Mini Vacation...

We took a mini vacation to San Antonio this summer to get away and see Grant's aunt Betty Jo, and cousin Mark, his wife Karen and their kids Travis and Gage (Grant has a very small extended family, in fact those people are all of them). It was a nice break for the weekend and take the kids out of Dallas.

We ended up going to the Japanese Gardens in San Antonio. The kids had fun running around the paths and looking in the koi ponds.

 The gardens are located next to the zoo, and we hopped on their train for a quick choo choo ride.

 Emory sat for the whole train ride holding her ticket just like this.

 Our little goofballs!

Gabe's First Driving Lesson...

Emory was kind enough to give Gabe some driving lessons in the back yard. He didn't seem that interested in steering, so Em thought it was best for her to drive from the passenger side.

 He picked up on it after awhile.

 A big two thumbs up from big sister!

It's a good thing Gabe got some practice in, because he ended up getting his own jeep!! The kids love washing their jeeps together.

New Cousin...

Our sweet little nephew William James Zimmerman was born on July 26th, 2012 and he is super adorable! Emory was very excited to go up to the hospital and hold Will. Gabe was more concerned with getting out of the room, but I am sure in time they will be little buddies causing all sorts of trouble soon enough.

 Grandpa helping Em with Will.

 Uncle Grant (aka the baby whisperer) and his nephew.

 Me and the little charmer.

Welcome to the family baby Will! We are so happy to have a beautiful niece and an adorable nephew!

A little summer reading...

This summer, our house has been turned into the kids library. Emory and Gabe gather some of their books, dump them on the ground and sit quietly "reading." Notice the appropriate apparel for playing library, a tiger hat and boots or a cheer leading outfit!

 The stroller and shopping cart and their preferred method for transporting books.

Big Helpers...

Grant has been very kind to assemble the kid's new play set, and the kids were more than happy to help him cool off from working so hard..... with squirt guns!

 Trying to be sneaky (nothing really sneaky about a 4 and 2 year old running into the yard while giggling).

 The surprise attack!

 Grant is such a good sport.

Busy May...

We have had a busy May! All our activities came to an end and now we are in full summer mode. Which works out well because our little ones have been super sick.

Emory's first soccer season came to an end and she had a great time. She learned alot, but still does not like the other kids taking the ball away from her.

 Look at the sweet girls in the little uniforms and pink socks!

 This guy had a blast making us chase him around during the game.

 Emory going after the ball and her sweet team mate having fun on the grass....

 This little tiger finally came around to his halloween costume....

 Emory's preschool had an end of the year program for the parents. She has such a fun group of kids in her little class!

 And yes... Emory had her ballet recital. There is nothing more precious than a little girl dressed up in a ballet costume. She was just adorable!!

 I think this picture is a very clear representation of Emory. She seems to always be biting her nails. Even at dress rehearsal....

 We were very fortunate that Jaypa and Nanny could come visit and see Emory's recital. And of course our little miss got some beautiful flowers for a job well done!

Happy Easter!

We were so fortunate that Grandpa and Grandma Zimmerman were able to come down for Easter weekend. The grand kids were super excited!! Emory and Gabe wanted to show Grandpa their new sand box.

 Just a hug while playing in the sand....

 The Saturday before Easter, the kids school had an Easter egg hunt.

 The girls has sweet matching dresses and Gabe had some cute plaid shorts (thanks to grandma).

 Grandpa helped Emory find some eggs. There were so many kids!

 Daddy helped Gabe.

 There was also a great petting zoo. Gabe walked up to each goat with food and said "here you go buddy" just like his daddy did.

 Grandpa and Grandma helped the kids color Easter eggs. Outside was the best choice for this! The kids had a great time.

 Easter morning!!

 We are so lucky that uncle Ryan and aunt Jenny let us have Easter lunch and an egg hunt at their house (we were living out of boxes and eating with paper plates). Ruby even took part in the hunting this year!

 Our little cuties! They are really getting good at the egg hunt and we will have to step things up next year.