Sunday, July 6, 2014

A Trip to Texas and July 4th Weekend!

I found this app on the iPad where you can make your pictures come to life. All three boys colored different pictures to test it out. They were in aww to see their art work pop up on the screen.







We packed up the boys and headed to Texas to visit Grandpa John and Grandma Julie. It's been 3 years since the last time we were there because Easton was just a baby. I found a play area in the airport for the boys to burn off their energy before getting on the plane.



Overall the flight went great! We were off the ground by 7:00 am! They didn't complain too much and mostly sat in their seats watching movies.


Once we got to Texas they took us to the farmers market where the boys could pick out fresh fruit and veggies to eat at their house. I was in aww of the things they tried and like. I have since bought some for at home and they are back to hating them.

We spent most of our time there swimming in their pool. It's the perfect size for the kids. They had a blast! Even Nolan started jumping in. Normally he's ok sitting on the steps or walking around the pool.


They also did a little fishing in Grandpa's pond. The threw lots of bread for the turtles and ducks to eat.





I don't understand how you have this nice pool area to swim and play in but yet….


They seemed to have just as much fun in this nasty pond!

While Nolan and I crashed at the house...

Grandpa and Ryan took the big boys to a Rough Riders baseball game.


When they enterer the stadium a worked for the baseball team asked Spencer if he was interested in playing in a game between periods. Of course he said yes and he was super excited! It was an inflatable horse race.



Nothing to it, he smoked the other kids on his horse!

They made sure to have a few treats.



The next morning we got up bright and early. Grandma had rented a big van that would fit all of us. We had a 2+ hour long drive to our adventure...

This is how Spencer keeps himself busy for 2+ hours...








We were headed to Fossil Rim. It's a great wild animal reserve. We got a personal tour around the grounds to see all the different animals. Way better then the regular zoo!





We were given cups of food to feed the different animals along the way.








We had lunch at the look out point..



And then continued on with our adventure….












Some of the animals were kind of creepy.


You can see how the animals come right to the windows.



This pretty much sums up Easton's attitude majority of the trip.

The boys got to do a lot of cooking with Grandma….




Ryan and Grandpa took Spencer to a golf range...


Then it was back to the house for more swimming...




Hmmmm I think someone is missing their swimming suit! You can tell their sunscreen and swim shirts work!


Only little boys would do this...


Grandma has all kind of gadgets including an ice cream maker.



The guys sitting next to Easton is a good friend of theirs (Mike Vopal) and a principal. He was going to help keep Easton in line for us during dinner! Easton wasn't too sure about him.

They also played a lot of street baseball. Grandpa lives in a cul-de-sac too so it was like a home game for the boys


Grandpa has a neat game on his fence that Spencer kept trying. 

The weekend was quick and before we knew it it was time to head home. 

Surprise, surprise Easton wouldn't be in a picture! 

Sometimes when I stand back and look at the boys I can't get over how old they are looking! 

 Even Nolan wanted to help with the suitcases! 

Our neighbors had a fun surprise for us in our yard for when we got home. I heard most of them blew away since it was so windy but a few remained. 



 Vacations can tire a kid out! 

We continue to enjoy summer to the fullest! 

We headed to the pool one day. It wasn't the nicest but that didn't stop our kids from swimming.







Weekly random Spencer sleeping shot! 

This week it  was finally time to go to the dentist. Spencer's front teeth just weren't giving in and we couldn't wiggle them out.

So it was time to have them pulled! 


He didi great and said he never felt a thing! Perfect! 

The lucky boy got a visit from the tooth fairy that night. He told us he saw the fairy and that she sprinkled magic on him and he floated off his bed. He might be watching one too many disney movies!

The other big news with Spencer this week is he passed the next level swim test. He had to tread water and float on his stomach. He did great. Now he can go to the lap pool without me.

Spencer continues to show us the different snacks he's learned to make at summer school. 


Easton is starting to take after Spencer….

We had a play date with the crew plus Auntie and her friend Melissa came up with their kids to Teddy Bear park.



Sometimes they play and get a long so well with each other! 

Sadly we discovered this mark on Nolan's arm. After an ER visit and clinic visit to see his Doctor we are still waiting for the official word on weather or not he has Lymes disease. Either way he's being treated for it at this point.

Sometimes I feel like I have zero control over these boys. I'm hoping maybe she can help!

We celebrated our friend Brian's birthday and the start of the holiday weekend with a Twins game. 


We spent the 4th at Grandma and Grandpa's house….


The littles are always wanting to help. 

Now there is a slide to go with the water trampoline...




The kids did some water skiing. 

Nolan even tried out the trainer this time! Ryan had to try and talk him into it, but eventually he just put him on the water ski trainer and pushed him out away from the boat! He was nervous at first, but the tears quickly turned to smiles. Yay Nolan!



They did some sparklers before the fireworks…. 





Every year Grandpa puts on a great show and this year it didn't disappoint! 



We quickly headed back to Hudson that night because Saturday morning was the Hudson Booster's Day parade and we were representing St. Croix Sports!




The boys saw that Captain America was also in the parade!






 It's become a tradition to head downtown Hudson for their fireworks. They kids played volleyball to kill time before the fireworks show started.








This is Easton's friend Landry. I asked them to put their arms around each other and this is what I got!

HAHAHA! Batman made it to the fireworks. This is Jake our little neighbor boy.

This kids were all excited to see the big fireworks… 


We finished off the long holiday weekend with an adult only trip down the St. Croix River with some friends. It was the perfect ending to a great weekend!