Dallas World Aquarium

Today we took a trip downtown to enjoy the Dallas World Aquarium. We went with our friends, Heather, Kylie and Austin.

Kylie and Maddie were instant buddies and held hands all the way into the aquarium.

Both kids were really excited about going this year--and truth be told, so was I!

The very first animal we saw with this Giant Anteater. Such a weird creature, don't ya think?

Austin, Jackson, Madison and Kylie. Big buds.

After seeing a few animals, we came to the feed the bird exhibit. Jackson waited for a minute, but the birds didn't feel like eating his blueberry.

Then it was Madison's turn. She waited for a little while, and sure enough, that little bird hopped right on down and snatched the blueberry right out of her hand.

When I saw we were approaching the snack bar I knew we wouldn't be able to walk past without buying something. These kids have a strong love for the cheeto...and really, who doesn't?

After our snack break we came face to face with the crocodile! It was kind of freaky being so close to such a huge creature!

It was Austin and Jackson's favorite creature of the day.

J's other fave were the manatees. Here are two lovebird manatees:)

My two rascals actually sat still for two seconds in the aquarium.

And then all of the kids were mesmerized by the sharks!

On our way out we got to see this beautiful guy. What a fun way to spend a day indoors.

Yay for the A/C!

Fancy Nancy Day

This morning two neighborhood families came over to play at our house. The girls were all about putting on fancy dresses, so we went to Madison's closet and let them choose their outfits. First, they picked out a dress, and then got to choose a coordinating purse, high heels and hair accessory.

I love the girliness of this picture. Not wanting to be left out, the two little girls wore their tutus and Lila even rocked a mega sized headband! Maybe there's hope afterall that she'll wear one for Uncle Scott's wedding:)

Not wanting to be left out of the fun, the two big boys immediately ran to J's closet and came back out as Firefighter Honeybone and Dr. Hays!

All the kids loved getting dressed up and being silly.

Not long after this, the doctor and fireman decided it was time to play more baseball, so they headed back outside. Friday with friends - so fun!

Friends

A few weekends ago we went over to visit the Hurlbert Casa. Everyone had a great time.

Jackson and JP were big buds right from the start. They wrestled like two maniacs, played some hockey complete with masks and sticks and then did lots of swimming with the rest of us. Maddie, Caroline and Lila had a blast, too, and palled around together all evening. We can't wait to see them again soon!

8 years

This past Tuesday was our 8 year anniversary. 8 years! We went to dinner last night at Del Frisco's and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

So much has happened in the past 8 years. We've lived in 3 different cities, Jared went to law school and began his career, we had some kiddos and have made lots of great memories over the years. There is no one I'd rather "do life" with than him. Happy Anniversary, Babe!

A Must Read

I just finished reading the most amazing book. It's called Heaven is for Real and is the account of a 4 year old boy who got to visit heaven.

I had heard about it a few months ago and am so glad that I finally took the time to read it. Everyone should read this book! As soon as possible. It may just change your life.

Princess Playdate

This morning Chloe came over for a much-needed playdate. Before she arrived, Madison had already requested that they play dress-up. She had picked out her dress and was ready to go!

Chloe is a true girly girl, so she was all about playing dress-up. She chose to wear this lovely creation by Ariel and then both girls picked out high heels and purses. Madison got the Hello Kitty purse...not so sure it matched, but she loved the look!

As we were dressing the girls, Jackson was mysteriously absent. A few minutes later we figured out why--he had been furiously putting on his fireman coat and hat and had found all of the fireman accessories, too.

The whole time Lila just sat back in Maddie's chair and took in all the action.

Then she went over and found Maddie's new ruby red slippers...put them on and wore them around the house for the next 10 minutes. Too cute.

So glad that we got to enjoy a fun morning indoors with our good friends. Thanks Lindsey and Chloe for coming to visit. We had a really great time!

Tell me when??

Tell me when these two got big enough to hang out and become friends?

They love sitting in the recliner together...

telling each other jokes...

and watching cartoons!

Then tell me when my baby got big enough to carry around a baby doll.

She asks for her baby to repeatedly get swaddled in her blanket and then hugs and rocks her all over the house. Too, too cute.

Tell me when Miss Maddie May got big enough to ride a tricycle around our neighborhood?
Seems like just yesterday those short little legs were in a stroller. Wait, that was yesterday! Even though she can ride her trike, she does still prefer to be chaufeured around town.

Finally, please tell me when my firstborn got big enough to ask for the ipod and headphones so that he could jam to Jason Aldean?!

The boy's got good taste--I like me some Jason Aldean, too:) Rock on, brother man!