Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

We decided last minute to take the kids to Houston for their first MLB game. The Astros were playing at home and we got at room at the convenient Inn at the Ballpark. The kids were super excited about going! There was a lot for them to do at the stadium so that was a plus. After LG had had her fill with food and fun, she was ready to GO. Jake was set on catching a ball with his glove, but daddy ended up getting a couple of the balls that they throw out between innings. We didn't stay 'til the end...it wasn't a very exciting game and the Astros lost. Good times though!

Headed to the ballpark across the street from where we stayed. Highly recommend doing this if you ever make an Astros game.

They loved seeing the Astros Mickey, but Landry Grace was not in the mood for any more pics!

Can I just say that I LOVE this picture? The kids had to race a "player" from home to first base. All the other girls were running but didn't care about racing. The intensity in this face says it all and I love it!!

Of course my bossy little lady is making sure that Jake understands what to do....

Jake's turn. Both of them were cheering for each other while they were racing. Just made me smile:).

And then we ate, and ate, and ate some more. What else do you go to ballgames for???

Time for popcorn....4 snacks before the game even started. Maybe next time we will ration these out a little better and stay longer!

I'm laughing as I type this. Not sure where Jake got this smile from, but I'm pretty sure he did this so I'd stop taking pictures. Not gonna happen Baby Boy!

Jake was so hopeful that he'd get a ball in his glove!

Throwing some pitches.

We are now counting down the days until school starts for the kids. As a working mom, I've gotten over the fact that I couldn't be with my babies all the time. I knew they were in good hands and wouldn't resent me later on for not being with them. But I also didn't think it would be this hard sending my first born to kindergarten. Really, I thought I'd be more sentimental about LG. Tears have welled up in my eyes on more than several occasions thinking about the fact that he is growing up!! I know he'll be fine and I don't worry about him being scared or lonely....just the fact that he is a big boy. So I'll post more on that next week. Have a great one!

Last Couple of Days...

And what a fun summer it's been! It flew by and we are currently in the process of transitioning into the school year. My school year started back on Monday with both Jake and Landry Grace following the same schedule, not starting kindergarten and pre-K until the end of next week. An exciting change in this year's change of events is Jake will be at my school, which I am thrilled about! Our parish has consolidated the 4 elementary schools in the city limits, and we felt it would be best for our family that he attend school with me. It will definitely make drop-off and pick-up easier!

This last week we played dress up...and dress up some more. Then played at my school with other kids while I worked in my classroom. Colored Playhouse Disney sheets that my kiddos have learned to print off the computer. We might need to put a cap on how many sheets they can print off at once! We hung out in Bossier one night in order to spend some time with Daddy. He's been working his day job and then going to Benton a couple of evenings each week and then on the weekends to bale hay. He is such a provider and hard worker. We miss him but it's for a short time period! While there, GiGi bought Jake his first Lego set and worked on building it for 2 hours. Now that's love! And Jake thought his new set was pretty cool. On Sunday I took the kids to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. I was not feeling good(have a bad eye infection that it still not better. Hoping to get some relief soon!). I was getting onto them for misbehaving, and when I got home discovered some pictures they took with my phone of themselves having a ball. At least they know how to have a good time...and I had a good laugh! Last but not least, when you need something to brighten your days, think DISNEY! There's an app on my phone that counts down our trip. It's still a long way off, but we cannot wait!

Hope your school year is a great one!

Beach Vacation

We made it back from Panama City Beach last week. It was a fun trip, really it was, but I've decided I'm done with the beach for at least 2 years. Maybe it's a desire for some cooler temps, not sure. Don't think we've missed a summer at the beach in like 20 years. That sounded negative...so let's focus on the positive, shall we?

We arrived on Sunday morning since we'd spent the night in Mobile. Our condo was great as was the resort. PCB has an ordinance that nothing can be left on the beach overnight, so the tent, toys, ice chest, and beach chairs had to be toted in and out daily. Definitely missed having a daddy to do this for us, but Mom and I made do! It did rain one day, so we took advantage of that day to hit up the dollar store, have air brush shirts made, and complete our school supply list. One night I let the kids go to Parent's Night Out at the kids club and they loved it. So glad because I felt guilty the whole time they were there. Mom and I lived it up back in the condo watching the Olympics. They played on the beach and of course loved the pool most. Why is that? We travel 515 miles and they want to stay in the pool! Landry Grace made friends with anyone and everyone at the pool and beach. She does not meet a stranger. And Jake is a little more apprehensive on talking to anyone. Once he warms up, he's fine, but he doesn't like to initiate a conversation. Enjoy the pictures!

First day on the beach. Looking for sand crabs that evening.

Where has time gone?

Ahhh, love this one!

Always goofing off!

sporting the air-brushed shirts!

Big Mama with the kiddos

Loving Jake's "peace" sign

Landry Grace made chocolate chip cookies with Big Mama's help

Jake's dollar store treasures. Need I say more????

Thankful for the sunshine!!

And no beach trip is complete without a round of putt putt golf.

LG was done by hole 3. She just can't concentrate on something for that long. Bless her pre-K teacher's heart!

Possibly one of my favorite pictures yet, and taken with my cell phone.

Last day!

Thank you Mom for accompanying us. It's never easy, but it's still worth it. You are such a wonderful grandmother and I appreciate you so much!

Cameron and Laura visit

Last night my sister, Laura, and nephew, Cameron, came in from Atlanta. The kids were thrilled to see their cousin and we made the most of his one night with us! They are mainly in Louisiana to visit my grandmother, whose health is declining. It's hard to believe that Cameron will be 14 next month! He has turned into quite the athlete and was showing us all kinds of stunts. I really am so proud of him!

The 3 amigos with Jake sporting Daddy's football helmet from college.

Big Mama walked over(who knew that I'd love small town living and having my parents live 2 streets over!) and Cameron was surprising her with one of our lovely graveyard grasshoppers.

C-man showing off his back tuck.

My sister and the rest of the crew after dinner. We had to make it quick as we took them swimming afterwards.

Cameron doing a full off of the board

Oh she was thrilled that they were swimming after dark!

Jake doing one of his "tricks"

I hate that our visit was so short! Mom and I are headed to Panama City Beach tomorrow for a week with the kids. Matt has to stay behind and save his vacation days for our Disney trip in December. Wish he was going with us, but the memories we make at WDW will be worth his absence on this trip!

Play Dates!

With the "dog days" of summer upon us, we had a couple of play dates last week to help pass the time. The kids had a great time and were able to have some quality time with their friends. On Monday, we took our friend Peyton to Monroe and met Angie and Sarah Kate at the Children's Museum. Little did we know that the museum is closed on Mondays. So we went to Chuck E Cheese instead. They all loved it!

Tuesday we took Jake's friend Madeline to the movies and then swimming at Tech, along with Sarah Kate. It was a fun 2 days!

Before the movies!

Counting their tickets with the ticket muncher at Chuck E Cheese. LG takes this very seriously.

Jake, Peyton, and LG with Chuck E

Playing at the house before we left for the pool

Jake and his friend, Madeline. They had a fun day!

Fun in the Sun!

The month of July has meant pool time for our family. We have been at the pool at least 3 times a week. Louisiana Tech just built a new pool complex and it includes an indoor and outdoor pool. It opened in April and is just great. The indoor pool has 2 diving boards and a yogurt/sandwich shop is also housed within the new facility. it is very nice and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time there this summer!

LG with her good friend, Sarah Kate, soaking up some rays. At the pool, Jake is normally too busy for pictures. I do let him have a lot more freedom at the pool since he is a pretty strong swimmer.

On another day. The girls discovered these life jackets one day and are convinced they need them. Whatever makes them happy, right?

I think she was tired of pictures by this point!

And another time....picnic with Emma Bear(as I affectionately call her) and Sarah Kate, of course.

Last Friday Matt had just come in from a week long business trip to New Jersey. While his company car got new tires, he had to bring Papaw's truck back to Benton and we then went to the Boardwalk in Bossier to eat and shop for new school shoes.

Sorry, the flash did crazy things to our eyes and I just couldn't fix sweet Jake's left eye.

Tossing pennies and making a wish in the fountain.

When we got home, my mom's friend invited us out to swing on her rope swing and swim in her pond. This was a BLAST! The kids loved every minute!

LG and I hadn't planned on coming, but rode out there to see Jake and Bid Mama. But when she saw what was in store, Landry Grace stripped down to her panties and joined in the festivities. Thought this pictures turned out great.

And last Sunday at the Haddox's, it started raining cats and dogs. The kids decided it would be fun to play in the rain(again Jake was no where to be found when I pulled out my trusty iPhone....). We all have to play in the rain. It's good for the soul!