Bears & Turtles

This week the kids move into new classes at "school". Avery & Austin are going to be Bouncing Bears and Caleb will be a Tumbling Turtle. This is the name St. Paul's gives the classes and by the way Avery and Austin have been acting, it is a BIG deal. They are very excited to be Bouncing Bears. We had Caleb's orientation on Monday, A&A's on Tuesday and Meet the Teacher on Friday. We should have everything covered.... hopefully.
Avery & Austin's teacher is Ms. Jones and they will go to school Wed - Fri mornings and be in extended care the rest of the time. Caleb will have Ms. Misty and Ms Geana and I have no doubt that our crew will adjust to the new change just fine.

Happy Birthday, Kennedy!

Cousin Kennendy turned 3 on the 21st, just a few days after A&A. Yesterday we went to Conroe to celebrate with her. The kids always have a blast when they get together.

Year and a half.....

Caleb is a year and a half today.... 18 mos in toddler terms. To be honest, when I say to myself that he is 18 months old, it sounds young, like he should be older. He is always with his brother and sister and doing so many of the things that they do that at times it seems like we have three 3 yr olds.

So how is Caleb at 18 months old? Loves to flirt; knows how to throw a tantrum when he doesn't get something he wants; loves to eat and make a mess with his food; not talking too much yet, but knows how to get our attention; he's a joker, I see a class clown in his future; knows how to make us laugh... and boy does he make us laugh!; loves his brother and sister, but doesn't always want to share with them.

Checkup X 3

What better way to start a Friday than at the Brenham Clinic?!? No, not due to the result of a fall from the playscape, but it was check up time. A&A needed their 3 yr check up and Caleb his 18 month. Dr. Draehn gave all a clean bill of health. We are SO blessed to have such healthy children. Here's a few numbers from the appt:

Austin: 35lbs, 37 1/2 inches, - in 90th% for height and weight
Avery - 32lbs, 36 inches - in 90% for height, 80% weight
Caleb - 26 lbs, 31 3/4 inches - in 25% for height, 50% weight

Caleb was the only one who needed shots. He took it like a pro. When he started to cry, Avery & Austin came over to him and started rubbing him on his back... it was so sweet!!! The balloon and sticker at the end of the appointment made their morning.

Party pics...

The birthday party is all about.... the cakes

When I asked Austin & Avery what kind of birthday party they wanted to have, Austin said "Lightening McQueen" and Avery's response was "Princess". I was a little confused on how to get those 2 themes into one invitation, so instead I went with the Playground theme since their big gift was the playscape. (Plus, I am not a big fan of character themes.) I thought I should at least incorporate Lightening McQueen and Princess into the cakes. I went to the new bakery in town and I was super excited when I went to pick up the cakes Saturday morning. Austin's was a flamin' Lightening McQueen and Avery's was a princess crown masterpiece. The decor around the edge is edible, just a thin layer of crystal sugar. In addition to looking good, they tasted great. The best way to top off a birthday party is with a sugar high!!!

Birthday present

Happy 3rd Birthday, Avery& Austin! For their bday gift, we decided to build a tree house/playscape in the backyard, hoping the kids get a lot of use out of it for years to come. It's complete with 4 swings, hanging bar, disc swing, rings, double swing, sand box, a tree house platform and another open deck platform that is accesible by walking across a bridge.

The most amazing thing about this (to me) is that Wes built it from scratch, no plans or kit. He drew out a few ideas on paper and then he and I decided on a basic layout and he took it from there. He's a do-it-yourselfer (I SO am not) and it still amazes me at what he can do when he puts his mind to it. He was able to get done in about 2 weeks by working off and on. Uncle Doug and Grandpa helped out one Saturday which was a big help.

Hopefully the playscape will bring many hours of fun and enjoyment and not too many trips to the emergency room!