First Day of School!

So this was Avery's first week of school and it was great! This year I had her ride the bus with a couple of friends who live next door and right across the street. They just started kindergarten so I was so grateful that I didn't have to take her to school and pick her up like last year; that was such a hassle having to wake up Emily from her nap but I couldn't put my little kindergartner on the bus by herself last year. She's happy to be in school again and I'm happy that she's happy to be in school again. I look forward to Jake starting preschool again in October. He's going to the Lab school at the high school again- it's great because the high school kids get graded on their performance and plus it's fun to play with the kids. Here are some of the pictures from Avery's first day of school.

These are our bus riders: Avery, Logan, and Grace.

Waiting on the corner at the "bus stop"

Ok so we followed them to school to make sure they got there alright and I took in her school supplies and beat her to her class and met her in the hall. Can you see the excited look on her face? She literally said, "Mom, what are you doing here? I know where my class is!" I had to laugh at that- you can see it in her posture in this picture- there's my mom with the camera, how embarassing!

And finally off the bus back from school- wouldn't you know the first day of school, the bus breaks down and it's an hour late!

Happy Birthday Spencer!

Ok so it's been a week since Spencer's birthday but the weeks been busy. Spencer was actually scheduled to work but luckily he was on the pumper so he wasn't on the go every two minutes. We were actually able to take him a Texas sheet cake and his presents and spend some time with him. He wouldn't let us sing to him in the station itself so as part of the tour for the kids we sang to him in the privacy of the locker room. The tour from Daddy consisted of climbing in and on the firetruck and putting on Dad's mask before moving on throughout the different rooms at the station. The kids had fun and Spencer and I went out later that week to celebrate his birthday, without the kids. Love you Spencer!

Harley

Hi, this is Spencer and this is the first post I have typed, so here it goes. As some of you may know we have a dog named Harley. We have had him for about a year and a half. He is a bull mastiff and weighs 130 lbs. We love this dog!!! He is soooo loyal and is great with our kids. We rescued him from a mastiff rescue when he was 3 years old and Robyn has devoted a lot of time to him in training and rehabilitating him. I have been wanting to put these pictures of here forever because Robyn first of all doesn't have enough pictures of herself on here, and second because Harley is truly her dog. Now I love this dog too, but he is completely devoted to her. Even though he outweighs her, there is no doubt who is master. I definitely feel comforted when i am away on my 24 hour shifts at the fire station knowing he is at home with my family. As far as the pictures of Emily on his back, well....lets just say that is not a regular practice, but I thought it would be a cute picture. I hope my beautiful wife, and many of you will like this post! love y'all.

Princess Hair

I've mentioned about a month ago that I would put pictures of the girls hair when I fix it so they won't look like little orphan Annie. Well I've taken a few pictures and it's been really fun to see how they turn out. I really need the practice though. I forget to take pictures of their hair. I usually fix it when the girls go swimming so it won't get so many tangles.

ALL BECAUSE OF A DOG, 1 YEAR LATER

It's been 1 year since Spencer's accident and the dreaded phone call at 6:42 am from Chief Mike Phillips. Jake was already up but the girls were still sleeping and Chief told me that Spencer was in a serious car accident and they were transporting him to Memerial Hermann. I was in almost shock but called Wayne, Spencer's dad, and he was on his way to go with me to the hospital. Heather would watch the kids. I showered quickly and Avery had woke up and started crying when I told her, "Daddy was in a car accident and I'm going with Grandpa to see him." We got to the hospital and there were about 15 firefighters around Spencer in the ER. They stitched up Spencer's chin and had to put a pin in his leg to put it back into place. It was interesting to note the Dewalt drill with "ER" written all over it. He was taken into surgery and was actually bumped in front of others because he was with HFD. He had broken his femur and we're guessing five maybe six ribs. He also punctured a lung and had to get a chest tube put in on his 30th birthday. Spencer was in ICU for three days and stayed in the hospital for almost two weeks. He did celebrate his 30th birthday with over 25 friends and family. I had brought the kids to visit dad but had to prepare them because Spencer's eyes, although they were healing, there was still a lot of blood in them. Spencer was so happy when he graduated from the walker to crutches and then eventually the cane. He would tease the kids with it while sitting in the recliner. I swear sometimes I think Spencer is my oldest child.

We are so grateful for Heavenly Father sparing his life! I don't know what I would do without him! We're still wondering why that stupid dog came out of nowhere in front of his truck but are grateful for his brothers in HFD at his station that came to his aid and kept him alive. A few of the guys were worried about him and Spencer has seen people die in less serious accidents. It truly is a miracle that Spencer is still with us! We love you so much Spencer!! Always buckle up!!

No more orphan hair for the girls

I've always tried to keep my girls hair under control but with Avery's waves and Emily's curls it's hard for me to take the time every day and fix it. I never know what to do or how to do it so I would let Avery do her own hair most of the time and try to tame Emmy's curls and frizz or pull it into a ponytail. It made it easy for me but my girls just looked like little orphans especially the six year old with the attempt at a ponytail. I've found a few blogs that I really love they have step by step instructions for really cute hairstyles for little girls. Most are really easy but all are so cute! Avery's favorite is the waterfall pony and Emmy doesn't care but she needs to have her curls out of her face. I need to practice more but with Avery seeing how cute the girls hair is and wanting me to try it out I think I'll get it down. Emmy's hair is easier because of the curls just get it wet and it's adorable. Check out some of them on the blog list. Hopefully I'll get to take some pictures of the girls new do's soon.