Summer is over... time for School...

It is so hard to believe that summer has come to an end and school is here already. Like they always say (whoever they are), "Time flies when you're having fun!!" Autumn started 3rd grade this week, and has yet to say she is enjoying it. She is worried about the new things to learn even though they aren't doing them yet! Shannen on the other hand, could not be happier. He started Kindergarten this week- that is hard to believe!! He is all grins even thinking about it. He was so ready to "be like Autumn" and go to school. He smiled for a picture then told me I could go :) But, at the end of day one, he told me repeatedly how much he missed me and hugged and kissed me numerous times that night! Vanson and Tristan are just trying to adjust to being w/o them all day....

20 yr. Reunion

It does not seem quite possible that 20 yrs. have passed since I marched on that football field as a Channelette!!! But, it has. So, we went to Galveston for a night out while the kids stayed at my Dad's. (what a blessing) We met Kim and Eric for a seafood dinner, then ventured out to the once famous Balinese Room for the reunion. Saw lots of old friends, chatted for hours, and sweat like pigs!! (the air, if there was any, was not working).... good thing we dressed cool. All in all we had a great time, though. By being there, Greg missed his 25th Reunion... yes he is older....lol

Trip to "Houston"

After dropping the kids off in Texas City, Tristan and I travelled all over town visiting all my long lost cousins.... we started in Spring staying with Natalie and her sweet new baby Jack. Then, we ventured to Conroe to see Ginger, Kim, & Sherri with all their teenagers! Tristan had a ball with all those big boys, and especially loved Kolton's "monster truck". I so enjoyed seeing them all... its been way too long. On one hand it was weird knowing they all have teenagers, and I have a 2 yr old!! But, I felt better when I realized that by the time my boys are as old as theirs, they'll probably be grandmas!!! (sorry girls) But, really it was such a joy to see them and their precious kids.... 1 beautiful teenage girl whom I adore, 1 almost 10-ager who loved on my Tristan, and 6 teenage boys all so polite and well behaved!!

Fun @ Nana and Papas...

The kids (except Tristan) went for a visit to Nana & Papa's this month. While there, they visited the Children's museum, the Tx. City Museum, and a Safari place they are still talking about! The got to visit with my Memaw in Alvin as well. They even convinced my Dad to crawl around on the floor pretending to be a bear as they camped in the "tent". At the end of the week, we returned to hear Autumn sing in church (a real treat :) then joined Aunt Carolyn & Uncle Bob for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants... Pappadeaux!!

Girls Night Out

This annual event was planned for weeks- Autumn wrote out a list of everything we HAD to do on our night away from all the boys. We went to dinner at her favorite - Olive Garden, then shopped for school clothes. Once at the hotel, we swam, played card games, snacked, painted our toenails, then read ourselves to sleep. The next morning, we got made up and had our long awaited tea party before heading home. This is a very special mother/daughter time we cherish each year. Autumn's wish is that we do it once a month. :)

This month, our Vanson turned FOUR!! So, hard to believe..... we celebrated at the local spray park with a Happy Feet party. As I started to cut cake, I handed my camera to my buddy Tanya to hold. Little did I know, she took advantage of the opportunity to try out my new camera. To my surprise, I was actually in the party pictures!! That may be the first time :) Thanks T! Everyone enjoyed the nice cool spray on this hot summer day. For Tristan, though, the best part of any party is always the cake!

US Nat'l Hot Air Balloon Championship in Waco

This year, the Balloon Championship came to Waco in July. So, on Thursday, we jumped in the car before 7am to become non-official balloon chasers!! We found them taking off near Robinson High School. As the first one came into sight, Tristan yelled, "AWESUUUM!!" The kids sat on the car and watched as 40 balloon entered the race. We had a great time, then made a stop at Shipleys for a healthy breakfast. :)

Living without a computer!

Last week, I walked over to the computer expecting the screen to come back to life as always, but nothing happened. It was completely black even though the lights came on. DEAD. Fortunately, it was bought less than a year ago and was still under warranty and could be fixed for free. Unfortunately, this meant being on the phone with HP for over 2 hrs, taking the computer apart, pulling out and replacing "chips" as told!, waiting 3 days for a FED EX box, shipping it to HP, then waiting not so patiently for its return! I have become quite dependent on my computer over the past few years!! Well, its finally back now so I'll start posting all the fun from July to share with everyone.

Monkey Boy...

Took these pictures on the front porch the other night just to prove to everyone that Sweet Little Tristan really is a monkey at home!

Rockport Vacation June 2007