every captive thought

The other day when Penny and the kids were over, she caught a picture of James and Zintha having a picnic over in the corner.  I about died of cuteness when I saw her feeding him a bite of fake watermelon.  I love that girl!  She's only 4 and has the sweetest, most nurturing spirit.  No wonder James loves her so. I made the mistake of getting a package of water balloons at Target.  It led to 4 days of water balloon fights.  Brad and I took turns filling the water balloons because, yuck...who wants that job?  The boys loved it though.  I had to have more than a few talks with Brad about letting the boys get in a few shots.  His competitive nature takes over and the boys and I have to run for cover.     One water balloon fight led to Jude slipping on the wet concrete and falling directly on his ear on a step.  Ouch! After some fierce battles, I came in to find the boys sitting on the couch each reading a decorating magazine.  I had to text my sister Carrie to make sure t

Today James and I went to visit what will be his new preschool in the fall!  I am so excited.  He is not.  Yet.  But I am praying he will be.  He was super impressed with the cool tunnel room.  I was super impressed with the two precious ladies that showed us around.  They are so kind and nurturing and really seemed to have a good feel for which teacher will be the best fit for my Jamesie. My kids love their handmade blankets from my Aunt Mary.  Katy Jane has started doing this with hers.  Especially when she sleeps.  So cozy and cute.   I haven't gotten to see Penny in way too long and she and the kids came over this afternoon.  Our visits are never long enough and I always think of a million things we forgot to talk about as soon as she leaves.  My kids are head over heels in love with her kids.  James calls Cole and Caleb "the big boys" and he thinks everything they do is just about the coolest thing ever.  I love that my kids have such precious, wholesome, wel

Last night the boys and I were going to snuggle down and watch a movie before bed.  By the time I got back there, this is how I found them....asleep in their popcorn.  

Brad's cousin Kristy and her two daughters Katie and Kara, and Brad's Aunt Vicki came into town Wednesday night.  We haven't seen Kristy since our wedding 7 years ago and we have been so excited for her visit! The kids wasted no time getting acquainted and playing dress-up.  Katie was the little mom of the group. James, Katy, Katie, Jude, Kara   Thursday we went to Palo Duro Canyon.  It was a beautiful day for it. James, Katie, Brad, Jude, Kristy, Kara, Aunt Vicki While Brad, Kristy, Kara, Jude and James went on a hike, Katy Jane, Katie, Aunt Vicki and I hung out in the shade.  I think Katy Jane enjoyed the canyon. The boys were red, hot and sweaty after their hike.   Kristy & Brad After the hot hike in the canyon, the kids wanted to run through the sprinkler.  Kara was happy to just borrow one of the boys swim suits.  I like a gal that's comfortable in her own skin! The kids had a sleep over.  I think they may have gotten about 2