our memories of the 4th

We had the best time on the 4th of July. It really was one of my most favorite memories to date. I like having family and/or friends around on holidays, for some reason I always equate holidays with big groups of family. Since the 4th landed midweek I think it helped it not feel like a big deal! Me, Daniel and the kids made plans to head to the beach whenever we got there, stay at his dad's condo and just do whatever we wanted! It worked out perfectly and there was no pressure to be anywhere or do anything (other than watch fireworks of course)! We slowly loaded up Wednesday morning, got to the island in record time with minimal traffic and had a quick homemade lunch on his dad's balcony. The kids are always up for the beach, so we lugged our wagon the one block to the beach access and were ready to set up shop. It was crowded but we managed to find some of Daniel's work friends who were really prepared. They had 3 tents set up, a grill going and brownies for the kids! We had the best day at the beach. Everyone was in a good mood and the weather was nice. After getting sun for a few hours, we walked home for naps. Some napped, others didn't - the usual around here these days. I haven't even talked about the missing naps around here. It's bittersweet for sure!We cleaned up for an early dinner at Tom & Jerry's then did what everyone else was doing..we went back to see our friends at the beach! There were no other kids in the group our kids' ages, but the beauty of having kids all young, they like to do the same things. Georgia's favorite beach activity is playing in the sand and building stuff. Emmaline loves the waves and likes to try and boogie board, though G is naturally good at it. Hayes pretty much does it all. He isn't too afraid of the waves, but thankfully won't go to far out by himself. I think he just knows he is supposed to love the beach and just runs around giggling and laughing with joy! We stayed at the beach till nearly dark, then quickly showered and readied ourselves for the fireworks. We could have watched from the balcony, but we chose to get a tad closer to the bayside (where they shoot from) and walked to the end of the street. They were 30 minutes long! And as soon as they started Georgia freaked out..really freaked out. Bless her heart it was racing so fast. I held her and talked to her and told her to put her fingers in her ears. That did the trick and she was much happier. Hayes liked them and was clapping as we walked away. Emmaline kept asking when the finale was..she is always wanting to move on to the next thing. Live in the moment, child! The next morning we ate at Yummies and the kids' drinks were so large and delicious looking! I was sad I chose orange juice. I definitely want to go back there..everything was yummy! It was trully a wonderful 4th! I am so thankful for my little family..we just might make it doing holidays by ourselves. And Daniel finally took the girls to see Brave on Thursday..they loved it! Me and HB stayed home and mowed the yard, swam in our undies and ate popsicles..who's to say who had more fun?!?!

The 4th!!

I love the 4th. We are super excited to celebrate and here are a few things we have made so far. I have some fun red, white & blue treats I am making for tomorrow too. I think the kids will be excited! We needed bigger paper to really make the 'flags' turn out better but the kids loved it and now I have another art work with their prints! Hayes loved getting messy and smacked him hands down on the paper with glee! He was too funny and then I scooped him up in all this painted glory and sprayed him off in the sink - which he also loved!We used his feet for the 'flag' because he didn't want to cooperate with his hands. Using his feet I could control it so much easier!! Emmaline's fingerprints & handprints! Georgia's work of art!! I think I totally underestimate how much I love this holiday. I love fireworks & parades and watermelon..I can't wait to watch them from the beach with my babies. Georgia still does not love the loud booms but does like the colors, so I know I will get some snuggles from her! Emmaline and Hayes loved them when we saw them a few weeks ago, so I think they will be just as enamored. and of course, I had to have Daniel make me his delicious homemade apple pie! This time he made minis and one was perfect for our family, eventhough I could have eaten the whole thing myself!Happy 4th ya'll & let freedom ring!!

Grandparents visit

Finally all the grandparents have come to visit with us in our new home. It only took 5 months, and we were happy to have them here. Of course, we get to see Granddad and Grandma Jules on a regular basis now that we live closer to Padre. We enjoy getting to have them over for a Saturday night dinner, watch a movie, then wake up and go swimming! Hayes said Granddad and Grandpa to Sam for the first time unprompted last weekend..it was such a sweet surprise, but I think a bit confusing..make your mind up Sam!!Grandma, Daniel's mom, was the next to visit. She came in early June after she and Grandpa went on a cruise to Alaska. Grandpa stayed to care for their dogs Scout and Kody and will be here in September for hunting season. Sherry came during the end of VBS and got to see the girls in action singing and doing hand motions to the new songs they learned! While she was here she took each of the girls out for an individual date. Georgia got to go get icecream with Grandma. She chose chocolate and loved it! Emmaline got to go to see Madagascar 3 and got candy and popcorn and of course loved it. We went to check out the Farmer's Market. It was ok, but we managed to find some good herbs and cute hair bows!While we never made it to the beach, we swam our little hearts out almost everyday. We also had a nice brunch at the Country Club. It was definitely one of the fancier meals our kids have had. There are no pictures because I was busy making sure they didn't destroy their crystal! They did pretty well and loved the endless dessert. We also checked out the pool and decided we would be back. It was a great visit with Sherry. We also got to go on 2 date nights while she was here! The first night was last minute and we went to a local bar where there was karaoke. It was kindof a biker bar, but lots of fun, open air. And the karaoke is always hilarious. The next night me and Daniel made reservations in McAllen at a swanky restaurant we had heard good things about. House Wine was super nice and really yummy. It was so hard to choose what to get off the menu. We got flights of wine so we could try out all different kinds. I went for Pinot Grigio. We had a cheese and meat tray for apps, then I had salmon risotto and Daniel ordered mahi, I think. So good and I can't wait to go back! Thanks Grandma for everything! My parents came next. They came Father's Day weekend while Daniel was sick, poor thing. We enjoyed Mexican food, swim lessons, where Georgia finally jumped in the pool thanks to Pop! She also glided to him a bunch! One day was spent downtown browsing antique shops, trying out an old tyme soda shop and enjoying an overcast afternoon! It was really fun, there was lots to look at (and buy for the right price) and the girls did really well. They were oohing and aahing and loving all the pink, frilly things! We ended up dropping off Hayes with Daniel; they were both sick at home and took long naps! Hayes ended up at the dr. with double ear infections and swollen tonsils. We went to the beach one day, ate at Daddy's and enjoyed a thunderstorm on the way home. We never got to do much since Daniel was so sick the whole time they were here. He ended up taking himself to the doctor, thank goodness, and after being told her had all kinds of issues he had to check into the hospital for an IV for 6 hours. Pop's father's day gift! The moon is Pop and my kids 'thing', so it was fitting! my outfit from when I was little!! Thanks to our families for coming way down south to see us! We love ya'll!

VBS, dates & a dog

Last week we had VBS. I was excited to sign up the girls for it because Georgia could attend as well as Emmaline..usually G is too young. They loved it and had the best time each day. Me and Hayes got to sneak in for the last half hour and watch them in the gym sing their songs with hand motions and play with their new friends. It was so good for them to have a few hours each day to be separated..they were so happy to be back together and got along well for the rest of each day. It truly is the little things that make a difference! They loved singing "If you're happy and you know it" and "the Amazing Desert Journey" among others. Such fun!I picked up the girls from VBS and we had a picnic at the park. We tried a new one out and it was fun! G is quite the climber. She is pretty fearless in trying things as long as it isn't my idea! She made it to the top! While the girls were at VBS me and Hayes had some Mommy Son dates. We also got to try out a Thai restaurant here in town that gets great reviews. The lady who runs the kitchen is said to be like The Soup Nazi in Seinfeld. Don't try to change up or sub things from the menu - 'NO SOUP FOR YOU'! It was delicious, though! Me and Hayes mainly just ran errands, but one day we went to the park and fed the ducks and played. It was fun to be with just this sweet guy, with no distractions from his Sissies! Finally, our hunting dog, Gauge, is not doing well. I knew he was sick when he wasn't eating, didn't want to fetch and was sleeping in the bathroom. He is usually by Daniel's side or the girls at all times so this was all weird. Daniel took him to the vet, where they did an ultrasound, found a huge mass and scheduled surgery to remove it. Within a week Gauge was feeling so much better, castrated and without a very sick, bloody spleen. He was like his old self again. We just had to wait on path reports. Turns out poor boy has a bad cancer that usually comes back with a vengance and the drs gave him 6 months. So we are sad and trying to have as much fun with him as possible. At least he is back to being Gauge! And we are really hoping he is healthy for hunting season in September!Gaugeman is loved and we are so thankful he is back to fetching the ball in the pool!