Thursday, July 31, 2014

Museum

 
During our 1 1/2 week break between swim season and football we took advantage of a local museum's rain forest special exhibit. 
 
 
We had a blast exploring, learning and climbing!




 
We had so much fun!
Each time we visit a place like this I wonder why we don't do it more often...then I remember time!!!

Monday, July 28, 2014

Summer Camps

Each summer the children pick a camp to attend. 
They like this but one seems to be plenty.
 
 
Brother choose the same sports camp from last summer but brought a buddy this year. If this place weren't 45 minutes away, he'd probably spend much more time there!

 
Big sis picked a horse stable to do a week long camp.
She had done a few private lessons here and liked it.
The horses are really well trained and full of personality.
Thankfully for her it was a mild week to be outside.
She could live here I believe.

 
On the last day we took carrots for the horses. 

 
 
We didn't really talk to lil sis about camp due to her age but mid way through summer she asked when and where she was going!  Third child doesn't miss a beat!
When we asked her what she'd like, she said soccer!
We found a place where she could take one hour lessons on Friday mornings.
So her had her camp once a week...with momma there!!
Next summer I'm sure she'll insist on a week!!!
 


 
I thank God everyday for allowing these angels to be in my life!
I know He loves them more than I do...but boy do I love them!!
It is not easy to leave them somewhere but it part of the growing up process.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

2014 Dolphins

 
 
Our three dolphins had a wonderful swim season!
They enjoyed practice and meets.  We were very thankful for more mild weather this summer!
 
 
I love how this pictures captures the relationship these two have.  Our son is a great brother but there is a special place in his heart for lil sis.  He watches out for her and helps her always!

 
Such a sweet, strong, funny guy!

 
Big sis has such beautiful strokes. 


 
Lil sis has such determination!  She never once needed a helper in the water!


Big sis really enjoyed getting to swim up with older girls for relays.

 
Lots of time waiting on Tuesdays led to good bonding time!!


And cheering!




Theme nights were popular...here's our firecracker!!
 

 
The team was 4-2 and the after win celebrations were a huge hit!



 
This picture is special.  Brother and lil sis swimming on relays at same time.  The 7/8 girls were short a swimmer so she swam up with them and did great.
On this relay brothers team broke a pool record...and another later in the evening!
 
 
Our son is such team player.  He competes hard but also cheers for teammates and celebrates their accomplishments!
 

 
 
 
 
These two received Most Improved trophies for their age groups!
So proud of each of their accomplishments this season.  We made most practices and they never complained...even though it took 2 1/2 hours to cover everyone!!!
 
GO Dolphins!!

Friday, July 25, 2014

More Celebrating!

 
Lil sis caught on quick that birthdays are a big deal around here!
 
 
Granny and Granddaddy came for the day and she asked to go shopping - finally a shopping girl!
She wanted Legos and a trip to Build A Bear.

 
Big sis and brother were such encouragers to make her feel extra special.



The Disney Store was having a Frozen day - Score!
 

 
Since we had cold on our brain...a little ice cream before we left!

 
Happy, Happy Birthday Girl!!
 
 
 
Granny helped her with her new Lego set.  Lil sis is actually really good with them. 

 
Grandma also came for a special day with presents,

 
lunch and shopping!

 
This face is priceless.  My dear friend brought her a bouquet of flowers...her first.
She said it was from her husband and I think lil sis blushed!
 
Love this sweet girl to pieces!!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

F*I*V*E

 Five years ago this beauty made her entrance and our world has been brighter every single day.  She brings joy and excitement to our family...she completes us!
 

 
We decided to do presents and special breakfast early so daddy could experience it with us...big sis was super tired! But someone was wide awake!!!
 
 
 
She is absolutely beautiful inside and out!
She has a compassionate and very, tender hearted.
 
 
She lives everyday to the fullest  and enjoys every minute.

 
She  is very social and loves being around others. This is preschool, church and especially swim team.  She is a strong swimmer and such a cheerleader for her teammates.
 

She loves her family but this picture captures how she feels about her daddy!!
 



She is silly!!
 

 
She recently asked to play soccer.  We tried a few classed this summer but since she will be cheering this fall we are going to wait until spring to join a team.
It is fascinating to watch her admire her big sis  and brother while becoming her own unique person.
She loves to talk and the conversations are quite deep at times.  She goes from salvation to Barbie very quickly.  I can hardly wait to see what He has in store for this princess!
We are beyond thankful to be given the responsibility of being her parents!




Saturday, July 19, 2014

Frozen Party

 Today we celebrated lil sis' fifth birthday...five!
She loves a local indoor playground so we rented it out for a couple of hours of FUN!!
 
 
Frozen was the theme of choice. She carefully choose each friend and most were able to join her!
There was a lot of running, jumping and climbing!
 
 


Brother enjoyed himself too!







 To give the children some cool down time we had a classroom area for food and crafts.
It was a perfect location for a July birthday!



 
Some of her sweet friends stop long enough to pose!

 
Big sis enjoyed helping me set up and the little ones get what they needed.
She is a great role model for her lil sis.

 
So much fun celebrating our sweet girl. 
She completes our family with an explanation point!