Season Opener

Since Shaye's first scheduled game got cancelled due to rain last weekend, this Saturday was the first time they played. Shaye did a great job! We were really proud of her. She really went after the ball and took it to the goal several times. We are excited to watch her improve this year. We started the game out hot and sweaty like this:
And a bit after half time, we ended up like this:

It was quite an adventure, but it was fun. And Shaye actually thought it was "cool" to play in the rain! Luckily I was able to keep Sydnee dry under the big umbrella.

Update

Well, I talked to my mom today and things seem to be okay. When they got back to their house, there was no damage. Mom said their town looked like a jungle because there were so many trees, limbs, and depri all over. They saw a church whose steeple had been torn down, some roofs ripped up, and a few stop signs and stuff knocked over, but it could have been much worse. We are grateful our families are okay, and hope those who got hit worse will be alright soon!

Hurricane Ike

Well, unless you have been hiding under a rock the last week you know Hurricane Ike is heading straight for the Texas Coast. Many of you also know that is where our parents live. They are directly in the path. (my parents house in no more than 5 miles from the beach.) My parents have evacuated to Austin, and now we are just hoping their house doesn't get completely flooded. My mom is especially worried about the BRAND NEW wood floors she just had put in this last week. Sam's mother and grandma have also gone to Austin, but his dad has decided to stay behind. The biggest concern is the 20 foot surge they are expecting to wash up. We just hope and pray our families don't lose everything in the water. I will keep you updated!

A Small Insight...

So I discovered something about myself today. After putting Sydnee down for her nap, I started cleaning the house. When I clean, I listen to my ipod and I can go for hours! It definately helps. After about 30 minutes the battery went dead and I was so disappointed. How was I going to clean now? I decided to grab Shaye's ipod - hey, any music is better than none, right. Well, her ipod is loaded with mainly HSM music, and a few other things, and come to find out I enjoyed that just as much as my own. So here I was at home by myself rockin' with Troy and the gang and knew almost every word to the songs. Bring on High School Musical 3!

Vacation

Sam and I have been wanting to take a vacation around our region, so we were excited to go when our friends invited us to Arkansas. We stayed 3 nights on Beaver Lake in Eureka Springs. The lake was the nicest one I've been to since we moved here. It is spring fed, so the water is pretty clean and fresh, and it was cool -which was nice in the heat. The girls had tons of fun swimming every day and playing. Shaye did such a great job jumping out in the middle of the lake and swimming all on her own.

We went to Branson, Missouri for the last 2 days. This was dinner at Dick Clark's American Band Stand. We went to see two shows - Chinese Acrobats, which was amazing, and Jim Stafford, who was also very good. The last day we hit the outlet malls and drug the kids around buying too much stuff! :)
We went with our friends, Jared and Aimee. We met them in Logan going to Utah State. Fortunately, they currently live in Dallas so we have been able to see them every year at least once. They have three girls, and this one little boy. So Shaye obviously loves it when we get to spend time with them.

The view from our cabin. It was a really nice cabin - 3 bedrooms and 2 extra pullout beds, with a porch around it and everything. If you are ever going to Eureka Springs, let me pass along the name of these.

Poor little Sydnee. I was working on getting her to sleep, and Jaxson was laying by us. Next thing I know he is asleep also, with his arm over her head. She didn't seem to mind, and went right on sleeping! The bottom left corner is the world's largest wind chime. It was in Eurka Springs.

Three Months Already!

This week Sydnee hit her three month mark. On one hand it has gone so fast, and on the other hand it feels like she has been with us forever! She is so sweat and the most beautiful baby (and I'm definately not bias!) She is sleeping in her own room now. We moved her to her crib a few weeks ago and she does great. She sleeps from 9pm till 6 or 7 in the morning. She is talking and cooing and is a happy baby, as you can tell from her big smile. She is so fun, and we are blessed to have her! Her older siblings are still crazy about her, and she gets lots of hugs and kisses! It has been exciting and fun to have a baby around again. She has already brought us so much joy!

Preschool for Him.... Peace for Me!!

Jaxson started preschool this week on Monday. He goes for 2.5 hours on Mon/Wed/Fri mornings. So far he has loved it! He has his own supply box and they paint, color, and have already started sequencing. I am looking forward to what all they will learn this year. Jaxson has been having a little bit of a hard time with Sydnee around. He always wants to hang on her and squeeze her and I have to watch him all the time. So its nice that he gets to do something he enjoys, and I get to go worry free for a few hours.

First Grade

Shaye started school on Wednesday. I can't believe she's already in first grade. You can immediately tell a difference in first grade and kindergarten. She has her own desk where she keeps her supply, and there weren't any toys in the classroom! I know she is going to learn a lot this year, we are very excited for her. (and a little sad too!)

Family Reunion

Some Favorites

I had never seen surfing behind the boat before. It was tons of fun! Of course the idea is to throw the rope in and just surf the wave.... maybe after more practice! :)

We had such a good time at the family reunion. Other than my grandma, we haven't seen my family members for about 6 years. The weather was so perfect, the lake was great, and there were so many fun activities. When it was all over, Sam and I didn't want to leave. It took us a whole week to adjust to being back in the 100 degree humid weather, and away from family.