SCHOOL YEAR HERE WE COME

Dade is now a 1st Grader.

We went to Meet the Teach for the first time, since last year we home-schooled.  He had a great time seeing and meeting friends.  He was very excited for the first day to "finally" come around.

See!!!  Very excited.

Aislyn was equally excited.  We have been part of a co-op preschool for years, so this was her first year to go to "school".

She is following in her brothers silly foot prints.

Now, Grayer wants to join everyone at school.  Don't worry little one...it's coming, faster than you think.

FISHING FAMILY

The weekend before Dade went back to school we decided to try and fit in as much as possible.  Somehow, even though you seem to be always going and playing...there are still so many things you wish you could have done over the summer.  At least this time we finally got fishing in.

Dade got a fishing pole for his birthday a few years ago and has only used it a few times.  So after lots and lots of begging...

Grayer thought the fishing was taking too long, so he and I played at the playground near by.

Aislyn was all over it.  She loves anything that let's her touch slimmy, yucky, things.  

Yep, that's a worm.  I could understand holding a fish you just caught, but the worm...seriously. 

Seriously blessed.

Dade - showing me one of his catches.

Yes, Grayer and I...still at the playground.

2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS

I'm not really talking about the London Olympics.  I'm talking about the Pillow Olympics.

Since the TV was on for virtually two weeks straight.  The kids got to watch and even elected to "compete" in a few Olympic Games.

I still can't tell you if the idea was to step on each pillow or jump over each pillow.

I'm pretty sure the rules changed...several times.

Dade and Aislyn attended an "Olympic" themed summer camp.  Grayer might have felt a little left out.  If you look closely you will see Aislyn's name on the medal.

Precious.

She always comes up with the best ideas and then she is more than willing to "help" everyone share in the idea.

This is what Dade was doing during dress up time.  He is getting so big.

OVER THE SUMMER...

we played, played, played.  Here are a few examples.

Grayer playing dress up.

AZ playing dress up...superhero style.

This boy wore these lovelies almost everyday for about a week. 

Did you know that bike helmets aren't just for outside fun?

Oh okay, so I know that this picture could be better of Dade, but look at Gray's face...could he be more proud of himself?

And yes, those are Grayer's shorts that fell off his body.

Dirty, Dirty Boy!!!

Dirty, Dirty Boy!!!

Let me introduce you to the Leaf Club.  While at playgroup the girls (and Grayer) decided to create the Leaf Club.  I'm not sure all that's involved but I did overhear something about rolly-pollies, ants and that one doesn't go there.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Flower Mound Independence Fest has become a family favorite.  The kids ask about it for weeks.  Basically as soon as they know that the 4th is coming up...I get the question...are we going to jump on the bounce houses?

Aislyn was fearless.

Dade ran into a friend from Kindergarten and after that is was hard to keep an eye on him.

Grayer...oh, Grayer.  This kid will do anything.  He melts me, just melts me.

See you next year Freedom Fest.

CLOVE FAMILY REUNION 2012

This is one of those times that you realize you must have been having too much fun to stop and take pictures, because truth be told I thought I would have had more pictures to post from my family reunion.

We were able to stay here in Texas this summer as my family traveled out here for the reunion.

Here are the kids with some of their cousins at Natural Bridge Cavern. 

They can always find something to do, even here while we waited for everyone to arrive.

Yes, that is the biggest, most  frightening grasshopper I have ever seen. 

Notice the hand for the size comparison.

This "natural bridge" was so beautiful.  I love going and seeing places like this.  It's a visual reminder of how much our Heavenly Father loves us.

The best part...getting a cute shot of my family. Second best part...the cool temperature in the cavern.

Our vacation was filled with swimming, eating, and a little down time.  The kids decided they were a little too cool, so they built this pillow fort to help warm themselves up.

San Antonio Riverwalk.  We took the kids on a boat tour and then grabbed some bbq for lunch.

All in all...a wonderful trip.

GRAYER - NO LONGER A BABY

My littlest is no longer a baby.  He officially turned 2 in June and has totally embraced the toddler years.

For his birthday this year we invited the cousins to run through the fountains with us.

The poor cupcake never stood a chance.

Neither did the presents.  Do you think he really liked this one?

The Boys!

The crew.  They had a great time, even though Gray never actually got in the fountains.  

Then on his actual birthday we had a shared cake with Aunt Jackie while on my family reunion.

Each year that passes seems to go by faster and I am so scared to wake up one day and have an empty house.  What will I do then, without the giggles, popsicles and kisses?

Happy Birthday Cute Boy!

GREAT GRANDPA L.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!  We were lucky enough to have Great Grandpa here for his birthday this year.  We invited the cousins, Oma and Opa to help us celebrate.

His face just makes me laugh.

Then, at the end of June he drove (with a friend) this out to us...any guesses?

Here's another hint.

Yup, we are the proud owners of our very own golf cart.  The kids think it is the best thing ever.  Even the kids in the neighborhood ask to go for a ride on it.

Thanks Grandpa.

Can't wait to have you here for a visit again.