Allison's Birthday Celebration

This year we skipped the traditional birthday party for Allison and instead treated her and two friends to dinner and Broadway's Beauty and the Beast downtown at the Hobby Center.

Before heading to the show Papa Fred, Omie, and Daddy all met us at Taste of Texas for dinner.

Outside the restaurant

Opening her American Girl, McKenna, from Omie and Papa Fred

Her sparker topped crème brûlée

Following dinner the girls, Omie, Mommy, Allison, Tye, and Alexis, left for Beauty and the Beast! 

Tickets being scanned

Outside the theater with their Playbills

Waiting for the show to start

These girls loved it so much. At the end of the show all three clapped loudly, and Tye even yelled, "yay!!!" So cute! It was a very special night, and I think it was a perfect way to celebrate Allison turning 7 in a few days.

Sunday Cooking

Last night Allison helped with dinner. We pretty much slacked off on Sunday cooks over the summer, along with countless other things, but we're slowly getting back into a routine. Aidan helped with setting the table, but I didn't catch any pictures of that.

Hey Batter Batter

Yesterday Aidan had his first t-ball practice and game. It was one of the cutest and funniest things I have every witnessed. He loved it and cannot wait for next Saturday.

Receiving his jersey and hat

Practice before the game

The team agreed on the name the "Tow Maters". Aidan LOVES Mater. Tyler and I couldn't believe it. Yelling, "Go Tow Maters!" before the game.

Up to bat

Running to center field instead of first base after hitting the ball.

Diving for the ball.

"Baseball ready" position

Running for the ball

Whenever a big hitter knocked one into the outfield at least six kids ran for it. So funny!

#47 did a great job and really gave it his all. He was very involved the entire time. He's already been asking Daddy to practice with him in the backyard today.

Work it Girl

I cracked up at Allison this afternoon. After she finished her homework I headed in the laundry to room to work on my favorite chore. Suddenly I heard Michael Jackson in the living room. Well, MJ always catches my attention, and I ran to see what was happening.

Allison said she was "exercising". The one day this kid doesn't have something physical after school she needs to create it. She is pretending she's doing a workout video. The TV is off.

Disney Bucks Update

This thing is working like gang busters! The rooms are clean, the laundry is hauled upstairs, but more importantly I see a real effort from both kids to be nice. Aidan is working on sharing more. He needs reminders that he has to earn his Disney Bucks smiley, but as soon as I say it he's turning his behavior around. Allison has calmed down her reactive behavior towards him. It's like magic!

Tonight, around 7:45, I was reluctantly unloading the dishwasher for the second time today. Aidan saw me, and he started helping. He said, "Mommy, I help and get smiley?" I was like, "heck ya you may!" Allison overheard, and the next thing I knew the dishes were out of the dishwasher, I was reloading and hitting 'start' once again.

We have 81 days until Disney. I have 81 days to come up with a new plan to keep this going.

The Friendly Frog - Aidan's First Days of School

Yesterday was Aidan's first day back at Child's Play. This year he is in the Friendly Frog class. He has not been onboard with this idea. Even on the way there he said, "I want to be a Cookie Monster." He is now singing a very different tune. He absolutely loves his class, and when I went in to pick him up he didn't want to leave. I'm so happy he's so happy.

Yesterday morning it was very humid and sticky outside. My camera was so foggy. Here he is in front of the sign before walking in.

Then this morning he could not get there fast enough. Here he is waiting for me by the back door ready to go.

I included all of these so that you could enjoy Aidan's latest poses. Each time I say, "Let me take your picture." he willingly agrees but gives me one of these crazy stances. He then immediately wants to see it on the camera. Little ham.

The Artist

This morning Allison and I went to Painting with a Twist for a little girl time. On the first Saturday of the month they have open paint where you can choose any painting they offer. Allison chose a ballerina, and I chose sunflowers. We had a great time, and when Allison finished she asked if she could do another one. I think she must have really enjoyed it because it took her two and a half hours to paint her first one.