Independence Weekend

What a weekend it was!  And, where was my camera?  I just didn't bring it out around the pool.  Nobody likes pics in a swimsuit anyway....

We started out with the office coming over on Thursday to have a de-briefing of their trip to Las Vegas and ended with hamburgers and pool time. Friday, our dear friends, the Alexanders came in for a weekend visit, so you know we had to get the "old gang" together on Saturday.

Sunday, was Renee's step-son's birthday party and the boys were invited to head down the largest inflatable water slide I'd ever seen.  That evening gave us some reprieve from all the hoop-la with a good night's sleep.

On actual Independence Day, we headed to McKinney to catch a parade.  It has been years since I have been a part of a 4th of July parade and my bones were just aching for those good old days at the farm in Henderson, being pulled in the wheel-barrow-esque "Jennifer Buggy" behind a tractor, or the later years when I was dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and pulled in a bigger trailer behind yet another tractor.  I thought I wouldn't want to go back to that time (you know--adolescence can be so embarrassing, especially when you are the Statue of Liberty with torch and all.)  But, I miss it for my kiddos.  I wish they could have experienced the farm at the 4th.  My grandmother knew how to really do it right. (I really wish I had some scanned pictures of the whole thing.)

The McKinney parade was different.  There were no tractors with wheelbarrow trailers, but we still had some memorable moments with our kids.  Kendrick was talking to everyone who came by, made friends with the boy sitting next to us, waving at all the floats and yelling "Happy 4th of July!"

 It was so much so that he received a flag from one car for his efforts.  Stephen declared that one day he might be the mayor!  Cavett did get a little jealous and hung by my side.  After it was over he stated he was a little jealous that Kendrick got a flag and he didn't, but the truth came out.  Cavett is already hitting that embarrassing stage. 

That evening we were to head up the street to the cul-de-sac to meet our neighbors.  We have lived here 2 years, and have yet to meet many at all.  It was to start at 5:30.  All I could think was 100+ temperatures with no shade????  No way!  So, we offered our backyard.  We met some really great neighbors and even have a new babysitter to call if Jessica is ever busy. 

At 9:30 we headed to the top of the hill and were able to see the Plano fireworks in the distance as well as the McKinney fireworks.  However, the ultimate blessing was God's fireworks of lightning in the clouds every now and then.  No rain, just a glorious display of His power and might. 

God bless America and more importantly America, bless God!

Another Great Weekend with the Alexanders

It was a packed weekend as it always is visiting old stomping grounds!  After lunch at Berry Hill on Saturday we headed to the Houston Zoo with the rest of Houston and eventually met back up with Walker and Mark before we headed to Sugar Land to meet Baby Judah Crum.

Walker and Kendrick are becoming best buds despite the almost year difference.

The new African section was pretty cool and a little Disney-esque.

There's just nothing like the safari carousel!

J.P. is just the cutest thing ever!!!

It was a great time with the Alexanders and hope that one day they will join us in North Texas!

Off with the Old

After lounging around the house all day yesterday, we decided to pack up all the bikes and scooters and take them to school to the basketball courts to ride around.  Flat surfaces clear of cars are way better than our sloped driveway leading to an intersection.  

With a bit of sadness, the training wheels came off of Cavett's bike.

He didn't really want to give them up, but the goal was to be without by the time he was 6.    that time is quickly approaching.  Even though he was apprehensive, he did it with ease on the first try.  We just need to strengthen his legs so he can pedal longer and faster to keep him from slowing down too much.

Kendrick had great fun on his bike and even wanted to get rid of his own training wheels on his own new bike. 

The best part was that the Alexanders were still here and we got to play around with them. Of course, Mark got in on the action and I got some great pictures of Walker and J.P.

The Good, the Bad

The Good:  This weekend we were blessed by a visit with our dear friends the Alexanders.  We immensely enjoyed the company,the conversation and the catching up.  Our kiddos did as well.  We were also able to celebrate our college friend, Sha-nay-nay's, Renee's birthday.

The Bad:  When we came home that evening, Anna went to check on Walker only to find that he had thrown up at some point.  Bless his heart, it didn't quit.  Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend when they visit.  Hopefully, it won't continue when we reconvene for Anna's birthday in Grand Saline next year.