Summer Coming to a Close

Photo Op at County Line. 

We have spent a lot of time at the pool this summer but I don't know if I ever took pictures.  It's been a fun summer full of playing and play dates and family.  It doesnt seem like it's over because its sooooooooo hot.  I do what I can to stay inside all day.  I used to think it was wrong to keep children inside.  Now I refuse to take them out!  Alexandra starts school in 2 weeks!  Preschool is only 2 days a week but it will be a big change for all of us.  I'm looking forward to it and dreading it in a way.  I'll be sure to post that.

2011 Trip to Dallas

At the beginning of August, my parents treated David and I to an anniversary weekend all to ourselves! They took the girls to Plano to watch Kinsley and we enjoyed some free time.  We had dinner at Fogo di choa and got some free amazing creme brulee! We partied down town and stayed at the Driskill... it was a very happy 5th Anniversary for us.

Then on Sunday I drove up to Dallas to stay with the girls and spend some time with our good friends "Aiden-n-Cal" as Alexandra always called them when she was smaller.  Amber and Phillip were soooo generous to allow us to stay with them for such a long time.  We had such a great time at the pool.

 Then we went to the Museum of nature and science which was so much fun! They had dinosaurs and a place to dig up bones in the sand and a lego area and a water table! 

There was also a  children's museum type area- we must have only seen a fraction of the place.  We had a wonderful time.

Then before we went home we visited some other good friends from College Station.  We were in the same birthing class when we were both expecting our first children.  Now we each had three children!!  Of course Tara was pregnant three times :)  It was so nice to see them and catch up.  The girls had a great time playing.

 Then after we got home Wed.  We turned around and went to College Station Friday for my little brother's graduation from A&M.  That was fun... Alexandra has been looking forward to staying in a hotel.







Haven't seen any "official" family pics from graduation yet.  It was a very fun week.  Then this week Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Johnson came to visit!  That's next on the ol' blog!

Oh yes and in case you are not on Facebook there was another epic occurance last weekend!
The last line is Jax- that's me- the last frame says X   X   X!!!  That's three strikes in a row in the 10th frame!
A moment that will live in infamy.  Because I will reviving it often!!

Long Overdue Alexandra's 4th Birthday

Yes it's been over a month since Xandra's Birthday.  But just for posterity and for those who might still enjoy- here it is.  We had a wonderful weekend!  Friday was her "actual" birthday so we went to mass and then to the mall where her every wish would be granted :)  We went to the play area first then took the train. Then the carousel, then the bungee jump, then cotton candy before lunch! She wanted to have Chick-fil-a at the food court.  Then we went home for pool and some rest!  This was birthday cake #1. Speghetti for dinner (as you can see).

 Saturday we were joined by Aunt Amber and Kinsley for a trip to the Austin Children's museum which is one of Alexandra's favorite places.  THen we had lunch at Chuy's also a favorite (coincidentally mine too) and then home for pool and dinner at the Ainsworth's with the Johnsons (one of my favorite gatherings).  That's where we had cake number 2!  It was so delish! I love Mom's (Grandmommy's) cake!

 Sunday we went to 9:30 mass at St. Vincent de Paul then everyone came over to the Johnson's on House Creek for lunch before heading over to the Big Bounce for the official birthday party at 1:00.  It was a big hit! THe kids had a blast and were worn out- so ther parents seemed happy about that.  The princess enjoyed wearing her tiara and must have not stopped jumping the whole time we were there! This is cake number 3 which she had been asking for all weekend.

And here is a cute picture of Hannah.

June 2011 draws to a close

We had a wonderful week last week.  It was Vacation Bible school which you may know Alexandra has been talking about since last summer. It was very weird to drop her off and leave her but she hardly even noticed.  She loved the crafts and games and songs.  It's so sweet to hear her sing and to tell me about how God is watching over us and loves us. I'm so glad she is having fun learning about God.

Also, David's parents are finally in Houston!! YAY!!!!!  So hopefully we will see lot's of them.  And last week David's cousin Leah was here.  We had such a great time! What a lovely girl.  Of course Alexandra just adored her.  We went to the pool, did the Austin Duck Boat thing, saw a movie, and played Bananagrams. On Friday Steve joined the party and on Saturday we all go to go to County Line where Alexandra enjoyed her first beef ribs! 

This morning Hannah was really enjoying her kolache and chatting with me so I got some of it, but it was sideways! Maybe David can edit it tonight. 

Alexandra 4th Birthday Gift Ideas

I hope everyone understands that gifts are not required, but just in case you were wondering...  And this way I can say "check my blog" if anyone asks :)
Things Alexandra  pointed out to me and I told her I would put on her Birthday List:
swing seat
Play set
Ballerina Floor Puzzle
Water Princess Toy
Dollhouse - Im sure another one would be fine but this is the one we saw
Another very nice dollhouse a little less pricey and furniture included
Wag a tail Book

Other Things I think she would like that are "educational":
Butterfly Garden
Princess Scrapbook
Play Doh

Non- toy gifts that she would also love:
Safari Champ Pass (They are running a deal 4 months for the price of 3 through 6/30/11)
The Big Bounce (no deals on bulk buying but you can get a gift card of any amount must be in person) 

Austin Children's Museum our membership goes through Sept. I think

Kindermusik  Cedar Park Tuesday 3-4:30 Session 2

Princess Camp for Girls:  Calling all princesses!  This camp has everything little girls love - pretend, dress-up, crafts, music, dancing, tiaras and more.  It's a fairy tale setting with a "happily ever after" ending as we enjoy musical activities and games that will engage your young highness's listening skills, inspire her creativity, and enhance her
or
Fall 2012 Little Gym Dance Jazzy Bugs Mon 11:00am
Trip to the Movies or Gift Card
Trip to Chuck E Cheese or Gift Card

Park and Sears Portraits June 2011

Today I was lucky enough to take my girls to the park.  Days like this I am so grateful that my amazing husband makes it possible for me to have my dream job.  Spending time with my girls.  We woke up had breakfast, got dressed and had a trip to the park.  It was lovely (it was around 9 before the heat set in :) ) 
 Then it was snack time, nap time (play for Xandra) lunch time and time to get some pictures taken at Sears.  My sister had some incredible beautiful pics taken of her gorgeous baby Kinsley (can having beautiful babies be a family tradition... cause it is for my family!)

Anyway that made me think Xandra's birthday is coming up and its been about 6 months since we had pics taken at Christmas so it seemed like portrait time! :) 
Here they are.
Xandra has always loved having her photo taken.  Hannah was not too excited about having a stranger so close or sitting still so long.  She liked the candy, but that just made her scream for more candy!  I really thought right after nap, feed her lunch, then she will be in a great mood... but she was not into it!  I think we still got some pretty great pics though.  I can post them directly once we get our copies.
I have to admit.  It's hard for me to have pictures taken of the girls without Samantha.  I can't help imagining what it would have looked like for Xandra to pose with her two little sisters.  I just kept asking my little St. Samantha to pray for her mommy and sissies.

2009 8x8

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