September 27 - Can You Help with a Bun?

Our little tomboy/sporty spice has now been a teenager for a month. She has been wearing athletic clothes and her hair in a low ponytail since 1st grade. So imagine my shock when 2 weeks ago she asked me to take her shopping for new clothes (apparently large baggy sweatshirts are 'in style'), wears jewelry to school (rings and bracelet) and before school last week asked me to put her hair in a bun. Let me tell you guys, she has A LOT of hair so I suggested she wear it down for that day and I would buy some bun supplies. This past weekend we practiced buns..

Warning! The bun donut literally creates a bun bigger than ones head LOL

Some other bun device (which requires rolling the hair)

Bobby pins for the win

She let me do a high ponytail (although took it out after 5min)

September 24 - Velcro Dog

As you guys know, I love my fur babies. Apollo is the most chill dog and likes to sleep the majority of the day. He likes to know where I am but doesn't follow me around everywhere. Bella on the other hand is a total velcro dog. 

Folding laundry...

Helping with bath time

Supervising teeth brushing

Good morning Jillian, time to get up

Watching me while I work

Bedtime snuggles? Me too!

We love our Bella Rose!

September 22 - Celebrity Sighting

When Julia and Luke were little, we had a membership to the Houston Zoo and went all the time. I realized last week that Jillian has only been to the zoo a handful of times and the last time was a few years ago. So I texted her friend Mia's mom and say "Let's meet up at the zoo!" She was game.

Parking at the zoo is horrendous. The parking lot is used for the zoo, museums and various parks around the area. When Julia and Luke were little we always tried to get there early but never did. I'm happy to report that getting one child out the door was so much easier than two and we actually made it there at 8.50 (zoo opens at 9am). We were parked right up front which has never happened before! Mia and her mom were running late so Jillian and I checked out several exhibits together and she loved it! We eventually met up with Mia and her family and the girls had a wonderful time chit chatting and seeing all of the animals. 

Also totally random, we were walking at one point and zoo security came by an requested everyone "Move to the left side!" so we moved. Then two golf carts rode past. We didn't really think much about it. About 10min later we were in line for face painting near the sea lions when zoo security came by again and closed the spectator area. We saw a group of people inside the sea lion exhibit and said "Wow, must be a private birthday party. I wonder how much that costs." Turns out it was Kylie Jenner, Travis, Scott, their daughter, looked like a few family members and bodyguards. They got into a golf cart pretty close to us (maybe 15' away) and drove off to the next attraction. So random! I told the kids and JD about it later that night and they wanted to know why I didn't get a picture, I honestly didn't even think about it. 

Zoo Fun

September 20 - Captain Kids Triathlon

After a 2 year hiatus, the kids competed in the Captain Kids Triathlon at Moody Gardens last weekend. We had an early morning (4.30am wake up, Julia and Luke handled it with no issues) because it's critical we get there early to park and check the bikes in early. Luke aged up this year so they both had a 200M swim, 4 mile bike and mile run. They did fantastic!! So proud of both of them! Our neighbors Kendall and Sydney did the triathlon too, it's always more fun with friends. 

After the race, we went to Palm Beach, a small water park, to celebrate. They had fun on the waterslides and were even more excited to get Dippin' Dots! It was a great day!  

Tri Kids - so proud!

Luke in action

Go Julia

September 14 - I Wish for a Live Unicorn

Jillian is officially FIVE! She woke up Friday morning with her floor covered in balloons and her door decked out in streamers (thanks to an awesome big sister who stayed up past 11pm getting everything together). Her wonderful teacher, Ms. Valencia, had a special day planned for her at school complete with a birthday crown and birthday presents. She had a wonderful day! That evening, we ate her favorite dinner (macaroni and cheese with nuggets), ate a delicious cake and she opened family presents. The cutest thing-she said out loud "I wish for live unicorn" (very seriously) before blowing out her candles. Adorable!

On Saturday, we had a birthday party at the neighborhood pool. Eight little friends came and they all had fun swimming and going off the diving board. They had pizza and beautiful mermaid cupcakes JD ordered from a local bakery. She had a wonderful time!!

Jillian age 5:

Favorite thing to do with my family: Swing hands

Favorite Animal: Kangaroo

Favorite Food: plums 

Favorite Movie: Frozen

Favorite Outside activity: Trampoline at Tammy's

When I grow up I want to be: A Scientist

Mommy's memories:

Dear Jillian,

Our little rain of sunshine. You are bright, shiny and move at your own pace. You love to talk! You are extremely friendly to everyone (when we are driving you like to roll down your window and shout hello at people walking). You also love to eat! You would snack all day if we allowed it. We recently discovered how to open YouTube music in the car and you love to request "You're Welcome" from Moana. I love dancing in the car with you on the way to/from Primrose. 

Stay happy!

We love you!!

Big kids getting balloons ready for the party

"I wish for a unicorn"

Mermaid Cupcakes

Party Time!

Aurora!

Legos!

September 7 - 25 Yards!

This post is a week late but I am thrilled to report that Jillian swam 25 yards by herself last weekend. Congratulations Jillian! This mean she is now ready for swim team. Now, we just need to make sure she keeps her swim skills up to par over the winter and spring so she can do it during tryouts next May. She was so proud of herself!! We went back to the pool this weekend and she did it again!!

September 1 - Red Ant Bites are No Bueno

ATTN: Feet pics in this post. I know a lot of people are grossed out by feet so move away now. Okay, you have been warned!

A year ago, last September, I was walking the dogs after a rainstorm in my flipflops. As I was picking up Apollo's mess, I realized I was standing in a huge ant pile. How did I know? Both feet were being attacked. I had a lot of bites on the top of each foot and it was intensely itchy for weeks. I vowed never to talk the dogs in flip flops again and pay more attention to where I was standing. 

Fast forward almost a year to the day..I was walking the dogs around 6am and was once again picking up after Apollo. Turns out Apollo has a penchant for doing his business near ant piles because once again, I felt those little ants, this time on my ankles. Now I have ant bites around both ankles. Not fun people!

So PSA-don't be like Christine. Pay attention and look for ant hills!!