Gabby Goes To School

Yesterday was the first day of Gabby's last year in preschool. I can't believe that kindergarten is looming in the near future. It seems just like yesterday when I was saying I how glad I was that my newborn was born in September, because it's almost like getting another free year with her at home. Although she will be five is less than a month, it feels good to know she is still my baby that I get to enjoy for one more year!!!
The first day was a smooth transition for her, I am not sure I can say the same for myself and Alex. The last picture was taken only moments before his big meltdown about having to leave Gabby's classroom and the cool car toys in it. I think time stopped as his piercing screams were heard all the way out of the building with all eyes on us. I couldn't have gotten out of there fast enough! Then once we were home, which is only five minutes away, I went about my daily chores and business at home. But, somehow, there was a huge void without Gabby there. Alex didn't know what to do with himself without having his sister to follow around, so he just followed me instead. It was sort of a lonely morning for the both of us. But pick-up time soon came and Gabby was happy with her day. I even had a small surprise on her bed waiting for her when she came home, the new Little Mermaid movie. This is tradition I am afraid that I started for every first day. But, she was so thrilled to know I missed her while she was away. She told me, "I was worried about school, but not anymore." It was good to hear her say those words.

First Baby Photo

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice....

Well, I have to spread the fantastic news. I am happy to say that Gabby and Alex will be having a baby sister!!!! We went to the ultrasound today and I was floored. I just knew it was going to be a boy. Boy, I was wrong. Somehow I'm wrong with every baby. I never guess it right. Oh well. We now can get excited and prepared for our second little girl. We are thrilled! My mom watched the kids while we went, so on the way home, Chad and I stopped by a little boutique and bought the new baby girl a little something. Gabby was slightly disappointed to hear it wasn't another "stinky little brother," but she then started to get excited for a little sister. We told Alex and he didn't seem to understand nor care. I honestly was hoping for a little girl, but I also thought that Alex would want a little brother. Maybe a fourth is in our future?.....

Summer Daze

Peek-a-boo at breakfast time. It's so fun to watch them play with eachother!!!

My technologically advanced children. (Basically, Alex just wants to do what his sister does!)

Charlotte's Web Party: I have been reading Charlotte's Web to Gabby, one chapter every night. I promised her that once we finished reading the book, we'd have a party and watch the movie. Her eyes lit up at the thought of a party. So she planned that we would have popcorn and drink Kool-aid and blow up some balloons. So a party it became. She really enjoyed the movie and suprisingly, she remembered a lot of the book to compare it to.

We're thinking of trying out a new hair-do. What do you think?

Already trying to be like Dad.
We were prepared for Tropical Storm Eduaord.
Each of them had their own tent with books and games. Gabby's idea.
Just too cute!!!

Gabby snuggling one of Grandmommy's new puppies, Sadie.
No, he's not in time out. He just crawled into the dog's cage all by himself. Sooo funny!
Granddaddy's 60th birthday celebration!!!

I love my twin, daddy!

Well, sorry I haven't posted in over a month. But these pictures sum up the most part of what's been going on here. We have spent many days at home cleaning out closets, playing with cousins, visiting grandparents, having a few playdates and so on. We spent another weekend in Grandbury celebrating my dad's 60th birthday. My sister, Jennifer, made a slide show with old pictures and then wrote up 60 Don Hooperisms. It was a big surprise to my father, and it brought tears to his eyes. It was so nice for all of us siblings with our kids and spouses to be there to honor him and let him know that his Don Hooperisms are still with us today. Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!!! We also had a sad goodbye to the Clarksons who moved to Taipei, Taiwan for a year. But, I have enjoyed getting to hear their adventures thus far.

We are also greatly anticipating finding out what our baby will be. Boy or Girl? It's driving me crazy not knowing. It is something I think about at least a hundred times a day. I want to know which set of clothes to get down from the attic. I want to know which room it will be in, the theme, the color...etc. I want to start calling the baby by name. I want to get Gabby ready for the idea of another brother or a new sister. (She wants another "stinky brother") I want to know!!!! Next Wednesday is the ultrasound. I just ask for everyone's prayers that this baby is a healthy baby, no matter the gender. Stay tuned for the latest news!

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fun

We were in Granbury for the fourth with our family. Many events occured. Follow the pictures, they'll tell you the story.


Cousin Cammie and Gabby both got their faces painted at the town square craft fair.
The whole fam came out to enjoy turkey legs and corn dogs for lunch.

See how red the kids faces are. It was that hot!
Cousins posing in front of a statue in front of the courthouse.
Gabby and Daddy ride the jet ski!!! Mommy couldn't due to the whole pregnancy thing.
What a little model getting ready to be pulled in the intertube by Granddaddy's boat.
Alex enjoyed a boat ride while chomping into an apple.

Smores for everyone!!! Check out Gabby's face.
Alex liked to eat his smore in stages
Chad catching a marshmallow on fire.

The view from the lake. The party boat was going by at sunset and the fireworks show was just beginning. The whole family watched at the edge of the cliff next to the lake. It was a beautiful site.

Gabby Gets her Ears Pierced!!!

When we woke up this morning, we did not plan on Gabby getting her ears pierced. It just happened. After our regular weekly outing to my mother and I's favorite lunch spot, Chipolte, we happened upon first a wonderful Candy Store and then next door to Sweet and Sassy. Gabby was thrilled with the whole experience. I was sooo proud of her for being so brave! She didn't even wince or let out a shriek. She sat there in the chair and sat like a little lady. Afterwards she cooed, "Their beautiful, thank you!" to the lady. She picked out, thankfully, very simple diamond look-a-like studs. I love them too. I don't know what I was waiting for. She looks soo adorable in her earrings. I can't stop starring at them. Then to make a great day even greater we went down the street to the children's museum. Needless to say, it was a great unexpectedly fun day!!!

Father's Day/Anniversary Weekend

Alex only liked the frosting!

This past weekend was a two for one kind of deal. June 15th marks our 6 year anniversary and of course it was Father's Day. It's hard to believe it has been 6 years, but when your on your third child, it seems like maybe it should be longer.

Saturday morning, we started a little early on the celebrating. The kids and I got up before Chad and prepared a little surprise: decorations and lemon poppy seed muffins. Later we found out that no one but me liked the muffins. Oh well, at least it was the thought that counts. Then later Saturday, Chad's parents watched Gabby and Alex while we went on a date to the traditional anniversary place: Cheesecake Factory and then on to the movies to see Indiana Jones (pretty good flick) We had a fantastic time on our date: something we rarely do.

As for presents, I received a much needed and wanted terry cloth robe since I'm always cold. And somehow it was decided that Chad would get a grill as a combo anniversary/father's day present. Little did we know, the grill would take most of what was supposed to be a leisurely weekend to assemble it. But once assembled we are so pleased with the grill. Sunday, Chad's parents came over for hot dogs and fun! We feel so blessed to have our families nearby.