Summer Evenings at NRH2O

June and July of this past summer I had a hard time getting over bronchitis and just did not feel up to spending the day in the heat at the water park. Once August hit I was up to my old self and we spent almost every evening at the park. Clay was gone for about 5 weeks, with a day here and a day there with him home. He was able to get a contract to ferry an ATR from Washington to Indonesia. So with the long summer days and bored kids the water park was a blessing!

We had our schedule down. We pack up our dinner and leave the house around 3:00. Some nights we stopped by Risky's BBQ and got 6 pulled beef sandwiches for $5.00. By the time we arrived at the park many of the people that have been there since opening were leaving. We were always able to find chairs underneath the huge umbrellas. We would stay until they closed at 6 or 7. On the way home Paige would fall asleep and transfer very well to her bed once we got home. Matthew was so tired too that he would have a bowl of cereal and off he went to bed. It worked out perfect for me since Clay was gone so much. Before this it was up to an hour battle to put Paige to bed. She thought it was a game and kept getting up and up and up, laughing all the way back to her bed. The Super Nanny tactics did not work on this stubborn child. With her falling a sleep in the car there was no battle and a very happy mommy because who wants a battle at the end of the day when you yourself are ready for bed.

Paige and Matthew loved the water park! Matthew was able to teach himself how to swim really well. He was also able to learn how to do a front and back flip and handstand in the water. His favorite part this summer is what we called the wipe out zone. There are 2 obstacles the first is where you run across floating circles on the water and the other you walk across floating logs on the water. Paige really loved the orange and yellow slide.

The week before school started I was watching Matthew's good friend Wyatt while his family was busy packing up their house for the move to Utah. It was fun for Matthew to have a buddy to run around with at the park.

Eagle Mountain Lake

Our good friends Brent and Angie invited us out to their parent's house located on Eagle Mountain Lake. This was the first time for both the kids to enjoy one of Texas' great lakes. Matthew's favorite thing was riding with Brent on his brand new jet ski. I did a lot of relaxing on Chill Town, the huge floating raft.

After about 3 hours in the sun it was time to change and head on the boat for dinner. We didn't bring clothes to change into so we dashed home and in 11 minutes the kids and Clay were able to shower and change, feed the dog and get back in the car. Not bad for a family of 4.

Angie's dad drove all of us on his pontoon boat across the lake to a restaurant on the marina. This was so relaxing to me. The wind blowing, enjoying the crisp summer night. We ended up eating at Scampi's Cove after arriving at other locations that had already closed. This was some amazing grub! Clay and I had a hamburger that had a fried egg and bacon on it!! One of the best burger's I have ever had.

On the way back the kiddos fell asleep on the boat. Clay was feeling a bit motion sickness for the first time ever in his many years of enjoying a boat and had to move to the back of the boat. Brent took his spot next to Paige and the rest of the ride Paige was holding on to Brent's finger. It was fun to see the smile on Brent's face.

Our adventure as a family on the lake ended with tons of adventures and first for the kids. Hopefully next time Clay and I can get on the jet ski for our first jet ski adventure.

Let the Dancing Begin!

I have been waiting for the day the Paige turned 2 and she was able to enroll in dance class. We went to register and we were put on a waiting list which really made me sad, then on Saturday we got a call that that had opened another 2 to 3 year old class on Wednesdays from 9:45 to 10:30. Clay that I was a little crazy because I was really excited.

On the list of goods to get for the class, she needed tap and ballet shoes and it specifically noted they can't be Walmart or Payless brand. I stopped by Payless to see how much money they were and was thinking great the shoes are going to be twice as much at the dance store, but to my surprise they were actually cheaper. They also called for pink tights, so I headed to kidtokid thinking that I could get them cheaper there, so I bought a pair of pink dance tights, but another think I have learned is that ballet pink is not pink but more of a peachy color. Lots to learn!

Paige was so darling trying on dance shoes. First she tried on Ballet shoes. She sat on the bench very quietly watching as the lady tried on about 5 different pairs of shoes. Once the perfect fit was found she said that Paige could get up and try them. Paige grabbed my hands and said "Dance Mommy" so we stood and danced in circles for a minute. Then it was time for the tap shoes, she again sat there very quietly while she was fitted for shoes and as soon as she was allowed to walk around she again said "Mommy Dance" and she grabbed my arms and danced. She was also able to pick out a cute bag to put all her gear in.

The first day of dance class was cute. She was excited to wear her leotard and tights (the tights ended up being way to big but I finally found some that fit perfect!!) Her teachers name is Miss Lauren and I think she is going to be an awesome teacher. There are only 4 girls in her class and Paige more or less just sat and took everything in for the first day! She seemed to really enjoy herself. It is going to be hard to get pictures because you are looking through a window that has blinds on it! :(

Going Straight

When the boys are away the girls will play! This day Paige and I had a few hours to ourselfs which ended up being a beauty day for Paige. She got her nails painted and stayed still long enough for mommy to straighten her hair.

Toy Story 3

This was Paige's first movie to enjoy in the movie theatre. I just think it was fun because Grammy took Matthew to see his first movie Cars and here we are 4 years later and Grammy is taking Paige to see her first movie. She loved it but we knew she would because she love Buzz.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

July 4th at Lone Star Park

Got some cool pictures with the fireworks mode on the camera.

Matthew was not a happy camper!!

Last minute plans landed us at the good old Lone Star Park for some horse racing and fireworks for the 4th. Grammy, Allan and Summer joined in on the celebration. Lots of fun games, good food and spectacular fireworks.

Summer fun on the Trampoline

What better way to beat the heat with two little ones in Texas than to just throw the sprinkler on underneath the trampoline! Paige was hesitant at first but eventually warmed up to it. I love it when these two play together well. Hearing these two giggle together in delight is priceless.