A Big Kid Room

It looks so different (and empty) in the twins' room now that their bed kid beds have arrived.  I have struggled to find gender neutral (but still cute) decorations for the room.  So, I have decided to make my own.  Below are some cute "pictures" that I made to go above their shared book shelf.  I have also purchased some shutters (yes, for the outside of a house) that I am going to paint and use as their headboards.  White and green curtains are also in the works (I'm not making those...don't worry).  It's a slow process, but it will get done...eventually.  I can't wait to share the finished product!

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ben had another goal in his game today.  The Mighty Grapes ultimately lost but they had a great time running around the field.

Bye bye cribs

As you can tell from the photos, we were not quite ready to get rid of the cribs.  But after Graham got out multiple times over the course of a few days (and terrorized Grace while she was locked in her crib), I got nervous and removed the cribs.  I also removed almost everything in their rooms.  They are adjusting nicely (with only a few bumps in the road) and seem to be loving their new found freedom.  

Gymboree Fun

While Sam and Ben are at school on Friday mornings, the twins and I head to their first ever gymnastics class at Gymboree.  They are having such an amazing time running, jumping, throwing balls, playing on parachutes and popping bubbles.  

Broken Arm

On Tuesday, we got the dreaded call that Sam had broken his arm while playing soccer at school.  When I arrived (with my 3 mini helpers), I could tell immediately that it was broken.  We drove up the road to the Cook Children's ER where Scott met us.  After a few hours and x-rays, they decided the arm was too swollen to cast and put a splint on it.  

On Friday, we returned to Cook's where Sam opted for the Dragon Green cast color.  We go back next Friday for another round of x-rays.  Until then, physical activity needs to be kept to a minimum.  The doctor thinks it will be on 3-4 weeks.  Poor Sam.

Dressing up for dinner

Fruit Loop Obsession

Who wouldn't love their new preschool when they get to make Fruit Loop bracelets on Friday mornings?!?

Phone Fun

The kids love that they can see themselves when I take a picture with my iPhone.  They are my favorite photo subjects!

Batman goes to the doctor

Even Batman needs a check-up every now and then.

Dragon Eyes

Last week, Sam had one of the Carroll High School Senior soccer players at practice.  He was great with the kids, and the kids were in awe of his moves.  Go Dragons!

Some Ella Time

The kids had a great time hanging out with their 2nd cousin, Ella, this morning.  I was very close to my cousins growing up and I hope my children will have that opportunity too.  

Today is also my Aunt Pam's birthday.  She spent the morning with us and never breathed a word about it (don't get me started).  :)  It was such a treat to have her here and to watch the special bond between her and Ella.  You can't fake a connection like that!  Happy Birthday, Aunt Pam!

Let's go Horned Frogs

We put on our purple and white tonight and headed to TCU for the first game of the Big 12 season.  The kids had a great time and soaked up every moment of the experience.  We can't wait to attend our next game. Go Frogs!

Soccer Saturday with family friends

This morning was our second Soccer Saturday.  We were so honored to have some awesome family members there to cheer on Sam & Ben.  Pam, Lindsey, Alan and Ella came out to support the boys.  G&G loved hanging out and kicking a soccer ball with Ella during the games.  In the end, Ben scored one goal and Sam two.  

Let's GO DRAGONS!

On Friday night, Scott, Sam and Ben attended their first Friday night high school football game.  They had a great time cheering on our hometown team.  

Enjoy TODAY!

I saw this poem today on a blog that I follow.  It made me tear up as I read it because I'm very guilty of getting so wrapped up in cleaning the house, running errands, volunteering, etc that I forget to "breathe and notice" the most wonderful and important blessings in my life, my children.  These four children are my entire world.  Yes, errands have to be done and phone calls have to be made...but I appreciate the author of this poem reminding me that I better be present during this innocent and amazing time in my children's lives.  It's passing by quickly and I want to soak up as I much as I can.  Sweet children...your "Mama" loves you very much!

Ben, Grace & Graham's FIRST day at the Chapel Hill School

Today, the younger kids started school at the Chapel Hill School. Ben will attend M/W/F and G&G will attend M/W.  Everyone was very excited to start school ("just like Sam").  There is A LOT of stuff to take to school for the 3 of them, so I was very happy that Scott came with me this morning.  As we headed out the door to take our first day of school photos, Grace tripped because her backpack was too heavy and bit through her lip (sigh).  She's a tough one though because she bled WAY more than she cried.  After we stopped the bleeding, examined her closely and agreed she didn't need stitches and changed her clothes...we headed outside to try for a little photo op.  They look so cute with all of their stuff!

Ben's class - Ms. Joni and Ms. Bea

Graham & Grace's class - Ms. Helen & Ms. Leslie

Surprisingly, there were NO tears at drop-off.  Happy parents, happy kids.

All of the teachers reported that the kids had a wonderful 1st day of school.  When I went to pick them up, they wanted to carry all of their stuff out to the car.  So, I followed closely behind...smiling.  What a wonderful first day of school!  I feel so lucky that we found (and were accepted) the Chapel Hill School.  It's going to be a wonderful place to watch them grow.

Here's a picture of the stroller when we loaded it up to head to the parking lot.  Wow.