Land of Lights

Dwayne and I took the boys to go see "Land of Lights" in Athens.
The boys were very excited about seeing the lights but also very excited about Nana going on the trip with us.

I highly recommend this place. It was awesome!!! We were amazed! We all had a really good time. We ate popcorn and cookies while we enjoyed the lights. The pictures just do not do justice, but I tried.

Grapeland Safari

We made a spontaneous run to Grapeland, which is about a 30 miles south of Palestine. They had very interesting animals, some very strange. The kids had a blast feeding the animals, except when the camel stuck his head into the truck window, that frightened them just a little. Jake and Luke also rode the " Texas Train", which was pulled by a 4 wheeler.

Another Day of with Thomas

We decided to take Jake to see Thomas again this year. Although, he was not near as fascinated as last year. By next year, I definitely think Thomas will be a hero of the past. But he still loves trains very much. Still plays with them all the time!!



Chase and Julie met us in Rusk to see Thomas as well, which made it a lot more fun for Jake and I. Of course, Dwayne had fun, too. It was a fun- filled day of riding on Thomas, boys scaring us to death by hanging out the train window, getting pictures, balloons, playing with trains, Thomas tattoos, digging for gold, etc..

Pumpkin Patch

We loaded up and went to the Pumpkin Patch in Bullard. Lots of fun. Corn and hay mazes, hay rides, picking pumkins, pulling wagons. So much fun!!!






Jake made Halloween cookies,too!! Although, he did not get them quite 2" apart. Ha, ha.

Pre-school

Last night Jake slept with me and while he was lying in bed, he started singing this bumble bee song. It was so adorable. Also to my amazement, he started citing the "Pledge of Allegiance". He said," Mommy put your hand right here." He pointed to his heart. I was so excited about how much he was learning in preschool,I decided the next day to go and video him at school.

Mrs. Julie is such a wonderful teacher, however in my previous blog, I failed to mention, she is also my very best friend. I am very blessed to have her in my life. We have always had a lot of fun together, ever since we were 11 yrs old. Just a little reminiscing,we did some crazy things when we were young. Sneaking out, parties, football games, boyfriends, Mazzios and movies(LOL!!),always laughing and acting silly, prom (eating quesadillas at Charlotte's house), and on and on. We have had so much fun and now our kids love playing together. Now it's Chuck E. Cheese, Pump It Up, birthday parties, and play dates. Julie is definitely a true friend. She has always been there for me. It's amazing how much we are alike. Especially with cleaning house and stressing out!!Ha, Ha. Although, my house is not near as clean as it used to be. Julie is a very special person in my life. I love you girl!!

It's a brick house!!

Finally, we have a brick house. I didn't think they would ever get through bricking. However, looking at our house, we plan on staining the posts and door to match and are painting the trim and dormers a creme color.

Today we went to the big " Montalba Fest". The boys enjoyed the parade and Jake enjoyed the jump house. I did not have camera so no pictures.

Here is a picture of Luke eating spaghetti for the first time. Oh my!! What a mess!!

Shots

Little Luke had his one year check-up yesterday. His height is in the 75th percentile and his weight is in the 25th. So he is long and lean. Bless his heart, I had to hold on to him while Dr.Klein checked him or I should say, he was holding on the me. He had his arms wrapped around my neck so tight. When I had to lay him on the table he starting screaming before he even felt the shots. And... OH my goodness, you wouldn't believe how many he had do get. He got one, two, three, four, 5 shots!!! That is just too many for my little precious. Here he is on the way home.

Marlin

Sunday afternoon, we took a trip to Wal-mart. Well, we never leave without looking at the fish. This time I decided to adopt a goldfish. So now we have a new member of the family. I asked Jake what he would like to name his new fish. First it was George, then it was Rudy, and the final name......Marlin!!! Oh my goodness, does he ever love Marlin. He adores Marlin. He has to hug and kiss the fish bowl before he goes to bed at night. We love our new addition to the family.

Tyler Combat Challenge

Last night we went to Tyler to watch the Firefighters Combat Challenge. I know some of you may not know what that is so here is a video of the Combat Challenge.

We went because several of Dwayne's co-workers were competing. We had a really good time. Jake had a blast. He was cheering and screaming for the competitors. His little heart was racing. Well,guess what guys? They had a kids combat challenge set up. It was so neat. When Jake noticed this....we were there!!!! He had to do it!! He was so excited. The line was so long. So long!!! Dwayne carried Jake on his shoulders for about an hour while I had Luke on my hips. That's OK it was well worth it. But you will never believe it, I DID NOT HAVE MY CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable! I was so upset. I never dreamed it would need it. But I was wrong. Never go anywhere without your camera. Jake got to put on his little gear and everything. It was awesome, He was probably the youngest one that did it. He was so adorable. Cannot believe I did not have my camera,ugh!!!! Here is a video of the kids combat challenge.

First Day of Preschool

Jake started school!!! Well preschool. I am very excited about this year because his teacher is someone I know very well. Her name is Julie and we have been friends since we were 11 yrs old. So that makes 19 yrs, wow!! I know Jake will learn a lot, but hopefully he will behave. The first day of school, he got sent to time out twice for hitting and poking someone in the eye. Oh my!!! Indeed we had a talk when we got home. He will be at school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-11:30 but can stay for extended care until 3:00. He asked me to pick him up early today so I did. This is what he made today.

And he only got in time out once for not listening. He is such a strong-willed little boy, but I know God is working in him everyday giving him a sweet and obedient spirit. By the way the school is at First United Methodist. He also went last year. He absolutely loves it.

I also thought since the last few posts have been about Jake. I would show a few pictures of Luke. He is looking at a book pointing to the pictures. He loves his books and magazines too. He loves his big brother Jake. He is watching him play playstation.