Fun With Our Cousin...

The kids have been playing so well with cousin Ella lately (minus the occasional push or not taking turns). Ella ran up to Emory the other night and said "I hold you." Which means she wanted Emory to pick her up. Emory picked her up about an inch off the ground but it was sweet that Ella wanted Em to hold her.

 Another try. And yes, Gabe did try to take a turn too, that didn't work out as well.

Soccer Cutie...

Since Emory's first game of the soccer season was SO cold, I didn't get a good picture of her cute little uniform. She was more than willing to take some pictures before the next game.... and brother wanted to be part of it all too!

 Sweet kiddos!

 The team got all their names on the back, yes in pink.

 Such a sweet little soccer player. She is still figuring the whole playing soccer thing out. At last week's game I believe she spent more time playing with the grass (yes, sitting down on the field) than actually running. But we are going to keep trying and she seems to be enjoying herself.

Zoo With the Kids...

We have been having some fantastic weather lately and I want to take full advantage of it! I know the summer is coming and I want to take my kids to all the fun places now when it is beautiful. We joined the Dallas Zoo last year and it has been well worth the membership cost. What a special place to spend the day with my kids.

Feeding the giraffes is our first stop. Emory has gotten over any fear, and Gabe is ok. He warms up quickly!

 Love these goof balls!

 The kids will no longer sit in the double stroller, so we decided to get the zoo's jeep wagon. Works really well for us.

 Climbing on the elephant statues.

 The kids also learned how to go down the slide like a train. Emory thinks it is the best thing!

 We always seem to end our time on the carousel. Do you think my kids like it???

Gabe's Second Birthday Party...

Our little man is all about cars, trucks and air planes right now and because of that we wanted to have his second birthday party at the Fronteirs of Flight museum. We invited a few of his friends and let them run around like crazy little kids. They have a little airplane with a slide, a flight tower to climb up, and a bounce house. I think we will be there all summer when it's too hot to be outside! Such a fun place.

I think Gabe and Emory's favorite thing to do is play in the little airplane. They aren't too good at sharing the pilot's chairs and yes, tiger was along for the ride....

 What kid can turn down a bounce house???

 It was time to sing happy birthday to Gabe, and once again he cried and tried to hide form everyone during the song. Last year he did the exact same thing! Guess he does not like to be the center of attention?

 Still uncertain... but at least the singing has stopped.

 Emory had to help him blow out the candle! Poor guy must be traumatized by his birthday parties!

 Cousin Ella Grace was a fan...

 And Emory is always up for some cupcakes...

Emory's Starting Soccer...

Our little miss wanted to play soccer for some time now, and we got her on a team with girls from her pre school. They look so sweet out there together! Our team, the bluebonnets, is made up of all girls who haven't played before (except for one little girl who is the superstar of the team). Grant signed up to be an assistant coach so he gets to help Em figure things out.

 My sweet little soccer player.

 The bluebonnets lined up to kick goals...

 I spent most of my time chasing this little one. Such a busy busy boy.

 Team huddle.

The first game for the bluebonnets could have gone better. It was 35 degrees outside, and my new to soccer little girl was WAY to cold to want to play. But she was a trooper and stayed on the field the entire time. Getting some encouragement from dad.

 I think Gabe would have played for her...

 Daddy's turn to entertain brother. Gabe eventually got too cold and I sat in the car with him.

 Action shot of the bluebonnets. Sadly, the team they were playing against played together last year and, well it showed. Emory said she had a good time but said they kept taking the ball from her. I tried to explain it to her, so we will see if she can get over that.

 I was so proud of Em for playing the entire game even with it being soooo cold. Hopefully warmer weather will let Emory have even more fun playing this spring.

2 and 4 Year Check Ups...

Both kids recently went in for their yearly check ups. Some time I will get my act together and schedule them together.

Gabe is such a charmer and always impresses the ladies at the doctors office. We went through the normal check list and then we were on our way. He was 35 3/4 (80%) inches tall and 27.8 (40%) lbs, he surprised us with a little growth spurt from the last check up.

Emory loves going to see our pediatrician. She is all smiles when talking to the doctor. She was 42 1/4 (90%) inches tall and 38.8 (88%) lbs. We knew our little lady was tall! Stickers and a glass of water are her treat for being a good patient. The four year check up is a rough one, poor girl.

Daddy carrying a basket of kids...

Happy 2nd Birthday Gabriel!!!

My baby is two. Pause for a moment. Gabe is two and is officially a toddler. We are so blessed to have such an amazing little boy. He is smart and so funny. Gabe jumps everywhere. Running and jumping- those are his primary modes of transportation.

 Gabe's favorite things right now are still his pacifier and tiger. (Hopefully that pacifier will be gone soon, yikes!) He loves airplanes, trains and cars. He is a man of few words, but is still able to get his point across. He knows his animal sounds, our family's names (including his own), his colors, and we think he is counting. His favorite books are Goodnight Gorilla, baby animal books and a Dora the Explorer book. He loves playing with Emory, when she will play with him. He honestly follows her every move and does what ever she asks. The funny thing is anytime we ask Gabe a question, he responds with uh-huh.

 Tigers are never very far away.

 Not one anymore....

 But two now!! (we are still working on holding up two fingers)

Happy birthday Gabe! We love you and are so happy with the little boy you are becoming. You constantly amaze us.