Happy Anniversary to Us!

Tuesday, June 19

Jack found the outdoor gloves I got to take camping with Girl Scouts, and he keeps insisting on wearing one of them. He even fell asleep tonight with one of them on his hand.

Wednesday, June 20

Today is our 14th wedding anniversary. We didn't plan anything special for the day since we're going on our trip soon and John had kung fu class tonight. However, I did go out at lunch to pick up a SpotBot shampooer to help clean up around the house.

Thursday, June 21

Since Jack likes the Little Einsteins so much, we decided to pass down Mara's towel to him. He was so excited to wear it and seems like such a big boy in it.

Friday, June 22

When we can't think of any place else to eat, we tend to go to Chick-Fil-A. After tonight, the next time we eat there will be in Atlanta, which is the home of Chick-Fil-A. We're even going to try to go to one of the original ones.

Saturday, June 23

I attended camp training today for Girl Scouts. I am now certified to take our kids cabin and shelter camping. (We need to do advanced training to be able to take them tent camping.) As part of the training, we learned how to start campfires with both wood and charcoal and tie knots. It was a lot of fun and didn't feel too hot even though it was almost 100 degrees out there.

Sunday, June 24

We took the kids to see the movie Brave today. It was a really good movie, and Jack did really well watching it. It was the first time we haven't had to leave the theater with him since watching Tangled (and he slept through most of that one).

A Time for Celebration

Saturday, March 3
John's sister, Kendra, got married this weekend, so we took this opportunity to spend a few days with John's family.

Since we were nearby, we met up with Michelle and Emily to make a racecar at the Home Depot Kids Workshop in the morning.

We got to the church early so they could get pictures with everyone before the ceremony. It was interesting trying to get a picture of the four cousins together. The ceremony was nice (and quick!), and the reception was fun. I helped serve the cake and got frosting all over my fingers.

After the reception, we went to Texas de Brazil for dinner.

Sunday, March 4
Hannah and Josh stayed over as well Saturday night, so the cousins got to relax and play together for a while today.

10 Years Ago

While many people are gearing up to honor a 10-year anniversary tomorrow, John and I think of another anniversary this time of year. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the day we got our house. While it may not be perfect and there are still a lot of things we want to do to it, it's our home for the near future, and we're pretty happy with where we are.

On Fire

Monday, September 5

For Labor Day, Mara learned how to play a guitar game on the TV today, and Jack danced to the music.

Tuesday, September 6

Mara started off her third week of first grade with her first homework assignment – write sentences using her spelling words and read for 15 minutes.

Wednesday, September 7

There have been a lot of wildfires around here recently. While none of them have really been in the area, there was a haze from the smoke along the horizon, and you could smell the smoke in the air.

Thursday, September 8

Today would have been my parents' 54th wedding anniversary. Mara and I had a Girl Scout meeting, but John and Jack met up with my family to honor the day. While at dinner, they discovered that Jack loves olives.

13 Years Strong

Thirteen years ago today, I walked down the aisle to marry the love of my life, and what a journey it has been since. It's amazing that it was that long ago because it sure doesn't seem like it, yet I don't really remember what life was like before John and I got together. I frequently think about how John's grandma would always comment on how it seemed like we were made for each other. Sure, we've had our ups and downs, and you'll never hear me say that we don't argue, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am very thankful to have John in my life, and I'm looking forward to spending many, many more years with him.

Here's a picture Mara took for us when we went out to dinner tonight. We didn't plan on both of us wearing green. Guess that shows how in-sync we are. :)

And because it's no longer just the two of us anymore, here's our oldest enjoying her roll.

And our youngest enjoying his cantaloupe.

Happy Father's Day & Our Anniversary

Monday, June 14

Jack wore his "Born in 2010" flag shirt today in honor of Flag Day.

Tuesday, June 15

Mara is supposed to take a picture of her and her daddy to school for show and tell this week, so we took pictures of the two of them tonight.

Wednesday, June 16

I used the gift card that my dad gave me for my birthday to get the Toy Story 3 game for the Wii, which came out yesterday. We got home too late to play it today, but we look forward to playing it tomorrow.

Thursday, June 17

Jack recently started playing with his feet. He likes to try to intertwine his toes or grab things with them.

Friday, June 18

See Friday's pictures here.

Saturday, June 19

Toys R Us had a LEGO build today. While Mara had a lot of fun, it wasn't as good as the ones we've been to at Wal-Mart and the LEGO Store – mainly because there wasn't a specific thing they built. However, it was neat to see what Mara wanted to create and keep from the event (a swimming pool).

Sunday, June 20

We celebrated Father's Day and our 12th anniversary today along with Lori's10th  birthday, which is officially Wednesday. We started off the day going to church so that Mara could sing with the VBC group during the service.