Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Birthday Boy!

Dean turned 3 years old this month! He is very into construction equipment right now, and requested a backhoe for his 'real' birth-day chocolate chip cookie cake. He was so excited, and ate the front scoop first, and then ate the back scoop the next day.
Dean claps for himself after he blows out the candles.
(we've been pretend singing Happy Birthday for weeks!)Dean opens a present from Uncle Johnny (my brother) and Aunt Lauren: a Denver Broncos truck!When Dean woke up on his birthday, he opened up a white Peterbilt, trailer, and skid steer.A few days before his birthday, the kids spent the night with my parents and when they came back to Hockley, Bebe & Papa took them to the John Deere store to pick out a birthday present. Dean immediately grabbed a trackhoe! We went to Chuck-E-Cheese on Dean's actual birthday. We weren't able to go during the day, and it was a little crazy that night! but the kids had a good time anyway. They rode everything!Here's my baby when he was a real baby. He's 5 days old here, and though it seems like ages ago on one hand, I remember those sweet, completely dependable days like yesterday. Dean was born weighing over 9 pounds, and was a healthy eater from the beginning. He got on a schedule quickly, and was an easy going baby that turned into an easy going toddler. Here is Dean at 6 weeks old, sacked out at Thanksgiving. Special Things about Dean:
He LOVES tractors, trucks, and all equipment!
His favorite color is green, with blue his #2.
Playing in the dirt is a favorite pastime.
Driving my pedal tractor, trike, and bike are also fav's.
He gives good hugs and snuggles.
Dean is great to share with family and friends, whether it's food or toys!
He loves to help Daddy in the fields and tractors.
His favorite foods: cheese dip & chicken nuggets
He also likes nearly every sweet or dessert.
Dean is somewhat cautious, but usually if KatieLynn does something, he is right behind her.
His favorite shows: Bob the Builder, John Deere DVD series, Auto B. Good
Dean is a sweet, loving son and brother (usually!). He's only been here for 3 years, but I can't remember life without him. We're so blessed to have him, and pray that we will raise him up to be a strong, Godly man.

Riding the Train!

If you live close to us, you need to come to Zube Park! It's right here in Hockley, and the 3rd Saturday of months March-November, a group of retired men run their trains for the kids to ride. We usually have to wait in line for a little while, but it's worth it! The ride lasts about 10 minutes, and the kids love it! We went the weekend after Dean's birthday with Gigi, Emma, Hadley, Wyatt, & Catherine, and the weather was perfect! It was a little cool, but great for waiting in line. :) Dean & KatieLynn & Hadley

train track w/little depot

Momma, Dean, and KatieLynn

Gigi, Emma, Dean, KatieLynn, Hadley, Catherine, Wyatt

Gigi & Emma

Monday, October 5, 2009

Fair Time!

We had lots of fun at the fairs this year! We started a couple of weeks ago in Brenham at the Washington County Fair. The kids and I went to the petting zoo, walked through the 4H projects, inspected the antique tractors, and handshelled our own corn during the day. Then that night Darren came with us to look at a few booths, and then lived it up at the carnival. After the kids rode all the rides (several times!) we went to the rodeo.
The next weekend we helped kick off the Waller County Fair with a parade in downtown Hempstead. KatieLynn rode on a float (as a candidate for Little Miss), and though Dean really wanted to ride the float too, he enjoyed watching the parade.
Dean & KatieLynn both enjoyed the chance to 'drive' the skid steer! KatieLynn, Hadley, and Dean hang out on the fence at the rodeo.Dean and KatieLynn both competed in the Pedal Tractor Pull. Dean won 1st place in the 2-3 year olds, going 16 feet. KatieLynn won 1st place in the 4-5 year olds, going 24 feet. They were both SO excited, and we were quite proud. :)

Below are several pictures from the carvinal. We met Emma (our 4yo niece) and Hadley (our 3yo close family friend) there, and all the kids LOVED the carnival! There was a special during the afternoon on Friday, and they kids rode all the rides multiple times.



1st Field Trip

KatieLynn had her first field trip last Thursday. Her class (and lots of moms and siblings, including Dean & I) went to EJ's Pizzeria and Baskin Robbins. The kids got to tour the kitchen, make and eat their own personal pizza, and then have a scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins. They all had lots of fun! KatieLynn adds more cheese to her pizza. That's my girl! ~I always say the more cheese the better!

EJ's has a little play area the kids all enjoyed!