Family Vacation Grapevine Style

The end of July brought a fun time for us, it was finally family vacation time. This was our year to stay lose to home so we went to Grapevine and stayed in the Great Wolf Lodge for a few days. It was so much fun. We kicked off the trip by going to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch then experiencing Legoland. Once we were done with all the activities at Legoland we went to check into our suite at the Lodge and got our first view of the waterpark. Just being at an indoor waterpark and not having to apply sunscreen on everyone was a treat. I had purchased the Paw Pass for the girls and let me just say it was worth every penny and filled with activities for them to participate in. The girls had their own sleeping area in a cabin in the room which was fantastic! They were so tired at the end of the day from the waterpark that they did not even feel like arguing. Bonus!

On Saturday night Campbell and I got some one on one time together. We ate at one of the restaurants in the Lodge, went to story time, and she colored a pillow case at the art zone before heading back to our room to watch the olympics.



















While we were having our fun, Kaylee and Cary were celebrating at the Rangers game. I am not sure who enjoyed the evening more...















On Sunday we packed up and headed over to the Aquarium and Bass Pro Shops before heading back to Abilene. The girls even found a boat they tried to talk their Dad into buying. It was a fun few days and we all look forward to going back sometime soon. I love watching my girls experience new things and the thrill in their eyes. Till next summer I suppose...

Matagorda Fun!!

 Well, the first week of July my parents took the girls for a trip to Matagorda, TX to visit my Uncle Don, Aunt Trudy, and cousin Duncan. Kaylee had been wanting to go fishing with her great uncle who is a professional guide and definitely the best around. If you want to catch some fish and have a great time with a wonderful man look up my uncle, Capt. Don Wood. As you can see in the pictures below, Kaylee could not stop smiling. I am so blessed to have an Uncle who would take the time to teach her how to fish properly and show her how to have fun doing it. She cannot wait to go back next year. I hope that he realized he was starting a tradition for her. Thank you, Uncle Don!

Papa, Kaylee, & Great Uncle Don

 Kaylee with one of her many fish she caught that day.

 Kaylee and Duncan lining up the fish. Kaylee loves spending time with Duncan because he always makes her laugh. I love that.

 Kaylee with two of her fish.

You need not worry, while Kaylee hit the open water, Campbell was getting her beauty sleep before a day of pampering. She got to spend the day with Nana and Aunt Trudy getting a manicure, pedicure, and picking their lunch spot for the day. Aunt Trudy managed to spoil Campbell really well and make her feel special. If you have ever met my precious aunt then you know that she is one of the best around about making someone feel loved and special. Thank you Aunt Trudy for all the fun Campbell had with you. She wants to repeat the whole day again next year too.

After all the fun in Matagorda, my parents found the energy to stop in Brenham and take the girls on a tour of the Blue Bell factory which they both loved! Thank you Papa and Nana for making the week so much fun and giving us parents some time alone.

Jumping June

I decided to combine most of our June activities into one post for the sake of time and efficiency. The month of June was filled with all kinds of exciting events. The girls and their parents were all very busy. I thought we were going to have a laid back summer but things sure did not end up being very boring. 

 

Campbell was the first one to get to go to ACU camp this year. She loves Kidquest and this year was no different. It was made even better with two of her best friends at camp the same week. I love the stories she has to tell me each day and all the fun songs about our Lord. This camp is definitely a highlight each summer.

 Next up was Kaylee's turn for learning to Lead at ACU. She roomed with her sweet friend Samantha and they decided on a Disney theme for their dorm room this year. I love that Kaylee has so much fun at this camp but it is so hard to have no contact with her for almost a whole week. Hard for me that is, not Kaylee. I love that there are so many college students and other volunteers that make this week so fun for her and also teach her about God. Again a huge highlight for her summer too.

 Kaylee with her sweet friend that moved away a few years ago but came back this year for camp.

Also in June Cary got to go on a Guy's Fishing Trip in New Mexico. He really need the time away after being so busy and work and I was glad he got to go spend time with a few great friends while enjoying the outdoors.

The Fishing Crew (Cory, Chad, Jason and Cary)

The Picture Cary was nice enough to send me of the gorgeous scenery and cool weather.

I did manage a girls' weekend getaway but the only picture I ended up with was the donut food truck Kaylee recommended we go to based on the Food Network.

Kaylee and I did manage to get some baking in too. Nothing like a little quiche and Monkey bread.

Campbell's 7th Birthday

 Well the day Campbell had been waiting for finally arrived! Turning Seven was a huge deal to her so it made celebrating it all the more exciting. She decided to have a slumber/movie party this year. Of course, no birthday is complete without a delicious cake from Sam's Club.

 The birthday girl sporting the biggest smile ever!

 Campbell with her sweet friends and big sister.

 Is it present time yet?

All the girls in their matching pajamas ready to go to the movie theatre and see Madagascar 3!

(SJ, Ella, Campbell, Mallory, & Reagan)

Campbell is still our baby so it is so hard to see her grow up. I love seeing her develop more of her personality each day.

A few things Campbell enjoys at this age;

* She loves to dress up. When given the option she is more of a skirt and dress girl than one who will wear jeans or pants.

* She loves school but mostly for the social aspect of things.

* You can often find her practicing her cartwheel in our den because she loves gymnastics.

* Part of her is still my little girl because she loves playing with Littlest Pet Shop, dolls, Barbies, and My Little Pony. Most of the time you can find her using her imagination playing with any or all of these.

* Campbell is still a Momma's girl most of the time. She loves to cuddle and have your undivided attention.

* She loves her friends and does not want anyone to be upset.

* Her sister is her best friend, most days.

* She loves learning about the Lord.

* Anything girly is her favorite!

* Her favorite food is barbeque meatballs with rice.

* She recently started piano and seems to have quite an ear for it.

* Her personality reminds me a lot of my Dad in the humor area anyway.

* We love watching this sweet girl grow and change each year.

Thank you Lord for our special girl. Campbell Grace brings such joy to our life each day and we are so glad the Lord made us her parents. We love you sweet girl!!

Wylie Softball Closing Ceremonies/District Tournament

Well we made it through the season and actually ended up in second place in the 10U division! I was so excited for the Express because they were such a precious group of girls who gave it their all this year. Unfortunately, closing ceremonies was on Memorial Day weekend so about half the team was out of town but the girls that were there were more than happy to show off their trophies.

 Kate, Lily, Kaylee, Mason, Shaylee

 Kaylee with her favorite coach, Dad

 Campbell had to get a picture too

 The very next weekend we had the district tournament. We won our first game on Friday night but then lost the first game at 10:00am Saturday morning. That put us in the loser bracket so we played another game at 2:00pm and won therefore we played again at 4:00pm and won, 6:00pm with a team that had only played one game that day and lost. The last game we played ended the tournament but I do not think any of us were too disappointed. All the girls played their hearts out and we ended up tying for third in the tournament. Way to go Express!

Kaylee hit the ball lights out the whole tournament. That girl has one great swing!

Express Softball

Here are some pictures of the last game the Express played for the season. Kaylee got to do some pitching as well as catching. The girl loves softball! You can put her at any position and she plays her heart out. I am constantly amazed by her ability because I was never one to excel at sports. (I know that is totally shocking to those that know me.) I love watching her do something that she has so much passion for. We are so proud of all your hard work sweet girl!

Cheer Performance

 Each year the girls pick two activities to participate in and this year Campbell picked cheer as one of hers. I think it ended up being a very good thing for her because she got to learn so many new things. Now whether she chooses to participate again next year is yet to be seen but for this year she loved it!
 Campbell showing us her jump at the end of year performance.

Campbell showing off her medal she got for completing the year. I think she was a little excited. I am so proud of her for trying something new.

Saying Good-bye to Mrs. Smith

 This is Kaylee with one of her precious teachers, Mrs. Smith. This sweet lady made the school year amazing for Kaylee and taught her to love writing. Since I taught writing to fourth graders back in the day I know how hard of a task that can be. Mrs. Smith also had a baby boy this year so this picture was taken when she came back to school one day to see the class after being gone for a few weeks. Kaylee was so excited and surprised to see her. Thank you Mrs. Smith for loving our daughter and teaching her so much this past year.

These are Kaylee's classmates for the 2011-2012 school year. I think they were all happy to see Mrs. Smith.

May Farm

The Big Day Campbell had been waiting for finally arrived. It was the day for her school field trip to May Farm as well as celebrating her "school birthday." She was so excited she could hardly stand it! I found out when I arrived at May Farm that Campbell's sweet teacher gives them a stuffed monkey for their birthday. As you can see Campbell loved the money very much and it just added to her joy.

 I am not sure of the name of this goat but some of the other animal names were, Casanova, Dalai-Lama (the Lama), Nemo (because one ear was bigger than the other on one of the goats), Rosie O'Donkey, Dixie Chick (the chicken) and the list goes on. The adults were the ones who got the humor in the names but that did not keep the kids from laughing.

 Each child gets to pick from a variety of animals to hold so Campbell picked the duck.

 Campbell and Ella riding the horse together. They were so happy.

Most of the girls in Campbell's class are pictured here waiting patiently for their turn on the horse.

We had a wonderful day together at the farm. I cannot believe I will not have another field trip to this wonderful place. Ms. May is a true treasure to Wylie and all the children who have gotten to know her over the years. Thank you for the memories Ms. May, I might have to find a way to tag along with the first graders next year;-)

Awards Assembly x2

Warning Bragging Alert: We are so proud of both of our sweet girls and they way they continue to excel in school each year. All we ask is that they do their best. It has become apparent that along with sisterly love comes sisterly competition which includes grades in school. I do not think that is a bad thing;-)

 Campbell with her Academic Excellence Award as well as t-shirt. This award was for her having all A's on her report card this year. Other than perfect attendance which we did not achieve this is the only award they can get in 1st and 2nd grade. I think she is pretty proud of herself.

 Kaylee with her Academic Excellence Award for having an A average on her report card, A Honor Roll for having straight A's on her report card for the year, and her Duke TIP ribbon for being accepted for her perfect scores on her TAAS/TAKS last year.

 Campbell with her sweet friend Ella.

Kaylee and her best bud Reid

Mother's Day

Here are a few Mother's day photos...

My parents came to our house to celebrate the occasion. We had a good weekend of just being together.