Garden Boxes

On Monday while Grandpa and Grandma were here, the kids all went back to school. So, Logan had a lot of attention that day, he had too much fun. Doug took Grandpa and Logan to the hardware store and bought our Dog a dog house and also got wood to make garden boxes. Grandpa went to town and even completed them while Doug was doing "Pool School". We're very very grateful for this extra help around the house. And yes, I now have proof that Dad can use the saw (I've never seen it before).

Post Baptism Partay

Following the baptism, we came to the house and had Dinner and swimming! We had so much fun, just talking and watching kids swim. It was a nice end to the day. From soccer games, baptism, and party, the kids were so exhausted.

What a cutie Hubby I have :)

Madisen's Baptism

Madisen was baptized on Saturday October 13, 2012. It was held at the Klein Stake Center. We had a very special experience. Madisen looked beautiful. She wanted to wear the dress Julia wore (I made it), so we will now save it for our baby girl coming to wear for her baptism. Grandma Clark gave a talk on Baptism. Julia, Spencer, Sawyer and Logan did a musical number, "I like to look for Rainbows" with Grandpa Clark accompanying them. Grandma McArthur gave the closing prayer. Madisen shared the stake baptism day with one other cute girl. We were so happy to have our Grandparents there for this special day and we were also very happy to have our very good friends, the Dents come up for this occasion. Madisen was worried about getting her new CTR necklace wet, she thought it might rust. So, Julia, lovingly, let her borrow her necklace that was a bit older and Madisen was very happy about that. Doug did a wonderful job and we are so grateful to him for holding the Priesthood to bless our family in these special occasions. We love our Madisen!

Sea World

For Madisen's Baptism weekend we decided to surprise the kids and take them to Sea World. We picked up Grandpa and Grandma in San Antonio late Thursday night from the airport. We had a wonderful day at Sea World. It was a bit hot for me (35 weeks pregnant), it was around 90 degrees. I, of course, couldn't go on any rides, but it was so much fun to watch them all have fun. Grandpa was a sport to go on all of the roller coasters with Doug, who never seems to have a partner in crime for that. All of the shows were nice. I always love to see the happiness on my kids faces as they see exciting things. The funniest was when Spencer, Madisen, and Sawyer got soaked by Shamu's tale splashing them. It got in Madi's mouth, so funny. I didn't take my camera this time, because the thought was too hot for me to carry. You'll have to enjoy this great pic!

More pics from Madi's birthday

Madisen Turns 8

Madisen turned 8 on September 9th! I can't believe she is already that old, time sure flies. She is such a great member of our family. She is very energetic, but is also good at focusing during school. She is very smart. She loves friends and has many. She is very caring and loves to play. Right now she is in soccer, taking piano, taking violin lessons, and now going to activity days. She is a very busy girl, but is talented in many things! We had a small birthday for her at home and then the following Saturday we had a birthday with friends. We had 10 girls come to the house. It was very loud, but fun. They each got to paint a pig piggy bank to take home, have pizza and ice cream, and also play a few games. She was also spoiled with many presents too. She has very kind friends. Each of the kids made her something for her birthday. It was so cute, they were very proud of what they made, found, or drew.

Meyer Park

Before Soccer began we headed one Saturday to get McDonalds and eat it at the park and then play soccer for a while. The kids enjoyed it. This was the same soccer field that Doug played on as a kid. Such a small world.

Big Project- Time to Test it out!

We got in as soon as we were given the "Go"! It was a sure fun time to swim and play. We are still waiting on all of the "finishing touches" to be done with the pool and we are also doing the landscaping right now. But it should be finished finished by next Wednesday, a day before my parents come into town for Madisen's baptism. When we signed for the pool, they were giving a free kitchen with it, which is why we have an outdoor kitchen. I think we'll probably live out here in the backyard for 9 months of the year. Come and visit us anytime!

Big Project- Phase 5

Well, the white pebbletec surface was poured (in the last set of pictures). And then it took a bit more than a day to fill up the pool. Yep, it's a really big slide and we really need to buy some trees to help cover it up. But it should be a fast one!

Big Project- Phase 4

Pool Project- Phase 3

This next phase of the pool was the Gunite phase. It's something like cement, but not as hard? I don't really know. But it started at 7 am and they didn't finished till late afternoon. They taped plastic on the house and covered windows, to protect it, so we didn't get to see much of what was happening. But it was very loud and quite messy. Here are the results.... We had to water this morning and night for 7 days so it didn't dry too quickly.

Our Summer Vacation

This summer we opted to not go on vacation so we could save up for a pool. But we did get to get away for a weekend of fun. First we headed to Brenham where we went on a Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory Tour. I think this is our 3rd time there and we just love it every time. In fact, if you visit, we will likely take you there. After our yummy tour, we headed to the main park in the town and the kids rode a Wooden Carousel for fun.

Wooden Carousel PIctures

Here are the rest of the Wooden Carousel Pictures. It moved pretty fast for being as old as it was. This carousel only runs once a week, so we were lucky to be in town while it was on.

Summer Vacation

I guess I can't post that many pictures, so I have to break it up. After our carousel ride, we headed to a movie Theater and got to see Ice Age Continental Drift. Each thing planned was a surprise to the kids, so it was fun to get to each activity with anticipation. After the movie, we drove a couple hours to San Marcos and checked into the hotel. We had dinner, jumped on bed, watch TV and headed to bed. The next morning we swam in the pool and then headed to the Outlets to do our school shopping. After a day of school shopping, we headed back home late Saturday night. It was a fun two days and it was good to have Doug finally take off some time from work.

Big Project- Phase 2

Now Phase 2 (I'm calling it) was when they put down wire to hold up the gunite (concrete like stuff) which forms the pool. They also put down the plumbing for the pool. I didn't like this part because Doug was in China for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 and I had to make decisions without him, because I couldn't get a hold of him. Not my favorite thing, but it all turned out fine in the end.