Summer highlights

Yep, summer already came and went just like that.  I don't know how it went by so fast.  People always love to ask--how was your summer?--and I always reply that it flew by.  We didn't even go on any major trips this year.  We found ample things to do at home and about town.  Those 3 keep me plenty busy.  Steven took Matt and Will to the XGames in early June along with the Rener clan and Uncle Tim.  Little J and I stayed at home.

From what I heard, it was miserably hot that day.  The children were baking.

Tim brought some bandanas that they soaked in water and draped on themselves to keep cool, and thankfully a vendor was giving away sunglasses.  I think it helped some.  But, they got to see cool cars and motorcycles doing awesome tricks.

That next week we did VBS everyday out at the Quarries and had a blast.  I was in charge of preschool recreation again this year, and we had a great time with all the little kids.  Now that Johnny is 2 he got to participate in the rotations this year and take part in music, Bible story, craft and recreation time.  He loved the music and did some really cool dance moves every morning.

I got to see Will and Johnny everyday during their rec rotation, but I never saw Matt because he was over in the other building with all the big kids.  I'm hoping next year I can transition over there.  :)  It was a really fun week, we always love VBS!  Always be ready to tell what you know about Jesus!

During VBS week we learned that my grandfather passed away from lung cancer.  We drove down to Lake Jackson for the funeral.  It's always strange for me when we go back to LJ.  It's the same place but different at the same time.  I took the family to a dive of a burger joint called The Dairy Bar that opened in the 50's, and was a place I went to growing up.  Mostly, I recall going there after gymnastics practices in the evenings and getting some french fries and a chocolate shake with my friend Jennifer.  The place hasn't changed one bit.  We also got to see our dear friends the Brawleys while we were in LJ, and it was really wonderful spending time with them.

The funeral was brief but poignant, and the military salute sent us all into tears.  While we were sad to see Pa-paw leave this earth, I am thrilled that he didn't have to suffer and the Lord received him into heaven.  I remember my mother praying everyday growing up for that man's salvation.  He came to know the Lord after she passed away, but I like to imagine the excited embrace they both shared in heaven together.  After the funeral service we spent a few hours at Dad & Ann's place in the Woodlands with family and friends before having to drive back to Austin.  The boys loved getting to play in that pool.

After that crazy week we settled into our summer and did regular stuff like go to Zilker park and ride the train.

Will & John loved playing outside with a large bucket of water and water guns.

I made a really awesome blueberry pie.  I still salivate when I think about it.

We had Ava & Henry over to spend the night, and we took them to a really cool splash pad.  Too bad it rained and was chilly for the majority of the time we were there, but finally the sun did come out.  Such weird weather we had this summer.  Never before in June have I been cold sitting at a splash park!

In July I took the kids up to Dallas for a couple days to visit the Browns.  They are nothing but fun, those Browns!  Alison took us to the Dallas Children's Garden, and it was the most amazing place I'd ever seen.  Beautiful plants and flowers, and really neat science interactive learning for the kids.  We explored that place all morning.

Alison was brave and got to experience hurricane-like winds with all the kids.  All except Emily.  She gave a firm "no".

There was a cave with stalagmites and stalactites!  Tons of millipedes were hanging out in there too.

Then the kids ran around like mad in this little splash fountain area.  Good, good fun.

The next day was July 4th!  We got to be spectators at their neighborhood's parade.

Josh, being very famous and important, got to ride on his elementary school's float and throw candy at us.

After the parade the festivities continued with a petting zoo, food trucks, bouncy things and games.  We gave the kids sno cones, and it made them totally nuts.  As if they weren't bouncing around already!  Our trip to Dallas was the highlight of our summer.  We love those sweet friends.

We spent an afternoon at Inks Lake State Park and really enjoyed swimming and the lovely views.  Johnny demanded to be held because he didn't like stepping on all the rocks at the bottom of the lake.  The other two didn't mind.

Back at Zilker Park one day we let the kids swim in the "no swimming" area where dogs and their owners are always swimming.  Notice my wet clothes--Johnny and I fell on our rear ends after our feet went up from under us when we slipped on the algae covered rocks.  We were fine, and it was pretty funny, but I admit my rear was sore for a few days after that.  :)

On another adventure we went and explored McKinney Falls.  Such an awesome place!  Can't believe it's so close by and we've never been.  The boys loved swimming and sliding from the rocks into the water.

Johnny didn't understand why I wouldn't let him open and eat ALL of the snacks I'd packed, and he really, really didn't appreciate me taking his picture.  He thought that was totally rude.

We got out of the water and hiked around a bit and checked out the sights.  We watched people jumping from rocks up above the water into the pools, and I know that is our future with these boys one day.

But for this particular day they were thrilled to swim and play in this little stream.  They lined up like that and made a "choo-choo" and chugged as far as they could together down that stream before it went spilling into the pool below.  We left there and got an In-n-Out Burger on the way home.  What a great day.