Texas Roadtrip!!! (part 1)

 

Mark took a new job offer the first week in August. We felt this was an answer to many prayers and felt great about accepting the job.  The catch was that he has to work in Houston, Texas first to train and until they can have California open and ready for him to take the regional position- which could take 6-8 weeks...or more.  SO, we took the opportunity of two weeks left until school started and wanting to spend some time together after not seeing much of Mark all summer long, and we packed up and hit the road for a long 30+ hour roadtrip to Texas! It couldn't have worked out more perfect!! Mark finally has a steady job and me and the kids got to spend lots of time with my family!  

It worked out that Aunt Kelli and Uncle Shaun had a trip planned to Destin that first week so we stayed with Mema and Grandpa for a week.  The kids and I were able to visit and meet up with two of my best friends growing up, Amy and Becca, and it was so great to see them and their cute kiddos. We went swimming lots and spent lots of time just relaxing at Mema's while Grandpa and Mark worked. On Grandpa's day off we decided to do something fun and head to the Children's Museum of Houston and it was a BLAST!!! There was more than enough for the kids to see and do! We could have spent a week there! (These pics were taken with my phone so not the best quality)

 Grandpa helping Kali build her rocket. Wish I was better at that kind of stuff. But so happy to have Grandpa along to help!

 Lilly's favorite part was playing with the water...or IN the water! She got a little wet. Actually a lot wet.

 Lilly was watching Grandpa mow the lawn.

 WE LOVE YOU MEMA & GRANDPA!! Thanks for another fun filled week!!!!

Lots more pics to come from the second half of our Texas trip!!

Popsicles and Cousins!

 On July 31st Sheila and Jeff welcomed their 4th baby into the world. Little Jared. And he is adorable. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to go visit Sheila and baby Jared in the hospital while Grandma and Uncle Jeff were home and offered to watch all 4 of my crazy kiddos! It was so nice to just go and hold the sweet little guy and to chat with my awesome sis-in-law with no other distractions! I loved every moment of it! Thanks Grandma and Jeff!

After visiting Sheila and snuggling little Jared at the hospital I got to go back and play with the crazy kiddos with Grandma while Jeff went to the hospital. It was a very HOT summer evening so after dinner and a walk to the park, out came the POPSICLES!! I love how much these kids love being together!

 Hailey and Lilly are two little peas in a pod!

 

 

 POPSICLE TIME!!

 Could she be any happier!! haha! Love this crazy girl!

And done! Love Love love it all!! So glad we have cousins somewhat nearby!

Mema & Grandpa come for a visit!

 

 Back in July, Mema and Grandpa came for a visit and we decided it would be fun to show them the California State Fair!  Unfortunately, Mark had to work but that didn't stop us from going. We had a great time showing Mema and Grandpa all of our favorite things about the fair...from riding a few rides to checking out the animals and all the fun vendors and county displays inside, and eating our favorite treats! We tried to cover as much as we could and were all wiped out by the end of the day!

 I think this was their favorite part...watching all the baby animals and their mommas.

 (Yes it is a real Bald Eagle) Very cool to see up close!

 We did so many other fun things with Mema and Grandpa but I didn't take any more pictures the rest of the week. One day Grandpa and I took the big kids bowling and then another day we went to see Madagascar 3 and I think we even went to see Brave the following week. It was a week packed with FUN and the kids had a blast and loved having Mema and Grandpa here to visit!! Thanks so much for coming!! We love you so much!!

Little did we know that we would be headed to Texas a few weeks later!! (last minute business change for Mark that took us to Houston :)( More pics to come!)