May 2015

Hallie joined a preschool in January from the NRH rec centre.  She loved going a couple days a week (despite protests at first)

These are pics of pics her teacher took.  I got to come to her Easter party

 Cowgirl day

 Presidents day

 Wacky Wednesday

 Jackson got some loose teeth at the end of the year and lost his top 2 teeth in June.

Jackson went to Taekwando in May.  He improved so much in his strength, balance, confidence, and ability.  I really wanted to keep him going to this and hopefully we can make it work!  I loved seeing him succeed and improve. 

I watch a little girl named Ade and her and Mariah like to play together.  She is a bit younger, but as she grows up they are learning to laugh and play together.  

 We met our friend Adrienne at her new house and ate Thai food.  So delicious!

 Last Day of school Car party!  I ripped Jacksons shoes off and put flip flops on and sunglasses and then we sang in the car... only problem was the car wouldn't start and we had to be jumped.  Just a bit embarrassing.

October activities 2014

For playgroup one week we hit this awesome pumpkin patch!  I really missed Jackson and wish he didn't have to go to school so much!

The girls loved it!

 except for being brewed by Hallie...

 My cousin is serving the Fort Worth mission, so since we moved here, I've been on the hunt for him.  the stars aligned and one night I had a Relief society meeting the same night as a district fireside. It was great to see him, so happy and full of light.  I love our big family.

 Hallie's hair was getting to be impossible to comb and even worse to keep looking combed, so we trimmed it up!  I like it so much better... not as many fights!  But I miss those cute curls!

 A really great park opened up right by our house.  It has all sort of unique play structures and activities.  We've been visiting frequently with the weather finally cooling off a bit.

 I've been teaching preschool this month.  Our first week we learned "F" and visited the firestation.  It was great for the girls to be on a field trip with friends.  The firefighters were so friendly and fantastic (also F words!)

 We got really lucky because that same night, we had a neighborhood get together and we got to see the same firefighters, who remembered us.  There was a bounce house, facepainting, snowcones and more.  It was great to meet some neighbors!

The best part of this night was Jackson saying, "Hey that looks just like Oscar Travino!" Right before they announced the major of NRH, OSCAR TRAVINO!  I was shocked he knew him AND recognized him!  Turns out he learned about him THAT DAY in school!  We introduced ourselves only to find out we moved into the home of one of his city managers he knew well.  It is a small world, even when you are not Mormon :)

My ward has weekly playdates at parks around.  This girl wants to be a big girl and swings and climbs all over.  She loves ladders, fences and other precarious situations.  Keeps me on my toes.

 Jackson got invited to his first party of the year.  It was so great to meet other moms of parents that live near me.  This is what I like about  going to a neighborhood school and knowing we will interact for years to come through our kids. 

 Jackson ran 32 laps (3 miles!) at his run-a-thon.  Every even lap he ran the whole way, every odd lap, he stopped to get a drink and walk for a section.  He was diligent and never gave up.  the atmosphere and support from parents and teachers were fantastic.  He is loving being a Gator!

 Our neighbor friend is also in 1st grade with Jackson.  They enjoy playing together when they can find the time.

Starting school and other adventures

In August, the Dallas Arboretum had dollar days which mean that we went twice!  It was So entertaining (despite the HOT weather).  There was lots of water works and misters and splash areas so we survived.  It was fun to meet with a former roommate from college as well as another friend who just relocated to the area with us.  

We've made friends with several people in the cul-de-sac.  We are excited to have friends around.  the kids were so nice to teach Jackson to play 4 square and be patient as he learned.  They played for an hour and not one car drove by!  Love our location!

The girls and I started mommy school and lunches together.  We love our time during the day, although we miss Jackson. 

I 've learn a few hairstyles, but my skills leave much to be desired.

Hallie had a lesson at church about being thankful for her home and how she can help.  On one side she drew herself vacuuming and the other side is her getting angry because she doesn't want to pick up.  yep, so Hallie.

We let Jackson stay out past bedtime all the time, but esp. if the neighbors were out.  One night they played night games and I LOVED seeing him out playing hide and seek.  It was 10 before he came in an crashed watching bball with Dad.

Mariah continues to be a shining light in our life.  she is really growing up.  No more baby.

Our ward had a fun yoga relief society activity.  I love getting to know people better and better.

 Jackson started school at green valley elementary.  He was so excited to start and got an amazing teacher.  We are really happy with a neighborhood school.

We went swimming with a family in our ward on Labor day.  the kids love swimming and the water.   

Saw this crazy car out on the roadway...