Deep in the heart of TEXAS

We were SOOO blessed to have John's brother, Jason, his wife, Melissa, and their daughter Skylar come visit us in August. The boys had a blast visiting with their cousin.

We were able to go see Mamaws and spend some time with her. All of her great grandchildren loved running around her apartment.

 

We also went to the lake....and while this day didn't quite unfold like we wanted it to thanks to ropes in props and engines failing, we still got to have some fun on the water. And John learned a new skill!

 

The time they were here went way to fast as always, but we are so blessed we got to see them!

Luke finally turns FIVE - aka, we had his party

Since turning five is quite a big deal, we decided to celebrate with your first real birthday party at Sega. We invited as many sweet friends as the place allowed and TWENTY FOUR came out to celebrate YOU!

On Saturday, you helped me make the decorations. Now, I have always known you like this a particular way, but you outdid yourself with this. You were all insistent these streamers lined up perfectly. While I tend to pretty type A, I am not a perfectionist. You, sweet boy, had to have these rows perfect. No matter what anyone says, I did not laugh at your when you laid out on the floor crying because the crepe paper wouldn't line up straight.....I did NOT.

 

You requested a Spider-Man birthday party month before the big day. As any good mom does, I scoured Pinterest to only feel like a failure as a mother. After a couple glasses of wine and a good pep talk, I decided I could throw together a killer Spider-Man party without losing my mind. 

Even though I bought red table clothes and black streamers to make a 'web' on the table, once I got into the room, I found the tables were already red! I ditched the black streamer/web idea and made a 'runner' of blue and red balloons. This was a HUGE hit for the kids. Each one left with a balloon. They were much more excited over the balloon over the goodie cup (bag)! Each kid also got a Spider-Man mask to wear.

Again, when I was on my Pinterest Mom kick, I actually thought I could make you a Spider-Man cake. I bought blue cake, icing, food coloring, piping...I was set. When I broached the topic with daddy he said, "Oh baby..please don't." I had to laugh. He knew how stressful it would be for me to make it perfect for you. So I decided to make some blue cupcakes and call it a day. Trust me...you guys knew no different. 

  

Instead of goodie bags, I did goodie cups. Each cup had some 'web shooters', aka silly string, and a Spider-Man straw. Because really, who doesn't love getting sprayed by silly string? (Me...I can now officially tell you...me. I don't like it.)

The rest of this blog is pictures are you and your friends having a BLAST at Sega! I am so happy your first birthday party was this big of success!!

 

We went home to open presents from your grandparents!

Celebrate!

Luke...our sweet Luke. You turned 5 this year. A WHOLE hand!!

Your birthday fell on a Wednesday and we are so lucky your daddy got to come eat lunch with all of us to celebrate.

But on Thursday when we asked you if your were excited to be five, you empathically exclaimed, "NO! I am still 4. I am not five until my party," which was Saturday. No convincing could change your sweet stubborn mind.

You did get a new book donated in your honor to the St. George's library. Here's the great thing. Like most everything else in your short life, you knew exactly what you wanted. Mrs. Williams had all the books laid out and your ran to Ladybug Girl. You love these books! We read them over and over and over. When we got home, you made sure the new book had friends. :)

We ended the night with a yummy cupcake. It was the perfect way to sum up the sweetest day with the sweetest boy!

1 week down, 39 more to go!!

Let me first say I am not counting down to next summer already. That title is excitement! My kids had SUCH an amazing first week that I can't wait to see what they get to do for the other 39!

With live jazz playing in front of the chapel and a million smiles coming out of the photo booth on the quad, you really don't feel like you are attending your first day of school. It feels like a celebration! 

I did remember haircuts this year (we like long hair) AND remembered SG was providing signs, so I was a couple steps up from my last year's first day picture. :)

this year vs. last year

 

this year vs. last year

We are so grateful that Mrs. Schaefer has taught Luke in summer camp all year long! Luke loves telling me each night when we go over his 'who loves him list' that Mrs. Schaefer loves him lots and lots. 

Evan is super lucky that his teacher has know him since birth. Mrs. Cochran is actually the mom of one of Evan's friend! Caroline and Evan have known each other since 6 weeks old! 

It's guaranteed to be a great year!!