While I'm at it, here's Go Texan Day

To help kick off the Houston Rodeo Jaden and Ty's elementary school allows the kids a free "Texan" dress day. It's holds extra excitment because their school district requires them wear a school uniform every other day.

Aunt Sarah makes a visit

Sarah actually visited at the beginning of the month. Just getting around to posting it.

We love having Aunt Sarah visit. Who doesn't? She typically visits when work sends her our way. That reality will end all to soon as Sarah will be quitting her job and heading back to school! Yes, I will live vicariously through her. The idea of going back to school has always been of interest to me - in the future. After receiving her MBA and working for a time she has decided to do what has always been in her blood - the practice of medicine. She's still looking into the exact route she will take but we are excited for her nonetheless!

The kids always look forward to Aunt Sarah coming. When she visits she is an advocate for the kids. Somehow she is able to override all of mom's rules! Something dad can't even do. She's always good for keeping the kids up late, buying them whatever suits their fancy and spending quality fun time with each one of them. We love you Sarah!

Happy 6th, Ty!

It is the month of birthdays over here. Ty turning 6 seems less of a mile stone than 5 but that doesn't take away from the fact that I wish I could keep this boy from growing older.

This year Ty's 6th birthday was celebrated in the same place we celebrated his first year of life--at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house in St. Louis, Missouri. I think his birthday was filled with more fun than he could dream of.

Here's the play by play: To begin the day Ty woke to find his dad had finally arrived in St. Louis. He could have ended the day there and been on cloud nine. Well, that might be pushing it. As excited as Ty was to see his dad he knew what lay ahead in the name of birthday gifts. After opening gifts, that included a Peyton Manning Jersey, a DS game and a journal from Jaden to name a few, Grandma Johnson asked what the birthday boy's breakfast request was. We all enjoyed waffles and pancakes. Followed by unlimited DS playing time for Ty. Once we finally pulled Ty away from his DS Grandpa Johnson was giving rides on his new birthday gift - a John Deer riding lawn mower. Awesome.

Then with the weather being so nice Kyle and Ty took on Jaden, Grandpa Bob and Matthew to a game of touch football (that sometimes turned into tackle). This was a favorite part of Ty's day - even though he cried through most of it. Ty is a serious competitor and a sorry looser. By games end it was lunch time. Grandma served yet another meal and we left for the opening day movie of Diary of a Whimpy Kid. Immediately following the movie we headed straight for the main event and the most awesome place in St. Louis - Incredible Pizza! Incredible Pizza is somewhat similar to Chuck E Cheese's. Except not. It's all over cleaner, larger, and has better food. Did I mention bumper cars?

And to end this special day Ty requested a lesson on the art of crocheting! That's right my boy can crochet. Thanks Great Grandma Rowe and Grandma Johnson!

Phew! Like I said, it was a perfect day. Happy Birthday Ty Allen Harris! We love you much!

Best buds - this go 'round!

One comment about the above picture. It looks as though Ty is spending some quality time with his Great Grandma Rowe and Grandma Johnson. Maybe he is. My perception is that these two sweet, unsuspecting ladies were the last to be enjoying their meal. And when Ty was told he couldn't begin his hour of unlimited arcade play until everyone was finished eating he decided to turn things up a notch. Whatever he did, it worked! He was off and playing in no time.

Happy 2nd Birthday Reese!

Things I don't want to forget about Reese at age 2:

• Reese adores the book Pinkalicious, as is evident with it's tattered pages and hence the massive cupcake for her birthday. She has every page in that book memorized. So when she asks you to read the book to her, what she really means is: sit by me while I spit back everything I heard when you read it over and over and over.
• Unlike any other child of mine, Reese loves her blanket (made by her Aunt Emily) and binky. Which is barely OK with me and why they are ONLY used in the crib. On the other hand, they came in really handy on the 14 hour drive to visit my mom in St. Louis. If she could choose she'd walk around with both all day long.
• Also unlike her siblings Reese has not potty-trained herself by two. Other than a fluke interest a couple weeks ago she hasn't cared for it a bit. I guess she's only two as of today. But I want to say Jaden and Ty were interested before they turned two and potty-trained on or before their 2nd birthday. In due time.
• Recently, Reese has made up her own word. The word is pinkerty or sometimes pinkerly. I haven't yet identified what she might consider the meaning of her word. She uses it often and so randomly that it isn't ever used in one context. But it is oh so cute when she uses it.
• She loves to play in my SUV while it sits in the garage. Weather permitting my car has turned into a great babysitter.
• Since Reese was 6 weeks old, and barring any illnesses, she has slept through the night. She loves sleepy time so much so that she'll ask to go to bed on occasion.
• Oh, and I can't forget her duck cough. Although, one wouldn't think I could ever forget that. Hope she doesn't have it years from now but likely she will. Don't know what causes this deep, hoarse cough she's had since day 1. I vividly remember she and I alone in my postpartum room the first time she barked. I couldn't believe it came from something so miniature! Do get plenty of looks and "oh she sounds horrible" comments. Have started making up that she has a constricted airway to foster pity instead of dislike.

Reese has so much love to give. You can't be near her without her expressing it either vocally or physically. She is in a phase of life that we wish we could bottle up. She is easy going and so enjoyable!

Be that as it may, we know from experience that this blissful phase of life can all to quickly change. As today marks the day that Reese has turned that pleasant age of TWO!