Jaycee Park

In addition to the food, I really miss being so close to Jaycee Park and the awesome splash pad. I love how small it is and I can see both kids easily. They love it also, so it is an easy and free way to beat the heat. And Bub's obsession with his sunglasses continues and I love it.

Memorial Mall Play Area

Since it is so hot, and I can only take so much sweating at the zoo, we've been spending a lot of time at the Memorial Mall play area this summer (along with all of Houston, it's always crazy packed). I love that it is enclosed (read: no one can escape) and air conditioned. I wish it was closer, but otherwise it is always a sure fire way to pass the time.

Along with the actual play area, the kids love playing on the coin operated rides just outside the play area. A lot of times I think they actually like these cars more than the actual play area. I never pay for the rides since they light up without any money anyway. They did get to piggy back with some very friendly kids yesterday though and right the car while it actually ran. I think I may be doomed.

My favorite part is watching them play together. They are so kind to each other (most of the time) and play so well with each other. Since Pumpkin is older, she's helping Bubba a ton with imaginative play and they are a kick to watch.

We went after MDO and she was tired, since she NEVER naps at school.

Even tired though this girl can still sing.

Splash pads and Sunday Best

Make up obsessed

This kid has given me a run for my money lately. On top of the return of his insane screaming (I am really hoping it's teething, because these tantrums have. GOT. TO. STOP.)

The other day, I woke up to Bubba telling AJ (who was getting ready for work). "Look Daddy, I paint my fingers!" Uh oh. Not words I want to hear coming out of his mouth. The only positive side of this experience was he climbed up on my counter and got the nail polish out of the medicine cabinet, he decided to paint his nails in the bathtub, confining the mess and nail polish. I wish I had taken a picture, the entire tub and his pointer and thumbs were blue (I only ever paint those fingers, it made me smile that he did it the same way I do). To be honest, he was so proud of himself that for once I didn't even yell at him, not that it would have helped, but I am so glad I didn't, he was much happier because of it. Since I caught him while the nail polish was still wet and it was all confined to the tub, I was able to use a ton of cotton balls and an entire bottle of nail polish remover and cleaned up the tub just fine. His dino jammies were not as lucky tho lol.

In case that wasn't enough, the same afternoon, while I was switching the laundry, it had gotten much to quiet and I went into my bathroom to find Bubba, with all my makeup, "I paint my eyes and lips mommy." Again, he was so proud and luckily he also had only gotten it all over his face. So we took some pictures and then washed him off. I have to really watch him though, I've caught him multiple times since. He is obsessed and while teachable, not obedient.

HOUSTON

When we used to live over by the heights, I always loved this art wall / graffiti on a random building, but never had taken any pictures of it. I fixed that. And got the kids sonic drinks and found another favorite wall in the "biscuit paint" wall. Poor Bug dropped her drink and the bottom broke out (darn Sonic and their foam cups. She took it remarkably well though all things considered. Most likely because she really liked this wall and kept petting it.

Dinners, parks and more

Since the kiddos aren't in school yet, the only noticeable difference for summer versus the rest of the year is the increased heat, and therefore making it harder to go outside without melting. This summer has brought many sweaty park trips, drippy zoo outings and lots of dinners at various restaurants. bug is currently obsessed with a pasta restaurant named "Paulie's". She only ever wnats to go there and get the spaghetti. So much so that she never wants to go anywhere else.

I could take a little less outside voices from this little monster. I think he's teething or something because he is in full on beast mode.

He LOVES his sunglasses. And so do I.

The beloved skirt

Summer time. The time for shorts, tanks and flip-flops. Nope, this girl insists on wearing her fancy shoes and skirt. Every. Single. Day. She says it makes her a mommy. Love my little momma.

4th of July Weekend

We had such a fun 4th of July weekend this year. Our cousins from Austin came down for the weekend and both Pumpkin and Bub are obsessed. They continue to bless them in our prayers, and at least once a week ask if we can go visit them. It is so nice having them close to us now that they've moved to Texas. Our weekend was full of excitement, including the beach, bbqs, chick-fil-a and fireworks.

I feel like I am going to make them take this picture every year before we go to the parade :)

Waiting for the parade in the blistering heat. Bub and T's face say it all.

 

This girl continues her obsession with baby doll.

I have a lot of feelings

Our latest game to fill time involves making different faces and the other person guessing what emotion we are feeling. My favorite (though not pictured) is Bubba's sad face. He fake cries and then says, I need a hug and gives me a huge hug. It almost always can get him to calm down (if even only temporarily), and is adorable.

Angry.

Stinky.

Suprised.

Scared.

Happy.

REALLY Happy.

I told them to be scared: she was scared and he was scary!