Family Retreat

Regina Mater (an initiative of Catholic homeschooling families) had its familiy retreat today in preparation for the new school year. The theme was "Little Golden Retreat" and there were many fun activities, including the family face-painting shown here. Timmy decided he'd had enough about half-way through (it was 5 and a half hours). It was nice to see old and new friends again after the summer break. Classes won't begin until after labor day, but we're already starting our lessons at home (actually, we never completely stopped, but they were optional for awhile).

Lucas probably learns more building forts with couch cushions than doing workbook pages, but it makes me feel like I've acomplished something if we spend some time on the workbooks. At minimum it saves me some clean-up work.

Grow, baby, grow

Zach is getting big... he's gaining about a pound a week. He also slept for six straight hours last night. Mom is happy.

Chaos

I'm amazed at the havoc that can be created in 15 minutes of unsupervised play. It only took Lucas 6 hours (and a bit of help) to clean it up.

Good-bye grandma

After visiting for two weeks, we had to say good-bye to grandma as she and cousin Aurora returned to Florida. We miss them, but we'll see them again in a few weeks.

making messes

How to (not) make a piniata

Zilker park and Children's Museum

Day out with cousins

Aunt Christine had a farm E-I-E-I-O

Taking grandma and cousin Aurora to visit my sister's ever changing farm. She now has pigs, goats, dogs (and puppies!), turkeys, chickens, and geese.

Farm tour

pose

trying unsucessfully to get a nice picture of Zachary in his baptismal suit

water fun

trying to stay cool this summer while playing outside with cousin Aurora

Brenham trip

While Zach and I stayed home to get things ready for my mother-in-law's visit, Meemaw and my sister took the older boys and their cousins to Brenham to visit the Bluebell Ice Cream Factory, play in the park, and see the Monestary Miniature Horses.

Brenham, TX

See more pictures on my sister's blog

More newborn pics

I just downloaded these pictures from my mom's camera, where Zachary is 3-4 days old. They were taken the first few days after I got home from the hospital, when I went to stay with my mom while first Timmy, then Lucas got sick.

Pictures from the baptism

Here are some of the pictures we took today, I'll probably have more to add later...

Zachary's Baptism

Grandma time

Zachary cuddling with his grandma for the first time.

story time snooze

chores

I put the baby on top of the clean laundry to carry the basket upstairs... and he fell asleep there (until I woke him up by taking pictures!)

Big fun with a little boat

Jet Skiing

Summer musical

We saw the summer musical for children last weekend with some family and friends, and they've done a great job again this year. It's the story of Pinocchio, and it's not too late if you want to see it. The schedule is on their website http://www.summermusical.com/

Finding a balance

Still working on balancing the needs of the older two with the demands of the new baby. Lucas is doing beautifully and has been a big help, but Timmy isn't sure about not being the youngest anymore. I need to spend more time with him. The house is also being a bit neglected, but it doesn't take it personally.

I am starting to get out a bit more. We went to the park after Zachary was circumcised last Friday. He was very vocally unhappy for a few hours but seemed fine again by lunchtime.