Our Halloween was part sweet and part spooky!

We had a fun Halloween with the kiddos! Jackson was a scary clown, Charlie a phantom, and Camryn a fish! Mimi, Papa, and Pops joined in on the fun and our friends came over too! Little E and Camryn had a blast giggling and collecting candy! The boys got to go on their own this year and I think they enjoyed the freedom!

I thought Charlie looked like a mad scientist with his head piece off!

All about me...because I am THREE!!

My little baby girl is officially no longer a baby - she's 3!!! In lieu of having a big party with a bunch of friends and family, we decided to have a day all about her with just the five of us. Simply for the reason that I don't think she's ever had a day focused on her since the day she was born! This little girl has David, the boys, and I wrapped around her finger - we adore her. She's such a special little girl to us and we are so enjoying watching her blossom (at her own little pace) into a darling little lady!

 It started with cupcakes at school with mommy... (this is the shy face most people know)

After school - the boys played WHATEVER Cami wanted - even dress up!

Next was Monkey Bizness - jumping and playing with brothers!

After dinner it was all about presents and cake!!

I'll leave you with the little girl we know at home - a silly, sweet, goofy, loud (yes, loud) little girl! My wish for your 3rd year is that the rest of the world sees you just as we do!! We love you - Happy Birthday!

A New Year at St. John's!

My smallest little chicken started her first day of school today! She was super excited this morning when we got the nap mat and lunch kit out. She did well today - no tears but lots of extra hugs and kisses! I love you little lamb lamb! I love how hard you try, I love how much you "go with the flow" of our crazy busy life, and mostly I love how you are so uniquely you. Hope you have a great day baby girl!

First day of school 2011!

Yes, it's that time again - the 1st day of school! I have so enjoyed looking at everyones pictures of all of the kids going back to school - some look beyond excited, some look less than thrilled! My boys were pretty excited. Jackson - ready to jump in head first of course, and Charlie - a bit hesitant, a lot nervous! We talked about our goals for this year last night at dinner and Jackson is shooting for the moon - with "no notes home" and Charlie could never really decide on one. Boys - I love you both "to pieces" and hope you have a school year filled with lots of learning and lots of fun because learning should still be fun, right?

On another note of firsts...Charlie has started his first year of tackle football. Both of the boys are so enjoying football starting! Go Seahawks!!!

Dietz Sister Beach Trip - Watercolor, FL - 2011

We spent our beach trip this year in Watercolor, FL. It is the cutest little beach neighborhood where people ride around on bikes everywhere. We met my sister Melissa and her kiddos from Chattanooga, and my other sister Jennifer and her family from Austin. It was Jen's turn to find the house and she found a great one! It was comfy, fit all of us, and except for the lack of knives that could actually cut, was perfect!! It's quite a miracle I am still alive seeing that you spend a lot of time on your bikes here - I am not a bike rider!

Here's all 8 of the kids!

Just for a trip down memory lane, this is our crew from our 1st Dietz sister beach trip! (Charlie was there, he was 1 1/2 - just refused to get in the picture. I know, this suprises no one!)

The kids couldn't wait to go crab hunting at night so that's just what we did our very first night!

Even my little Cami enjoyed the crab hunting! (or maybe it was the headlight?)

Here they are youngest to oldest...

Camryn (2 1/2)

Claire (5 1/2)

Charlie (7 1/2)

Catherine (8 1/2)

Jackson (9 1/2)

Connor (11)

Madeline (13 1/2)

Nicholas (15 1/2)

Lots of fun times...

Just my babies...

So long Watercolor! We so enjoyed the house, the sand, the sun, the family, the laughter, the food, and the wine! Until next time...

Dietz Family Reunion

We spent the weekend of the 4th reuniting with the Dietz family at Gramps and Kimmy Lou's house in San Antonio. My aunt, uncle, two cousins and their families all came to Texas. We had a blast and the kids loved getting to play with cousins they had never even met! We had a busy schedule as you can see!

Day 1: Morning horseback ride...

...followed by a trip to Wimberley, TX for some shopping, dinner, and a rodeo!

Day 2: Bus ride to downtown San Antonio for a private river boat tour, bus tour of historical landmarks...

...followed by a yummy catered dinner, swimming, and a mariachi band by the pool!

Day 3 : Happy 4th of July!! We spent the morning at The Creek, then went home to swim, have dinner and we even got some "fireworks" even though they were banned!!

What a great time! Thanks Gramps and Kimmy for all the planning and hard work! We loved seeing all the Dietz's and plan on not waiting so long to do it again!