had some friends, Justin and Diane, come into town from Minnesota. They were in town for a mutual friends wedding, Mary (she owns A List Baby). Justin and Diane have two precious daughters, Karen and Julie Ann. The boys seemed to enjoy playing with Karen...they especially loved playing with her beauty shop toys. She fit in really well in that she liked playing hockey, racing (funny she would get upset when she lost to Joshua who is 2 years older than her and so Joshua would let her win some times), and even taught the boys a few games like Red Rover Red Rover. We enjoyed having them over and look forward to another time we can visit. Maybe Julie Ann will let me hold her next time we visit. I just love babies.

The wedding was just so beautiful. Mary was true to herself in all the beautiful decorations and festivities. Best of luck to you and John!

FUN ON THE PUMPKIN FARM

We celebrated two birthdays today, Blake and Emma Coleman. Blake is 5, 10/6, and Emma is (will be) 2, 10/22, our boys ages. Since their birthdays are in the same month their parents decided that it would be a good idea to have one big (60 + people there I think) birthday party while the girls don't mind celebrating together. So, they rented out the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm in Celina, TX. If you have not been to this pumpkin farm definately check it out.
We got to feed the animals, goats, sheep, Texas Long Horn, and regular cows. Andrew would not feed the smaller animals. He liked holding the bigger feed for the cows, but only approached the cow if Jeff was with him. Joshua really enjoyed feeding all the animals. He ran from one fence to the next getting slobbered on. Thankfully we had wipes and hand sanitizer. After feeding the animals we went on a hay ride. Joshua and I got on the first ride and Andrew and Jeff got on the second ride. I think both boys enjoyed it. Then we had hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, drinks, and of course chocolate and vanilla cake. Yes, each girl had their own cake and yes, Jeff and I had a little of each. Yummy! Finally, to keep ourselves warm from the cold fall weather we stood around the roaring fire (I smell of smoke...I did not want to wash my hair for church tomorrow, but no chance now). The kids were not so interested in the fire. They ran around playing sword fight with the glow in the dark bracelets while the parents hung around the fire. I bet one of the boys started this trend. However, I did see the girls in there holding their own.
Thanks Coleman's for including us during this special time!

CUTTER

Joshua is a cutter. I cannot let him alone with scissors, even kid proof scissors. He has cut three or four shirts and a pair of shorts. One so bad I had to throw it away. The others I just let him wear as play clothes. Maybe I would not be so upset about it if they were old clothes, but no. He has to cut the new clothes. One of these was done at school too. Then I walk into his bathroom and there is a glob of hair in the sink. Ugh! He cut his hair! Not the edge, but the center of the top of his head. I asked why he did it, "I am a hair cutter mom. I cut hair." Then I reply, "You have to have a license to cut hair. You did not go to barber college." Then smarty pants says, "Yes I did. I will show you my license." He then digs in his pocket and pulls out a pretend license...this does not work for me. What do you do? I am not sure he learned the lesson. Next time it will be more embarrassing for him, or he will cut his brothers hair...he will probably blame it on Andrew then. We hear, "Andrew did it." so much these days.

WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR STICKERS?

The boys got a slew of stickers from playing games at the Sunday school hayride. Well, we have been putting stickers everywhere; tile, carpet, tables, chairs, couch, hair, back, arms, belly button, etc... Joshua was getting ready for bed tonight and he lifts his shirt and I see two stickers. He put his stickers on his nipples. He wouldn't even take them off before going to bed. Not sure they will feel so good coming off tomorrow morning, but maybe he won't do it again if it does hurt. So, where do you put your stickers?

HAYRIDES, SMORES, AND GOOD FRIENDS

Today we went up to Argyle, TX, the Locke family home (thank you!), with our friends from sunday school. The rain did not stop us from enjoying a hayride, roasting marshmellows for smores, grilling dogs and brats (thanks Eric!), playing games, splashing in the rain and mud (thank goodness I did not forget to bring pj's) and chatting it up with everyone (we missed those of you that could not make it). Dare I say that this just might become an annual event. If so, maybe it will not rain next year and the kids will have even more leg room and maybe even the ponies can come out and play.
The icing on the cake was that the boys passed out on the way home, 7:30 pm and transferred to their beds with ease.

Again, sorry for the poor picture quality...I know it cannot be user error now. I was not the only one that took pictures and look how blurry they are. Check out other blogs that might have some good pics from today, Braaten, Locke, Newman, Rissmiller, Coleman, and anyone else that has a blog who attended!!!

CHILI AND PUMPKIN PAINTING

We headed over to the Meierhoffer's Friday night for chili and pumpkin painting. This is an annual event for the AC alumni that live in Lake Highlands. The kids have a blast decorating their pumpkins with stickers, paint, and glitter...Joshua can write his name really well now, so he even had his name on his. Andrew and Elizabeth ended up getting paint all over them...I kept thinking Andrew had a booger on his nose, but it was just paint. Joshua and Andrew were the only boys, but Joshua enjoyed playing house with the girls and Andrew could care less who else was there...is that a two year old for you or what.

The chili was very good. I will post the recipe on our recipe blog for those that are interested, Realtime Mealtime.

Sorry for the quality of the pictures on the collage...I need a new camera. All weekend my camera seemed to slow to even catch the still objects without blurring. Could be user error, but my camera is 8 years old.

FIRST FIELD TRIP

Today Joshua had his first field trip. He and his classmates went to Launa's Little Library. It is a small library in Lake Highlands...you can go to the website to find out more about the library. Joshua rode to the library with his classmate Patrick and Patrick's mom. Andrew and I met them there. Mrs. K, the owner, read the kids 4 books that pertained to libraries. The kids were so quiet and still, except Andrew. He would not stop moving and talking and taking books off the shelves. Ugh! After Mrs. K read the stories each kid got to check 2 books. Joshua had his picked out in no time. He loves to read, at least look at the books. He will be able to read soon. We are already working on sight words, but he is only 4 so we have time. After checking their books out they headed back to school and I wrestled with Andrew to get out of the library, into the car, and he screamed and kicked the back of my seat ALL the way home. He was not happy that he did not get to checkout a book. At least he enjoys books. Next time, I will higher a sitter.

FUTURE LH FOOTBALL FANS

We took the boys to a Lake Highlands Football game on Friday. I am a Texan. I know football rules. Jeff moved here in high school and has learned that football rules. The spirit that high schoolers show is unlike anything...I hear college fans are pretty good, but I think it is just because they have alcohol in them. Anyway, there was so much for the boys to see...marching band, cheerleaders, high-kick squad, flag squad, bell ringers, mascot, and of course the football players. Oh yeah! The crowd was full of spirit as well. We did not stay the entire game, but we know the boys had fun.

No, it was not cold. Joshua and Andrew felt it necessary to wear their little jackets because I brought them in case it did get cold.

WHO'S KEEPING SCORE?

Joshua played in his first soccer game today. He was very pleased with his playing, as we were.
He is on a team of 4 and 5 year old boys called the Strikers. The boys on Joshua's team are all full of energy and all seem to enjoy being on the field to play. They play four ten minute quarters with a water break between each quarter. Depending on the number of players there are anywhere between three and four players on the field at a time (two fields going at a time, so they get to play most all the time). The field is just under half the distance of a normal soccer field.
Joshua (#5) played with Wilson, Raphael, and Nicholas (the rest of his team played on another field). Let me just tell you that it was HOT outside and these boys never stopped. Our team scored 14 points and Joshua made 10 of those (he would have scored more, but he kicked aobut 5 goals wide). He had no problem going after the ball, which surprised Jeff and I both. This sport just seems to fit him...today!
Guess what we did when we got home...play soccer!
Good job Joshua! Way to get in there and play hard.

FYI, I did put Joshua's socks on today...I did it wrong according the Jeff. Joshua is not wearing tights, I just did not roll his socks down enough. Live and learn!

DEAR JOSHUA,

I know you really like your teacher this year. It makes me so very happy to hear what you have learned from her and to see your excitment when you show me your work. There are two things you must know. One, when you only ask for me to pack you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch and NOTHING else (I did ask), don't go and tell your teacher "This is all Mommy gave me." I will pack your lunch with at least three different foods so you will not have to eat your teachers cheezeits. Two, it is not important for you teacher to know when mommy is pulled over by a police officer AND that mommy did not have the right insurance card in the car. Your teacher does not want to be bothered with that information AND mommy does not want to be embarrassed any more than she already is. I love you dearly!
Mommy

PRE-K 4'S

Joshua started his second year of pre-k this month. Last year he was in pre-k 3's, so he is not new to school, but the teacher and a number of the kids are new to him. He has adapted well to everyone and his favorite part of school so far is, "meeting my new friends".
I look forward to hearing all he participates in and learns at school each day he attends (Tuesday and Thursday). I look forward to seeing his work, especially since they are starting a new handwriting clinic this year. I look forward to each morning that he gets up so excited to get up and get ready for the new day. I love this little kid so much...
On a side note, this gives me some time to spend with Andrew and get to know him and work with him more...another little guy I love so much. How do you have so much love?

2 YEARS + 16 DAYS

Andrew turned 2 on August 30th. Yes, I know that most of you may not know this since I did not seem to make a big deal of his birthday...second child, holiday weekend baby, or just me. Well, to be honest I think it is just me.
We did celebrate his birthday with family, as usual, on his birthday. Mom, Oliver, Leelan, Joshua, Jeff and I enjoyed cake and dippin dot ice cream after opening gifts. Oh what fun it was to see a 2 year old open his gifts and the little ones around him trying to get in and play with each toy before he finishes opening the gift. Jeff, Joshua, Andrew, and I also caught a Rough Riders game later that day. Andrew was exhausted and ended up falling asleep on the way, but was able to enjoy most of the game after a cat nap.
Andrew, I hope you enjoyed your big day! We love you!


FYI, Oliver is trying to kiss Andrew on the arm, not bite him.

ISLE OF PALMS, SC

Well, I have been dreading this post because I could not pick which pictures I wanted to post. Between the Moats family and our family we took over 600 pictures. Ugh! How do you pick just the right pics? I finally just picked some tonight (I have not even taken the time to make them look better, sorry) and hope they capture how much fun we had.
We swam, built sand castles, went bike riding, went to the aquarium, had some good seafood, walked the beach, jumped in the salt water pool after the beach, watched dolphins swimming just off the shorline, fished for King Mackerel (the boys), celebrated birthdays (Andrew's and mine) and an anniversary (Dave & Lynda 41 yrs), and just enjoyed each others company. Oh yeah, had an emergency with Jeff's grandmother come up in which Dave and Lynda left earlier than planned and our jet ski tours got cancelled. Thanks to Kristen and Les for finding the awesome rental property and providing the transportation to and from the beach. We so enjoyed spending time with the cousins.
If you want to see more than the few pictures I posted in the video call me and we can do a playdate looking at them...LOL!

TOO TIRED TO...

I guess the boys are still recovering from our travels. This is how I found them before 12:15 today.
Joshua was in timeout and had about 3 minutes remaining when he passed out. Andrew was under the table fussing and then all was quiet. I guess lunch will wait until after nap time...for them!

NEW DADDY

Since Jeff has been away Joshua has informed me that he is the "new daddy". I said that sounds good and it will be very helpful. With that he asked if he could sleep in my bed. I said, "No, you have your own bed." Then he proceeds to say, "But I am the "new daddy". As the daddy I get to sleep in your bed. That's what the "real daddy" does!!!" Gotta love him!

??? SENSE OF STYLE

I enjoy seeing Joshua grow up in that he does a number of things on his own. One of the things that he does on his own now is dress himself. I have only had to send him to his room a few times to change into something more decent (it either did not match or it was Sunday and I did not want him to wear what he had on to church), so I don't think that is a bad record.
Now, you all know that his mom has no sense of style. I pray that he does not get my lack of style...then this is what he came into the family room wearing this morning. He kept his pajama top on, put on Andrew's jeans (they are 2T, he is so skinny), and Andrew's hat. He does have a questionable sense of style, or maybe he looks good and I just don't recognize it.

NEW ADDITION

We have a new addition to our family, her name is Chloe. She is an 8 month old chocolate lab mix. So far so good...the boys seem to love her. Joshua said, "Mom, I really love my dog." I really wonder if Chloe is causing him to have memories of our first dog, Riley. He did mention her a couple of times, comparing the dogs, but he did not seem upset.
I got her at noonish and we introduced her to the boys in the back yard. Andrew and Joshua both stayed by the back door for a while. She did not approach them and they did not her. When Jeff squated to pet her Andrew came running to check her out. It has taken all day for Andrew to really get in her face and enjoy her licks, but Joshua warmed up after a few hours. He asked to feed her, to walk her, to take her outside, to play fetch with her, to give her a bone, he is genuinely excited. We hope this is all a start to a love of dogs for both the boys...learning responsibility would be nice too.
Welcome to the family Chloe!

MIA

Where have the Kennedy's been? What has been going on in our household since say...May? Why have my posts been MIA? Those are some of the questions some friends and family have been asking. It would take me a few days to do a post for everything that has happened. Instead of boring everyone with the details, here is the Cliff Notes version...

Joshua graduated from Pre-K 3's at the end of May. His class put on a great end of year program.

After school was out we hit our first spray ground adventure and ran into some of his classmates. If you have not been to a sprayground park you should go. Free and water just to their feet, so great for the little ones.

June was a busy month. First, we should have started the month celebrating Dave's, Jeff's dad, birthday, but we wished him a happy birthday on Fathers Day. Cake, swimming, good food, and celebration of two important men in our lives...We love them both!

Second, we went to another Roughriders game with Joshua's t-ball team...he got to run the bases at the end of the game.

Then Joshua attended two weeks of VBS. Yes, I said that correctly...2 weeks straight of VBS is not what we will do next year. Especially if I work both weeks. I was exhausted. Joshua enjoyed it and that makes me happy. In between the two weeks of VBS the boys and I went to our first puppet show, Slappy's in the Galleria. We got to see Charlotte's Web. Andrew was very entranced and Joshua could not stop talking about it. Good times!

Joshua ended his first t-ball season with a donut party and a bobble head trophy (no pics...I need to contact some of those parents that were good at bringing their cameras). Then we left for Breckenridge, CO to celebrate the 4th in nice cool weather. Not only was the weather cool, but we did get a lot of rain while there. However, it did not stop us from ice skating, hiking, biking, hot tubing (wait, we did have to get out due to lightening), an hour and a half long parade, bounce houses, rides, and getting pics of all the cousins playing nicely together. We did have a few problems while there. First, we had to take Joshua to the ER. We were afraid he had appendicitis. Not sure what really was wrong, but he was better after a few days. Then on the way home we had a flat and a broken headlight. God was with us because the store we stopped at so happened to have a mechanic that operated out of a building behind them. Not only did they fix the tire, but his wife showed us how to get out of the horrible construction traffic.

(will try to post video later)

We got back home July 7th and then the boys and I headed to Emory to see my brother and his family. We celebrated their 10 year anniversary, which should have been a surprise, but certain relatives could not keep it to themselves. Either way Cameron and Jennifer had a good time. We had some good food, a nice cake, bounce house and slippin' slide fun for the kids, and people we have not seen in a while.

Just before we left Emory to come home Pawpaw gave all the kids a ride on his motorcycle...Andrew did not like it, but Joshua loved it. There is still not a motorcycle in his near future.

We took Cameron and his family to Hawaiian Falls once they got to our house. While here they checked out a few malls as well. The day they were leaving I ended up cutting my finger and had to get three stitches...a first for me.

All ten grandkids cooperated with mom...

Now we are all caught up. Maybe this was still too long of a blog, but if you don't read it then at least you got to see the pics.

CRASHING IS FUN!

So today I was coming to a stop light and put on my breaks due to a car in front of me that was stopped at the red light. As soon as I breaked the following conversation occured...
Joshua yelled "Crash it! Crash it!"
Mommy in disbelief asks "Crash what? The car?"
Joshua full of excitement"Yes!"
Mommy still in disbelief "If I crash the car we would get hurt!"
Joshua explains "That is why we have seat belts!"
Mommy matter of fact "Seat belts are not 100% protection."
Joshua bummed "Oh man! I should have worn my helmet."
Mommy laughing internally and thinking my kid is crazy "Our car would be hurt too."
Joshua dissappointed in mommy "Oh mom! It would be fun! I like crashing...crash, crash, crash, Yeah!"
Mommy shaking her head thinking my child IS crazy and he will not get his license until he is 30.
Mommy trying to end conversation, "Crashing is for pretend, not for real cars."
Oh boy!

NOTHING BETTER THAN FAMILY

What is better than family? The past 4 years my grandmother, paternal, has made a point to get our family together. There were two firsts this year. One, we enjoyed each others company in Oklahoma. We celebrated in Emory, TX the first 3 years. My Great Grandmother moved to OK, so we moved the reunion. Second, it was chilly, wet, and muddy. No volleyball, baseball, or sunburns. Just UFC on the trampoline, endless conversation with many 5 generation families (91 people were there), savory country food, and kids having to change clothes due to playing in the mud. Great times! Hope you all get to celebrate with extended family often.