I was just going through the pictures on my camera and came across a couple I thought I'd share.

This was taken before our very first trip to the pool

We got this little castle play thing for $15 @ Goodwill. We figure it's something for the girls to play on until we get them a nice play set (and we should be able to sell it pretty easily)

Allie trying to push Avery while riding her bike!

Allie trying out her photography skills

He was on the side of our house....we spot one of these anole lizards on a daily basis!!

Dressing Messy

Derek in his mess dress for the SNCO induction banquet. Filling in for the Colonel.

PAPA

These girls adore their papa.....for Father's Day we took these pics and they are just too cute not to post.

More of the House

Still not all neat and tidy and nothing on the walls yet.......but here are some more pics of the house.

Birthday Girl

Well, we definitely spoiled Allie this year on her birthday. First there was the circus and then her princess pool/pizza party........and then yesterday, on her birthday, I took her to a place called Dynamoze. When Daddy got home we went to Peter Piper Pizza. Both places, by the way, way over priced and we probably won't go there again. I told Allie exactly that about Dynamoze and, of course, she told Mony and Papa. They told her they would take her back when they come to visit. On top of all that, she has been spoiled by Grandparents, Great Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles with packages and cards in the mail!

Thank You Buddy & Kim!!

Thank You GG!!

Thank You Grandma & Grandpa H.!!

Thank You Mony & Papa!!

Thank You Johnston Family!!

Playing @ Dynamoze

Peter Piper Pizza - like Chuck E Cheese. We won a little over 1,000 tickets and still ended up with just a bunch of little, cheap trinkets

Princess Pool Party

Allie turns 4 Monday!! I really can't believe it. Time is flying by!

When I asked Allie what kind of a party she wanted she said, "PRINCESS!!"  So, a princess "themed" party it was.....again (she wanted princess last year too).  In all actuality, it was just a princess cake and pink plates. The place: the community pool. And, we had it to ourselves!! We were shocked that no one was there on a Saturday. A few people showed up here and there but, for the most part, it was just us and Allie's little friends. Allie had an absolute blast and loved having some kids to play with.

Zing Zang Zoom

Last night we went to the "Greatest Show on Earth." It was a birthday surprise for Allie. By surprise, I mean we told her about it a couple weeks ago to see if it might be of any interest to her or not. She seemed excited so we bought tickets. We didn't mention it again until yesterday so last night was a big surprise for her since she didn't remember our previous mentioning of it. It was so sweet when not even half way through the show Allie leaned over and whispered, "Mom, this is the greatest surprise ever!" That put a huge smile on my face. She's growing up way too fast! It really was a good show....it had Derek and I on the edge of our seats with several of the acts. I really loved it though because my sweet little girl was so lovey dovey. Throughout the last half of the show she sat on our laps just cuddling with us as we watched the performers. (while the other tried to calm a very cranky and tired little toddler) Avery was really good though considering we were up late the night before and she was up super early and only took about a 30 minute nap yesterday.......plus we got to the show an hour early for the pre-show. She really didn't start getting cranky until the last 45 minutes, which was well past her bedtime. Of course, she was up at 7am this morning but it's now 8am and she's back in bed :0)

Pictures aren't all that great because I couldn't find the right setting on the camera and, really, I was too into the show to take pics!

Oh, and Allie's favorite part: the dancing "clouds" - aka clowns.

Larry the clown - "that's Papa's name!"

Ornery Can Be Sweet

I've been meaning to post this video for quite some time now. It was taken back when we were in Indiana. This is just proof that my ornery little girl can be sooooo sweet. I <3 her!! 

Paradise Canyon

Today we went to Paradise Canyon for Det 4's Summer Extravaganza. It was a really pretty area. The water was pretty shallow so perfect for our girls, however the water was freezing!! Today, of course, has been about the coolest of all the days we've been here. It was overcast most of the day...the clouds went away just as we were getting ready to leave. But, it was the perfect day for relaxing and getting to know some of the other families Derek works with (it was easier to get to know people because everyone was coming up to us since Derek is their "boss").
The party was originally scheduled to be in New Braunfels but the park it was supposed to be at has been completely flooded out! There has been a lot of rain up that way and the rivers came up over their banks. A lot of people up near there have lost a lot so just remember to keep the people of New Braunfels in your prayers!
Here are some pictures from our day. Despite the cold water, the girls spent pretty much the entire day in it!!

A^2