Birthdays/ School/ and 9 month stats

... getting used to our new routine this past week.

Excuse the group blog for events that clearly deserve their own post, but since I can only blog once a week at this point; this will have to do.

In order...

1- Chad's bday was Monday. We celebrated with my family the week before and his family Saturday evening. The boys and I let him open his loot and tear into his cheesecake on Saturday night as well.

2- Hunter started pre-school on Tuesday. He only goes 1/2 day- 3 days a week. It is just enough to get him (and me) used to the school scene. He has adjusted beautifully to it and seems to enjoy it though he doesnt like me to ask him a bunch of questions. Ashton goes once a week and he loves feeling like a big boy going off to school. Unlike Hunter, he loves to talk about what he has done.

3- Shepherd had his 9 month doctor appt on Tuesday. His weight has fallen a bit but I am not surprised since he has become quite the mover.

Weight- 21.13 (68%)

Height- 30.75" (98%)

Head- 19" (99%)

*** I think that the head and height are a bit off. I think he is more in the low 90% for both but whatever. He is a totally healthy baby.

4- And since Ashton is not highlighted in this post... this is just a funny pic of Ashton. He was crying because I threw his sandwich away after he told me he was done 3 times. He seriously cried for 40 minutes over this!!!! He stopped crying once I took his picture and he saw how ridiculous he looked.

See y'all in a week!

I do have an excuse...

... MIA because my computer crashed a few weeks ago. I only get my precious Internet fix when I go and see my parents. I realize how much I love the computer when I am without it. Honestly, it is not even the Internet that I miss. I miss piddling around with pictures. I have no idea when we will be able to afford to get another computer so I guess I will just be content getting my fix when at mom and dads or when I go and see Chad at work.

My niece Charlee turned 2 this past weekend and we celebrated with her and the family. It was an outside horse themed party and the kids had a blast. It sprinkled/ poured on and off. Towards the end of the party, it stopped long enough to go ride horses.

Here are some pics... Chad is not in any of them because he had to work.

Miss Charlee Grace

Cowboy Hunter

Cowboy Ashton

Cowbaby Shepherd

Shepherd hanging out with Johnny and Cassie

Grandma holding down the fort with Charlee, Hunter, and Charlee's friend.

Happy Birthday Charlee. Thank you for letting us celebrate with you!

Crawl Shep Shep... Crawl

Just a cute picture.

... officially crawling for about a week now. Though he is slow, he definitely has it down and each day gets quicker. My life just got a bit more chaotic!

I would prefer if you would mute this video, I sounds ridiculous. Ug, I hate hearing my own voice!


Also, here is a picture of curls! He has the slightest curl in his hair. For most people this means nothing... but for someone who has absolutely no curl whatsoever, I find it incredible! I know it is not much, but I can bask in it for a bit as I am sure after I cut it for the first time they will disappear.

PS- I back to back posted, so dont miss the post "Last Week of Summer."

Last week of Summer

... enjoying my helpers (aka mom and dad) this summer. I love living so close to my parents. They are able to see the boys often and help me keep my sanity as Chad is really having to put in some llllloooonnnngggg hours!

Part 1
Last week was Mantis' (my dad for those who dont know) last week off before he heads back to work. We invited Mantis to go to a little waterpark with us. Mom had to already go back so couldnt join us. It was perfect for my age kids and I definitely could not have done it without another adult.

Mantis and Shep

Hunter and Ashton about to shoot Mantis

Hunter getting soaked by a bucket of water

Me and the boys (it looks like I am naked, but I swear I am NOT)

Hunter did the big tube slide with Mantis and then with me a few times. I cant tell you how long it has been since I have been on a water ride. I felt so kid-like again.

The blue slide in the background is the one we did together.

True to form, Ashton did not really warm up to the water until we about to go.

Shepherd splashed like a fool and got a little pink on his shoulders... oops! He tans the best of all the kiddos though.

Part 2
The next day, daddy had a few hours free in the morning and met us at Chuck E Cheeses because according to Ashton... "we had not been there in a very long time." Didnt get good pictures, but you get the idea. Ashton had more fun then the picture shows.



Part 3
Mom continues to be my sanity when I am about to pull my hair out. While we were at the beach, mom came over to my house and spring cleaned it. She also enlisted the help of dad and Nolan to help. I imagine that together they put in close to 24 hours of work just cleaning up! I came home to perfectly cleaned kitchen appliances (thanks Nolan)... scrubbed floors, baseboards, toilets, sinks, furniture, fans, etc, etc (thanks mom), and my growing list of things that need to be fixed was magically repaired (thanks dad). You guys rock!!!!


This was truly a great summer! Now as football season kicks it into high gear and all my helpers head back to work... I feel refreshed and ready to conquer another year. Thank guys!