We aren't home... we're at the pool!

Texas heat has been blistering this summer. I'm not exaggerating when I say we've spent the summer at the pool. I'm actually going out on a limb to say my legs are no longer bright white. Now, they're more of an off white! Yay for me!

All day... Every day.... Swimming... Swimming... and more Swimming!!

Aliva's hair even started to turn green!

Gold swimmers! Grace, Livi, and Ella Swam for money at Joe and Steph's 4th of July Party

Everyone walked away with lots and lots!!!

We stopped swimming for a day to welcome these honorable missionaries home. Welcome back Jeff and Peg. They are happy to be on US soil again!!!

Blurry but so sweet

When I'm not swimming with my kids you can find me admiring this craziness.

There have been many towers constructed and built, but non like this. I know... I'm at a loss for words as well. What can I say, I love my yarn!!!

My latest creations from my loved fibers!

Lil' Toppers!!!

Cradled Blue Jean Baby

Cradled in Cream

Delivered via stork!

You won't be able to stop laughing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs

And.... It's over!

First Day of First Grade

Last Day of First Grade

You don't realize how they change until you look at a pic from the past. She's taller, wiser, and she's lost a few teeth in the process (8)!

Winding up scenes of first grade involved:

1) A field trip to the Dallas Aquarium

Grace and her friends. I was wondering were all the girls were?

(Seriously... pray for me!!!!)

Grace and Jailin. Jailin is Gracie's friend from church. They are great buddies!

2) Field Day and Class Party!

Braven, Grace, and Mason

There was one day I remember opening up Gracie's folder and finding lots of little heart notes from these two admirers.

The highlight of Field Day is the Tug of War contest! Mrs. Mooney's class came in second place. I think the parents get into it more than the kids. Before they started tugging there was some serious strategies and advise from parents on how to hold the rope, where to stand, explanations on how to dig your heels into the dirt and bend at the knees. Ya gotta love it!

Gracie won an award at school yesterday! I'm a proud and grateful mom of a graduated first grader. She has examplary behavior at school and at home! I love you Missy Grace!

Off to school for one last day! She wrote a note to her teacher, and you know I opened it and read it in secret.

It read... "Dear Mrs. Mooney, thanks for making me a great success."

She has always had a way with words!

GOOD-BYE FIRST GRADE!

Face to Face

Alivia meets the sidewalk face to face - literally!

The sidewalk was unforgiving.

A pretty girl that's pretty scraped up!

I actually think she is liking all the attention she has been getting. She likes telling the story of her bad run in with the sidewalk.

Alivia said, "Mom can you blog this?"

Round and Round we go!!!

Round 1: There is always fun memories to be had at the annual family camp out. My kids are most happy when they are camping. Mom is most happy when she can camp and them go home and sleep in her cozy bed!!!

This was my favorite skit: You know, the old time machine skit.

Mark went in the time machine

And Mark came out of the time machine. There's nothing like a grown man in a diaper with a hair bow in his hair.

I know this pic is blurry, but I love it anyway. Stephen and Grace were inseperable! Gracie was so sad to say goodbye to Stephen the next day. She cried and cried. She was devastated at the idea of only getting to see him once a year at the family camp out.

Round 2: We have really been doing a whole lot of nothin' around here.

This is Dad getting pampered at home. Gracie was referring to him as "Your Highness". It was complete with lotion being rubbed on Matt's hands and feet, a fan, and some apples. Every detail was perfect even down to the blanket fluffing!

Round 3: Gracie was so excited that school was closed because of Swine Flu! They decided to celebrate by dancing in the Texas rain.

Round 4: Grandam T and Papa J, this one's for you!

This is the reaction I got when I told Ella she couldn't open her box until her birthday party. If there was sound on this picture your speakers would be sure to blow.

That battle was not worth fighting. Come to think of it, there are many battles not worth fighting when Ella starts to scream!

She is a happy girl when she gets her way!!!

Going Goth One Toe at a Time

Ella manages to keep us all on our toes all of the time! She is crazy! I mean that in the nicest most motherly loving way possible!!!

Speaking of toes, take a look at this one. Ella thought it would be a great idea to color her toe nail with a permenant marker. She did a good job of staying in the lines. I can't believe we escaped with just one toe nail colored and not all of them. Black toe nails aren't cute. I am glad she didn't ask for some skull nail art to accompany the black toe nail!

Just Killin' Time

Dad is the instigator of all the fun at our house. His name is all over this one! I think Matt got on his bike to give it a try! No, he didn't but I know he thought about it!