FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2010

Hudson, all smiles and ready to be a big leader in his class.

Major opted out of the picture and seeing as this was his first time to go to school ever, I did everyone a favor, and allowed him to skip the picture.

Walking into the building and I'm just noticing my enormous shadow. That's me with backpacks and shopping sacks filled with large amounts of school supplies.

I decided to drop Hudson off first so we're heading upstairs to his class. He did perfect and just skipped on in there like a pro. Proud of him! What a change from last year! They grow up fast for sure. I think Major is all smiles in this picture because, so far, this just seems to be like our old routine. After we dropped Hudson off, we walked down stairs to Major's class. The only problem was that Major turned to walk out the door like we usually do instead of going to his class. Oops! He was way caught off guard when we turned around and went to his class. Poor little guy thought it was time to head out with mama. His teachers said that he did great after I left.

The end of a successful day! They both did awesome and it was so refreshing for me too. I could tell Hudson loves his class and he's more mature this year. He really seems to be turning into a big helper. I feel so good about where he is.

The last thing that was awesome that day was when I went home while they were at school. I hadn't been alone in my house, like that, in 4 years!!! Seriously. That's no joke. I have babysitters when I go do something or on dates with Stephen, but to just be in my empty house was refreshing. I had a quiet time in actual quiet. Wow! 'Cause my quiet times should have been renamed "crazy interrupted times." I treasure my little treasures but it was just a nice change. They go to school Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30 - 12:00 so I still get plenty of time with my guys!

One Last Trip

The boys and I drove up to Coppell to visit one last time before school starts. We stayed with RayRay and Champ. The Hoermans are staying with my parents while they build their house, so it was one big party in the Brawner house.

Bahama Buck's

Do yourself a favor and go!

Yummy

Behind us you can see some of the syrup and menu of flavor choices. I got strawberry cheesecake to share and the boys got blueberry.

Hudson and blueberry are in love!

Tether-ball outside of the store.

Fake palm tree that lights up and they really wanted to climb it.

Champ couldn't resist giving Hudson a new Woody with pull string.

joy

Fun yogurt place

You grab an empty cup. Pick from about 8 yogurt choices. Then, add your toppings, and there were soooo many to choose from. Last, they WEIGH it and you pay. I was sick I ate so much, but it was worth it, of course.

Major has oatmeal cookie yogurt, topped with gummy bears and rainbow sprinkles.

Can't remember what Hudson got most likely because I turned my head as he added more toppings than there was yogurt in his cup. Oh to be young!

Of course we went to Chuck E. Cheese.

Hudson was being silly and saying he didn't want to go home.

This is Major dragging a ladder to the TV. He really wanted to watch a movie apparently.

RayRay with the grands

FRIENDS

Here they come...

Our visitors from Spring, Texas

Jenny, Megan and Drew

Meredith, Andrew and Kate

icing cookies and decorating with sprinkles

It was silent while they decorated.

major

andrew

kate in the back

megan in the front

They are trying out the Buzz Lightyear rocket that I was pretty sure would be a rip-off. Wonderful surprise when it was actually tons of fun and a big hit.

megan and drew

megan and drew with mama jenny

hot dog dinner

This is just funny. We had Andrew take some pictures and then Megan. Not bad, if you ask me.

Seriously, this meant the world to me! Not to get too mushy, but these are great friends that I moved away from about a year and a half ago. If I've learned anything along this Victoria journey, it's how precious friendship is. I was so blessed to have amazing friends that I could relate to and really do life with. It's a rare thing, I think, and I miss them terribly! I really can't believe they came to play with us for the day. I threatened to slash tires and hold them hostage. Till next time...

Brawner Vacation 2010

Lake Travis Vacation

The Hollows

Ryan-Kate and Major having a little din-din.

ryan-kate and hudson

major and champ

breakfast with rayray on the patio

pool time with champ

the boys room

Major colored like he never had before... because he never really had before :) He loves it now.

~ smores ~

uncle jared and huddy... and woody

checking out the marina

cool lift to take us down... the lift was most of the entertainment

looking for fishies

back to lift

Daddy came to play all Tuesday and then went back to work Wednesday.

Jenny and me

major jumping to daddy

i took this... it happens...

my sisters chillin in the texas sun

champ and rayray grilled up some mean burgers for lunch at the pavilion

big jared playing with ryan-kate and major

There were deer everywhere on our drive to The Pier for dinner.

The Pier has tons of catfish that hang out in the water there. You are encouraged to feed them your left overs. Kinda cool / Kinda gross ??? Can't decide...

Wednesday, the Hoermans rented a pontoon boat and it was a nice change of pace from the pool.

Can you tell there's a storm coming! Well, it came and we risked our lives to cruise the lake. It was a pretty crazy storm but we still had a blast on the boat.

Hiding from the FIRST round of rain.

sisters

rayray and champ

ryan-kate suited up for the water

uncle jared our captain

Major rolls around on the floor a lot, and makes it look comfortable.

jenny and joe

Major sat like this for a little while too. It looks comfy.

Joe anchoring us up so we could jump in the water.

rain part TWO

and this time the rain won

the thunder and lightning were crazy

the traditional throwing of a nephew (hudson) by an uncle (joe)

Major could scale the wall of the pool like a pro.

Daddy and baby girl

still scaling

the chocolate milk was flowing

Thank you to RayRay and Champ for the fun, food, and time to relax. It was beautiful and I think we all wish we were there one day longer. I guess that means it was the perfect amount of time. Loves it all! Till next year!