Donuts with Dad

We woke up and we're happy earlier today than I think we ever have before. The kids were so excited about the Book Fair at school and Donuts with Dad!

Henley's preschool class had Western Day in honor of Yesterday being Texas Independence Day. 

This year Todd took the kids super early to avoid the chaos and craziness that come with the Book Fair. He had dreams of us meeting for a yummy breakfast at Lori's but the kids insisted on donuts. So I met them at Johnny's to look at their new books and enjoy donuts. 

Henley "purchased" a Barbie book, Doc McStuffins and a Pink Puppy book

Owen chose a SpongeBob book, Lego Book and one more about An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog

B picked out a Skylanders reference book, TMNT, and a Clark the Shark

Snow Day (2nd time this week)

We awoke to another notice school was canceled today...

Henley started off her morning listening to music with a Valentine cookie for breakfast on a Christmas plate...we love a holiday!

Owen attempted a huge Lego...and finished it 6 hours later!

These two sweeties had a rare moment of playing this afternoon. They are not usually together but my heart warmed watching them play Legos. 

We finally ventured outside around 5:00. They had no desire to go play in the snow. In fact they were all still in their pajamas!

After dinner at GT we enjoyed watching Big Hero 6 in a Nana pillow sandwhich 

Guess who never got a nap today?!?

Indian Guides Ft. Davis

My guys headed off again for an Indian Guides campout.  This time they went to Ft. Davis with their fellow Mohawks.

 This was Saturday morning after they launched the rockets they made.  The boys loved getting to fire off their rockets and shoot BB guns...SUCH BOYS!

 Then came the pumpkin carving...Todd and Owen did his pumpkin first.  Then Mr. Owen decided to do a little additional work on his pumpkin with a very sharp knife after Todd had started helping Brody.  I think his hand took more of a hit than the pumpkin! He didn't cry at first, Todd said he made a noise like he was startled. Luckily, Dr. Davenport is in our tribe and he cleaned Owen up and got him ready to be taken to the emergency room in Alpine.  Todd called me on the road and I was able to talk to Owen and keep his mind off his booboo.  

I was able to talk to him while they were stitching up his battle wound. He was so brave. He kept telling Todd he could feel the stitches.  I think the tugging was freaking him out. I promised balloons and a Halloween cake to be waiting when they got home on Sunday. The doctor told Owen to look at his stitches when he was done sewing him up...Owen quickly and excitedly replied "COOL!" Doctor said that is every little boys response. They headed back to camp and finished out the weekend with their tribe. Owen received the Purple Arrow Wounded Warrior award at the conclusion of the camp out.

We were helping the boys shower and get cleaned up when they got home...Owen (while examining his stitches) "maybe I should be Frankenstein for Halloween?"...Brody "I'll be your Mad Scientist!"

Before and After School

This year we have been carpooling with our friends the Earls as much as our schedules allow.  We squeeze in a little fun before and after school most days.  I've been very proud of myself and the kids.  I have managed to get up and get going each morning before their little feet hit the floor. Having lunches packed and clothes laid out and a BIG cup of coffee in my belly all before anyone is awake; make our mornings so much calmer than last year when I let the kids waking up be my alarm clock!

 Owen asked what I did while he was at school...I told him I went to Yoga.  "Is this what you do?" I'll have him know its very difficult and HOT in my Yoga class (but I love it!)

 Orange Leaf is one of our fave after school treats. Henley was modeling her outfit for Nana. What a mess!

 One day Courtney and I got brave (crazy) and ran to the mall after we picked up the kids

 We make funny faces around Henley when she falls asleep (which is most days)

 This is how we feel about homework. The boys have a spelling test each Friday and math homework each night and poems every two weeks...Momma has had to step of her game!

 Henley is finally deciding she needs to do her work. My little princess does not believe she needs to do anything at school except be cute...we are getting better...some days....

 MOM FAIL!!! I dropped the boys off somewhere and she was a mess (because she was exhausted) so I caved and let her sit in Owen's big boy seat...clearly she needs the support of the high-back booster.

 waiting for our ride

 two peas in a pod

 Teddy Bear Picnic day! Henley chose her Minnie Mouse bear wearing a Tiana costume...of course!

I love these little cuties! They are doing so well this year. I'm so proud of their work ethic (Henley's is not quite developed), good manners, and positive attitudes. I'm proud of us! We've made it seven weeks and we're getting better everyday!

Teacher conferences were today...all received great reports. Todd and I were given a few tips for what we can be doing at home to help them grow...It take a village!

Indian Guides CampOut and 1st Lost Tooth

First off...We have FINALLY lost a tooth! Owen is dying to loose a tooth. The boys are pretty much the last ones in their group to start losing teeth. Some kids have them beat by up to 8 teeth. The dentist assured me it was no big deal and it'll happen when it happens. On wednesday before the guys went camping Owen came yelling about Brody's loose tooth. B said he had tripped the night before and hit it on the hanging chair in their room. He was not at all excited about the idea of a loose tooth. I sent him off to Indian Guides and Todd sent me this pic!

 Brody wasn't eating because he said his tooth her.  Todd asked to see it and he pulled it without Brody even realizing it.  No warning, no time to worry, no tears.  All the older boys made a big deal out of it and B thought he was pretty cool.  The tooth fairy even found them sleeping in the woods. She was generous too! $10!

 they made their spirit sticks

 I guess Owen is centering himself with nature?

 I got to hang at home with this little nugget! Bubble Baths and Princess movies, what more can you ask for?!

 She even squeezed in a medical exam for Holly with Doc McStuffin's help

The boys had a blast in Junction. I think the river was the biggest hit. I'm so happy they get to make these memories with each other and their Dad!

Henley's 4 Year Well-Check

Today was the day I've been dreading since the boys' 4 year well-check...this has to be the worst one. The kids are old enough to know what is going on and they are not happy!

 Upon being called back to the exam room, the tears started flowing. Originally I had scheduled this appointment for before school started...the office had to change it.  Today was her third day at full-time school...definitely not going into to this with a good attitude (me or her)

 Sweet Karen took her back and measured and weighed her and I assume gave her candy because she came back happy and decided she would watch a movie.

 OH NO! While waiting on the doc...she's OUT! There is drool. She is done.  This is actually getting worse...

Miss Terry comes in and we have to wake her to check her out. She is not pleased.  Finally we decide she seems pretty healthy and we call it a day.  Henley measured in the 85% for weight and 90% for height.  I was a little shocked at the weight because she is not big at all...I guess it's because she so tall. I, myself, think she's perfect.

She was Oh-SO-ANGRY about all the shots but we did survive and we are done with vaccines for quite some time! WOOOO-HOOOOO!

First Day of School 2014

Today is the day! I am ready and so are three very excited little kids!

 Our fresh new backpacks are all ready to go!

 We got up without any problems and are off to a good start. This year the boys need to be in their desks and ready for the day at 8:45.  They can go into their classes at 8:30.  Henley gets to go sit in the cafeteria and visit with her girlfriends until 8:45. I have a feeling Todd and I will hang out with her today and make sure her day gets off on the right foot.

 PreK-4

Mrs. McCullough

42 inches tall and 40 pounds

"When I grow up, I want to be a ballerina"

 First Grade

Mrs. Sample

48 inches tall and 54 pounds

"When I grow up I want to be a doctor"

 First Grade

Mrs. Windham

49 inches tall and 46 pounds

"When I grow up I want to be a Scientist"

The boys are dismissed at 2:30 this year.  Henley will go to "After-Care" at school because she's done with her day at 2:00.  She is very excited for an extra 30 minutes to play with her friends. The boys do not understand why they will never go to After-Care....

Santa Fe Getaway!

After Henley's birthday party the kids were heading to Dallas with Nana and Papa D, so Todd and I packed a few clothes and hopped in the truck for a quick getaway to rest before our crazy fall begins.

There's really not a whole lot between Midland and Santa Fe...the "nothing-ness" was beautiful

We decided to stay at La Posada...here's out little patio

We hit Canyon Road and the 100's of galleries Monday after lunch.  The very first gallery we went into I found a painting meant for me! There was a painting of three little boys sitting on a tailgate and I asked Todd if he thought the artist would add blonde curls to one of the children...we cruised around  and enjoyed looking at all her beautiful work and I came across an article featuring this piece titled "Cannonball 56".  I talked to the museum director and asked if the artist would do this piece for me. She thought the artist had retired this one, but when I showed her a picture of my kids on my phone, she agreed I HAD TO HAVE THIS PIECE! Can you believe how much it looks like Owen, Brody, and Henley?!

Todd said she reminded him of me...I'm not sure this is a compliment

another shot of La Posada...I loved this place

here's the patio at La Posada

Dinner at the Coyote Cafe. We planned out days around our eating!

Please take not the size of Todd's plate. I would call it a platter. It's wider than Todd's torso!

My lobster and fresh pasta wasn't as large as Todd's but definitely delish!

this guy

By FAR my absolutely favorite meal...Geronimos!!!! Holy Moly Todd's Ceasar Salad with wasabi dressing and jasmine rice croutons was to die for!

Leaving the 100 degree temps for the cool weather of Santa Fe was another bonus.  After dinner each night they would have lit a fire in our room. FAB-U-LOUS!

So long Santa Fe