Lake House

We had a wonderful time at the lake house this year. It was a nice relaxing trip and all the kids did really well. We were there Thursday through Saturday, split the meals, had plenty of rooms for sleeping, and enjoyed our time together with family. The girls LOVED the water.

This was a first

Today when I answered the phone this is what I heard on the other line...

"Hi Sweetie, is your Momma there?"

I don't know who was more embarrassed. Me or her?

As a side note, this has been my girls favorite thing to do at the park lately.

MOOOOve out of my way!

Yesterday, the girls and I dressed up like this...

If you went to Chick-Fil-A yesterday dressed up like a cow you got an entire free meal. So the girls and I put black construction paper on white shirts, made black hooves, made ear head-bands, ribbon tails, and Mooed on over.

It was quite embarrassing when we walked into a store full of people and no one was dressed like a cow. But, you better believe I got 3 entire meals with fries, large drinks, and all for free.

When Ben got home from his test last night at 7, I put my cow gear back on and headed to a new Chick-Fil-A to get free food again for him. This time it was an outdoor walk up window only. You better believe I felt like the biggest cow by the time the night was over.

4th of July

All 16 grandkids at the pool...pretty cute!

For the 4th we headed up to Dallas to be with Nana and Pop since they are home for the whole month. We had a lot of fun being with cousins, doing fire works, swimming, going to see Toy Story 3, special trip to "Amazing Jake's", girls night a Cheesecake factory and seeing Eclipse, and just being together. Ben came with us and studied for Step 2 all day then spent a couple hours with us in the evenings. We had a wonderful few days and look forward to more time together with everyone at the Lake House.

Messy Party

We were so excited to go to the "Messy Party" again this year. Thanks to our friends from playgroup who hosted, we had a really messy time. Messy-ness included: painting, a pudding pool, water tank, spaghetti pool, whipped cream, and dyed water in spray bottles to spray a sheet. All of this combined with sweaty kids, grass and dirt (which stuck to them) made for a really fun morning. Gracie loved going from the pudding to the tank of water, back to the pudding. She definitely looked like one big mess. Abby enjoyed it all as well.
Before:


After:

Happy Daddy's Day

Check out the tie Gracie decorated for Ben. I love that he was so proud to wear it to church.

We are so lucky to have the best Dad in the world living in our house. Ben truly is such a wonderful Dad. When I watch him play with the girls, I can see how much he loves and admires them. He sets such a wonderful example of love and patience. Gracie always says how she wants to marry Daddy. Not only does this remind me how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful man, but brings me happiness knowing she will look for those same qualities that Ben has in her future husband. What a great role model he is for our children. My favorite thing is that this Daddy, can be a kid and a Dad at the same time. I love watching him play house, dress-up, give horsey rides, dance, and laugh like he's still a little kid while at the same time have the respect, leadership, love and honor of being a Dad. You do a great job in a house full of girls and we love that you are the only boy in our lives! We love you Daddy! Happy Fathers Day.

Sea World

We took a last minute trip to Sea World on Monday (Memorial Day) and Tuesday. Ben took a personal day off...he had one left he needed to use by the end of this week. Even though it was pretty hot and crowded we didn't let that stop us from having fun!

We ate dinner on the River Walk

Abby played here...

While Gracie went here...

We all swam...

Some got in trouble ...

We fed the dolphins...

Saw Shamu...

Rode the rides...

and played...

Some took naps there...

While others crashed on the drive home...

We Love Sea World! Until next time...

Aunt Tami and Uncle Steve

Last Saturday Gracie and I took a trip to Tyler, Texas to visit Aunt Tami and Uncle Steve for the "Birthday Bash". It was a long drive (3 hours each way) but well worth it. I loved visiting and enjoyed their company. Every time I visit them I am reminded of how much Uncle Steve reminds me of my Dad. Grace warmed up quick and enjoyed the 4-wheeler with Uncle Steve to see the goat and donkey.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party

Friday afternoon I threw a Fancy Nancy Tea party for Gracie and 5 of her friends. We decorated bags to make them fancy, read the book Fancy Nancy, learned tea etiquette, had tea (lemonade) and lunch, danced, painted nails, and enjoyed being girls. It was SOOO much fun for ME and I think the little girls liked it too. I've decided that every girl needs a tea party once a year and that is just what I plan on doing.