Happy Father's Day- in Houston.

This weekend we headed to Houston for a fun filled Father's Day weekend. The kids did pretty good on their way to Houston. Ella got a little restless toward the end of the drive, but she did okay. Saturday we spent the day in Kemah. This is a little coastal town by Galveston with a full boardwalk. It was tons of fun. We ate good food at Landry's and then enjoyed some rides with Hudson, while Sam and Nadia took Ella inside for some air conditioning. It was hot outside. Hudson was able to ride the train, the BIG ferris wheel (for the first time), and the hobby horses. He really had a good time. On the way back from Kemah, Nadia got a call that there was a gas leak in their backyard- they are getting a new fence and they hit the gas line. The gas guys came and checked the house and it was okay to be inside- it just smelled kind of bad. They told us to open the windows and air out the house. After a few hours, everything was back to normal. That is when Paul and I left the kids with Teta and Gueddo and went to visit with some good friends, Matt & Kelly Broaddous and their 15 month old daughter Darcy. She is precious!! Then we went to eat dinner. We had a great time.

As for Father's Day, we went and ate breakfast at Le Peep. It was so yummy.

We had a great time and enjoyed spending time with Teta and Gueddo.
Our family picture at Landry's for lunch in Kemah.
Hudson kept asking to ride the choo choo train. We bargained with him at lunch. You sit in your chair and eat at least one more bit of mac and cheese, then you can ride the train. Despite his facial expressions, he really did like it and wanted to go again.
Hudson really taking in everything around him on the train ride.
Enjoying the view from Hudson's first ferris wheel ride.

Hudson said, "I off" the higher up we got on the ferris wheel.
Riding the hobby horses with mommy- Hudson even got to pick his own horse to ride.
Gueddo feeding Ella while watching CARS (for the 5th or 6th time) with Hudson."Ella, don't you want to wear my hat?" Hudson asks.
Ella playing with her lovey bunny- she sleeps with it every night. She will not calm down when we put her in her bed unless her lovey bunny is with her.

Ella & Gueddo with Teta's beautiful scarf.
Teta & Hudson Le Peep for breakfast!!
Hudson & Daddy enjoying breakfast for Father's Day.
Ella had so much fun.....we just wore her out.
On a side note....Happy Father's Day to Paul, Dad, & Sam.

Paul- you are such a wonderful father to our children. They look up to you and respect you so much even at their young age. Thank you for teaching them what it is like to have a caring, loving daddy.

Dad- you are such a wonderful father to us and 'Papa' to our children. I learned at a young age what to expect from a father and a husband. You taught me the importance of respect and individual time shared with each child and with your spouse. Thank you for your influence in my life and my family's lives.

Sam- you are also such a wonderful father to us and 'Gueddo' to our children. Thank you for your continuous support and love. We are so blessed to have someone who cares for us so graciously. Thank you for teaching Paul how to be a loving husband and father.

First Summer Weekend

Ella posing for pics at a new BBQ place Paul found- Hard 8. It was pretty good, but I like Paul's BBQ better.
Hudson and Ella in their first side by side ride to Sam's.
It was short lived- Hudson wanted out to walk and Ella was fussy (teething).
Hudson getting ready for bed in his Egypt tshirt and sock money house shoes!!

Summer Is Here!!!

That is right...I am officially out of school for 10 whole weeks. Friday was my last day of school. It went smoothly for the most part...a little stressful. For those of you who are teachers, you understand filling out cum folders, collecting books, and closing down your room for 2 1/2 months. It takes a lot of time. As a 6th grade teacher at our school, we do a graduation for our kids. Every one gets dressed up and we do a whole awards/graduation ceremony. It is one of my favorite things all year even though it is very stressful. This year, we asked our new superintendent to come, but we never got a response. Much to our surprise, he showed up just as our kids were lining up to walk in. I was in shock and didn't know what to do. Our principal was calm and told me where to put him in the program. But we pulled it off with few snags here and there. Overall it was a success.

Now I am home, Hudson is testing the waters a little bit to see what he can get away with. Yesterday, I walked into his room and he had climbed up onto his dresser and couldn't get down. I did help him down, but he did get into trouble. We will see what happens as our week progresses. We will keep you updated on how this is going. We are also going to try and start potty training this summer, again, we will see how it goes. If anyone has any tips, I am open to suggestions!!

Co-ed Bath Time

We had our first co-ed bath tonight. It was so cute!! They played well together and Hudson didn't ask any inappropriate questions (thank goodness.) I don't think the co-ed bathing will last long. Hudson is getting older and will start asking questions. But we will enjoy co-ed bath time until then!!

After bath time. Aren't our blue and pink hooded towels cute!?!?!

Prayer

I wanted to share with you Angie's blog. Amanda Christian introduced me to this family and it has taken me a while (and lots of tears) to read Angie's story from the beginning. I wanted to share it with you guys, so you could be in prayer for their family. It is such a sad time in the life of this family, but they remain so faithful to the Lord. So please be in prayer for them.

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Memorial Weekend

We went to Nacogdoches for Memorial weekend. My cousins Lesa & Mitch live there with their 2 girls, Mallory and Madison. They have a beautiful house with an amazing backyard. It was so fun and relaxing!! It was nice to get away from the stress of day to day life and the end of school. We had a fish-fry on Saturday night, a cook out with the family from Gilmer on Sunday, and did lots of swimming all weekend long. This was Ella's first time to go swimming and she loved it. She kicked like crazy....I think Hudson needs to take a few lessons from her. Hudson didn't like it as much, but he did have a good time in the pool. I was also introduced to the Wii- I had never played one before- it was a lot of fun. I told Paul we needed to get one. Hudson even played a little and chime in with an "Aw man", when someone didn't do well. It was hilarious!! Here are a 'few' pictures from our weekend.

Ella & Madison playing in the pool. Hudson & Mallory playing in the pool.
I didn't like my turtle at first, but once I had toys to play with, I was a happy little girl.
Don't you think I could do a coppertone commercial?
My little sun-baby (Thanks Papa for the swimmin' suit and hat)

Ella & Mamaw
Hudson relaxing on the porch.
Mamaw & Ella
Papaw & Hudson hanging out....I think they are both tired.
Lacy & Thad- they are expecting in January- Congrats guys!!

Hudson playing with Papaw's cane & hat.
Mamaw & Papaw with all 4 'Greats'
Ella & Lesa- thanks for letting us come visit!!
Hudson ready to go on the scooters.

Happy Birthday Jen!!

Last Sunday (yes, over a week ago) we celebrated Jennifer's birthday. She is such a wonderful sister in law. I really consider Jen one of my greatest friends, not just a sister in law. Jen, I hope you had a fun day with the family and we love you!! I also can't wait to see you new purse :)The boys cookin'
Kids with Auntie Jen & Uncle Ron.
Kids with Nana & Papa.

Family pics in the backyard.
Playin' in the backyard on my tricycle.
Ella was playing on the floor with Auntie Jen.
Hudson decided he wanted to take a nap with everyone in the living room. He really wanted all the lights out, but refused to go back to his room to take a nap. It was so funny.