Last Day in Midland

 Our last day was busy, too.  We started off with an early breakfast.  {I took this picture for Granna, since Ryan has been using his left hand more often than his right for many things lately.)

We got to pay a visit to Grandma Anne.

 Grama Sue got to go to a wedding.

 I'm sure glad that Grama Sue has so many fun toys that the boys can play with.  It's nice to have something to keep them entertained, even when they don't play with them in the intended ways..

Uncle Eric and Auntie Em came over to hang out, too.  The boys played Wii and the girls got to do a little crafting and planning.  It was fun getting to use some of my creative juices.  We are working on a shower together, and I'm SOOO excited to see how it all comes together.  Just wait to see what we were able to think up using these....

Sadly, our trip came to an end.  We didn't get to see everyone on the list, and I ran out of time to bring some Taco Villa home, so I guess we'll just have to go back soon!

Jumping Party

We were lucky enough to have some time on Friday morning to make up that little surprise Michele had planned for the boys.  Boy, was it a great one!!!  I didn't even know this place existed in Midland, but it's a real gem.  The Jumping Party kept the boys busy and wore them out, all in air conditioning!  Love that in the summer!

I think they ran, climbed, slid, rolled, bounced, and jumped for 2 straight hours!!!

 We had some great girl time to catch up and solve the world's problems.

My favorite part?  I saw this a lot:

You gotta love something that brings the boys together! 

Full Day of Fun

 Thursday was tons of fun!  We started off with lunch with Michele at the new and improved Graham Pharmacy, but we weren't able to enjoy the full surprise she had for us because we ran out of time!

We had to get on to visiting our next friend and then on to the pool again.  Ryan LOVED jumping off the diving board!

Kyle had plenty of diving board tricks, too.

We went back to Grama Sue's house, exhausted.


After some resting and relaxing, the boys got to do a little baking.  They made a mud puddle pie with Auntie Deb, complete with gummy frogs.  Messy, gooey chocolate.....can it get any better?   

And isn't this the perfect thing to feed 2 silly boys 10 minutes before bedtime????  Vacations rock.

The boys were up for a few more hours after this chocolatey treat, and so was I.  But....I got to go out with one of my favorite peeps, Michele, again....to one of my favorite places...Wall Street!  YUM!  SUCH a fun night, and I SO glad we made it happen, especially since it seemed the universe was out to make it not so.

Baseball Stuff

 Wednesday morning was a swimming day with the Hellers again.  I forgot my camera, but the boys had SO much fun and were SO worn out.  It was great. 

That evening we went to see the Rockhounds play with Auntie Deb and Auntie Em.  {Grama Sue was kind enough to watch Evan!}

Here's a few photos from the game. 

Ryan just HAD to have some queso!  He loves the stuff.

And Kyle's dinner?  A delicious, cheese pizza, just for him.

We were hot, wind-blown, and tired, so we left early.  But.....we got to try out the new frozen yogurt joint  in town, Orange Leaf.  Delish!  Can't wait to visit that place again!

Junior Members

 We had places to go and people to see in Midland, but just not enough time to squeeze it all in!  {Sorry to those of you who we didn't get to see.  We just ran out of days!!!  Luckily, we'll be back soon.} 

One order of business for Tuesday morning was to get together all the jr. members of the "Scrote Club."  {For those of you who don't know, this is the society Stephen and Bob started while at A&M, a.k.a. the cause of all the testosterone in our homes.  The Hellers also have 3 boys.}  It was so fun to let all the boys play together.
 

There was much playing of trains.  {Kyle kept telling me how I "NEVER, NEVER let him get the Thomas trains," and how I "got the wrong ones!!!"  Well, take it up with Santa, mister.}

 Katie and I had a great time catching up.  I HATE that we don't live closer!!!  I also thought about how it would've been nice to say hello to Bob--sorry about that.  I guess we'll have to catch up the next time. 
That night we had a family dinner and got to see Michelle and Clay before they headed up to their new home.  I'm so glad we got to see them, and I can't believe I didn't think to take any pictures! 

It was another great day in West Texas, and we all slept very well. 

Road Trip!

It's been awhile since this blog has been updated! The boys and I just got back from the first road trip where kids outnumbered adults 3-1.  I was a bit nervous about how things would go and if we'd make it to our destination alive and sane, but we did!  We had a great time in Midland, and now that laundry is caught up and the house is {somewhat} clean, I hope to be able to catch up with posts about all the fun we had with loved ones in West Texas. 

 Here we are, ready to leave last Monday morning.  {Thank goodness for things to do in the car to keep busy and DVD players!!!}

The boys really are good in the car, especially considering their ages, but we sure were happy to make it to Grama Sue's house to be able to get out of the car and play!

We got there right in the middle of "therapy" group, so the ladies were all excited to see the boys, especially Baby Evan.  {He's down to the diaper because he just dirtied up his last of the 4 outfits I packed for the trip.}

These pictures are for Granna.  Ryan especially loved playing the piano!  {He's a very musical "people."}
 

Kyle HAD to have a turn.  {This picture reminds me SOOO much of one of me at the exact piano when I was a girl.  I think there's something about his leg position.  I need to see if I can find that picture.....}  And, Mom......you'd be proud of me, too.  I actually sat down and played the piano, too!  Man, I'm rusty, but it's still in there.....like riding a bike?

Auntie Deb soon came over, bearing gifts.   Ryan was SUPER excited to get a late birthday present!!!

He got The Boogie Monster book!!!  Kyle has The Tickle Monster gloves, and now Po has the Boogie Monster legs!!!  It was cute to watch him boogie down.  The book even comes with a cd! 

Evan got an activity mat and LOVED looking at the pretty baby in the mirror.  Ryan helped. 

Kyle was busy playing with the Yincoln Yogs and all the other "new" toys. 

Thank goodness to be out of the car and to have made it safely to Midland! 

Father's Day

 We're so excited to celebrate Father's Day and to show our dads just how much we love them.  All week long, the boys have been working on small gifts for Dad, building up to the big day. 

Of course, I had to snap a few pictures when everyone was dressed up for church. 

Of course, we have a few Kyle stories to share--1) While discussing Father's Day this week, it came up about how we honor our fathers and show them how much we love them.  I asked Kyle what he loved about his Dad.  He sat there.  I asked him, "Don't you love Daddy?"  He responded, "No.  He calls me 'Poop Scoop,' and I don't love that." 

 And, don't let that happy face from his picture fool you.  It didn't last long.  When it was time for the primary children to go up in church and sing to the dads, Kyle refused.  He told me he just wanted to rest, that he didn't want to go, that he was scared, that there were too many kids....I told him that was a very bad choice and that Dad wanted to hear him sing.  He started tearing up.  I let him make his choice to not go, even though I begged and begged for him to go, but he didn't.  Well, his consequence?  No iPad OR Mario.  Then, he cried and cried and told me I made him SO MAD!  Oh, well.  It's been an interesting day, watching him try to keep himself busy and make it look like the consequence doesn't bother him at all.  I hate when "punishments" end up punishing me, too! 


 Ryan was his happy self today and continued to make people smile.  I got a few more comments about how cute he is.

 Evan and Dad got to hang out while I taught my Sunday School class, and I don't even think he spit up on Daddy.  Miracle. 

 Here's a photo that's more true to life---Hop on Pop!  Dad got a nice card from my Mom/Dad and a digital converter for the iPad.  {"To me, from me," he said, since I used his apple ID to buy it and he already knew about it.}  There are also a few surprise gifts from the boys to come later.   

Here's a sample of some of the crafts we've working on throughout the week and what the boys made at church today....and there's even more to come later tonight!  {Stephen commented on these..."So many pictures this week!"}   

Happy Father's Day to Stephen.  I am so grateful for the wonderful dad you are to our boys.  It means so much to me to see how much they admire you and how excited they get when you get home--even if it's Kyle asking in 0.2 seconds, "can I play on the iPad??"  Most importantly, I'm so grateful that you show the boys everyday how much you love me.  I think your example has rubbed off on our three momma's boys. 

Happy Father's Day to my dad.  You put up with me during my stubborn, strong-willed, defiant days.  You taught me the importance of having an eternal perspective, of making-do, of how to sometimes do things "just because", to obey first and ask questions later, that I don't know everything and sometimes will be compelled to be humbled, that camping can be fun, and many, many more things.  It means a lot to me at how excited you still continue to be at planning time to spend with us as the boys' Gramps.  Love you!   

Happy Father's Day to Stephen's dad.  You taught him the importance of hard work, of service, of education, of family, of the gospel, that it's important for a husband to love his life, and many, many more things.  I'm grateful for being adopted into your family and what a great Grandpa you are to the boys.  We love you. 

Happy Father's Day to all the men who serve as examples and leaders to us!