Summer Roundup

Apologies in advance for the photo roundup known as this post.  I'm trying to cover a lot of ground/not get too far behind and summer doesn't always lend to a lot of blogging time when naptimes are filled with getting work and other projects done.

Uncle Luke and fam came to visit us at the pool one night.  It was extra special because it's likely the last time we will see them before Baby Thomas #2 will be here!

These two were on a mission (and it's so fun to see Charlie walk!)

Sweet boys...

Ole Uncle Luke's still got it: here's the last time he threw Palmer in the air (at the age of four):

And today:

Next up, an annual visit to Six Flags with family.  Grace was all ready to hit up some rides, but unfortunately, she's a little shorter than Palmer was at her age and was limited in options.  Luckily, she didn't realize her limitations and was happy with the small things.

Meanwhile, Palmer conquers more and more every year and wishes for a taller height so that he can move onto the big rides.

Date night at a new favorite hot spot, complete with tableside submarines, a Ducati, and an MG.  Simple.

Grace took a summer dance class this year that capped off with a show-and-tell for parents (and brothers).  Add a second kid to our list of children who tend to act out when their parents are watching the class demonstration.  Grace started off great, but by the end was trying to mainly make Palmer laugh by doing the opposite of what was supposed to be done.  I told Palmer to stop laughing at her, but he said, "But mom- she's just so funny!"  (Insert mom eye roll.)

Here are some "sweeter" photos and video moments...

Dance lessons back at the apartment from big brother:

Busy summer days sometimes mean crashing poolside for an evening nap...

Too often, Palmer and Rick pair off together and Grace and I pair together for outings.  In an attempt to balance that, Rick and I both took the opposite gender kids for a date.  Rick and Grace filled their time with kayaking and cake pops at Starbucks.  Palmer and I had croissants and did a little bit of organization at our house (under construction).  I know, I know.  One of us parents is fun.  The other is practical about not having a three year old at her heels.  Whoops.

Here's a funny story: I was the lead art teacher for the juniors at VBS last week.  I know, I don't like crafts.  Somehow, we all managed and our idea to build a robot from trash turned out to be a big hit along the way.

Rick's been traveling a lot for work and so one Friday night, I took the kids out for dinner and a magic show.  Palmer loved the show, but after fifteen minutes, Grace got fidgety.  I threatened her with being "sent to kids club" if she didn't sit down and watch.  Her response? "Can I please go to kids club now?" Ugh.  That girl.

Aunt Samantha moved to Fort Worth last week!  We are so happy to have her back in Texas.  Palmer even built her some furniture for the items currently missing in her apartment.

And house construction is moving fast.  We have a completely framed new section above the garage for the kids bedrooms.  And walls have been built downstairs off of the (gutted) kitchen for a new mudroom and laundry room.  Fun stuff.

Moving onward... School is in sight: three weeks to go.

-Bethany