June Wrap-Up

We have had some fun this month! This is the first summer that we did not make a bucket list, but we are doing our absolute best to fill our days with activities. We are constantly at the pool and meeting up with friends. Here are some other great things we have been up to...

Allison went to Rice University's volleyball camp with Kylie and Lauren. She loved it!

While she was at camp, Aidan and I found ways to fill the time.

Park in the Heights

Pedicure with Mommy

Be completely lazy and find a new way to watch tv...

We went to one of our favorite Katy parks.

Then followed it up with nitrogen ice cream.

Finally, one day after working out at Westside, a baby tiger and lion were downstairs.

Here I am holding a white lion cub. This was pretty amazing!

All and all I would say we are finding ways to have fun this summer, and we are just getting started.

Meat Fest

Over the last couple of years we have become good friends with five other families who all have sons in Aidan's class. Everyone gets along really well, and the kids always have so much fun. Allison is the resident big sister to all of them, and they adore her. She's so good with the little ones, Mary, Grace, and Ameeka.

Unfortunately the Williams family is moving to Austin at the end of the summer, so we are having as much fun as we can together before they leave. The dads spent all day smoking up meat at the Harper's house, and then we all met at the Gifford's house for a great pool party.

The Moms

Jo, Stacy, Cathy, Tina, Caroline, and Mommy

The Dads Playing Poker

Daddy, Andrew, Giff, Mark, Corey, Shubh

Water Balloon Fight!

The Boys

Romit, Tim, Liam, Ian, Jack, Ryan, and Aidan

Glow Swimming

Big Changes Coming

After talking, and talking, and talking, and talking some more we have decided where to move. The sad truth about living in Houston today is that traffic rules our lives. We have known we will move for a while, however biting the bullet and deciding exactly where to move has taken some time.

These poor kids. I have driven them around the Heights, talked about living near school, checked out the Galleria area. They are so patient and good hearted about us uprooting everything they are used to. 

We all love our house. It is home. The thought of leaving it is hard. We love each other and our time together more though. Tyler often doesn't see the kids for 2-3 days at a time during the school year. They go to bed by 8:30, and some evenings he gets home around 9:00. He will work late to avoid traffic and get things done without interruptions. He also wakes up after we have already left for school, again to avoid morning traffic. We need to all be together consistently.

We had settled on the Heights, but after some house hunting it looked like my commute would not improve. Tyler then found a new neighborhood just inside the loop. He will be 5-10 minutes from work, and the kids and I will hop right on the HOV lane. It is the best of both worlds. Money has been put down, and we are moving forward! Now to sell our current home. It will be hard to say goodbye, but all four of us are excited about what is to come.

VBS

They are having a great week at Grace VBS under the big top!

Allison preparing food bags to send to Africa

Minute Maid Madness

We have been at Minute Maid Park a few times this season!

JJ Watt Charity Softball Classic with Dakshinas Family

Ameeka, Allison, Romit, and Aidan

Astros Baseball with Papa Jerry in May

Astros Baseball for Papa Fred's 70th Birthday in June

This picture makes my all-time favorites list and will be framed!

Typhoon Texas

This summer we decided to buy season passes to the local water park, Typhoon Texas. Quite a few of the kids' friends also have passes, so I see plenty of wild and crazy slides in our future.

Wimberley Trip

The kids and Makayla invaded Wimberley this past week, and Grandma Renee and Papa Denis went all out to entertain them! Summer begins!

Fun at the Pool

Park Play

Makayla talked Aidan into joining her in the cart. Check out his knees. Haha!

Summer Festival at the Library

By the River

Allison said, "Ok, everyone pose like Makayla."

Campsite Setup Crew

Taking a Break Peacefully

Taking a Break Wildly

Camping Pros