Monday, July 30, 2012

Paradise

Dearest Boys,

Last week we finally went to Paradise Pond for the first time this summer and we met up with Brody & Kate there!  

Ms. Michelle helped you for your first run but then you went by yourself approximately 329 times.


Bounce house...climbing gym...and a rock wall -- 
but you two were content to play in the car area for quite a while.




Your fascination with Elmo led you straight to this costume!


It was sweet to watch you boys "doctor" all the babies.


Y'all are getting so big and independent so (too?) quickly!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Golf & Soccer

Dearest Colt and Jax,

One of my hopes for you is that you have nights filled with so much laughter that the muscles in your face ache the following day.  While you boys played at Steph's house on Friday, we went out and had one of those exact nights.  It started with everyone meeting up at The Vaughn's house.


Then we went into Dallas to play Top Golf.  In case it's no longer around when you're reading this (which would really stink!), it was like a playground for adults!  There was golf, corn hole, batting cages, live music, food, and a bar.  We all headed to the upper deck to play some golfing games and I'm pretty sure your dad and I came in last place.



But winning and losing didn't matter because we had so.much.fun with this group!!


The "big boys" of the group got together again on Saturday night and y'all went to an FC Dallas game.  FC Dallas is our local Major League Soccer team and this was your first time watching a live game, Jax.  Daddy made me so happy by getting a few pictures during your outing:





Y'all must've been good luck because Dallas won with a score of 5 to 0.  Unfortunately, you're a bit terrified of the loudness of fireworks right now and they shot them off after every goal!  Oops!

Colt, you stayed with me that evening as us mommies got together with the "babies" of the group.  I don't have any pictures to prove it, but I promise that you had fun with us!


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Fingerpainting

My little artists,

Last week's "Stay Home & Get Well" plan gave us time to finally get around to those paintings from our summer fun list!  You two completed some fingerpaint masterpieces that will proudly hang in your rooms (until we decide to put the house on the market again)!







Maybe your middle name should've been Pollock?  ; )

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Summer Sickness

Dearest Jackson and Colt,

We've been laying low this week as we're in recovery mode.  I tested positive for strep the other day and as I've battled that, you've dealt with some type of stomach bug, Colt.  Other than that dentist appointment and a quick lunch date yesterday, we've spent most of our time at home so far this week.  Daddy was out of town for the first 3 days of the week and missing him seemed to add to our "blah-ness".  Over these last few days, I've enjoyed watching your adorable best friendship.




And this series sums y'all up pretty well:


Jax, you're going in for a kiss. 


Colt, you reciprocate the affection.


Which is then followed by some type of "I'm going to get you!" warning.


And the chase begins!


Luckily, we're all feeling great today so time for me to get off the computer!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

1st dentist appointment...kind of

Dearest Colt and Jax,

As I type this, the two of you are napping.  I feel like I could use a little rest too after the morning we had.  You boys had your very first dentist appointment this morning and it exhausted us all!  Until just this year, both Daddy and I despised dentists so I guess you apples didn't fall from that tree of anxiety.  I tried hyping it up.  I even tried preparing you for it a few days ago by pretending to "brush like a dentist".  But by appointment time, Jax, you would barely get out of the car.  You then walked through the front door sobbing and refusing to greet anyone at the reception desk.  Colt, this whole scene confused you and I think it's what put your nerves on alert.  Then y'all found some video games, books, and this simplistic thing that's in every doctor's office I've ever been in:


You played with it nicely and I had a glimmer of hope that maybe this would be ok...

Then we were escorted back to the exam room and she asked which one of you wanted to sit on the "squishy seat".  Neither of you volunteered and you both hid in the corner that was farthest away from said squishy.  The hygienist read your body language well and was extremely patient and positive with you boys.  We decided right off the bat that you, Colt, would just be a lap checkup as she only wanted to count your teeth.  Jax, you were scheduled for a cleaning and they catered  to your every whim in an effort to ease your fears.  

Oh, you want a jacket like mine?  No problem!
You think you'd do better with sunglasses?  They look fabulous on you!
You'd like a last minute switch from grape flavor to bubble gum?  Excellent choice!
Standing in front of me instead of sitting in the chair is okie dokie, sweetheart!

10 minutes later (literally) and you were ready to go.


She touched the first tooth with her "tickle brush" and you were done!  Luckily, I caught that one on camera!


She excused herself to go get you boys your prizes (Seriously?) while we waited for the dentist to come see us.  Once the room was clear, I convinced you boys to give the chair a try.  Jax, you look scared just sitting in it.  Sorry, bud.


Colt, you're still unsure about what the heck is going on.?.?.


So...the dentist comes in and says we're going to do lap exams for the both of you.  Picture time is over as I had to hold you in my lap one at a time as you screamed while she simply counted your teeth.  Yep, that's it. Just counted.  Colt, you're at 16 teeth and 1 huge overbite thanks to a finger sucking habit.  Jax, you have all 20 teeth and some fractures to the front two thanks to a few falls when you were younger.  Jax, she said you also have very tight quarters in there and that adult teeth won't have much room when they make their appearances.  All of the above is basically the heads up that you'll both probably need orthodontics in the future.  Been there, done that.  You'll be fine - but maybe we should start prepping you for that office visit now???  ; )



Monday, July 16, 2012

Water Balloons

Dearest Boys,

I love making memories with the two of you.  And that's what I had to tell myself over and over again as your dad and I suffered through almost an hour of filling up water balloons on Saturday afternoon.  We bought 150 balloons and, after a few casualties, I think we ended up with 120 or so.  We invited the Vaughns over to share in our fun and we started with dinner first.  Then we turned on the sprinklers and let you kids have at it!

Thank you for letting us get a quick picture before the chaos began!


Not sure why we haven't used these mini-camping-chairs more often?  
How cute are they and how cute are you and Brody??


You and Kate getting your ammo from the bucket.


You tried to pop it over your head...but some of the balloons put up a fight!


Daddy surprised you with a few good ones though!




What a fun, quick, treat!




Monday, July 9, 2012

OKC - Round 2

Dearest Boys,

We traveled 3 hours north to go visit Andy, Suzanne, and Kaitlyn again.  We spent the weekend with them and had so much fun.  The camera only came out during our trips to their neighborhood's pool (as Andy was fascinated by the underwater feature) though. 












We're taking full advantage of having those Lakes "close" right now!



Sunday, July 8, 2012

Another day - another pool : )

Dearest Jackson and Colton,

We met up with some friends at one of the community pools again on Friday.  We had planned to meet up with the Vaughns, Raineys, Baileys, and Lawsons.  Not only did we get to hang out with them, but a few other families joined in that day that we knew, too!  It was like a spontaneous pool party!  



(Greeting your girlfriend from Ms. Steph's house, Ella!)


Michelle let you borrow this floatie thing and it kinda freaked me out as it made you Mr. Independent!


Also on loan from Michelle -



Oh, summer, stay a little longer!!!