It's a....

We'll find out December 24th!

Time with MiMi

MiMi came in town this week for a visit.

Kids loved having her here!

They couldn't get enough book time with her.

On Thursday, we spent the day at my grandparents.

Growing up, my pappaw was known for putting a little extra butter on our bread... literally.

Now, he always has treats for my kids. This day was donuts... made for a great after nap snack.

Happy Times!

Goodbye Swim Lessons

Last week, our swim instructor didn't feel like the kiddos in our class were ready to be released from lessons, so she invited us to join another session this week. Kids did much better!

I got a little video heavy the last 2 days of swim lessons.... they're short videos, though.

I'm so proud of Henry and Margaret Gray... they've came so far!

It's H.O.T. out there

So we've been playing in the water.

My friend, Kristen, blogged about how she's been letting her daughter explore in water tubs. Well, the other night, I needed to get dinner fixed, so I threw the kids in the back with some tubs and plenty of cups, cars, even a baby doll and washcloth. Thought I was being such a creative mom.... then went to check on them:

I know who the ringleader was.

Don't really blame them.

Any energy that I have gets zapped the moment I step outside.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

The other night, we went to hear the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at a local outdoor venue.

Henry was really excited about seeing this band from New Orleans, but was kinda confused why there wouldn't be a parade with the band.

Patiently awaiting


A little pre-concert playing around

Concert didn't start until 8, so Margaret wasn't so hyped about being there.

She found comfort in the arms of her grandparents and a DumDum.

Woods were there, too. Alice shook her groove thing.

Henry loves this video of himself. (Sorry about Margaret's screaming. She wasn't happy.)

We look forward to attending more concerts this summer.... if we can survive the heat.

Eating, Swimmin', & Writing

Breakfast with Margaret Gray

Went a little early to swim lessons the other day. Ella and her friend helped the kids out before the instructor got there. Poor Henry...little does he know, he's not swimming and no where close to doing so.

Working on writing his name. He needs his friend, Ava, to teach him out to properly hold his pencil.

Louis Family Reunion

A couple of weekends ago, we headed up to Oklahoma for a Louis Family Reunion...PawPaw's side of the family.

Driving I-35 at 5 o'clock was slow moving... but it gave Henry time to warm up to finally holding Margaret's hand.



Stopped at Babe's Chicken along the way... (Henry is still talking about the Hokey Pokey) and got to the lodge around 9.

Pull up to Tom's uncles roasting this:




Tasted pretty good the next day for lunch.




Saturday morning was FREEZING! complete with a good wind. I brought Henry some warmer clothes and Margaret had to rock her PJS under a dress.


The chilly weather didn't keep Henry from wanting to fish. He was so excited.

Some other morning activities:

Baseball

Henry loved Alice's ATV and had some trouble sharing it :)

Rope swinging

More fishing... can't see the fish cause it's turned sideways.

Playing with cousins in the Lodge

Before lunch, PawPaw did a splendid job of introducing everyone... I think there was about 60 in attendance.

The whole reunion idea got started when Uncle Walter (far left) wanted to get together with some family while celebrating Cousin Daniel's (middle) graduation from UT of Arlington.

(can you tell that "tall" is relative with the Louises)

At one point before lunch, I found Henry like this... the guy was wiped out and asking for a nap.

Lunch

MG, fresh up from a nap, found some comfort in PatPat's lap and a brownie.

Afternoon boating and enjoying the sun... it had warmed up considerably.

Aunt Sarah and Cousin Laura

Tom and Brent dominated washers

Family group shots

The Ross brothers and their families

So this would be Tom's grandmother's sister's (Florence) family

The Snowdens

Tom's grandmother's brother's (Buddy) family... I think.

And here are the Louises

Too bad we had already gotten Henry and Margaret ready for bed.

4 out of 6 aunt/uncles with their families were in attendance.

It was a good weekend. Good to be out in some fresh air and to enjoy the company of so many loved ones. I truly enjoy Tom's family...nice people... even if ,back in college, one of his uncles called me "ol' what's her name" while I was trying to take a family group shot and I cried all the way back to Shreveport... :)

1st Swim Lesson

Margaret Gray and Henry had their 1st swim lesson yesterday at the Wood's house. A lady that Kate had used for Thomas and Ella agreed to use their pool... so lucky for us, we only have to drive 1 min each day.

My camera was acting up again, so these are as good as I got for documenting the event.

We waited inside while Mrs. Stacey and her helpers took care of business.

1st, the kids got on floaties and floated around the pool- Henry and MG thought that was fun.

Next task was practicing putting faces under water... Kids didn't like that as much.

(pics taken through a window)

(I was really surprised how Margaret waited her turn... there are 5 in the class)

:)

After the lesson was over, they both wanted to get back in the water... a good sign. We'll see how it goes when its time to put on their swim suits today.