Taking Life by the Throttle

Jarod had a team building exercise for work a couple weekends ago, and my parents were generous enough to watch the kids so I could accompany him. The exercise consisted of a ride out to Marble Falls and back. It was a beautiful day, albeit a little warm. The ride was great, and the scenery gorgeous. I enjoy watching bikers pass each other on the road. There is an unwritten (or maybe it's written, I dunno) code of conduct for bikers on the rode. All cruisers wave to each other as they pass. It's so interesting that so many people from so very many different walks of life all become friends, part of the same club on the road. I love it. A few of the riders behind us.

A view of the lake.

While not everyone in the store participated, there were about 13 bikes in our group. An impressive sight on the road.

Preschool

We were lucky to form a preschool group at the very last minute. I was thrilled when I got the call. I didn't think we'd have a group this year, since all our friends from last year were either doing kindergarten or a private preschool this year. We are doing the same program as last year. This time there are just three little girls in the group, including Carly. So far it is just fantastic. I love the Funshine Express curriculum, and hope to continue with it next year for Josh. It is so great. Carly loves the girls in her class, Kate and Jenna. It's great to see the information sinking in with Carly this year. It's amazing to see the difference in her from last year to this year.

Grandma Tess' Visit

Well, to get to caught up on what we've been doing, I'll start with Grandma Tess' visit in September. We were lucky to get Jarod's mom for a few days in early September. She got to be here for Carly's first day of dance class, and Jarod and I were able to go on a couple dates sans kiddos. It was a great time. I'm lucky to have a mother-in-law that I can consider a friend. I think our mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is pretty unique. We had a great time making jam, shopping, and as always, eating too many baked goodies. Here are some of the high-lights in pictures.

Jarod took off early to pick his mom up from the airport, and they spent the afternoon having lunch and browsing the Whole Foods Corporate headquarters in down town Austin. They brought home some delicious treats. The kids loved the cupcakes that Mama Tess got them. The grown-ups enjoyed the other deserts later. Man were they good!!

It was a happy coincidence that we had to switch Carly's dance class from Tuesdays to Fridays, because of our preschool schedule. Mama Tess was able to be here for her very first class. She and I were both on the verge of tears watching my baby girl go into class. It's hard to believe she's 5 years old already. I know I'll be a mess when it's time to drop her off for all day kindergarten next year. I really like the studio we chose. It has a cafe and lounge area with television screens that allow you to watch the classes in session. It's so fun to see Carly progressing each week.Did I mention it rained the ENTIRE time Mama Tess was here? Here's Josh with his Lightning McQueen umbrella that Papa Steve brought with him when he came to visit in June. The kids love having books read to them, and it was a special treat to have Mama Tess read to them. We also spent time shopping, and baking treats which got shared with Jarod's employees. The kids love going to see Daddy at work, and Mama Tess found this cute pink leather jacket that was Carly's size. Unfortunately, the arms were too tight for her liking.As always, we were sad to part, and the visits never seem long enough. We all had a great time, and we look forward to the holidays when we'll be together again.

A Visit from Family

Jarod's cousin Brittney and her cute family stopped by to say hello this past weekend, on their way to and from San Antonio. We were so happy to have them stop by, even though it was so short. We were able to go to church together, and the boys spent the whole time "sharing" cars with each other. I loved having someone else's baby to hold during sacrament meeting...there's nothing better than being able to kiss and cuddle a baby, and pass them off when they need to be fed, or if they're fussy. I was very happy to get a little baby fix, so THANKS BRITTNEY!! Carly and the boys loved the baby. I thought their reaction to his gummy smile was pretty hilarious. Thank goodness babies don't come with teeth, right?!

Bike Night

Jarod took Josh to bike night last week, to have some guy bonding time. I did his hair in a Mohawk so that he would look tough, and fit in with all the bikers there. Everyone thought he was pretty cute, and well...he is. As you know we don't have a motorcycle anymore, and that wouldn't have worked anyway, so they went in the '54. Jarod is convinced that Josh is bad luck, because on the way home they ran out of gas on the interstate. While they were waiting for me to arrive with the gasoline, they managed to sit in a fire ant pile. Josh is now recovering from ant bites all over his body. This experience, along with their father and sons' experience, is making for a bad track record for Josh. Oh well, I'm sure they'll keep trying, and truthfully, Josh is still talking about bike night. He loved seeing all the motorcycles and hanging out-just the two of them.

Thanks Grandma Tess!

Carly got another early birthday present, this time from her Grandma Tess. To go along with the rest of her dance attire, she got ballet shoes, and a ballet skirt. She was very excited about it. We can't wait to start dancing next Friday!

Mohawk Babies

Since the boys' hair is so long, it goes into a Mohawk really easily. Check out their 'dos.