At the Lake with Grandma

Uncle Travis, Aunt Hollie, and Payton joined us on the boat for a morning of fun. We always have fun with them, but this time was even more fun because, for the first time ever, Grandma came too! Uncle Travis and Daddy did some wakeboarding, while the kids and ladies enjoyed the ride. When it got hot, we just jumped in the water to cool off. Dax is completely fearless and will jump off the back of the boat whether you're ready to catch him or not. Unfortunately, the adults learned the hard way that "waterproof" sunscreen, isn't really waterproof. :( Luckily, the kids didn't get burned, though. Grandma said she enjoyed being on the boat with us and that she actually hopes we invite her again. A definite success of a trip!

Ready to ride: Grandma, Dax, and Payton


Dax and Daddy having some laughs in the water


Fun with noodles


Payton got her first driving lesson

Ava's Birthday

Our dear friends, the Hilliards, were in San Antonio visiting family, and we crashed Ava's 2nd birthday party. Since Dax and Ava are so close in age, it's been fun watching them grow up together. They get along great; in fact, Dax gave Ava her first kiss when they were only 6 months old (she cried). But, these days she'll hug and kiss him back. Spending the day with friends (who treat us like family) was such wonderful food for our souls. We hope they get back to SA again soon.

Dax hugging on Ava


I love the way they're looking at each other


Lots of fun running in the sprinkler


Ava's grandpa (affectionately known as Dzedo) taught Dax how to play the harmonica

Ferrell's Baby Shower and Visit with Aunt Kay

Duane's friend, Russell, and his wife, are expecting a baby, so we went to their baby shower in Humble (outside Houston). The Ferrells' are some of our favorite people in the whole world and we had a wonderful time helping them celebrate. Dax made his entrance with the ladies, but then hung out with the men for the rest of the afternoon. Apparently they ate, talked, watched some baseball, and threw the ball for Dax. We ladies just ate and talked. Oh, and opened presents. We always leave the Ferrells feeling happy and loved. What a wonderful family - we can't wait to meet the new addition!

Because we were in Houston, we stayed with Annette. We brought our dogs along, so they could play with Shiloh (Badger's daughter) and Gracie. Jenna stopped by with her dog, Lou, so we had 5 labs in the pool with us! It was a little out-of-control, but Dax thought it was great. Especially since he had Chance playing waterbasketball with him nonstop. Everyone was worn-out (and happy) by the end of the weekend.

With the crazy dogs in the pool


Basketball with Chance


That boy loves the water! (Check out the bandage on his cut thumb)


Some train time

Boat Day

Sometimes, Daddy gets to leave work early on Fridays. So, this week, we took advantage and hit the lake. Dax practiced floating and kicking in the water. He loved it!

The feeling of floating made him laugh


Practicing his kicking

Making an "Impact" at Central Market

Today we met Avery and her mommy at the playground by Central Market. We had a great time playing on the playscape. The kiddos even got balloons from the store and got them stuck in the same tree. Good times. Luckily, no tears on that one. However, we had plenty of tears a bit later, inside the store. I went in to buy some lunch; Dax followed me to the deli case and then started to follow me up to the register. I was about 10 yards away when I noticed that he'd gotten distracted, stopped, and had picked up a glass bottle of soda. Before I could open my mouth, I watched the bottle slide from his hands onto the floor. It made a "thunk" sound, but only cracked. Then a second later, after the carbonation got to be too much, the whole bottle, literally, exploded. Glass went flying everywhere, a couple people screamed, I booked it over to him, and he just stood there in shock, not knowing if he was hurt or scared or in trouble. I didn't see any cuts near his face, so I thought we were going to be OK, but then Dax looked at me with a bit of panic in his eyes and I noticed the blood on his hands. I scooped him up and ran to the bathroom, which was thankfully very close. After a close inspection, it was just one cut on his left thumb. But it bled A LOT. After 10 minutes, if I let off the pressure, it would still bleed full-force. So, we called the pediatrician (she's on speed dial). She said keep up the pressure for 10 more minutes to see if it improved. And, sure enough, it did. We were able to stop the bleeding, put on a band-aid, and go eat. We were so happy to have Avery and her mommy there to help us thru it all! Another day in the life of a toddler.

Eating lunch with Avery, just 30 minutes after cutting his thumb

Popsicle

Here's Dax enjoying his popsicle on a warm, summer day.

Yumm!


Ahh, the simple pleasure of popsicle juice running down your chin

Dane Graduates!

Our nephew, Dane, graduated from high school today. We're so proud of him. It's been a pleasure watching him grow and mature. We're very excited that he'll be going to college in San Antonio, only an hour or so away. Hopefully, he'll be able to take some time from his studies to visit us.

The man of the hour


Receiving his diploma


The proud graduate and family


Afterwards, Dax helped Dane celebrate by playing in the pool