Dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs have come to our children's museum!

And wouldn't you know, we only have one week left on our museum pass...

We have gone several times this week to take advantage and get our fill of dinosaurs


As usual, Eli has no fear of things for which a healthy dose of caution might be warranted!

Peter really liked the volcano

And loved getting to ride on some of his favorite dinosaurs -
although we think they should also have a Parasaurolophus.

We also revisited many of our favorite spots:

grocery shopping, working the restaurant, and of course, the train table!

Soccer

Several of Leah's friends from school decided they wanted to play soccer together this year, so we signed them all up on a team at the YMCA. It turned out to be a 6-7 year old team, so we put Lincoln on the team as well. It is so nice to only have to schedule in one practice and one game during the week rather than two!

They seem to be having a good time so far, even if they haven't won very many games. Usually the teams turn out to be pretty evenly matched and it seems like all the goals are made right at the end of the game when everyone is ready for it to be over...

First Day of School!

I can't believe how big they're getting!

Leah was off like a shot, confident that she can handle anything the 2nd grade can throw at her.

Lincoln wanted me to come with him and give him an extra hug to get him started. He's a little nervous that 1st grade will be quite a bit different than kindergarten. But, hey, his class has guinea pigs - what more could a little boy ask for?

Last weeks of summer

How did we spend our last few weeks of summer?

A day at IKEA for some free indoor playtime and a free lunch!
Eli declared himself the clean up crew - as the older kids decided they were done eating, he would reach over and pull their plate over to his spot so he could finish their leftovers.
No wonder he wears the same size clothes as his older brother!

A field trip to the Capital of Texas Zoo.
We got there right as they opened, but it was already hot!
We spent about an hour looking at the animals, then ate lunch in front of a power fan.

This lemur was ready to play - or maybe he just smelled our lunch.

The lion thought we were crazy for being out in the heat - I tend to agree!

So we headed for home and made our own water park in the back yard - which turned into a mud wallow... I guess if animals can stay cool this way, kids can too?

I think we'll be ready for school to start next week!

To Have and To Hold

Today we celebrated our Trifecta Anniversary - for lack of a better term :) It is our 11th annivesary on the 11th of August, 2011.

I recently read a description of marriage as an "unlimited commitment to an unknowable partner". To me, this really captured the challenge and joy of marriage - the effort involved in being devoted to a person and a relationship that is constantly evolving and adapting to all that life has to offer.

I'm grateful to have the privilege of sharing that commitment with my best friend.
I love you, Andrew!