Camping at Palo Duro Canyon

As promised from my regular emails during our outstanding trip to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, there were a number of pictures that didn't make the cut.  However, given the additional options afforded through a blog post, here is a sampling of the fun we had.

The Boys on our first "climb"

Enjoying the "super-moon" on Friday night

The "super-moon" on Saturday night

The "super-moon" behind a cloud on Saturday

Josh getting ready for our first zip-line ride

The view from the top of the zip-line

The zip-liners

Our Little Performers

The boys made their own instruments and gave us a moving performance of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."  I missed their bow at the end, but it was ADORABLE!!  Enjoy!

 



 

 

 

Go Texas Tech!

 

 We got to go up to Lubbock in September for a football game.  The boys were so excited and it was great to get to share some of our history with them (and maybe a bit of their future...)  We love our Red Raiders!!

First Day of School 2013



Well, I'm a few days behind, but wanted to share pictures from our first day of school!  We've almost made it through the first week now and things are going great!  The boys both really seem to enjoy their new schools and teachers and are quickly adapting to their new schools.  Here are a few pictures from the obligatory first day photo shoot.  Enjoy!

 

 

Walking to school (Daddy went to work late so he could join us)

We ended our day with our traditional chocolate chip cookies in celebration of a great first day!!  

 

We're looking forward to a great year in 1st grade with Mrs. Blandford at Greathouse Elementary and PreK with Mrs. Hanson at First Baptist Child Development Center!

Golfer Drew

Drew got his own set of real golf clubs for Christmas last year.  He's hit them a few times in the backyard, but this Saturday Russell took him to the driving range for the first time!  (He loved it and already asked when he could go back!  Perhaps a future PGA tour player in the making?) 

 

Backyard work

We had a busy weekend!  We worked in our backyard trying to take up some of the paver patio extension and removing some rocks so that we'll have room to safely set up our swing set.  The boys were great helpers and even asked again this afternoon if they could help move rocks.  (And yes, it's the middle of August and we're wearing jackets outside!  It was shady and breezy and only about 73 degrees when we were working out there - don't worry it warmed up later that afternoon and the jackets are once again safely in the closets).

Josh helping chisel out the pavers

Brothers working together

Check out the tongue!  It's hard work!!

Drew's turn

Drew decided to set up safety cones when we were finished to make sure that no one got hurt

So proud of himself!



Outdoor Fun

We've definitely been enjoying getting to be outside more this summer.  Even though it's still really hot here in Midland, the humidity is almost non-existent, so you can actually survive being outside better than in Houston.  Midland has lots of great parks and we have plans to make our rounds before school starts.  There is also a cute little playground for our neighborhood right down the street from our house.  The boys and I took a quick walk down there last week and they had fun climbing around and sliding down their big slides.  (It's a good alternative until we get our swing set put back together - waiting to make some decisions about the backyard before we tackle that project.)  We also LOVE our big flat driveway in the back of the house.  The houses around here utilize an alley entry system, so most of the houses have big driveways in the back and it's perfect for riding scooters and shooting baskets.

Drew is getting really good at shooting baskets!

Cool dude

Josh is a blur on his new scooter!

 

Pictures from the park in our neighborhood