I made it!!

After 5 months of training for it, the week of my scheduled 5K was here. Last weekend, I woke up with a horrible cold and could barely breathe all week. I was determined to go, though, and see this goal fulfilled. So, bright and early this almost cool fall morning, I headed to McGregor for the Founder's Day Run. I knew I'd not be the winner, and wasn't 100% sure I'd be able to complete it. But, with determination and lots of prayer, I did it!! It was awesome. I came up to the finish to find Greg and all the kids cheering me on. It was a great feeling crossing that finish line! All the kids ran up to hug me, then backed off saying, "ooh Mommy, you're all wet!"

A party for Autumn

Even though her birthday is still a week away, we celebrated Autumn's 8th birthday today at a joint skating party with her great friend Julian. This was one party the whole family could enjoy!! We had a great time. Autumn's whole class was there along with a few other friends.

Trash Can Fun!!

We had to change trash service this past week, so we

got this nice new clean trashcan. It has been a bigger source of entertainment this week than any toy money could buy!! The kids are dreading the day we actually put trash in it! To be so easily pleased...

We are loving the Spyder!!

Greg and Autumn had a great road trip travelling back home, but once here we all had to take a turn!! All the kids have enjoyed a ride with one of us, but we have yet to use it for a date!! Hopefully we'll get to do that soon.... after all its supposed to be a DATE CAR!!!

Date Car on its way...

For months Greg has looked for the "perfect" date car... two seater, convertible, affordable, low mileage... you get the picture. Needless to say, this was not an easy feat. But, in August, he finally found IT... but it was in St. Louis, MO. His sister was kind enough to store it for the last few weeks. But, Greg and Autumn left this morning on a flight to St. Louis to go get it, see a few sites, and visit some family. We took them to the airport this morning, where the boys got in some last minute Daddy time, and Autumn didn't want to leave my lap. While we waited for their plane to arrive, the boys helped Autumn entertain us with a few cheers!!

Can't wait to see it- me and the boys will all be fighting for a ride!

Big boy!!!

My "baby" Tristan has decided he is ready to be a big boy!! He's been doing a great job this week. He is so funny. When he sits on the potty, he occupies the time singing the Days of the Week song, the ABC's or counting. We took this picture the first day he wore real underwear, so now every time we put on a new pair, his first response is "mommy, you take a picture??" We always said when we got out of diapers (its been almost 8 yrs. now!) we were going to have a big party, but now that we are here... who has the time???

Laughing in the Rain!

The other night, as we were eating dinner, it started raining. The kids got so excited, they could hardly finish dinner. They all begged to go out and play. Once we got finished eating, the rain was subsiding, but instead we found this beautiful creation of God's outside. Shannen still managed to have lots of fun (with his usual

enthusiasm and abundance of giggles) playing in the water dripping off the house!!

Sea World San Antonio

This weekend we took the kids for a long awaited trip to Sea World- our first this year. It was super hot, so we spent as much time in the water as possible. But, even with the heat, we all had a great time!!!

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