Summer Fun

July is already coming to a close, which seems so hard to believe. I calculated there are 27 more days until my baby starts the 1st grade! Wasn't the last day of kindergarten just last week? The month has flown by with vacation preparation, vacation, and then vacation recovery. The girls doing the most amazing things, especially Morgan. She is walking everywhere! And she is definitely going to be our climber. I was playing with her on the bed tonight and remembering the night she arrived. Kim and I sat up all night in the bed just looking at her and wondering what her name should be. And now look at her!

Maddie is so sweet with Morgan and they spend a lot of time together. Maddie has done a lot to help her walk, which just warms my heart. Here they are together.





We took the girls to Chik-fil-A the other night for dinner and they had their faces painted by an amazing lady who is definitely coming to a birthday party at our house. Aren't they gorgeous?



Morgan has discovered the dog door. Need I say more?




She also loves to look at herself in the mirror or in pictures. Here are Morgan and Misty reviewing pictures on Misty's laptop.

Alaska 2009

I think we took more pictures on this trip than ever before! Check them all out on Picasa.

Alaska 2009

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

She is Walking!

Not just a few steps, but across the room! Watch for yourself.

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Morgan Talks to Pa

Nanny arrived in Austin on Sunday with a cape, saving the day. I was so sick with what we now know was due to the construction going on in my master bathroom (long story short - leak in the shower from original build gaveway to huge leak complete with mold, making it necessary to re-build the shower and tub). On Friday, we thought I might be admitted to the hospital, so we called for reinforcements - Mom. Fortunately, everything took a turn for the better by Sunday. I now feel much better and Mom is here.

So, tonight Mom is on the phone with Dad. Morgan, of course, wants in on the action with the phone. Here is Mom holding the phone for Morgan while Dad talks to her.

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Jack also has a new home to sleep in. Kim picked out a big "crate" or cage for him to sleep in. The girls had a great time exploring. And yes, they all made it out.

Pat A Cake

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Kindergarten Graduation

Walking into the school this morning with dozens of other excited parents, it seemed like kindergarten orientation, rather than graduation. Weren't we just here to learn the ropes? Kim and I met Janean in the parking lot of the school and we waited in the kindergarten hallway with other parents, grandparents, and friends to watch the our babies close one door and open another. I thought I would cry during the ceremony that took place in the classroom, but I didn't. As a matter of fact, I couldn't stop smiling. They were so cute!

The children stood in front of the room and performed a series of songs, including Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer.

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Maddie had so much fun celebrating the day with her friends, including best friend Addison and "special" friend, Sean, who lives next door.







Aunt Nenee came to graduation and brought Madison a beautiful necklace. It is a silver chain holding a silver star. Beautiful! We were touched that Nenee would make time to come all the way to the Rock for the morning. We love you Nenee!








Kim and I are so proud of Madison. She is such an amazing little girl. It seems impossible to me that she is entering the 1st grade! When did that happen?

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A few hours after taking all these pictures, Madison's other front tooth came out. She caught it with little blood or drama. (Still thinking back to the first one she lost and the neighbors came running!) Now she really has a pumpkin smile!

Last Week of Kindergarten

I can't believe this is the last week of kindergarten! Morgan wore Madison's first bathing suit over the weekend and we both were overwhelmed with emotion remembering how little Maddie was. Life was simplier then, of course, we didn't know it at the time. I was in such of awe of her then and I still am. What I didn't expect was how exciting it is to watch her grow up, to discover new things, to become her own person. Even if I wasn't her mother, I would still think she is amazing.

Madison is developing her own sense of style with the purchase of a brand new pair of high top tennis shoes this weekend. She has definite thoughts on her wardrobe and strong, strong opinions on her hair. Her wit and humor have no bounds. She cracks me up on a daily basis.

I am so proud of her. And now we are counting down the days to kindergarten graduation on Thursday. I originally thought I would cry, but now I think I will just smile. So far, so good. She's still alive and actually thriving. We done good!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great holiday weekend! We spent Friday night shopping with friends at the Outlets, which, in my opinion, is the ideal way to shop. You bring 2 parents with their own 2 kids who get along beautifully with your own kids. The kids entertain each other, leaving parents a few minutes to complete a thought and buy some new shoes, shorts, etc in the process. The next 2 days were filled with playdates and trips to the grocery store.

On Sunday, we had a cook out with most of the Village to celebrate Morgan's first birthday. As always, the food was delicious and the company wonderful. We planned our shore excursions for the Alaskan cruise this summer, which put everyone in a good mood. McKenzie had Ellah over for the evening while her Mom and Dad went to a wedding. We all had a blast.





Morgan was a riot with her birthday cake. The cake almost didn't make it home thanks to an inexperienced baker, followed by a distracted store manager who set 2 dozen eggs on top of the cake. Poor Kim went through hell to get this cake home in one piece! I can hardly believe Morgan is 1 year old! On the one hand, it feels like yesterday that we received the call announcing her birth. On the other hand, it feels like a million years ago. This has been an action packed year for sure!

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Jack and the Girls - Growing Up

We've had a crazy few days. Morgan has been super sick with a very high fever since Thursday. Yes, that is 6 days with a fever. After spending the whole day in the ER on Sunday, we discovered she has a serious bladder infection. It has been incredibly scary and I am praying we are close to the end of the fever.

We even had to cancel her first birthday party!! We hated doing it, but Morgan was in no shape to entertain. I can't believe it has been a whole year since we got the call. That sweet thing turned our whole world upside down, but I wouldn't change a thing. She is such a blessing. Even when she is sick, she still makes us smile every day.

Morgan and Jack do their best to keep a safe distance from one another. Jack is fascinated with her and Morgan is leary of him. Occassionally, they share a toy or two, perhaps a snack. Here is Morgan with a bone.



Jack is a madman during the day. He is constant motion ... until he isn't. Kim and I have enjoyed having him nap between us after the kids go to bed. We watch TV and love on Jack. Here is the wildman snoozing on the couch.




Did I mention how helpful he is in the kitchen?





McKenzie loves to dress up. Her favorite thing to wear are spinning dresses. I found these beautiful dresses at Sam's last week and they had one in each size for the girls. We try not to match them exactly, but I couldn't resist.



Madison is preparing for the end of the school year. It is very exciting! Next Wednesday, the kindergarten class is taking their first field trip. Thursday is kindergarten graduation, and finally Field Day on Friday. She can hardly wait. I can't believe how fast she is growing up! She finally lost her front tooth the other night. It has been hanging for a while and driving me nuts. Now she officially looks like a pumpkin.