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.

SUMMER FUN

Memories.  This first set of pictures is just for me.  I'm pretty sure this scene you are looking at wont play out live again.

Dade has "mowed" with Dad for years, but it gets fewer and farther between all the time.

I wish I had Dain's laptop so I could put the pictures of Dade when he was 2/3 doing this exact same thing.

Summer is always full of great memories.  Like this one.  Dain and I took Dade and AZ to a Texas Rangers game.  They loved it.  I loved it.

Since Dade started playing baseball in the spring we have been an "all things baseball" family.  Just one week ago Dade made the 2000 catch club for his team, the Phillies.  He also has his first tournament this weekend.  Here we go!

I thought AZ might get a little bored, but I was SO wrong.  She loved it.  We even stayed for the fireworks.

Only thing missing...Grayer.  Thanks Oma for watching him.  He wouldn't have been able to make it to the end.

More summer fun pictures coming your way.

TRIP TO HOUSTON

Memorial Day Weekend 2012 we drove down to Houston for Dain's nephew's baby blessing.

We spend a day at Brazos Bend State Park (is that what it was called...Jo?)

Aislyn is petting a baby alligator.

Dade was a little more cautious, but as happy to go along.

This snake was a big hit.  All the kids loved getting to stroke his/her smooth skin.

When do you think the kids will notice that Mom has NO INTEREST in touching the wildlife?  I've been pretty lucky so far.

We had a picnic lunch by this "lake". 

This is what everyone was looking for.  Little did they know it was right under them.

Literally.

Later that night we went to the pier.  Not the best picture, but hopefully this will at least be enough to help them remember.

PRESCHOOL TRIP TO THE ZOO

Nothing starts my day better than a little horse ride with a sippy cup.

Back in May we went to the Fort Worth Zoo with Aislyn's co-op preschool.  I look back at these pictures and I just can't believe how fast the time has gone by.

Look how big she is!

We (she) made so many friends and I can't wait for these girls to grow up together and (keep our fingers crossed) go to EFY together.

The boys aren't going to stand a chance.

Aislyn will get to go to the same school for Kindergarten as this little one.

Precious!

Who doesn't like sitting on a komodo dragon?

I had to get at least one picture with brother in it.  So did Melanie.

Bath and showers and Daddy Boy's shoes.

Please don't get any bigger.