Grandma Mayberry's 63rd Birthday!

 The first thing all the kids want to do when we go to Grandma & Grandpa's house is jump in their hot tub!

 Tripp loved playing with Sissy and the water hose.

 After barbequing chicken for dinner, it was present time! 

 Grandpa sang at church on Sunday morning so we were all ready bright and early.

 We got there a little early so we were waiting outside for a while.

 We call these two "the twins!"

 We took up an entire pew not counting Grandma and Grandpa.  :)

 Madi always says she misses Ruff after we leave Grandma and Grandpa's house so I've been telling her we'll get a picture of them together so she can look at it when she misses him. 

This will have to do since it's nearly impossible to get two dogs to sit still long enough for a picture!

Happy Birthday Grandma!  We love you!

Circus

When we started talking about going to the circus everyone said to definitely go to Ringling Brother's.  We looked on their tour last year and they weren't coming to Lubbock.
So when we looked again this year and didn't see Lubbock we decided to go to the closest town where they had a show, Odessa.

So last Thursday afternoon, we loaded up (with Tucker in tow) and headed to Odessa. 

We ate at Jorge's of course!  

There are these stairs right outside the restaurant that Madi begs to run up and down every time we eat there so we finally said yes!  That way they could run off some energy before sitting at the circus all evening.

Two clowns all set to go!

We had the PERFECT seats, front run!

Before the show, Matt took them down to the floor to see the pre-show and go back stage to see all the animals.

Madi was most excited about seeing the elephants.

They each picked a snowcone in a fun circus cup!

We had to be clowns too. 

I kept yawning and saying how tired I was, but I really loved the show!

These two did too, apparently!  :)

The best part of the ride home was Madi waking up and saying to me "Mom, Tucker sleeps with his mouth open!"  She was shocked!  I laughed so hard and said "You do too, baby!"

And here's the evidence!

Tripp's 10th Birthday!

 I'm finally blogging Tripp's party that happened back in May.

It was the night of Madi's last dance recital performance so we were a little late and I didn't have my camera.  I finally got the pictures from Aunt Shelle. 

Tripp & his Minecraft cake

 It was a little cold but these two definitely didn't mind.

 Uncle Cody & Aunt Shelle

 Opening Madi's card . . .

 and more presents . . .

 Maci always has the best seat in the house!

 Right on her Uncle Matt's shoulders!

Happy Double Digits TRIPP!

The last few days . . .

 Last Thursday, Madison went up to campus with me while I worked. 

Luckily, Stephanie (who I work with) also has a five year old daughter that comes along with her too.

Madison and Margaret were so good and quiet!

 Saturday night we went to Tino's 50th birthday party!

Matt golfs with Tino every morning during the summer.  

 Sunday morning, Madison and her friends Allison and Jessica all had on matching dresses at church. 

Of course, their mom and I planned it but it was pretty cute.

After church we went to lunch at the Rib Crib. 

 Sunday afternoon at the pool, Tucker said he wanted to come to our house and spend the night.

Since taking Tucker would make Aunt Shelle and Uncle Cody "kid-less" for the night I said of course!

A little game of Candyland before dinner.

 Then they rode the bike and scooter outside.

 And played Monkey in the Middle in the backyard.

 When Matt's in the middle it doesn't last long!

 He barely moves his arms and then suddenly he's caught the ball and Tucker's in the middle again.  :)

 Cookies and milk before bed . . .

 Tonight after dinner, Madi asked to ride her bike (that's nothing new) with her pop star dress up clothes on.

 "No biggie" we said. 

But she also wanted to wear her tiara so the helmet wouldn't work.

I told her as long as she didn't do any of her crazy tricks, like standing up while riding, then that was fine.  It didn't take long for the tiara to come off and the helmet back on so she could continue her crazy riding!

Great Visit!

We visited Grandma & Grandpa Heider, Uncle Cody, Aunt Erin and all the cousins last Tuesday.

This is the only picture I took of Ethan, Owen and Madison climbing the tree while Henry had swim lessons.  We were too busy having fun to take pictures.

The kids swam, ate pizza, picked the garden with Grandpa, and played some more! 

It was a great visit!

Go Fly a Kite!

 Perfect weather . . .

Perfect wind . . . 

To fly a kite . . .

So that's exactly what we did today! 

DareDevil???

 There are two things I never thought I'd say or do in respect to my daughter . . .

1.  I never thought I'd use the word "daredevil" to describe Madi.  But I have now.  She rides her bike FAST, then slams on the brakes and skids all over the place.

2.  I never thought I'd buy a helmet for my daughter to wear while riding a bike either.  But because of #1 we went and bought a helmet this afternoon.  :)

 Here's Daredevil Madison trying out the new helmet! 

Going for yogurt in the rain wearing pajamas this evening . . .

Madi has one sweet Daddy.  :)

We have a bike rider!

I hope this video works.

On the 4th night of practicing, Madison just took off and starting riding her bike! 

We were smiling from ear to ear!

Swimming & Sewing

 Our Pool Group!

 Kennedy, Keegan and Mrs. Kris invited Madi to join them on their Meals on Wheels run yesterday. 

Madi loved delivering the food and talking to the people, but she had many stories about all the animals she saw too! 

 Maci passed out on Kennedy today!

 I know nothing about sewing but my mom got this kit from a friend and when Madi saw it she wanted to "sew" right away. 

The needle is big and plastic so it's perfect for a beginner (and me!) to learn the basic idea of sewing. 
But I really think Grandma Heider needs to share her expertise with Madison sometime soon!

July 10th

 Wednesday was Maci's 2nd Birthday so we met them at Legacy park.

 I promise they were having fun, but it was just SO hot.

 This spinning ride was definitely their favorite. 

 Then we went to lunch at Weinersnitzel and all the kids got ice cream!

 Next up was the pool. 

Shelle worked with Tucker going off the diving board so Maci was stuck with me and Uncle Matt.

We wore her out!

She curled up on my lap and fell asleep just like this in a matter of minutes!

 I forgot I took these pictures the other day when we were dropping Madi off at Aunt Shelle's house.

 Maci's hair always cracks me up!  

It's so thin and always crazy!

 Matt has been practicing with Madison for the last 3 nights to learn to ride her bike.

 

Last night she rode it all by herself. 

She still has to gain some confidence then she'll be off!