Puddle Jumping!

Austin is in a drought.  And has been for about 3 years.  This year has been much wetter than the last 2 years, but we still need much more rain.  Therefore, the boys really haven't had too many chances to play in the rain.

This past weekend was our 6th wedding anniversary, so Aunt Gabi and Uncle Jason offered to let the boys spend the night at their house Saturday.  Zach and I were then able to enjoy a much needed night out by ourselves.  We went to Jack Allen's Kitchen for dinner, followed by a movie at Flix Brewhouse.

The boys had a blast at their cousin's house while we were away.  The got into their comfy clothes as soon as we left, then ran to jump in the puddles that were left behind from a downpour earlier in the day.  They were soaked, and loved every minute of it!  Sometimes it's the smallest things in life that bring the most joy :)

Luke's 3rd Birthday: Kiddie Acres

Happy 3rd Birthday, Luke!  This was the first year that Luke really understood the idea of a birthday party and had been anxiously awaiting his birthday party.  He kept asking- "will a lot of my friends be there?"  We had recently been to a party at Kiddie Acres and discovered this vintage Austin gem.  Its a small amusement park thats been around for decades.  Its great that the little kids can actually ride without an adult.  He had a blast and we were so thankful that so many of his friends and family could help him celebrate his birthday.  After the party, Luke told me he wants to stay 3 forever.   That was a deal I couldn't refuse.  No problem- he can stay 3 as long as he wants- I love this age! 

Luke's birthday requests were to get board games.  He received quite a few and we will be starting family game night very soon!   His favorites are Super Why alphabet game, Candy Land, Curious George Matching game and Chutes and Ladders.  

Top:  Cael and Payton Bodnar, Quinn and Drew Twellman, Luke, Logan and Kayla Brown

Bottom: Nolan Scrimpsher and Shawn Nino

Little Brother, Ben (8 months old) feeling festive in his party hat

Uncle Matt with sweet cousin Addison (1.9 years) 

Co-pilot Luke with Captain Nolan- the boys LOVED the planes!

Ben's first carousel ride

 Luke holding on tight- practicing for the real pony ride (notice the cowboy boots- he had to wear them to ride the pony, just like a "real cowboy"!)

 Train rides with cousin Shawn and Nolan

 Finally- a REAL PONY RIDE!   By far, Luke's favorite part of the party!

Time for Pizza and Cake!  

Happy Birthday to you....

It was very windy- trying to keep the candles lit was a challenge

Make a wish! 

Of course, he wanted the chocolate cupcake, with chocolate ice cream, his favorite flavor! 

My sweet boy is growing up much to fast!  Love this kid!  

Ben: 4 months. Born to be a Longhorn!

It's August.  That means 2 things...  Ben is now 4 months old!  And it's fall and football season!  Time to Hook 'Em Horns!  Both boys were sporting their matching longhorn gear today, we are ready for some football...

Ben: 3 months old

I can't believe it's been 3 months since Benjamin joined our family!  Luke has done such an amazing job as a big brother and watches over his brother.  The instant love between these two is just amazing to me to watch.  Luke wanted to sit next to his brother for his pictures.  I just love these boys!

Baby coo's- this boy loves to talk- much more than his brother ever did! 

 Sweet brothers with sweet smiles

 "What?!?!?  No way!"  I'm not sure what shocked these boys so much :) 

And Ben is over the photo shoot- I'm sure he's ready to eat!  

July 4th, 2012

We celebrated July 4th this year at our friends, Sally and Andy Twellman's house.  We had a great time with friends and the kids loved running around.  We didn't make it to dark- or fireworks- the kids were exhausted and still go to bed around 7.  One day they will make it to their first firework show!.

Luke 2 1/2, Ben 3 months (in 2 days!)

Rabb Park- All Abilities Play Park

The city of Round Rock, along with support from local businesses, opened an All Abilities Park recently. We decided to kick off our Memorial Day weekend by visiting this park.  It's just a few minutes from our house, and by far my favorite park, so I anticipate we will be spending a lot of time here.  It's a very large park, divided into different areas to spread all the kids out.  There is a kid size village replica of Round Rock, with local businesses represented and working traffic lights on the "city" streets. 

Part of Round Rock Village, the kids can ride their bikes on the "city" streets with real working traffic lights

School House

One of the hospitals Momma works at!

Inside the hospital with a pharmacy and radiology department

Firehouse, like Fireman Sam (Luke's favorite show)

Car dealership-  Luke driving "to get milk" (thats the only place he ever "drives" to- he loves his milk!)

The park is set up for children of all abilities to participate, so everything is very accessible to all, yet doesn't have a handicapped accessible look, letting all the kids participate together.  I loved seeing all the different play structures they had available.  The park is also divided into different play areas with varying themes.  There is the main playscape with lots of ramps, climbing structures, slides, balance beams, etc.  Then there is a sand and sensory area and also music play area where kids could make noise on the big drums or any of the play structures that made noise.  We didn't have enough time to explore the whole park, which means it would be very hard to ever get bored at this park- there's just too much fun to be had!

A spinning saucer with molded seats for support if needed 

 Luke loved spinning around.

 Construction zone

Balance Beam

Don't Fall!

A wheelchair swing

Regular swings infant swing, and 2 supported swings so all can swing together

The main playstructure

One of the sensory areas

Luke rolling on one of the structures in the sensory area

Sand and Sensory area

Music area

Ben relaxing while his big brother played