Morning Routines

I'm one of those lazy moms who rarely gets up and going before I have to. Usually we head to the gym in the morning anyways, so there's not much point to showering and getting ready before the kids get up. This being said, I often have company as I get ready for the day. Today Audrey had gymnastics. Friday is one of the days we don't make it to the gym, but I still don't get up before the kids and get ready. Audrey and Ian were both in the bathroom with me this morning as I got ready. Ian usually empties out the cupboards and Audrey usually plays somewhere else in the house. However, this morning she felt like she needed a shave:

She also needed some exercise while Ian observed. She wanted to build up some strength for her routines at gymnastics:

I love my Audrey!

The Mirrors

One of my most favorite things about our home are these mirrors. Andy's closet has mirror sliding doors in our master bathroom. It's kind of funny that I have come to LOVE this feature so much. It's not like I gave the mirror sliding closet doors a second thought when deciding to purchase our home. But Ian and Rachel have both spent HOURS in front of these mirrors as babies. Poor Audrey missed out since we were in Amsterdam and I remember really wanting my mirrors then... Once they are actually awake (about 2 weeks old), I plop my babies in the bouncy chair in front of these mirrors while I get ready in the morning. They discover themselves and don't feel like they are abandoned. They talk to themselves, watch themselves kick their legs and bounce, sometimes cry, and sometimes they even fall asleep. About a month ago Ian was so proud of himself to be able to walk along the mirrors, so I had to grab a picture. Such a cutie!!!

Rodeo Day

The Houston Rodeo is a pretty big deal. Spring Break is scheduled when the rodeo is here. Today was Rodeo Day at school, so Rachel got to dress up like a cowgirl. And of course, Audrey had to join in. Such cute Texan cowgirls we have!

Silly Girls

We have some silly girls. They love to play! Today after school the girls were having so much fun. There were lots of giggles and this is how I found them:

I took a picture and sent it to their daddy. They then asked me to take another one for him and they quickly covered their faces:

 

I love how well they play with one another. They do have rough moments, but the good moments far outweigh the rough ones. These girls are lucky to have one another and it's my hope and prayer that they will always have one another. I am learning, as I have observed them through the years, what a blessing a sister can be. They are definitely blessed!

Papa & Grandma Smith Visit Texas

Andy's parents came to visit us this month for about 10 days. The kids LOVED having them here. We enjoyed spending time with them and making new memories with them. While they were here we tried to go on some fun adventures. We also enjoyed just spending time together at our house or the Mackay's. It was a very nice visit!

The second day they were here, Rachel had early dismissal for parent/teacher conferences. So, I ducked out of an actual in-person conference and we took advantage of Rachel being out of school by 11 AM and headed to the zoo. The weather was a little bit chilly, but we still had plenty of fun. Here are some pictures of our zoo visit:

Ian and Landon being pulled around in the wagon by Papa:

The five Texas cousins:

Papa also got to pull the three big kids around:

Ian checking out the animals:

The Petting Zoo:

Our three gophers:

After spending quite a few hours in the zoo we took a train ride around Hermann Park. I love this picture of these three:

Ian and Landon on the train:

One afternoon we went to a neighborhood park. At one time everyone, but Landon (who was sleeping in the car with Aunt Natalie) were being pushed by Papa and Grandma:

Ian LOVES the swing:

On Saturday, when Criag and Andy could actually join us, we headed to Kemah Boardwalk. Andy and I had gone years ago when we first moved to Texas. We just had dinner and I remember not being that impressed. So, I wasn't sure what to expect... But we LOVED it. The kids had a lot of fun and we had great coupon deals. We got there just in time for lunch. So, we ate some lunch and then headed in to ride the rides. We spent the rest of the day just having fun! Here are some pictures of our fun there:

Everyone loved the carousel ride:

Big  Ferris Wheel:

Little Ferris Wheel:

Airplane ride with Daddy:

This monkey ride ended up becoming a favorite. The kids went on it again and again and again. At first, Rachel didn't want to go on it, so just Audrey and Chase went. And then Rachel got brave and tried it and LOVED it. Nothing like a little peer pressure, especially from 4 year-olds...

Excited about the train ride:

On our last full day with the grandparents we decided to go to the Children's Museum after school. The kids had lots of fun at the grocery store, playing veterinarian, at the restaurant, painting, and lots more... The museum is always fun and with more adults it's even better! Natalie and I were able to take the babies to the baby section while the grandparents played with the big kids. Here are a few pictures:

Being artists:

The rock wall:

Ian checking out the baby chicks with Papa:

The three monkeys:

Our time with Papa and Grandma Smith flew by too quickly. We had so much fun with them! We love when they have a chance to visit. And we love the memories that we make. Our children are so blessed to have grandparents in their lives.

Lizard Catcher

Today was another beautiful January day. The girls were enjoying playing in the backyard when I heard some screams of excitement. Rachel was so excited to show me the lizard she had caught:

And is was a very friendly lizard. A bit of the tail fell off, but you can't really tell in the picture. Audrey was quite amazed at how the tail was still wiggling on the ground. The girls had fun playing with the lizard for about 10 minutes and then they let him go. Fun times!

Celebrating Ian

Ian's birthday fell on a Saturday this year and it was a busy Saturday! For some reasons, we decided it would be a good day to take the van in for an alignment and tire rotation. So, after a quick breakfast of pancakes we all piled in the van and then came home in Daddy's car. The girls each had a friend birthday party to go to. So, while I took Audrey and Rachel to their different parties, Ian hung out with Daddy. Andy should have gone into work, but decided to try to work from home that day. Here's Ian in the morning working away with his daddy:

The van was finally ready around 2 pm. After dropping Andy off to pick it up, Ian came home and took a super long nap. He was tired! After his nap though, he was ready to have some fun and celebrate. The Mackays joined us for dinner and cake. Prepare for picture and video overload. In my defense, there are a lot I cut out.

The Birthday Boy:

Ian with all his presents (he was so spoiled by family):

Trying to get the bow off:

Handsome boy with his tie:

Checking out all his toys:

I love how his tongue it sticking out to the side:

He's a natural!

Checking out his mow lawner, I mean lawn mower:

More interested in the flame than the cake:

"I don't know what they expect me to do with this, but I'm not doing it":

"What on earth is this?":

"I'll just enjoy my milk, thank you very much!":

Birthday boy with his balloon:

Mommy, the Big 1-Year Old, and Daddy (we all have double chins, not the best angle, but Ian's adorable):

We had so much fun celebrating Ian! And he did try some of his cake 2 days later. I think he was just a bit overwhelmed that evening with all the attention and activity. If I put a piece in front of him now, it would get eaten. I guess he's going to have to wait until Rachel's birthday... Ian has been the best baby in the world. I'm hoping the coming years go as smoothly as this past year. We are looking forward to celebrating so many more birthdays with our little man!