Pool time!

Sunday afternoon we loaded the kids up and headed to the lodge for some fun in the sun! I spent the afternoon chasing after 5 little ones with more energy than the energizer bunny! Needless to say I got my workout in for the WEEK and some sun while I did it!

Headed to the pool. . . full of ENERGY!

William was so excited about swimminG!

Samuel had the best time on this slide. I promise you he went down it 50 times. He was so cute. He would just smile soo big the entire time!

Getting creative and going down backwards on the tummy

The girls in front of the slide that kept them occupied the entire time. I did it as many times as i could. . . there are a lot of stairs you have to take to get from the bottom to the top of that thing

this is the beach pool. . . it has a beach entrance and the little ones just love it

The yellow slide has been given the nickname "the bullet". Supposedly it is faster than a speeding bullet. Only the brave will attempt it and only the strong will survive it! haha. . . at least thats what the girls think! Anna was so proud that she went down it way more than 10 times! Of course that was the one she wanted me to go on first! And YES I did survive! :)

LAZY river! Where Sam spent most of his time

Jenny, William, and Samuel chillin on the lazy river

2 babies and a puppy!

Along with the 4 kids Sam and Jenny also brought along their new 2 month old puppy. Her name is Susie and she is precious. She is a beagle and she is just the cutest little thing. She is just like having another baby around. She has scheduled feedings, play time, and nap times. We have really enjoyed all of the help from the kids too. They have been so helpful with the babies. They have made my job a WHOLE lot easier!

Samuel and Hunter playing in the floor

Jenny, Jack, and Anna playing

Lillian and Susie (people think Lillian looks just like me. . . poor girl)

Goin' to the zoo zoo zoo. . . wanna come too too too!?

Sam and Jenny came this weekend to say for a few days with their kids. . . Lillian, Anna, Samuel, and William. We have really had a great time since they have been here. We have played outside, watched tons of episodes of I Spy and Harold and the purple crayon, gone to the lodge for some pool time, and today we took a trip to the zoo! The week is just getting started . . . There is no telling what we will do the rest of the week.

The boys were troopers. . . They love the stroller and didn't mind the heat!

Isn't this so sweet! They just love each other so much. They are just the best of friends.

We stood around looking at the elephants forever it seemed. They really enjoyed watching them. There were a couple of mommas and a few little babies!

The crew in the middle of a hollowed out log!

It was a hot day, but I really enjoyed making memories with these kids! They are all just a joy to spend time with. We laughed all afternoon!

The sun'll come out tomorrow!!

Thursday night the neighbors next door called and invited Christine and I to go see Annie at the Muny. The Muny is an outdoor theater where kids put on plays all summer long. They put together at least 8 different plays and perform them for about a week at a time. We had amazing seats 11 rows from the front. It was a perfect night to be outside. . . the wind was blowing just enough to keep us some what cool and their weren't any mosquitoes out. This has been something Christine has been wanting to do with me since I got here in February. I am so glad we finally got a chance to go together!

Christine Marissa and Alaina

I took this picture while we were walking in to take our seats. This was right before the security lady let me know I wasn't suppose to take pictures in the theater. Whoops!

Christine is one busy girl!

Christine at her swim meet

She swims on the Kirkwood swim team. For this past month we have gone to swim practice every day and each Monday she has a swim meet. I am typically the one that gets to stay home with the boys, but last night it worked out that we were all able to load up and go watch her swim. It was horribly hot, but we did it! I had never been to a swim meet before so it was neat to see. Christine got 1st in the races she swam. . . we must have been good luck!

Hunter was so hot that i poured water on his head. . . he loved it! He just laughed

Jack's hair just grows on top so it is perfect for a cute little mohawk!!

Christine's Photo shoot

Today Christine had acting at 12 and then we were off to get her head shots done. She had her hair and make up done by professionals. . . what girl doesn't want that. She was treated like she was a movie star. We had a great time watching her get her pictures taken.

Patiently waiting. . .

Dance Class

Christine and I are taking DANCE!!

This morning Mrs. Nancy asked if Christine and I wanted to take tap, jazz, and ballet. I think it is going to be so much fun! We are going to go a couple of times a week for the next tow weeks for private lessons. Christine takes acting classes and was needing some dance lessons to help her with her auditions. Christine and I always have so much fun doing things together. It has been so long since I have done anything like this. I hope I don't hurt myself. The last time I actually learned a routine was in high school. . . Don't even want to think about how many years ago that was. We are starting Wednesday afternoon. We are headed to get shoes and things today. I am interested to see how this all turns out!

I only have 2 more weeks here. Mrs. Nancy told me last night that Christine asked if I was ever going to come back to visit and said she was going to miss me so much. I have spent a lot of time with her. . . I really didn't realize how much we have done together. I am have just spent 2 weeks away from St. Louis since January. It is going to be different without seeing them every day. I am so thankful for the time I have had here.

Times flies when you're having "fun"!

I have a lot of updating to do! I have been living in St. Louis since January. I moved in with the Stewart's at the beginning of February. They have twin boys named Hunter and Jack. They also have a daughter Christine who I have grown to love very much. I have learned a lot the past few months. Not only about child life, but also about what all it takes to keep a household up and running. I have missed my family more than I thought I would. Just being so far away that a weekend trip wouldn't work just makes you want to be there even more.

I have missed a lot not being at home so far this year. Football season, baseball season, prim fishing weather now, Lainey making colorgaurd, passing her driving test, and so much more. There is a lot you miss when you aren't close by. I am lucky that Ashley only lives 5 hours from Magnolia. . . Thats an easy weekend trip for me!

I have been blessed that Ashley and I have made through all of this. . . It has been though at times, but I am looking forward to moving to Houston. We might end up getting tired of seeing each other! It is going to be different going for once a month to possibly once a day. I'm sure we can handle it! :) It just so happens that the family I am living with now is St. Louis has family in Houston. Todd's parents live in Pearland and have opened their home to me until I can find a job and save a little before I have to find a place of my own. The Lord has really had a hand in all of this. It is amazing how things are working out. Now all I need is a JOB!

Christine

Jack and Hunter

4 months

7 months

They boys are 7 months today. . . They are growing up so fast. They were only 2 months old when I moved in. They both have such different personalities. I have been told my whole life that there is a possibility that I could possibly have twins. . . well I have had plenty of practice. I'm going to have to have twins because I don't know if I will know what to do with just one! I had no idea what it took to keep a house running. . . laundry, dishes, supper ready at a decent hour, and getting everyone to bed on time. . . just to name a few. I have learned to appreciate everything my mom did for all of us when we were growing up.

BATH TIME!

Jack

Hunter