August 2013: Northeast Texas Children's Museum

We love this little children's museum, which to my kids is one giant playground. We try to get there at least once a summer.

Putting on a puppet show.

They've been obsessed with space. 

Row, row, row your boat...

Somehow they never have as much fun when we go grocery shopping for real.

August 2013: CLS Class of 2005 Reunion

Some of our friends from law school came to Dallas for a few weeks, which prompted us to have a reunion weekend for those of us from Texas! It was so much fun to see everyone, especially all of the kids! We started off with a trip to the Perot Museum with our friends from CA:

My friend Jaime hosted us for a barbecue/pool time in her backyard:

There are 17 kids in that hot tub! (And would you believe one didn't make it into the picture??) Only 4 of these kids were born when their dads graduated in 2005.

I love these ladies! I wish I saw them more often.

August 2013: Running Club

During the summer of 2013, my friend organized a mom & kids running club. We ran a 1/2 mile loop at a park near our house. The girls did great! Emma usually ran 1 1/2 or 2 miles each time we went, while Maddie did a mile before she opted to play on the playground. (Andrew was relegated to riding in the stroller while I pushed him). Their end of summer totals were impressive: 13 miles for Emma and 8 miles for Maddie!

August 2013: Dinner and a Movie, at home

August 2013: Safari Playground

With 100 degree temps, we headed for some indoor fun at the Safari Playground.

The kids rode on these cool animals:

July 2013: Andrew Swims!

Andrew completed a swim class with  Infant Swimming Resource. He learned how to float and how to swim to the side of the pool. At the end of the class, he took a test to see if he could perform these skills fully clothed (to prevent drowning). He did great!

July 2013: Emma Swims!

Emma completed level 6 of swimming lessons and moved up to level 7!

July 2013: Tyler and Brittany Visit!

Uncle Tyler and Aunt Brittany came to visit us for a week. We went to the mall:

We went to play on the rides at Fair Park:

Tyler tried the Wave Rider:

As did Brittany:

But I think Emma did it best: 

We went kayaking:

Brittany and Tyler brought Andrew an authentic pair of lederhosen:

After taking that picture, Andrew promptly threw up. When he was feeling better, we made yummy treats, like these Nutella donuts:

And we also went bowling! It was a fun week, and it was nice to have some more adults around. 

July 2013: Camp Invention

Emma attended 2 camps this summer: Drama Kids and Camp Invention. Camp Invention was her favorite by far! The camp is focused on STEM concepts. She took apart an old remote control, and used the parts to invent a rubber duck launcher! We were able to visit her on the last day for the Inventors' Showcase.

Emma and her partner demonstrated it for us:

July 2013: Haircuts!

Before and After.

July 2013: Andrew turns 2!

We celebrated Andrew's birthday with some cake and presents at home.

July 2013: Chuck E. Cheese

During the long weekend for the 4th of July, we headed to Chuck E. Cheese.