We've all made it to Kindgergarten

Matt 1976 (the year Natalie was born....)

Natalie 1981

Christopher 2005

Garrett 2006

Madelyn 2009

One last getaway and a haircut!

I have been dying to see the Broadway Show, Wicked, and so when I heard it was coming to Austin, I jumped at the chance to go. It was just as good as everyone has said. The "witches" did an amazing job! If you ever get the opportunity to see this show, go see it!!

Since we were driving over to Austin to see Wicked, we decided to bring the husbands and kids along and go to Schlitterbaun Water Park. One last fun activity before school starts.

We have been telling Madelyn that when school started that she had to get her hair cut. Well, yesterday was the big day. I think she looks cute and it will be so much easier to take care of for those early mornings for school.

Before

After

The kids are getting excited to meet their teachers this week. One more week of summer...

Make a Smilebox photobook

August Birthdays

Melissa and her family 2009

Natalie and Melissa; 1978

August 7th is Melissa Wirthlin Rich's birthday. We've been friends since birth. Our families took many vacations together and Melissa and I use to sing this song over and over. It must have been our theme song. Happy Birthday, Melissa! It was fun to see you on our vacation.

August 8th is Kate Nelson's Birthday. She is Madelyn's teacher at church and she LOVES her. She is so excited to see the kids each week and makes them each feel special. Happy Birthday, Kate!

Tammy Baker's (far right) Birthday is August 18th. Tammy is full of spunk and always makes me laugh. She is full of energy and plays an awesome game of tennis. Happy Birthday, Tammy!

August 30th is Heather Marlow's Birthday. It is amazing to watch Heather, you can see the love she has for all people. Her husband and children adore her and I am glad I know her too!

Robbers

Today, I snuck away from the kids and had the tub water running so I couldn't hear them call my name. They were looking everywhere even outside. When they finally found me, Garrett had a bat in his hand. I didn't think much of it, just figured they had been outside playing. Garrett had actually brought the bat in to beat up the robber that had taken their mom hostage. Madelyn and Christopher stayed upstairs and waited until Garrett sent word about killing off the robber. What a nice brother he was.

Then tonight, I was cleaning the bathroom and Madelyn said, "Are you cleaning the bathroom so the robbers have a clean sink to brush their teeth?" I replied, "Why yes, I always clean before robbers come."

I am sure these things were said today due to the fact that Matt heard our gate open and shut in the middle of the night and so he went outside looking with a bat.

I am sure I will probably end up with all three kids in my bed tonight.

Summer Time

Houston Symphony Star Spangled Salute 2009

39 days into summer...41 more to go. We are right at the 1/2 way point. (not that I'm counting down...) It's been an easy going summer with lots of swimming to cool down in the 100+ degree heat. We are heading on vacation this week. We are driving to Utah. This will be a first time for Madelyn, King Max and I to be in the car for longer than 12 hrs (the boys drove down here when we moved). Any tips to survive? Hopefully, we'll make it there still speaking to each other. We haven't been back for 2 years..can't wait to see our nieces and nephews that have grown up to much. We'll be back the first part of August and I'll have plenty of pictures and stories to tell...

The other day, we pulled out the map to show the kids how we would be driving there and we decided to count how many states we've been to. How many states have you traveled? After this trip, this is how many we will have be to.

Matt 44

Natalie 27

Christopher 22

Garrett 21

Madelyn 20

Enjoy your last half of summer!

July Birthdays

Trang (left) was my next door neighbor until she moved to Kuala Lumpur last year. She came for a visit this past week and we were able to spend some time together. It was fun seeing her and her family. We miss her spunky personality in our neighborhood. Happy Birthday, Trang on July 13th.

Allison (middle) has been a great friend to me since we moved here. She is very thoughtful and is always thinking of others. She should have been a full time employee at the school for as many hours as she volunteers. My kids love to play with her kids so it makes it fun to get together. Have a great Birthday on the 23rd, Allison.