Brooklyn is 7 months

{Mmmmm, sweet potatoes-on Thanksgiving.}

Oh how we love this girl! She is so sweet and content, happy to play on the floor, and skilled at getting things to her mouth. Paper is her favorite. In fact she protests quite loudly when it's taken from her. Lately we've noticed how determined she is. She scoots her little body ANY where she wants to be & now can get all the way on her knees where she rocks back & forth. Brooklyn has found her voice; she babbles, grunts & even screeches at an ear piercing level. Her 2-toothed smile is contagious & her sisters still elicit the best giggles. She has this cute little tuft of long hair on the back of her head, the rest is slowing catching up. We love, love her!

Happy Birthday Caitlyn

Today she is free, I mean three! Where did the time go?

In keeping with our new tradition she got to choose the pizza and movie the Friday before her birthday. She is our olive lover... and then we watched "Cars". (A first time for my princesses!)We celebrated her birthday on Monday, since we'd be in UT for the real day.

Presents in the morning.

Caitlyn was been really excited to have a birthday party with her friends... just like Madisen. She wanted a Leap Frog Letter Factory party, perfect for a girl who loves green! Turns out that's a unique theme- as far as decor & favors go. Since the weather has been beautiful & parties with 2-4 year olds are entertaining, we decided to have the party at our neighborhood park. The plan was to play a few games, enjoy the play structure, have cake and call it good. I got this idea- almost exactly- from my amazing friend Laura. (She had a green ABC party for her son when he turned 3).

But the weather didn't cooperate so we moved the party to our house. It was a bit crowed & chaotic, but that's the way we like it!

The Balloon game was a hit, definitely the favorite.

The Course

She chose frog cupcakes. I forgot to get a picture the night before. This tray went for a ride to the park so some got smooshed.

Our 10 little guests.

The birthday girl!

Grandma & Grandpa showed up right as the party was ending. The girls were enamored with grandpa and each girl wanted to show them their party bag treasures.

And of course, Chick-Fil-A is the place to be for birthday lunches.

Write On!

For FHE this week we had a lesson on gratitude. Our activity was to write things we are thankful for and then we hung them in the toy room.

I was so delighted with Madisen's list! She came up with ALL of the ideas on her own, helped me sound out the words & then wrote them.
She sounded out Jesus & had the G written before I could correct her.

This is my favorite. She did it ALONE while I was putting Brooklyn down & Bill was helping Caitlyn. Translation: I am thankful for Madisen. (she only left out the word thankful & the n for her name is on the back.)

I am so proud & excited that she is enjoying writing & learning! The teacher in me is loving this progress.

On the move

Feelin' Lucky

Some of our best friends from Las Vegas came to visit this week. OK- they didn't come just for us- they have a new cousin who lives 2 hours from here. So we picked them up from the airport on Tuesday afternoon & headed east.

Meeting Sophia Rushelle for the first time. I love that Keira wanted to hold 'Baby Blooklyn'.

Caitlyn's favorite thing about the trip was riding in the golf cart with 'Aunt Wendy'.

{Madisen does not have a black eye. She's just sporting the make up that cousin Emma shared.}

Could they be any cuter or blonder?
And how about that back yard?

Makayla and Madisen were fast friends again; riding bikes, playing babies, putting on make-up, sneaking into gum & candy, coloring pictures and more.

{The Wizard of Oz music comes to mind with this photo.... }

Brooklyn even got to ride on the cart as we explored the wide open spaces & beautiful places in Vidor.

And of course, it was wonderful to be with Jen. She is a dear friend! You know, the kind that can finish your sentences, laugh & cry with you, help you host your family, vacation with, make 1200 caramel apples with, our children were like siblings, our husbands were buddies, and boy do we know how to have a GREAT & LONG conversation. We solved the worlds problems a million times over. It was an action packed, fun filled and comfortable 48 hours.

{Photo courtesy of Caitlyn.}

A Hike & Ice Cream Cones

When we were dating we spent a lot of time hiking, tandem bike riding, skateboarding, etc. We enjoyed these productive activities that allowed us to get to know each other.

Here we are 6 years and 4 states later & both eager to find a hiking trail- the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. (Because we can't go to Hawaii every year!) We found some near Bill's parents house, in the Sam Houston National Forest. One of the locals pointed us to a trail that is 350 miles long. As we started on (not up or down) the trail, we realized that it was forged right under the telephone poles. Seriously? It was a little disappointing and felt a little less like 'nature'. But we'll take what we can.

What a pleasant surprise to discover this rickety old bridge.I'm sure that a week ago there was some wild water running under there.

There were no vistas, or meadows, or lakes to mark 'the end' of our hike. We did, however, feel we had 'arrived' when we saw these yellow leaves.

Our celebration was topped off with an ice cream sundae from McD's. With caramel, of course.

A good reason

Not to leave the almost 3 year old in charge of the 6 month old.

Even if you are just taking out the trash & starting the dishwasher.