Lazy days of summer

taking in the sun

We are definately beginning to enjoy the days of summer (talk to me again in August when just walking to the car is brutal in the Texas summer heat). Gavin was a little skeptical of the water for about 5 minutes than as you can see he was perfectly happy to sit back and lounge in his float.  It is such a nice change of pace when we are able to just relax, hang out together and BBQ without having a clock to look at because we have to be somewhere. The kids do have some camps and activities going on this summer but I am trying not to over schedule anyone.

Summertime for me is our chance to S L O W D OW N, relax, enjoy each other and our friends.

Have an awesome summer everyone!

Very Proud

Awards day at school proved to be very rewarding for Sean and Raegan.  Raegan was awarded with Honor Roll, Commended performance on TAKS Math and Reading she was also given a special award for logic and reasoning by her teacher who said she is constantly questioning everything.

  It proved to be a very successful day and she was very proud of herself!  As am I.

Watch out 5th grade her she comes!

The beginning of High School turned out to be profitable for Sean, you see, he was awarded for Honor Roll, Commended performance on TAKS Reading and perfect attendance.  School has become more challenging since he is in all AP classes. I am very proud of him that he was able to get through the year without changing who he is and what is important to him. We all know that new friends and high school can do that to some kids. 

With all that is crammed into the last week of school we are all ready for a much needed and deserved BREAK!

Way to go guys....Bring on summer time!

Annual house guests

I think it's amazing how we tend to take nature for granted.  All of these great gifts that we have everywhere, all around us, all the time and most of the time tend to ignore because we are too busy.  We all do it, I know that I am certainly guilty. But every once in a while we will stand outside at night in awe of all the stars in the sky on a clear night or sit and listen to the sounds that we hear from all the little creatures lurking around. I know one thing is for sure, we certainly seemed to appreciate more of nature when we lived in New York, I am not sure why, but we are going to have to make an effort to change that and to stop and smell the flowers.  I am off track...the purpose of this was to tell you about our annual house guests that migrate to the eves of our front porch, build their nest and wait for the birth of their off spring, every year. For the past 5 years, same routine every year, they allow us to watch as the eggs hatch, as they fly around collecting food for these tiny, big eyed little birdies. The only down side being that a regular washing of the front porch is needed for the gifts that they leave under their comfly little home!  It is however a small price to pay and one we can live with for a few months.  We realized ( Robert really) that our 2 little guests had finally become a family of 5! However silly it may be, I think it is pretty special that they feel comfortable enough to return every year and allow us to be a part of their little miracles.  It has become so normal and part of our day to see them overhead that I wanted to make sure to catch some photos (however awful they are, it is very hard to capture a photo of something you cannot see above your head) before we get back to our busy lives and they are gone: till next year at least!

Curl- E- Q's

look at these perfect little Curl E Q's

business in the front; party in the back!

Sitting outside, looking at this sweet boy, I realized I needed to be sure to document those sweet little twirls of hair.  We adore all those cute little curls on that head, everyone does, I mean how can you resist them?  Robert swears that Sean had those little ringlets as well, although I have pulled out pictures and he definately had some, however nothing like Gavins. Seriously when his hair is wet it is sooo long than it just curls right up sitting perfectly on that round little head. Just thinking of the day that we will have to cut his hair saddens me. I mean really I think of all the "last times" that we will do things. Last first hair cut, last time to hear first words, cuddle before bed time, last first steps, and the last dreaded first day of Kindergarten ( I will sit on the front steps of the school and cry, just like I did with Sean, that I know already).  We have pretty much moved out of that baby smell, however hard I try to lather him with the sweet smell of baby lotion. I have decided that the first haircut will not be happening until he has reached the 2 yr. milestone then I just may be ready. I promise to try not to have a 5 year old boy running around with long curly hair.
  Gavin did have his assessment with the speech pathologist this week and she was able to settle my nerves ( somewhat for now at least).
Since he has been so focused on walking, just his fine motor skills in general, is why his speech is not up to my standards. I am going to continue to monitor this for the next few months and she thinks we should notice a major improvement in how many words he uses. Now, we are lucky if he says 2, cracker and juice.  Not even a Mommy. Ouch! Not that I sincerely thought that there was a problem with his hearing or anything else for that matter, I just want to be safe.  Other than that our little fella is awesome and into everything as expected!

What a week he has had...

Our little freshman received the Newcomer Award in both baseball and basketball this year at the athletic banquet! Better than that he was recognized for academic all-district as well.  They were unable to announce any district baseball awards because play offs have not ended. It was an awesome evening especially because Robert was able to attend and we had a "lovely" dinner at the banquet together alone (well minus all the other parents of course).  It certainly appears as though 9th grade was a drop in the bucket and certainly nothing to be concerned about.  Sean was very happy with himself for his accomlishments, although he said next year his goal is to receive the MVP award; he is his own worst critic.
 DDDRRRRRRRRDDDRRRRR....(that is a drum roll!!) HA. He has a LEARNERS PERMIT!! Oh my goodness, my little boy is able to drive with the piece of paper to prove it! Of course now he is asking to drive us EVERYWHERE! Of course, the boy would like a Dodge truck for his 16th birthday. 
And so it begins....

Raegans' World..

SAFE!

Her favorite thing....catching!

 As one season ends another begins. Raegans softball team the "HEAT" is off to an awesome start this year. The girls have had 4 games with only 1 loss. Her favorite position is catcher which she has had the pleasure to play in one game. Typically she plays short which is not the fav. but she does do well.  The girls had another game last night and WON 15-9.  Raegan had an awesome hit directly over the 3rd basemans head. 2 RBI's and made it to 2nd! In the last inning they were given the opportunity to try different positions so Rae went to 1st and did well although again she really wanted to catch- I think it has something to do with touching the ball constantly (not so boring?).  She has plenty more games to come so I am sure she will have another chance.
  I must tell you that she was invited to attend a Writers Workshop at Sam Houston State in July. Her teacher recommended her and she is very excited- the girl loves to write! Mostly her stories are about Gavin- I like to think it is because she loves him so, however I am sure it is because life is typically about him since he is so young.  Mrs. Lyons (her teacher) asks her to write about herself  since they are asked to write about real life events but she says "no, that's okay".  I am so very proud of her! Future Author?? Only time will tell. I know she will love it and have a great time!

Season Finale

Pep Talk

Hit that ball to ME!

The last game of the regular season was the "tell all" game, if we win then we are in the play offs, if we lose then, well it's over. Unfortunately, some of the guys decided to leave their baseball talent on the bus and forgot to go back to get it because it never made it to the field. The score was tied at zero with Sean on the mound in the 2nd inning, however beginning the 3rd we just could not seem to field a ball into the glove. A few to many errors cost them the game and ended the season.  Quite sad because I know Sean (most of the guys I am sure) was really looking forward to competing in the play offs and extending the season. All in all it was a successful year.  Sean was able to shake his nerves being the youngest guy on the team and found his place with all of the upper classman.  He is looking into playing in a summer league just to get more game/practice time.  More BASEBALL- YAY!! Seriously it is fun, although it will be HOT.