Big Girl Bed and Galveston

Isn't she cute in her "big girl bed"! She was so happy when we set it up! She stays in it really well and is very proud of herself.


We had a great time in Galveston this weekend! Yes, there were 6 adults and 5 diaper-wearing kids in 3 bedrooms and no, we didn't get much sleep but watching the kids enjoy themselves was worth every minute! Madeline is a little fishy! She didn't want to be held or hold hands in the ocean. She wanted to "swim" by herself - if only she knew how to swim. She loved the waves splashing in her face and running out to sea. She kept us busy but it was great to watch her have so much fun!

Uncle Pablo asked her to lay down so he could bury her. Well, since Uncle Pablo asked her she did it and didn't move a muscle! It was so funny! This picture makes her looks kinda pitiful but she really enjoyed it! (We didn't leave her there very long, just enough time to get a picture!)

Ellen and Madeline in their "pool" that John made for them. Here Ellen is filling it up.

Once it had some water, Ellen took over the "swimming" part and had Madeline filling it up. She must have made 20 trips to the ocean filling it up for Ellen. They really love playing together. Andrew was around having fun, too, but he was doing his own thing.

And here's a picture at the wedding showing off my belly. I think John thought it was a dorky picture, but it's the only belly shot I have this pregnancy. Vicky looked gorgeous and it was a beautiful wedding. Check the "Gomez Gang" blog for more info on the weekend.

Fun Outside

Madeline got a swingset (playset - I don't know what they're called these days) for her birthday so we spent some time outside enjoying it. I couldn't get many pictures of her on it because I have to watch her to make sure she doesn't fall off. She had a blast and then played around the backyard for a while.


One of her favorite past-times.....eating ice. Yes, a popsicle would be better but she doesn't complain and ice doesn't stain. :) She gets icey pops at Aunt Jennifer's house.

She's loving her swing. She would swing for 3 min, climb up to the "fort", go down the slide, and start again. It's nice that our backyard is so shaded so we can play for longer and not be so hot.


Here she is playing with a stick in Riley's water. I didn't think she'd appreciate the pine sap flavor Madeline added so I washed the bowl when we went inside.

Sleep Over Follow Up

They all had the best time. Here is our very healthy dinner from Saturday night - chicken, peas, carrots, and the favorite - Cesear salad. Don't they look happy and clean?! Look under the table next to Andrew - he has the little bicycle next to him. He's way to big for it but LOVES it. He didn't want anyone to take it!

After pretending to be Dora, Boots, and Swiper for 1 hour, here's where I found them. In my room "checking on Little Einstiens" per Ellen. They really didn't watch much TV overall, but after 2 hours of playing, cooking, and exploring with NO fighting, I figured it was OK. If you notice, the chair is on the bed. I decided to proactively remove it from the floor because 3 kids and 1 chair didn't seem like a good idea.
John downloaded a lot of pictures for me so there should be some good posts coming over the next few weeks!

Sleep Over

So it's Saturday night, John's in Louisiana fishing with my dad, Jennifer and Pablo and babies are at a wedding in Austin, and Andrew and Ellen are spending the night with me. We have had a blast! I'm going to make 2 lists to talk about our day.

First, it's 7pm and here's what's been done:
1. Kids in bed.
2. Everyone has eaten a big dinner.
3. Everyone is bathed and clean.
4. I have changed 7 poopy diapers. (yes, 7)
5. Main rooms of house are vacuumed.
6. Laundry is going.
7. Dinner mess is cleaned up.
8. Madeline's shirt has been ordered (don't have her size in the store.)
I'm impressed with myself.

Second, interesting facts from the afternoon/evening.
1. A & E love our dog Riley. Ellen especially - we had to thank God for her in our prayers.
2. Ellen has very long, think hair and is tender-headed. Makes drying it difficult. She says she has long princess hair.
3. Andrew had to have a hug and a kiss from Madeline and Ellen before he would go to bed.
4. Madeline works at irritating Andrew. He is very tolerant and just looks at me for help. I wouldn't blame him for hitting her, but I'm proud that he doesn't.
5. They all LOVE Ceasar salad. I bought the bag that you mix from the grocery store - all gone. Ellen especially loves the croutons.
6. Ellen loves carrots. Somehow I think that's only for today.
7. Andrew asked for peas. He didn't touch them.
8. Riley got lots of attention from petting to throwing the ball for her. Ellen got so brave she was pulling the ball out of Riley's mouth. It may have been the best night of Riley's life!

Tonight was lots of fun! I can't wait until tomorrow!

No More Binkie!!

A huge thanks to the Gomez Gang for keeping Madeline last weekend! She had a great time and already misses everyone. I think she's bored at home - she keeps asking where Andrew, Ellen, Sophie, and Ben are. And then asks about Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Pablo (her favorite adult in the world!).
Uncle Pablo decided she was ready to sleep without her pacifier (which she totally is) and took it away. Of course since Uncle Pablo did it she was OK with it. Now we don't have to go through all the drama of taking it away. Awesome! We'll leave her there more often and let them deal with breaking her habits.

While Madeline was having fun her cousins (see the Gomez Gang blog for more info on the weekend), we were in Boulder, Colorado enjoying the wonderful weather and views. We even hung out with a good friend from school and her husband who live there. Thanks for the the tours, Lisa! It was great to see you!


Here are some pictures of our view from our house. They really don't do it justice.