Joshua's "real" Party

We had family and friends over on Saturday night to celebrate Joshua's birthday...again. Didn't get a whole lot of pictures. It seems like each family gathering gets a little more crazy. The older the kids get...the louder it gets!!! Shirley made the cake...Joshua loved it. It was hard to get a picture of his face, but I thought this was a very sweet one!!

I'm Eight....

Joshua is talking so much more. This is from last night when we sang to him. So cute. Jake and Sophia didn't think he could blow out the candles by himself. The end is my favorite part....

Happy Birthday Joshua!!

The terrible 2's can officially start today. But surely sweet little Joshua won't go through that stage....right? I can't believe our baby is 2 today. Where did the time go? He is such a wonderful little guy and brings so much joy to our lives!!! Happy Birthday Joshua!!

First Day....Hooray!!

Very mixed feelings about school starting today. Happy at the summer is over, but sad that my kids are getting so big so fast! Jake's school starts at 7:30 this year....very early. He did a great job this morning and was happy to go to Mrs. Stapleton's room. And extra happy when Romey came in...I was quickly forgotten. But that's okay. I'm hoping when I pick him up today he has the same smile on his face!!!Sophia was super excited to see Mrs. Martha and all her friends. I know she'll have a great time in that class!

Now...seems kind of quiet around here. Joshua has asked for the big kids a few times. It will be an adjustment for all of us!

Bike Riding...

We went on the bike trail with friends yesterday. Sophia's little legs made it the whole 6 miles!! I was so proud. Our of 4 kids...she was the only one with training wheels and no Camelbak (water backpack deal...). She was quickly left in the dust by the other 3. Brenda and I rode with her....trying to keep her moving. She did such a good job...it was hard work for all of us, but especially for Sophia. At one point Brenda rode ahead...Sophia looked at me and said "well...I guess it's just us." How can she seem so little and so big at the same time????

Back to School Gifts...

Giving a teacher a gift on the first day....always a good way to start out!!!

For Sophia's teachers....For Jake's teacher....

Cub Scout Bike Ride...

Jake and Mike went on a bike ride with the Cub Scouts on Saturday. They left early...since it gets to be about 100 before 10am these days.

Jake showing Joshua the map of wear they were going. :)

Cousin Camp.....

So many times when we're at the ranch it seems like time is rushed or we don't get a lot of time for the kids to play together. Last year I came up with the idea for Cousin Camp and I'm VERY happy that we continued it for year #2. It's not easy....4 kids....1 pregnant Mommy, 100+ heat, lots of stuff happening at once. But, the kids enjoy spending time together and I love when the kids are all asleep and Mary and I can actually talk!!!

Mary set up this outside painting activity for them. They loved it!! Each kid had a poster board to paint on. There was a sheet to paint and spray bottles filled with paint. Joshua was all about the spray bottles!!!

Roasting marshmallows....even when it's 100 degrees outside...it's still fun and they still taste great!!!

Dolores treated everyone to an evening of fun at Peter Piper Pizza. Good pizza and fun games. What more could you ask for??

At Cameron Park....we let the kids play for awhile and then had a picnic. They were sweaty!!!!$1 spray bottles provide LOTS of entertainment. Could be one of the best kept Mommy secrets. Kids can stay occupied for long periods of time spraying things...including big spiders!!!

Making cakes in the sand at the lake....

Now we have a whole year to rest up for the 3rd Annual Cousin Camp. Next time it will be with 5 kids. Can't wait!!!!

Wall Art....

If you're lucky enough to live in our house....you get to look at the newest wall art everyday. Fun fun!! Mike is happy....that's what I keep telling myself.

Cousin Camp 2010

Just a preview right now. It was a little harder to get a good picture of the crew this year.

Activities--swimming at the lake, Peter Piper Pizza, Cameron Park, Waco Water Park, outside Art

Number of fights---too many to count!!

Amount of fun---lots!!!

Level of tiredness---HIGH!!!!!!!

More pictures soon!!!

Joshua's Way of Doing Things....

Joshua and Jake at the party....

Jake got a new scooter for his birthday. And he and Sophia both got new helmets. So, we went to the cul-de-sac to try things out. Notice Joshua's perseverance. He works SO hard on his trike...and then gives up and pushes. I love it!! He works so hard to keep up with the big kids!!!

Party Pics....

Nothing is better than a Putt Putt Party!!! It was easy and the kids loved it. And the best part??? It wasn't at my house!!!!

A few highlights from Jake's 3 different birthday "events." One on Thursday and 2 on Saturday. He's officially 7...we've celebrated multiple times over!!!

Thursday night at our house. Notice the special "Happy Birthday" plate. It's a big deal around here!!

Water wars at the party. 2 kids on each side sling-shotting water balloons at each other. How much more fun is that??? Especially when it's 100 degrees outside!!Birthday boy.... Joshua had his own way of playing golf!!

This was Saturday night at our house. Gramma gave Jake this Camelbak...which was a huge hit. It's a backpack that carries water...you know...for the oh so long bike rides we go on!!! Once Joshua figured out how to make the water come out...he didn't want to give it up!!!