We attended the Open House Tennis Carnival at Walnut Creek Country Club, which is where the kids have been taking lessons. It was not at all what I was expecting, but the kids still had fun and didn't want to leave a minute before it was officially over.
Then we headed to the lake with family. Needless to say, we've been getting lots of Vitamin D.
I hardly took any pics that day, but I did manage to get a cute one of Kevin and Melanie. I'm getting better at documenting the adults.
Since Sunday was the 3rd, we decided to go patriotic for church. We weren't quite ready in time to get a pic with Kevin before he left, but I was loving the red, white, and blue vibes.
One of our favorite traditions is the Midlothian Fireworks on the 3rd, but we most definitely missed the Myers (who left a few days prior) and the Sturgills, who were out of town.
We always get there extra early to save our spot, which meant plenty of time for scooters, "bug control" as Colby called it, and grilling steaks and roasting marshmallows on the Smoky Joe.
Both Brooke and Colby claim that it was their idea, but using the Rice Krispies I made as the outer layer for the chocolate and roasted marshmallow was amazingly delicious. Especially since Joanna brought chocolate with caramel inside.
We were so glad that the Hawkins were able to join us because it would've been super weird to do this tradition alone. Colby and Carter played Kub first, then the adults challenged the kids and won.
I love this tradition with my family...
And it's especially fun to share it with best friends :)
The fireworks are always magical, even if Brooke randomly got a bloody nose right in the middle of the show.
Aunt Kimmie sent the kids some pajamas and tie dye kits for their birthdays, so we decided to take a whack at it. I don't think I've tie dyed anything since 4th grade and all our shirts were brown, so I wasn't sure what kind of results to expect.
Brooke regretted leaving one part of the pattern white since there was white in all the bunched up areas, but I still think they are vibrant and beautiful. And notice how she has adopted Colby's new pose? It totally worked with the hippie vibe, though.
Then they moved on to science experiments for two messy hours.
You can't beat the Summer Movie Club, especially when it's like 106 degrees all week! I can't even remember what we saw, but for $1.50 per ticket, it was the perfect activity.
One afternoon we invited Jones Lundeen over for a playdate and they set up the most adorable pet shelter together.
The Primary Presidency coordinated a Saturday morning "field trip" to the Dallas Temple and it was such a tender experience. We had the best conversation on the drive there and it made me grateful for teaching moments with our kids.
It was blazing hot, but they allowed us to go into the foyer and sing "I Love to See the Temple" as a group. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to take a picture, but I quickly did because I wanted to remember that moment forever. The Spirit was so strong in the temple as the children sang and I was so grateful that we were having this experience together. After the song, the temple president and matron spoke to the children, and the matron then asked if the children would sing again. They were happy to do so, and I loved the reaction of the other temple patrons in the foyer.
We then walked around the temple as a group and the Primary Presidency shared facts and information about the temple at certain designated spots on the grounds.
I loved watching Brooke and the other girls look after Parry...
It made me flash back to when the older girls used to do the same thing with toddler Brooke :)
Brooke had a one-on-one day with Grandma and Papa, which involved making a quilt and pillows for her barbies. She even used scraps from the quilt Grandma made for her, which were also used in the table decor from mine and Kevin's wedding reception in Southern California.
While Brooke spent the day with them, Colby and I palled around together. We had lunch at Chipotle, then headed to the Sea Life Aquarium at Grapevine Mills. We took SO many pictures, but it was really fun to give him my uninterrupted time and attention.
We then wandered the mall for a solid two hours, stopping to take a picture outside the Rainforest Cafe.
He really wanted to buy something for Brooke, which was incredibly sweet, especially since he was willing to spend all of his money on her gift. He finally settled on some hair clips and had money leftover for himself, but later found something "even more special" that he wanted to buy for her. I finally convinced him that we could take a picture and come back when he saved more money. Colby really has the sweetest heart and loves doing thoughtful things for his Sissy.
We had a little bit more time before we were supposed to meet up with everyone at Kinley's volleyball clinic, so Colby and I ventured over to Epic Gelato. All I can say, is that this gelato was insanely good. The combination of Salted Caramel, Heaven, and Toasted Marshmallow was divine!
Kinley was excited to have us watch her skills clinic...
We tried to take their picture together, and this is how they posed themselves, haha.
Colby had his on-on-one date the next day while Brooke went to play at the Peacocks. He loved shopping for camping trailers, eating at McDonals, watching a movie, and going for ice cream.
While we were there, the orthodontist looked at Colby's mouth as well. He told us that Colby would most likely need a top AND bottom expander, so we'll start that process in a few months once his missing teeth have an opportunity to grow in.
As I was sitting in the office, a random summer downpour hit and I could see our trash bags (which just sit at the curb until the collection trucks come through the neighborhood) floating down the street! The temps dropped from 100 to 80 within minutes and although the kids were sad the rain didn't last, we definitely enjoyed the change.
Since the rain didn't last long, the kids got creative in shaking the branches so the rain would fall down on them.
Kevin had a big moment with Brooke at the lake! She has been so hesitant to try to go over the wake, so while Kevin was out there riding with her, he guided her by the hand to get over the wake. Moments later, she crossed back over on her own, and the change in her confidence was immediate. I love that Kevin is such a patient and kind dad and is constantly trying to help our little ones grow!
Then the Hawkins joined us, which was so fun since Joanna and Marlie didn't get to come out the last time!
One last pool party before the Petersens move up to Rockwall. Their family will most definitely be missed, especially since they were always inviting groups of friends over to swim and cultivating those friendships.
Brooke vs. the boys!! She's usually the only girl there, and although she's usually pretty reserved at the beginning, she gets more comfortable by the end and can give the boys a run for their money :)
Joanna and I took a turn out there on the boards and I had bruises on my forearms to prove it, haha. It always looks so easy when the kids are doing it, but it's much harder than it seems.
I got out of the shower one morning to find these two snuggling in my bed while Brooke was reading to Colby. These moments are my absolute favorite.
We had the littlest Petersen boys over for a few hours so their mom could pack, and my kids loved every minute...
Brooke, Wells, Colby, Ridge, and Mack
Brooke and I were pretty smitten with Mack :)
No summer playdate is compete without a snow cone...
The Activity Day Girls met at the Reynolds' pool for an evening of fun. This was our first time to their pool and it was beautiful! Colby was my +1 since they needed me to stay and help chaperone.
A trip to the pet store ended in my kids begging for a bird and a kitten. This bird was the most playful guy I've ever seen, and the kitten had me smitten as well.
My sweet boy doesn't like to be left out of pictures, so we had our own picture together :)
While my kids had their tennis class, I played with a friend who recently joined the country club. We were all incredibly sweaty, but it was blast! We stopped for Bahama Bucks and then Colby convinced me to take them to Chandler Park for MORE tennis. It's been super fun to get into tennis together this summer.
Twinning with my girl for church!
July was a busy one, but I'm so grateful for the chance to make memories with the littles!
