Ce-le-brate Good Times, Come On!

July also marked my 31st birthday, so Grandma treated us to my favorite restaurant, PF Changs! That night, Jerry and I went out to a movie while Grandma and the boys decorated a "robot" cake for my birthday :)

At the end of July is another important day.....our wedding anniversary! This year we celebrated 11 years by attending a Rascal Flatts concert. Neither of us had been to a concert in over 10 years, so it was pretty awesome!

Among those performing were Kellie Pickler, John Rich, and of course Rascal Flatts. The concert was hot and humid, but worth every minute :) I can't remember the last time I was up so late at night! Reminded me of the old days.....

4th of July

Grandma Cathy was with us this year for the 4th of July! Our rainy morning started out with the Plano Independence Day parade, which we went to last year as well. The boys were thrilled with all the free goodies and candy!

That afternoon, we attended the Frisco Freedom Fest, which quickly got rained out. Due to the high winds/rain, all the guests were taken inside of City Hall until the weather improved. After about an hour, the festivities were back in full swing despite the constant drizzle. We were still able to enjoy the bouncehouses, bungee jump, and fireworks.

The next evening, we took Grandma to go watch a Frisco Rough Riders baseball game. Grandma spoiled us with plenty of nachos, hot dogs, soft pretzels, and root beer! Our 4th of July ended with glow sticks and an awesome display of fireworks over the stadium.

Flag Football

This summer, Eli joined the Lobo Blue Flag Football Team. After the first month of practice, he began to understand the game of football a little bit. Games began in the August heat, and boy was it a scorcher!

Eli's team has won 4 out of 7 games so far and currently holds 3rd place. He has enjoyed playing as a lineman on both defense and offense. This Wednesday, Eli will also get to ride in the Homecoming Parade with his team mates!

Last Day in Karate

For months now, Eli has been lacking in his motivation to continue karate. It has been like pulling teeth to get him ready to go. We finally decided he had put in enough time to take a break and try some other sports. Eli was so excited on his last day of Karate!

His last day ended up being a "B day" which meant gear, cup, and mouthpiece.....he doesn't like those days. As I capturd a few last photos, Eli gave his typical gesture asking "WHAT?" He can be such a goofball at times!

The funny thing is that once Eli gets going, he starts enjoying himself and is smiling by the end of class. We aren't sure he even know what he really wants. I guess we will see what happens over the next year.....For now, Eli will spend the next 4 months exploring the world of Flag Football (more pictures to come.)

Juggling June

One major event in June was Vacation Bible School at Crossridge Church. Eli was so excited (because I was so excited) to finally be able to attend. The theme was "Saddle Ridge Ranch" and boy was it full of non-stop activities! The program was M-F from 6:45-9pm, so we were pretty exhausted by the end of the week.

The weekend of Father's Day, we all went to the Denton Air Show.....in 100 degree weather. Despite the intense heat, and 2 broken shade umbrellas, we had a good time. Every 15 minutes there would be another jet or plane or glider sailing above our heads in loops, twirls, and other tricks. Check out the Family Video section of our blog to see some clips of fighter jets!

On another evening, I took the boys to a concert in Little Elm Park. After enjoying the playground, we walked over to the stage where the boys were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the LOUD music! There is another cute video clip of them running around at the concert.

The next morning, we met a karate friend at Lowe's for the Saturday kid craft workshop. The boys each got an apron and safety goggles to take home, as well as a hammer and monster truck kit to build. The project was complete in about 15 minutes and the boys were thrilled with the new toys they had made.....all for FREE!

June ended with a short drive up to the Celina Balloon Festival. We had gone last year, and looked forward to seeing the balloon glow and fireworks again. Unfortunately, it was too windy, so the balloon glow was cancelled. At least we still got to enjoy fireworks with our friends :)

Daddy's Bike Race

In June, Jerry joined a team of 3 riders and entered a 24 hour bike race.....in 100 degree weather.....the race was from 10am-10am. The boys and I came to visit around noon, but only stayed for about an hour....100 degree weather.

That night, we returned to find that one team member had dropped out of the race from heat exhaustion. Now it was down to 2 to take turns riding....with 12 hours still to go! The boys and I hung around for a few hours and visited with Jerry between turns.

By 3am the other team member had fallen asleep during his break, and was "out cold" as Jerry put it. Common sense prevailed, and Jerry realized he alone could not keep up with the other team of 4 riders. Reluctantly he notified the officials, and settled in for some much needed rest. In the end, Jerry was pleased with his performance and endurance during the race. Don't be mistaken.....there will be a next year, folks!

May Memories

May arrived, and the weather was finally warm enough to take the boys to the lake beach at Little Elm Park. Eli happily swam in his Spiderman arm floaties, while Isaiah ran around in his Spiderman life jacket. Sand + shovels + buckets + water = heaven for my little boys!

This year, we ditched the blow-up pool and tried out our new Slip 'n Slide. Eli was a little hesitant, so Mom had to show him how to go about throwing yourself down and gliding on your tummy.....sorry, no pictures of that! I'll admit it was pretty fun, even at my age. Jerry was shocked when I told him :)

One Saturday, a friend called to invite us to her FREE neighborhood summer festival. The fun included several bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, snow cones, and cotton candy. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning.....I'm a sucker for anything that's FREE!

The next week Eli participated in a homeschool Field Day event, organized by a playgroup we are in. The kids enjoyed a variety of competitive games, which reminded me of church camp in years past. At the end, everyone received a medal to wear proudly around their necks.

We wrapped up the month with a Batman birthday party for Eli's friend Austin. Upon entering the "Bat Cave" the boys got to decorate their own masks, watch Batman cartoons, and take pictures in the photo booth. After a yummy lunch, all the kids gathered for a visit from Batman himself! Both boys were very cautious, but I finally convinced Eli to pose for a picture with Batman. The party ended with birthday cake, popsicles, and a cupcake decorating table! I think we all left with a major sugar rush :)