Memorial Day 2012

Memorial Day weekend was a success.  Though we weren't with our families, we were thankful we didn't have to deal with traffic or the roads.  

Friday night we went and played Top Golf with friends.  It was so much fun.  I (ahem) dominated, and can't wait to go back!  The rest of the weekend, we just laid by the pool and relaxed.

You never know how your toddler will react to the water.  It's been a year since the last swim adventure, so I was prepared for either outcome.  Thankfully, he loved it.  Like threw a fit when getting out loved it.  I'm so thankful.  We had a great time. 

Sunday afternoon we went to a friends house to swim.  He loved the water, but it was still a bit cold.  Sunday night, we had plans to swim with some of our neighborhood buddies.  The Oberts turned the jacuzzi to warm and then left the pool as is.  The pool wasn't cold at all, but the jacuzzi was perfect.  Once the kids felt that, they didn't want to be in the pool anymore.  So...that's where the party was!

Libby and Knox praying before dinner...he always peeks.

Then snatches a kiss.

Our party in the hot tub.  Awkward picture of me, but my friends look cute!

Knox in his summer staple, the floaty.  He's finally gotten used to it and is swimming on his own!

Sporting mommies shades.

And how the night ended.  1/2 tired, 1/2 not wanting to share Libby's car.

Don't let that face fool you...he had a blast, and so did we.

We're so excited for a pool-filled summer!

Soccer Tots

This has been a crazy week/weekend.  It's been over a week since I've posted, so that should tell you something.  We've been going non-stop, and having so.much.fun.

I'll post a recap of Memorial Day soon, but first...SOCCER!  We signed Knox (and Stephen) up for Soccer Tots.  I didn't really know what to expect.  In fact, I figured it was going to be a glorified play time.  I was so wrong.  They did 3-5 min drills back-to-back for 45 minutes.  Both dads and tots were worn out.  But they loved it, and it was so cute to watch!  

They started off with some stretches.  Knox watched his coach, and did everything he did.  It was so cute.

All of the drills they did were applicable to the game of soccer in some way, but were fun for the kiddos.  After every drill they were expected to clean up.

They had to use their heads to tilt the cones right side up, and also the toes of their feet to do the same.  Knox had a hard time with the "header" practice, but did pretty good on this feet.

The dads conspiring...

Coach set up a ball for them to take shots, and Knox loved running up and shooting!

He also released hula hoops for them to run in grab.  They then had to run it back in front of them, learning to focus on what's in front of them.

And at the end, they had to clean up their "seats." They also got soccer ball stamps on their hands, and legs, and arms.  He needed a bath just to get the stamps off :)

We're so excited for summer Saturdays and Soccer Tots!

{crazy} weekend wrap-up

This weekend was awesome.  If you know me (and Stephen) well, you know we LOVE rap music.  I know we might look preppy-ish, but we love to get down to some serious hip hop.  Stephen and his guy friends were going to have a guys night at the Wildflower Festival to see Nelly...and once I heard his name I knew the ladies had to crash it.  We were able to get a sitter last minute, and man was it worth it.  We had so much fun.  In fact, I'm still sort of paying for it.  We stayed up WAY past our bedtime, danced and acted like we were in college.  It was a blast.  I can't wait for the next guys night :)

Friday morning I had a doctor's appointment, so Knox went to play at Libby's house.  Kyla snapped this adrorable pic, so I had to include it!

Now, back to Nelly.  Y'all, so fun.  Here are the ladies crashing "guys night."

It was a bit balmy, but we were able to scoot our way up to the barrier, so basically front row.  We had to deal with some pushing and shoving (as close to moshing as I'll ever get), but it was the prime locale.  He was so close!

Stephen and I pre-Nelly

Stephen and I during Nelly.  No words.

Here's a little video of the man himself.

All-in-all it was an awesome show.  We're still singing all the college Nelly hits.  Good times.

My parents came in town late Friday night and relieved our babysitter.  Once we woke up saturday morning, we visited and then all headed to my nieces 4th birthday.  Olivia had a "Royal Celebration" complete with tiaras, knights helmets and princess slipper cupcakes.  Aren't these things incredible?   So cute and fancy!

My sister-in-law Natalie and her two girls Avery (l) and Olivia

Knox didn't love his helmet, but it sure was cute on him!

After having a recovery nap, we all headed to Babe's for a little din-din.  My dad was craving some fried chicken, and this is the spot!  I hadn't been to the Garland location, but it was just as tasty.  Out front they have an old truck that Knox enjoyed.  We had to peel him away just to go eat.

The highlight of his weekend, though, was Papi's truck.  He talked about it every second, so much so that we had to move my carseat into my dad's truck so that he could "drive."  If it was parked, he wanted to play in the bed.  If it was moving, he had to be in it.  He was in heaven.  We took a few laps around the neighborhood with him in the bed...he loved it!

So sweet.  Love how much he loves his grandparents (and their cars).

After a quick breakfast on Sunday morning, my parents headed back to Austin.  Stephen had two tennis matches, so we let Knox nap and then headed to the afternoon match that he played with Aunt Kelly.  Knox was interested for about a minute, and then wanted to drive his cars all over the bleachers.   Maybe he'll be more interested when he gets older...it's hard to watch tennis and keep an eye on him!

And the reason my parents headed back to A-town so soon...

My newest niece was born this afternoon. 

Ally Elizabeth Kampen

8 lbs, 3 oz

20" long

Dark hair, just like her older sister Mackenzie!

I can't wait to love on her!  

Mother's Day: Part 2

Part two of Mother's Day weekend included a trip to the Ballpark in Arlington.  I had an appointment after the race that I couldn't cancel, so we were a bit late to the game.  Thankfully, after waking up early Knox took a morning nap on our way out there.  

Since we were late we had to park about 3 miles away.  A nice gentleman drove us a bit closer, but we still had a bit of a hike.  The entire walk to the ballpark we talked about what Knox would see.  He was getting excited, but not near as excited as we were.  There's just something about taking your boy to his first baseball game...pretty special.

We got to our seats, which were amazing by the way, and started cheering (and booing CJ).  Knox was taking it all in...a bit squirmy, but enjoying his surroundings.  Save a bad call, which led to an even worse bad-mouthed fan behind us, we had an amazing time!  

Since the game was an afternoon game, we were pushing naptime way back.  We've gotten rid of the paci except for bedtime, but made a slight exception for the Rangers (mostly so we could enjoy the rest of the game).  He just lounged and enjoyed the 6th inning.

It was the 40th anniversary of the Rangers franchise, and they gave everyone a hat commemorating the occasion.  Since we were late, we missed out.  The man sitting next to Stephen was a bit smitten with Knox, and gave him his hat.  It's an adult hat, but that just makes it cuter on his little head. 

This is at the bottom of the 7th...he was getting REALLY tired.  He was also over my picture-taking, and kept putting the cap back on my camera mid-photo.  We decided that was our cue, and decided to beat traffic and head out. 

As we were leaving, we passed the statue of the dad who fell to his death while trying to get a ball for his son.  So tragic, but I'm so thankful it's there.  Beautiful reminder of the relationship between the sport and fathers/sons.

All-in-all, the day was a success.  We went home and Knox took a 2-hour nap.  We then headed to spend a little more time with the Feigleson's before they had to head back to Houston.  It was nice to get the kids together to play, since they weren't able to at the race.  Knox was EXHAUSTED by bedtime, and so were we!  

Sunday morning my boys made me breakfast and gifted me with a spa day.  Music to my ears...that and spending the entire weekend with the two loves of my life made me a happy momma!

Mother's Day Weekend: Part 1

Mother's Day weekend started with a little night out with my man to celebrate Mollie's birthday.  Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of Stephen and I, but I promise he was there.  We did take this cute picture of all of the girls:

We enjoyed getting to toast such a great girl, but we had to turn in a little early.  Saturday morning was the "Head for the Cure 5K," honoring sweet Sarah's aunt Susan.  She was diagnosed with brain cancer early this year, and this was an amazing way to honor her and raise money for the cause.  

Sarah did an amazing job of putting the team together, and team Hummingbird actually placed 1st in fundraising.  It was a great event, but it was even better because they had fun things for the kids to do.  After waking up at 6:15am to get there in time, he wasn't in the best of moods...until he saw the bounce house and toys.

 

Yeah, he loved it.  And better yet, he took a morning nap so we could enjoy the festivities later in the afternoon.  Stay tuned.

Two Year Stats

Height: 35" (60%)

Weight: 23.8 lbs (10%)

He's a lean little guy!

Neighbor Love

I love my neighbors.  I've said this a million times, but it's not enough.  They are amazing, funny, beautiful, outgoing, trustworthy, dependable, and most importantly--they love Knox as if he were their own.  I would do anything for these girls...and am so thankful they would do the same for me.  

I've needed a sitter during the day a few times in the past week or so, and they are always willing to help.  No questions asked.  Not only is that amazing, but they treat it like a full-on playgroup and invite other friends over.  And videotape the shenanigans. 

Yes, Knox is in the baby car.

And he also loves putting lipstick on Libby.

Mollie snapped these videos of the kids jumping in Claire's bed...on two separate occasions.  So cute!

 So thankful.

Birthday Cookout: The peeps

Knox's neighbors and friends made his party special.  We had so much fun eating, playing and opening presents.  I think he's slightly depressed this week, seeing as no one is here to sing and give him cake.  Ha.

You can tell in the picture below how much he likes the "birthday song."

 

He blew them out on his own...so proud!

This is heaven to him.  His cupcake, train and dinosaurs! 

Below are the pictures Aunt Kelly took at the party!  I love all of these kids like they were my own...

Sweet Jack and Hudson having a conversation over the toys

Sweet Maren giving Knox a birthday hug

Sweet Jack

Playing ball outside

Future Baylor roommates

Libby pushing Hudson around on Thomas the Train

Maren and Knox

Knox and I

Wade helping Knox and Jack figure out the robotic dinosaur

Libby helping with presents...love the Mater laptop!

Sweet Blair

Sweet Rook

Sweet Claire, playing on the train table.

Speaking of the train table, this was Stephen and I's gift to Knox.  It was a beast to put together, but we did it.  I even spent time gluing everything down...I figure it's best to not have to look for every piece every.single.time. he wants to play with it.

He loved it.  And his party.  Our hearts are full.  Thank you for celebrating along with us, even online!