where you'll find us this summer

We went to the arts festival a few weeks back and got to try out Elle's new swimsuit and the new splashpad at the Myriad Gardens. It was great... except when Elle slipped and got a goose egg on her forehead. We're so excited this is so close to OSSM so we can go play a lot this summer! It officially opens this weekend so we'll probably be frequenting the splashpad, the play area, the dog park, and the Crystal Bridge with our groupon membership we scored!

The splashpad simulates a thunderstorm so there's lots of different water areas.

Todd was not a fan...yet

summing up 8 years together

1 dog

+

2 kids

+

3 moves

+

4 graduate degrees

+

5 states with new zoos

+

6  summers at the cabin

+

7(ish) Disney parks

=

8 years of marriage

We had a different kind of anniversary this year--full of babies and schedules. After Elle's swim lessons we went to Sara Sara Cupcakes for a little family celebration. It was our first time to go there, and we'll definitely go back! We sat out on the porch and it was a beautiful evening. Elle chose blueberry honey, Chris got cappuccino, and I got strawberry shortcake in honor of our wedding cake. All very yummy!

i miss you house... except when you drop limbs

We've been trying to find new renters for our house in Waco and in the process we needed photos of the house. Looking through the pics it makes me miss living on Huaco in Waco. Here's where we used to live:

These shots were all taken after we'd packed A LOT of stuff and needed photos for selling.

living room

living room 2nd view

dining area in kitchen

kitchen

elle's room

guest bed

full bath

half bath

our bedroom

look how little Elle was when we left!

Monday night Waco had some pretty bad storms and one of our trees dropped a limb on the neighbor's house. At first we thought it was worse than it's actually turned out to be, but still worrisome. The foliage has probably been the part I miss the least about our house. Apparently, a limb fell on the neighbor's house another time, but she didn't tell us, and a while back a limb fell on our house. Since we bought the house we've probably cleaned out a billion trees and bushes, but apparently it still needs work. I'm thankful no one was hurt or no other damage was caused.

coach elle

Elle has become a bit bossy lately. We're working on it, but one area where it's actually been helpful is when we're working out. I'm trying to get rid of my baby fat and Elle's been my helper. Sometimes we do the Mommy Baby Body Builders dvd.While we're doing it she'll say, "Momma, get your baby!" or "Time to do ____!" So I started calling her coach. She'll also coach Chris when they go running with the jogging stroller. This video's actually really nice for doing something to exercise. It's got calming, Hawaiian music and scenery so I don't feel like I'm overstimulating Todd. It's also short, but effective, so Todd doesn't have time to get tired of doing the exercises.

 Here's Elle making Cry Baby do the exercise ball...

with the Texas flag because that's how a Texas girl does it! 

todd @ 5 months

This boy's been busy! He went to his 4 month check up and weighed in at 16 lbs 10 oz and he's 25.5 in long. This month he learned to roll from his back to his belly and his belly to his back. He talks a lot, even while nursing sometimes, which is funny. Nothing is safe from his grasp!

He started using this jumper thing and loves hopping around in it!

He also started using the ex-o-saucer and spends some time it several times a day.

He also started cereal this month! He does pretty well and has moved up to using the high chair.

He took his first visit to the zoo!

Hanging out with one of his favorite peeps, Katie!

 Last Sunday he had his first time in bible class! He's been in the nursery a lot, but never really participated in class. He's the little guy 2nd from the right. They said he made it the whole time. I'm sure it has a lot to do with how fun Ms. Debbie is!

In this pic he's between his buddies Po'okela (dark hair) and Isabella (pink and curls).

todd laughing

work overload

Chris worked 19 straight days, then went on the church men's retreat before finally getting a day off. Then it was back to work for the week. In between we've both been trying to be productive on our dissertations, as well as keep up with two kids and a pug. Which means no time or energy for blogging. Hopefully, this week I'll get you caught up on what's been going on around here! This morning (Saturday) Elle asked Chris why he wasn't going to work. That's how crazy busy it's been. We've had a few stressful weeks so I made this to brighten Chris' day last week. I taped it on our bedroom door for him to find. He found it a little amusing. I think he'll be really happy though on May 26th about noon when graduation is over!