Another Home Improvement

We started with this(well, the toilet was there previously):

Add tile and a determined & handy husband (notice the mirror too):

and we get this:

SOOOO much better!! 

I love the frame around the mirror too.  It makes such a huge difference.  Now to repaint the girls bathroom.

A Birthday at 96s

Our friends son had his birthday at the local fire station.  Anything "Firefighter" or "Fireman" or "Firetruck" and Josh is LOVIN it!  And once he gets in that driver's seat it's a fight to get him out!

It was a super HOT summer day! 

As you can see, Emily has her cast on so this happened a long time ago- in July I think!  Anyways, the kids loved getting a chance to hold the hose.

I was so worried about her getting her cast wet by the hose.  Luckily, it wasn't on then......

Once that hose was turned on the kids were running in that water as quickly as they could.  It was so HOT none of the parents cared- except me, because of Emily's cast.

Soaked from head to toe!

Spencer did what any father would do, he taped a plastic bag around Emily's cast!  Sure that will work & keep it dry.  Kinda dry.  Oh well, it came off two days later along with the pins that were still in her finger.

I'm glad they all had such a good time!

11th Anniversary

July 14 we celebrated another anniversary. I can't believe it's been 11 YEARS! I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so grateful to be married to my best friend.

Roses

This summer has been so super hot and the driest ever.  We've literally been in a drought.  There has been some beauty in the yard though.  I do wish it was from my garden.  Maybe a tomato or cucumber.  But I love my roses I planted in the spring. They've made it.  My Japanese Maple in the front however has not, which makes me sad.  I will enjoy the beauty in a single rose....

A Wolf in our Home

Jake turned 8 so we got him into Cub Scouts.  At 8, he is a Wolf.  He was very excited and I can't believe how quickly these babies grow up.  We are excited for him and the adventures await him.

I caught him looking over his Wolf book to see all the things he will learn. 

Love that big "Wolf" smile

Jake Turns 8!

Jake had his birthday back in September. On the 13th to be exact. We planned on doing something somewhat special for Jake. Some of his past birthdays were around tough times.  Hurricane Ike hit the night before his birthday.  And last year was around the time that Spencer was indefinitely suspended and we decided to be responsible and put off a trip to San Antonio and Sea World.

Anyways, he wanted to go to IT'Z as a family instead of having a party with friends.  Such a sweet boy!

So here are the kiddos together

It was empty being a Tuesday and a bit earlier- which made it super nice!

Josh driving on a little train.  Cute Conductor!

The kids love riding this train roller coaster.  Jake & Avery in the front. (darn bar is blocking their faces!)

Josh & Spencer riding the train.

What's IT'Z without a game of Skeeball?

And a game to shoot some hoops....

Now this bumper ride was pretty fun!

And of course we had to eat.  Pizza. Pasta. Salad.  All you can eat!  Yummm!

Spencer took his turn on the bumper ride.  The kids loved crashing into Dad!

And I took my turn on the train coaster.

A few video games before heading home for birthday brownies and presents.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACOB!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

must concentrate on reading this card....

Jake with Grandpa Allred

Hugs for Grandma Christie....

the anticipation over Grandpa's gift for Jake was too much for a few of the kids.  He let them guess and one of them was convinced it was a head.  They all made guesses and.....

it was a WATERMELON!!!

The kids thought that was so hilarious!! Love that silly Grandpa!