Major Leaguers in the Making

Pop is out to make some great ball players . . . Little Pumpkin already keeping her eye on the ball! *smile*
Here it comes . . . You can do it . . .
CAUGHT IT!!!
Okay, every catch can't be perfect . . . we're still learning! *wink*
Look at those faces! Pure silliness and sheer delight!

I think the kids enjoyed it too! *wink*

Lazy Susan . . .

We found a new use for the one at my mom's:


And the only thing funnier than getting fall-down dizzy, is watching yourself get fall-down dizzy!



May you laugh today with the Joy of a 1 year old.

Daddy Lion.

ROTFL . . .

Kids say the cutest things . . . The past few days Little Lion has been just full of these little sayings that are cracking us up! Some have heard, but I must post about them, so I don't forget . . .EVER! *wink*

A few weeks ago, some friends were over and needed to borrow our "spanking spoon." Apparently Little Lion put the spoon away for our friends. Later that evening, Little Lion got out of bed and Daddy Lion headed for the spanking spoon. The entire way Little Lion is crying "no daddy, no daddy, no daddy." Upon opening the drawer where the spoon is stored, Daddy Lion found it empty. Little Lion stopped abruptly from his wailing to very clearly say it's in the other drawer, then just as quickly returned to his wailing of "no daddy, no daddy, no daddy!" Cheetah nearly spewed root beer out his nose! So funny.

Last night we enjoyed a birthday celebration at my parents house. Little Lion seemed to be a bit accident prone. First, he was holding his left foot trying to hop in the kitchen when his hand slipped and he stubbed is toe on the floor. Then he was jumping on the couch (after being told not to and was not allowed on the couch for the rest of the night). Anyway, he fell and hit his head on the side table (left a mark too)! Finally, he was coming to the kitchen to show off his Lego creation when it fell apart and landed on his foot. He immediately began crying then clear as day said "NOT AGAIN" and continued crying! Daddy Lion was literally on the floor! It was so hilarious.

Tonight, after dinner while we were doing dishes, Daddy Lion and I were talking. (Little Lion was finishing his dinner) I said "I'm not sentimental." Our little eavesdropper at the table spoke up and said "Who's sitting in the middle?" *giggle*

I remember my mom keeping a journal of the silly things we said. I still remember some of those things because I would read them over and over. Hope some of these end up being some timeless memories! *smile*

Weekend Anticipation

Okay so I'm trying to post some cute pics of my sweet little ones wanting to be like their awesome Daddy Lion. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or the patience right now to figure out what's going on. . . so I'm just blogging to say: DADDY LION ROCKS!!!

I'm so excited to be heading out this evening with 4 other gals to just hang out in the BIG city overnight! *wink* My biggest excitement . . . IKEA!!! It will be my first time! Good thing we are all piling in one car so there is no space for any major purchases! *smile*

All of this is because my hubby loves me more than I can imagine! He is truly SuperDaddy when I'm gone. So here's to a fun weekend for all!

Underwater Excursions . . .

of the pre-school type! *wink*
Okay I haven't posted in so long so bear with me!

These pics are from last week's water babies class I did with Little Pumpkin.

Her tongue was out in almost every underwater picture! Too funny . . . must be in the DNA.

I had to scan some of these pics in, so the color is off a bit, but wow what a great pic! Love those eyes! They just "dance" I believe is the way my friend Hazel put it!

The tongue again!

Little Lion diving for the rings! He is such a little fish.

Little Lion took this pic of Cheetah. Most of the underwater pics are his masterpieces. (I can't open my eyes underwater with my contacts in and can't see without them, so thank you Cheetah!)Enjoying our Popsicles and friends! This picture captures ALL their personalities so well! *SMILE* Loving summertime!

Monkey See Monkey Do

We picked up this mask for Cheetah when we went to the theater on Saturday for our anniversary. Some movie he wants to see . . . Surprisingly Little Pumpkin enjoyed wearing it!
Of course, Little Lion not to be outdone by his 'baby' sister as he still calls her wanted to wear it too. I love these pics because you can see their baby blues so well!
Well, this one just fit with the title! Daddy Lion has picked up a old past time since Cheetah's been here . . . video games! The PS2 has come out and Grand Turismo is all we think about.

Okay, not really all they think about. I'm glad it is something they can enjoy together!

11 Years . . .

and this is what we have to show for it:

a wonderful, happy family!

The Truth . . .

It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it. - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

I think deep down, Cheetah likes my kids! *wink*

Success!

A man cannot be said to succeed in this life who does not satisfy one friend.-- Henry David Thoreau

If this statement is true, my friend (Hazel) over at Me and My Boys has succeeded over and over and over again! She and Magnum were some of the masterminds behind my surprise b-day party a few weeks ago!
Anyway, Wednesday was truly Hazel's b-day and we got together to just enjoy each others company! Magnum's G-man ended up sick, so they didn't make it out ~ missed you!

We managed to enjoy ourselves none the less. *wink* After a very (I mean "VERY" because I was in charge) simple lunch we headed out to the kiddie pool!



After a short stint in the the pool, Little Lion headed to the see-saw. Now Little Man does not like change too much, so we sat back to see how this would all go down. Little Lion sat at the see-saw by himself for some time, calling out the whole time "Someone come see-saw with me" over and over . . . you know Little Lion!

Finally Little Man got out of the pool and headed out to investigate this contraption. After much persuading and even a little example Little Man climbed on. After the first move, he was ready to get off. But we joined the boys and Hazel was able to convince Little Man to stay on!

Now here's the SAD part! My video didn't turn out! *BIG FROWN*
But I did get these sweet pictures of our boys:

I sure pray that they, like their moms, will be friends that continue to bless each others socks off! Thanks Hazel for sharing your special day with us!

GTBR ~ Pictures

Disclaimer: LOTS of pictures ahead!

But take heart, it's not the 70 I took just a mere 15! *wink* Little Lion loved climbing on all the trucks from the National Guard and Army. The poor Navy booth wasn't as popular . . . kind of hard to get a ship to a fairgrounds I guess! *smile*
Little Pumpkin is dancing in this one! We wouldn't even notice the music since the stage was so far away, it was only a faint sound. But Little Pumpkin always heard it and started clapping and dancing!
Checking out some to the planes. These are the same planes that would later circle us in the air. Pretty Cool!
Ooooooooo . . . Black Hawk . . . I think. Anyway, it was very big and very popular. I admit it was really neat to see it so close!
Here are some of the balloons about to take off.
I really liked this pic because you can see all the stages: the far right is just blowing up, the left side is one about to take off and the others in the air. Not to mention the sun starting to set behind them! You all have to come it's just amazing!
We finally made it to the front of the line to ride the train! Even got front row seats ~ how 'bout that! Smiles all around! *smile*
There were four skydivers. The first two tadem jumped, then separated in the sky. The last two each had flags: the state flag and the American flag. I wish I would have gotten a video of this. It's awesome to see them free fall so close. We were fortunate to meet the first two Friday night and even saw them after the jump Saturday night too. (They even remembered us!)
These are some of our friends from church helping get a balloon started. . . the whole process is really fun to watch.
Mr. Steve and Tia Sabrina hung out with us! AJ and Little Pumpkin are "twins from different wombs." However, Little Pumpkin was ready to go home with them! None of us would hold her.

SPOILED! I had put her down to take a picture and she ran straight to Mr. Steve. She really is sweet ~ when she's getting what she wants! *smile*
There were lots of shape balloons this year. . . I think 9. Anyway, the Polar Bear was really cool and big . . .
but the Eagle was the biggest balloon I had ever seen. My flash wasn't even large enough to really get a good pic!
You can just see the mesmerized look on Little Pumpkin's face as we are leaving this behind:

The clips below are cool, but still pale in comparison to the real thing! So plan to come down one summer ~ the second weekend in July. It's HOT, I'm not going to lie! But it's worth it! *smile*

This one is an "all glow," meaning all the balloons hit their burners!

This one is a "twinkle" burn.

So just let us know when to expect you! *wink*

GTBR!

This weekend is the Balloon Races! We LOVE the balloon races . . . okay, we honestly don't get up early enough to see the actual races, but we love the fair-like atmosphere and the balloon glow at night! Daddy lion really love the food and Little Lion loves the kids play land (a bunch of different inflatables and a couple of kiddie pools filled with sand to dig in).

Le Tourneau had one of their Cessna planes at the entrance. We knew the flight instructor that was there and he let the kids jump in the cockpit. Little Lion loved playing with the controls and Little Pumpkin just loved being in it!

FOOD! If we've learned anything about Little Pumpkin . . .

food is the way to happiness! *wink*

Cheetah on the other hand does NOT like pictures! *smile*

He doesn't know I'm using this one, so I gotta post quick! *wink*

Loving the food!

And how else do you enjoy being in 100 degree heat than having a sno cone!

YUMMY!

Good thing he had on a red shirt! *wink*

But the best part? We get to do it all again Saturday night! *SMILE* I'm taking my camera tonight, so I hope to get some good pics of the actual glow and maybe even some video!

Water Babies!

So, Little Pumpkin and I have been attending Water Babies class this week. Today was the first day that Cheetah went with us, so I had him take some pics for me. (You know it's all about blogging now!)



Since Little Lion had taken lessons from Ms. Carla last year, she allowed him to get in the pool with us! He was a great helper and a little fish during free time! As with everything in life, Little Pumpkin loves the water on her terms. So, when it comes to making her do something . . . well you see the faces!
Anything to keep the face out of the water . . . which is so funny since she does it on her own in the bathtub all the time!

Water babies is getting the kids comfortable in the water and trying to make it a fun experience while still teaching them some safety. Blake did a great job demonstrating many things for Ms. Carla.

Little Pumpkin really did enjoy the monkey walking though. . . just because we were headed towards the steps and she loves playing on the steps!

She does kick her feet nicely.

And of course, the BEST part of swimming lessons with Ms. Carla?!?

The POPSICLES!!! *smile*

Talk about SURPRISE!!!

Okay, so I think everyone in the world knew about tonight except me!

I was in complete shock as I walked into one of my favorite restaurants and found 30 of my closest friends sitting there yelling surprise!

The biggest shock . . . it's NOT my birthday!

That's probably why the party was such a success. *smile* I'm still in a bit of amazement that none of my friends *magnum* never spilled the beans! *wink*

I had lots more pics, but I want to keep all of these friends. Trust me none of you would be happy, So I'm not posting any of them! *smile*

Thank you to all of you who came out to celebrate and to all of you who sent cards. . . Daddy Lion is only allowing me to open one a day until the big day! So, I guess the secret is out . . . I'll be 30 next month.

But how could you mope on a day like 08-08-08! *smile*

As Pop so eloquently said . . .

"Know what that is? (pointing to the balloons) That's 29!"

Bring it on . . .I'm ready!

Double Dippin'

We went to a friends house today for dips (with chips) and dips (with chicks).

Little Lion did great, swam like a fish, even went into the deep end. Little Pumpkin clung tight and would have gone under if we would have let her. I'm loving my girls!

Happy 4TH!

We had a great shindig at our place this evening! Thanks to everyone for coming and those of you who did not make it . . . you were missed! Here's some pics!What's better than celebrating our freedom with food, friends, and fellowship!

Lolly, Tia and Mommy Lion ~ Pop trying out his new camera!

The kids waiting for everyone to show up. Little Pumpkin climbed into the trailer and just waited to be drove around ~ such a diva! Who could resist Little Lion's welcoming face!?!

Free entertainment!

For both Pop and the kids! *wink*

The kids love him, and he so silly ~ thanks for all the fun things!

Little Lamb ~ don't worry I think she likes it better by herself sometimes~

no one telling her how to do it! *wink*

Is that a smile on camera!?! *smile*

She loves the water and was so proud of herself for getting the diving sticks

~ even in 6 inches of water!

I love this pic. We have a finger play that we do. Eye winker, Tom tinker, Nose dropper, Mouth Eater, Chin Chopper . . . Chin chopper chin (while tickling). When Little Pumpkin does it, it's just nose dropper and grab for the jugular! Still fun that she is mimicking.

Miss A ~ such a cutie! Last year she was just a month old WOW how the year goes by.

It was too sweet seeing these two. Their age difference seems big sometimes, but soon we won't even notice it! They will be the best of buds I'm sure.

Mr. A with his glow stick and I'm not sure about the helmet! *wink*

Big Luke is so cool! He was a hard one to catch tonight ~ must be tired of the camera, mom *smile*!

Gator never shy around the camera~ a true diva! If this was a full body shot, you'd get the complete pose! *smile*

Here she is doing a roman candle with Mr A's dad! He was so good about helping the kids out with the fireworks ~ thanks for sharing your fireworks tonight!

I'm pretty sure I have this exact picture from last year! I'm done with the morning glory sparklers. . . back to the old fashion wire ones! What's a few burns when you get the real thing!

We had a great time and hope all our friends did too. We'll do it all again next year ~ hopefully you'll join us too! *SMILE*

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!