OKC

Dearest Travelers,

When I included “Take a road trip” on our summer fun list, I didn’t really think about what constitutes a road trip.  More than two hours away?  At least 1 fill up at the gas station?  A minimum of 2 people snoring while one drives?  Well, we took what I thought was a road trip this past weekend as we made the 3.5 hour drive to Edmond, OK.  We helped Andy, Suzanne, and Kaitlyn move into their new house.  You boys were fabulous travel companions as you kept busy with movie watching and cat-napping.  Senji was actually the most bothersome of our crew so I think she’ll be excluded next time.

We made sure to love on Kaitlyn.

We also played outside in the baby pool while Daddy unpacked boxes inside.

Since I’m still not sure if our fun, quick, drive counted as a “road trip”, I have a little something else up my sleeve for later this summer!

Livin' Lantana Loca!

Dearest Colt and Jackson,

To celebrate a fabulous season, the Knights had a pool party yesterday.  It was at your Coach's neighborhood's pool and it was so.much.fun!  They have a fabulous pool and provided snacks, drinks, and toys for everyone.  

Only 2 more pools and then we can check another thing off "the list" : )

Goodnight Knights

Dearest Jax,

You played your last 4U t-ball game today and Daddy took some great pictures of the fun!

You started as 1st baseman

Two seasons later, and I still think "ready position" is adorable!

Last time at bat as a 4U player

There's the tongue of dedication, ready to cross homeplate!

You ended things in style and decided to try your first slide...

...and Coach Handsome Wade gave you some pointers on your technique ; )

The trophies were passed out & (most of) y'all were proud!

We gave a shout out to Grandma and Grandpa for watching us via Skype!

And then you boys debriefed on the way to the car : )

You're already letting us know that, come fall, you want to play "baseball, soccer ball, basketball, and golf ball".  So cute!!  Now we just need to narrow your list down a bit...

Dallas Zoo

Dearest Colt and Jackson,

We were supposed to have our next-to-last teeball game this morning but it got rained out.  So we decided to cross an item off our summer fun list and journey to the zoo with our awesome membership from Grandma and Grandpa R.

Jax, you were our navigator and chose to be in charge of the map.

While a zoo is great for fun, it's lousy for pictures.  

Good thing I think the backs of your heads are cute! 

Sometimes you would look my way and oblige me for a quick picture.

Sometimes you would even make up your own silly picture pose.

(And I think this "falling in the croc pit" is a pretty funny one!)

Pictures are made extra lousy when the photographer positions the subject directly in line with a tree.  

Proof that I was there!

We ended the trip with a ride on the monorail.

I think y'all enjoyed yourselves.  Even though we've now crossed this one off the list, I know we'll return again soon because a) there's more zoo that we didn't see and b) our membership makes it a practically free excursion!

Officially 4!

Dear Jackson,

You are officially a four year old.  Turning 4 means going to see your pediatrician for a well-visit.  You have gained almost 5 pounds this year and now weigh 38.6 lbs., which is the 75th percentile.  You've grown over 4 inches and you're now 43 inches tall!  You are also topping the height charts - right around 96th percentile - just like your daddy and I did as kids!  For the first time, they gave us your BMI.  It is at 15 and I am envious ;)

You performed a series of tests for the doctor and she said you were perfect!  Unfortunately, the visit ended with 3 shots and you were ticked about those.  However, they said you won't have to see another shot until you're 11!  I can barely imagine...

While I've noticed major development from you socially, mentally, etc. this year, I don't think you've physically changed all that much.  Longer legs for sure (and you've had the growing pains to prove it) and bigger feet...but, other than that, you still look like my little baby (to me, at least).  Here, you be the judge:

3 year old Jackson

3 1/2 year old Jackson

(From our family pictures in November)

4 year old Jackson

(Today at the doctor's office)

30 Things in 15 weeks

Dearest Boys,

While I don’t like acknowledging it, I know it’s not summer yet. But, to be honest, my brain is already on summer vacation. I am so ready to be checked out and I’m trying hard not to go into full-blown, summer mode. So I’m just easing into it…a little…with a list. These 30 things represent Summer 2012 and, since I’m starting them now, we have 15 weeks to fill with fun!

*Make smoothies

*Play a game with a grandparent

*See a movie in the theater

*Fly on an airplane

*Play at a splash park

*Build a sandcastle

*Swim in at least 3 different pools

*Visit the zoo

*Go to a museum

*Play at The Ark

*Watch a parade

*Ride a rollercoaster

*See the ocean

*Throw water balloons

*Make homemade ice cream

*Hug a great-grandparent

*Check out books from the library

*Watch a baseball game

*Fly a kite

*Create a painting

*Play at Paradise Pond

*Empty our game card at Going Bonkers

*Family Game Night

*Visit the dentist

*“R.C. car race”

*Practice handwriting

*Attend Vacation Bible School

*Donate toys

*Play at at least 4 new parks

*Take a road trip

Let the good times roll!!!

Just for fun...

Dearest Colton and Jackson,

I left work a little earlier than normal yesterday so that we could have some extra play time together.  First, we went shopping for Ms. Steph since this week we're celebrating Teacher Appreciation.  Then we went home and covered the driveway in sidewalk chalk.

We then had a picnic dinner in front of the t.v. complete with mini corn dogs and french fries.  

All of this made us super dirty so super bubbles were called in to get off all the "stinkies" : )

We played around in your bedroom, Colt, and you two showed me where you've been hiding all my sunglasses!

The day ended with me reading to the two of you and thanking God for such a great afternoon together!

Let's hope our artwork is still visible when Daddy comes home from his trip so he can see all the pictures we  made for him!