What a week!

Dearest busy bees,

The calendar exploded this past week and I'm glad we made it through!

MONDAY:  You boys went with Daddy & Deanna to dinner.  Meanwhile, I was finishing up a dentist appointment that took over 3 hours!  While in the chair, this happy picture was texted to me:

TUESDAY:  We met Brody & Kate for a quick Chick playdate.  No pictures were taken as it was a night of blunders that started when I locked the keys in the truck at Ms. Stephanie's house...

WEDNESDAY:  It was a Jackson date night as we went to the Rangers game!  Daddy's work had a suite that we were happy to take advantage of...

THURSDAY:  First up was soccer practice and then I headed off to my very first BUNCO group while you boys stayed home with Dad!  I snagged this picture from the host's facebook page:

FRIDAY:  We started the night at the pediatrician's office discussing some digestive issues that you've been having, Colton.  Then we played the night away at my school's Fall Carnival!

As fun as it all was, I'm glad that next week looks much more relaxed!!

Fun with Grandma!

Dearest Colt and Jackson,

While Grandma was visiting us last weekend, we tried to show her a good time.  We went to Plano on Saturday for their Balloon Festival.  We got there just as the first round of balloons were starting to launch.  It was fun to watch them lift off and fill the sky!

We then cruised around a claustrophobic's worst nightmare and picked up some drinks and snacks.  You boys switched places and I captured you in a sweet moment!

After realizing that the lines were much too ridiculous to wait for any of the games/activities, we headed back to "the hill" to watch the second round of balloons.  These were more decorative and got plenty of "ooh"s from you two.

Of course, the hill made the perfect spot for not only watching balloons -- but for racing each other also!  

This pirate was a favorite!

We traveled into Dallas the next day to visit the Arboretum.  We were excited to show it off to Grandma and even more pumped to see the Chihuly artwork that's currently on display!  This beauty greeted us at the entrance and I knew it was going to be fun!

Not only was Chihuly's work there, but the artist's houses were still asking to be explored.  I believe this is Monet's bridge.

And here you are checking out Seurat's house:

Picasso's casa was the most eclectic, of course!

And, if Chihuly and model homes aren't enough, they had just arranged their famous pumpkin village!!

This piece reminded me of Reunion Tower and it was appropriately named Dallas Star.

When you didn't seem to be in the picture posing mood, I turned the camera over and Daddy made it his mission to find and photograph every remaining piece of Chihuly glass on our way out.

It was a beautiful way to end our trip with Grandma!  

Soccer

Dearest Jax,

Remember when we told you that we were going to take a little break from t-ball and you told us that you were interested in trying "football, golf ball, and soccer"?  Well, we narrowed it down a bit and signed you up for just soccer this season.  Last week you and the other Thunderbirds had your first practice.

So handsome in your brand new cleats!

Taking a few practice kicks with your new coach

Luckily, Grandma was in town to keep Colt occupied during all of this!

Saturday was game day.  And the game went just like you'd expect a 4 year old's first soccer game to go....full of energy, chaos, and fun!

Waving to your fans before things got started

Looks here like you're going over some important plays with your fellow Thunderbirds

You took off with the ball a few times...towards your own goal at first -- but then you got the gist of things : )

Go figure - we just got rid of the minivan and now I'm a soccer mom!

Comparing Weekends

Dearest Jackson and Colt,

The last two weekends have been completely different but equally awesome in their own ways.  Last weekend was packed full with such a variety of events.  We went to a birthday party last Saturday to celebrate Kinley turning 3!  She had a mermaid & pirate themed party at the same place that you had your 4th birthday party, Jax. 

Kristy came to play with you two on Sunday so that Daddy & I could go to a wedding.  Not only was it fun simply because it was a wedding - but most of the guests were from our old church so it was even more fun catching up with others!

Monday was Labor Day so we got to spend the day together away from work and school.  The Vaughns hosted a cookout at their house complete with meat from Justin's most recent hunting trip.  (I mentioned that mainly because it's been a topic of interest for you, Jax, ever since..."What is hunting?  What do you shoot?  Does it hurt?....)

This weekend, on the other hand, has been spent almost entirely at home (other than venturing out this morning for church and brunch).  Some cooler weather came in and we took full advantage of it this weekend!  We've all been working in the backyard - but especially Daddy!  It's been low key and lovely!  

Any weekend spent with you boys is lovely though!