Soccer camp

After much debate, we signed Reef up for a week-long soccer camp. In hindsight, maybe it was too early for that. I think his favorite thing was shopping for his new gear; he loved putting all that stuff on and breaking it in around the house. The actual camp, on the other hand, gave him some challenges. Pretty much, he doesn't like to share the ball and likes to have designated turns. He did make progress during the week though, and there was no crying on the last day. We'll just wait a couple years and try again...
He sure does look cute, though!

A day at the lake

Troy's friend Paul, who runs the Australia store here, invited us out to his lake house a few weeks ago. We are usually hesitant to take day trips like that because of the "what ifs": what if the boys don't nap? What if they don't eat? what if the schedule is messed up? I've been working on flexibility, though, so we decided to try it.
Well, the boys didn't nap and the schedule was off, but we still had a great day. We enjoyed a nice bbq lunch and a swim in the lake, but the high light of the day was definitely the boat ride! After a day of no napping, Lachlan and Jonas even fell asleep!

The big boy bed

We finally decided to convert Jonas's crib to a big boy bed a couple weeks ago. He's been able to climb out for a while now, so it was past time...He's a more stubborn child and very into doing his own thing, so I was worried he may not stay in his bed. Happily, though, I've been surprised and he doesn't get out!

Next milestone: Potty training. I think that one's going to be a little harder!

Child Labor

Clifford

Meet Clifford the cantaloupe.

After 2 years of attempting to grow cantaloupes (aka rock melons), we finally have one! The secret was to plant the seed, let the vine go wherever it wants, ignore if for 2 weeks, and then--there it is! It also helps that we have tons of bees to pollinate this year.

In the last few days, we've seen some other guys growing too. Hope they taste good!

My boys

A rare picture of everyone looking at the camera AND smiling!

Troy's in Brazil, week 2

I know this is way late and way out of order, but I wanted to remember our 2nd week of "alone" time while Troy was in Brazil. I wasn't looking forward to Troy being gone and definitely missed him TONS, but our chuch family here in San Antonio made things so much easier for me! After a great trip to Conroe, we had 5 days at home before Troy returned. Of those 5 days, I cooked dinner only once and was alone during "wake times" twice, I think. I was AMAZED at the outpouring of support and love that we received. I had dinner provided EVERY night except the first, 2 pool party invitations, a day to myself while the big boys went to Sea World and another friend watched Lachlan and did my laundry, a friend to watch them while I grocery shopped (I avoid taking all 3 of them on big shops at all costs!), and helping hands at bathtime and dish washing time! I could not have done it without all these ladies!

I also got to spend the weekend catching up with one of my best friends from college, Sarah Farr. Here's a picture of her and the boys.

4th of July weekend

We were really lucky this year because Troy got 4 whole days off for the 4th of July weekend. This was especially nice since it was right after he got back from Brazil, and we needed to the time to re-connect as a family. Friday and Saturday were pretty low key for us.
We did this craft from Notimeforflashcards. It didn't turn out exactly like I planned but the kids enjoyed it, and Troy got the rare opportunity to join us.

We even let Lachlan get in on the action. His "paint" is colored yogurt.

Saturday afternoon, we were joined by Taylor and Jacob. Let me just take a minute to brag on my sister. I'm sure it's really hard being a single mom, and things haven't always been easy for her, but Taylor is really making a lot of positive changes for herself and Jacob. Troy and I are really proud of the effort she's making in school and the positive attitude changes that we've noticed lately. We love you, Meefer!
Anyway, we spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon hanging around the house and enjoyed church on Sunday morning. The boys all played really nicely together; it's so nice for them to have a cousin to play with.
On Monday, we decided to brave the zoo since we could all go for free with our season pass. In the summer, the zoo opens at 7:30 for members, so our goal was to get there before the regular hours. The effort was worth it because we beat the heat and some of the crowds.

Of course, we had to take our usual picture at the lions..

And the Komodo dragon.

One of the highlights of the trip (that, of course, I have no pictures of) was seeing the hippos right after their tank was cleaned. We were in there when they released the hippos back into the pen/tank, so we got to see them crawl into the water and swim around a lot. The time is at 10 everyday, so you should definitely check it out.

We rounded out the morning with a trip to the beach area, which is always a favorite.

Out of the mouth of...

Reef! He has been saying the cutest/funniest stuff lately as he learns more and more about God and Jesus.
While we were eating dinner one night while Troy was gone, I overheard Reef saying something to Jonas about "the big guy up there". I wasn't really paying attention (it had been a looong drive home) but this caught my ear.
Me: Who are you talking about?
R: You know, God and Jesus up there.
Me: Oh, yeah, what about him?
R: He's bigger than you, Mom. And stronger than Daddy. And faster than Ethan.
It was just so funny!

Last week, while driving to playgroup:
Reef and Jonas: Who made those trees over there?
Me: God did.
R: Well, what did Jesus get to make then?
Me: Umm. He helped God make the trees; they worked together.
He was happy with that answer, and then a few minutes later got on the topic of when he got to be with God and Jesus.
Me: When you die, you'll go to heaven to be with God and Jesus.
Reef, very adamantly: I don't have to die!!
Me: What do you mean?
R: They said in Sunday school that we don't have to die.
Me, after thinking about this: Well, when your body stops working here on earth, then you get to go to heaven to live with God.
Reef was happy with that answer but moved on to new concerns: What if I don't like the food in heaven? What if God wants me to eat spagetti?
I almost died laughing inside! Little minds are so funny, jumping from something serious to something not so serious in just seconds. I assured him that he would like all the food in heaven!

11 months

I know I say this every month, but I can't believe this guy is already 11 months old. In less than a month, my baby will be 1 year old! This past month has brought many changes, and he's been growing by leaps and bounds! I haven't done well taking pictures but here are a few from the last couple of days.
In his new favorite chair. I have to watch him because he'll climb into the chair, stand up, and try to get down over the side. I see a face plant in our future.


Opening cabinets is Lachlan's favorite activity. He's also really into his brothers' hot wheels cars right now too.

A look of mischief while exploring my bathroom.

Things to remember:

-In the last month, Lachlan's really increased his table foods. He eats almost any thing I put in front of him. I'm pretty sure we'll say good bye to all baby food by his first birthday.

-He still naps twice a day; 9-10:30 and 1-2:45; and sleeps from 7-7 most nights.

-Lachlan became very verbal during those 2 weeks Troy was away and babbles A LOT. Troy thinks he's our loudest child yet.

-I love how easy it is to put him to bed right now. Just a quick feeding and drop him in the bed. Hope that sticks!

-The biggest milestone of the month-walking! We knew he was close before Troy left but he only took one step while Troy was in Brazil. But the afternoon we picked Troy up from the airport, he took 9 steps! Guess he was just waiting for Daddy. He still crawls about 70% of the time but is getting braver about trying to get there walking first.

-I love that whenever Lachlan hears someone laughing, he laughs too, like he knows exactly what we're talking about.

-I'm pretty sure the dreaded separation anxiety is setting in. He definitely notices and protests when I leave the room and has to started to fuss a little bit when I drop him off at the nursery. Hopefully it doesn't last long!

-We've started the weaning process with some success. He doesn't mind the whole milk; I just think he doesn't like the vessel it's coming from. I think we've finally found a cup he likes, so hopefully he'll get the hang of it.