What Do You See?

Madi was in charge of the lesson for Family Night last night. She had each of us making "Ink Blots" for our activity.

Madi creating her own Ink Blot.

Our finished Ink Blots. The lesson was that everyone is different, and that we each see things in a different way. We were all very impressed. Especially Joshua since he got to paint!

And two weeks without Hide-n-Seek was about all Joshua could stand! So we played a few rounds for his game. He reminds us every week that he is always in charge of the games! This is him counting away.

And one of Madi's wonderful hiding places!

Joshua

Joshua is the Dino Superstar this week at school. He had so much fun making this poster. He wanted it to look like a puzzle. He was so excited to take it to school!

Joshua helping Dad do some work with his tools. He always cracks me up when he does this! Does anyone else notice how Joshua always seems to be in his pajamas? Just checking!

Joshua playing with Nala. The funniest part about this picture is that he's actually stark naked! Nothing surprises us anymore when it comes to Joshua!

Sunday Afternoon Baking Cookies

Greg and I napped for awhile this afternoon. It was so nice! Madi played so well with Joshua. So her reward was chocolate chip cookies.

This photo pretty much sums it up for Joshua! He doesn't like chocolate, so all he wants is the dough. Not like chocolate...whose kid is this!

Going into the oven.

Madi taking the cookies out of the oven (which by the way, stopped working after the last batch, halfway through cooking dinner!).

We might not have dinner tonight, but at least we have some yummy, warm chocolate chip cookies! I am sure the kids won't mind, well Madi at least!

School Election

Hi, Madi here, the teenager in house number three. I am running for Vice President in my school. The elections were supposed to be today, but the teacher in charge left early with the ballots. Hopefully, we will have it tomorrow. Anyway, I have spent a lot of time campaigning, with some help from Mom. I made hair ribbons, T-shirts, posters, and handed out pencils with the slogan "Vote Madi B. for V.P." Mom had to take pictures just so we could put them on the blog. Sorry for the cutouts, privacy.

As many of you may know, I am an avid pianist. Last Sunday, I accompanied while the Young Women in our church sang. It was really hard considering I only had two weeks to prepare, but, I pulled it off. Now I need a to get my hands on a new piece. So long for now!

Family Night

Tonight was Family Night. Madison actually convinced Joshua to play Twister! This is such a surprise, because it wasn't Hide-n-Seek! We all had a great time. Sorry no pictures of mom and dad (done on purpose, trust me...they weren't pretty)! It was great practice for Joshua with the whole left and right thing.

Joshua in the splits, again!

Notice the ribbon in her hair? She is running for Student Council VP this week at school.

We all enjoyed some Pumpkin cake to celebrate the first day of Autumn, and it was only 90 degrees today!

It has been a long time since I have baked anything. It is just too hot in the summer to turn the oven on. Madi is also wearing "Vote for Madi" t-shirts that she made. She and her friends have been wearing them to school this week.

A Visit to the Museum of Science & Nature

Joshua loved the dino dig exhibit. He could have spent the entire day there!

Madi growling with the Polar bears.

Not the best picture of Greg, but they were having a great time!

Madi's dream come true! Being a Meteorologist on T.V.

Joshua loved getting to milk the "cow". The Borden Milk Exhibit is so much fun. They have it set up at the State Fair every year. It is like a mini-farm where the kids get to walk around and collect eggs, fruit, veggies, etc. and then sort them into baskets at the end. They have tractors (trikes) and stick horses to ride around on. It is just a really great idea and set-up. The kids love it! A fun day and some good family time!

Let the Games Begin!

Well, soccer season had started up again. At least we have our Saturdays planned out for the next 2 months! Greg is still coaching. It is amazing how much they forget in a few months! They did great though and ended up with a tie. The boys all loved their new uniforms! Some of the parents were a bit concerned though. It seems that they look a little too much like Aggies! Only in Texas!

Joshua is enjoying soccer more each season. The best part is just being with his Dad and friends.

Poor Joshua...he definitely needs new cleats! They were a bit too small when we pulled them out this season!

The team getting a few pointers from Coach Greg!

The Boys Getting All of Their Hairs Cut

Joshua doesn't do too well getting his hair cut. It is such a struggle, that I put it off until he is so shaggy! We went back to a good short cut, thus extending the time until we have to do it again!

I thought having him go with Greg might help, but no luck! So Greg ended up having his picture taken, too! He is back to having hair now after his "Prison Break" stint. I love my boys!

The First Day of School

O.K., so the first day was awhile ago, but I am just getting around to posting the photos. Madison just started the 8th. grade, and Joshua is now in kindergarten. They both had good days. We were a little worried about Joshua. Up until the morning of, he was still saying he wasn't going to go to his new school. He has adjusted well and is enjoying school, just a bit more tired at the end of the day!

Madi's first day of 8th. grade. She keeps reminding us that next year she will be in high school.
On his way to school. Notice the hands in the pockets, that is his new thing lately.
Walking into his classroom for the first time. Yeah!! A smile!
Wow! Green playdoh! What more could a kid ask for! And then he gave us his thumbs up, so he was good to go for the day.

Kittens, anyone?

Three to be exact. And no, Nala did not have babies. Joshua already tried that one! It seems that something has been digging in our garden this past week. This summer has been horrible for our garden with bugs, critters, you name it! So we had no idea what it could be this time, until I happened to look out the window yesterday and caught them in the act. All three of them. We have our wonderful neighbor down at the end of the street to thank for them (she has decided to stop taking care of her yard). Our truly great neighbor, Mr. Dick, has a few cages, so we caught them in no time. Now they are off with Animal Control to be given baths and cleaned up for their new homes (that last part is what Greg is telling Joshua)!

Now on to my flower pot! They have been doing so wonderful this year, until this happened...

I quickly got the bug spray out, only to find this guy and his friend looking back at me...

Needless to say, as cute as they all are, they are all gone! Hopefully, this will be the last of the bugs and critters around here, for awhile anyway! All in a days work!

A Visit to Dad's Work

Joshua had the chance to go to the plant tonight with Greg. It was part of their 100th. Year Celebration. Some celebration...boy have things changed. In the past it was a small carnival - hot dogs, games, full tours of the plant, car shows, etc. Last night consisted of a brief plant tour, a stop by Dad's office, and Sonic on the way home. Still, all things considered, Joshua had a blast. He loved watching a particular "robot" shut the truck doors (over and over). It is a pretty fascinating thing to watch a truck being built. All in all, it was great bonding time for father and son, and that's what it's all about!

Who's the boss now?!

Family Night in the Park

The weather has been beautiful here this week. We headed out to the park for Family Night. It took some convincing for Joshua. Family Night for him only involves treats and playing Hide-n-Seek (in the house). Such a sheltered life! The highlight of the evening for Greg and Madi was torturing all of the poor women who were working out at Boot Camp while the two of them sat eating their Big Macs! It was quite funny actually. Before we get to the photos, a few quotes from Joshua as of late...

"I am so hungry. I could eat a tired chicken!"

"Madi, do you know what a coffee cat is? I learned it at school."

"When is it going to be summer again?"

"I think the North Pole came here last night." (It was 60 degrees this morning.)

Greg & Madi

Joshua head first down the slide.

Madi hanging out on the swings.

Such a cutie! (in need of a haircut!)

At least he will still let me take pictures of him, for now!

Greg getting in on the fun, upside down!

Playing in Puddles

Well, Mom and Dad weren't the only ones who got to play in the rain. Here are some pic. of the kids living it up outside #3.
Madi finally getting to put her boots to use! And well, we all know how much Joshua loves his Froggy boots! Shame they are getting too small. I need to be on the look out for some new ones!
I think this poor Duck umbrella has seen better days, too. It was Madi's when she was little.
And Madi, you can never be too old to splash in the puddles!