Kenzie's Carnival

For Mackenzie's birthday party we threw a little carnival in our own backyard. We set up tents for everyone to sit under, had the guest house set up as our concession stand/ticket booth, & had tons of candy & games for all the kids. It really was a lot of fun. A bit chaotic at the beginning, but it all turned out great.

Kenz & Mommy

Vanessa even dressed up as a clown & painted the kids faces....which they all loved!

Cake & Presents ;)

Isabella helping Kenzie with her cake

Silly Girl

She was very excited about her Gloworm....& truthfully, I was too!

All the kiddos playing musical chairs

By the way, I know you're all probably wondering what is going on with my lovely outfit. I was supposed to be a clown, but since I never had enough time to paint my face & Anthony never had enough time to put his clown outfit on, I just ended up looking like a crazy lady. I don't normally dress this way...honestly!

Bourbon Street, Bush & Babies...

The last weekend of September we took a road trip to New Orleans to go watch the Saints & 49ers play football. This had been a much anticipated trip for quite some time. We got our tickets back in June, but Anthony & I had actually been talking about going to an NFL game ever since we got married. Now that our 2 favorite teams were going head to head in New Orleans, we had found the perfect opportunity for a vacation.

We started off our trip with a stop at the Brewer's house. We were all so excited to finally get to meet baby Kayelyn. She is truly a little angel from heaven. What a doll! I only wish we could have spent more time with them when all the girls were awake.

Friday morning we headed on our way to New Orleans. We got there pretty late in the afternoon, so we just did a little walking around our hotel before grabbing dinner & calling it a night. We got a lot of looks from other people walking around. It mush have been from the massive double stroller we got for the girls.

Saturday was a really great day. We spent most of our time walking around the French Quarter & Bourbon Street. It definitely lived up to our expectations. Even during broad daylight it was just like one big block party. The architecture reminded me so much of my trip to Paris which I really enjoyed. Once back at the hotel we ordered in a New Orleans feast consisting of red beans & rice, jambalaya, & shrimp gumbo. It was a first for all of us & I have to say we all really enjoyed it.

Sunday was, of course, the best day of all. We headed to the football game after finishing up the final touches to our poster. We were trying to get ourselves on T.V. It didn't work though because the camera man was directly in front of us filming the 49ers side the whole time...bummer! We really didn't mind though because we had such a great time. We had amazing seats on the 3rd row, 50 yard line. As soon as we walked into the stadium we got to see all of the players practicing. Reggie Bush was right in front of us....very cool! The game was so exciting. All four of us really enjoyed it. (I have a feeling we might have a couple of future cheerleaders on our hands!) I think I enjoyed it the most since the Saints actually won. Although, I don't think Anthony was too disappointed. The whole thing was just very surreal & we all thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

We stayed with the Brewers again on Sunday night, but got there pretty late after the girls had already gone to bed. Before heading home on Monday, we stopped to visit Karen & Joshua. What a cutie pie! Both the girls were absolutely in love with him. Isabella has actually named one of her baby dolls Joshua since we've been home & even asked for a little brother.
All in all, it was a wonderful vacation. We look forward to the time (if ever) that we get to do it again.

Backyardigans at Sea World

Anthony & I had been wanting to take the girls to Sea World all summer. So, when we found out the Backyardigans were going to be there one weekend we decided to jump at the opportunity. We couldn't beat it.... two great deals for the price of one. All week we had been telling Isabella that we were going to Sea World to watch the Backyardigans. So, as soon as we got there, that's what she did. Sat on the bench & watched the Backyardigans....sign. Funny!

Dolphins!

It was so cute watching the excitement on the kids' faces when they got to see their favorite characters in person. Isabella, Isaiah, & even Mackenzie were so excited!

As soon as Isabella saw them walking in she shouted out above everyone, "Pablo, come here... I want to hold you!" I don't think she realized this Pablo was about 5 times her size.

Tyrone

Uniqua

Pablo

My personal favorite of the whole day was getting to see Shamu. The show was truly amazing. To watch the trainers with all the whales is a remarkable sight to see. I just loved it!

3 Angels

Anthony & I realize that we have been blessed by three little angels in our life. Sadly, the first one was taken away from us much too soon. However, we believe that she had a hand in assisting God with choosing our other two we have today. We celebrated the 4th anniversary of Mary Alice's birthday by bringing her flowers at the cemetery & all singing Happy Birthday to her. Isabella said she was going to visit her "angel sister." She also told mommy & daddy that she heard Mary Alice singing very quietly at church. My heart just melted when she said this. I do think that sometimes little children get to hear or even see a little something special from God. I've believed this ever since our youngest sister, Rose was a baby...probably around Isabella's same age & she used to tell us about when she lived with the angels. (Seeing who she has become today, I don't doubt it for a minute.) Every September 17 is always a very special day for our family. Not only do we take special time to honor the sweetest little angel we lost but we also reflect on our lives & are so grateful for all the blessing she has helped to bring us today.

We asked the girls to help us lay the flowers down for Mary Alice. Instead they both started taking the flowers of the stems & Isabella would lay them down one by one. Anthony decided we should let her continue & we ended up liking the finished result much better .

in loving memory of our baby angel

Zoo Kids

A few weeks ago Chris, Shane, Anthony & I decided to take the kids for a fun day in San Antonio. We started off eating breakfast at Mi Tierra, our favorite Mexican restaurant in SA (yummy!) Then we headed to the zoo for an extra hot, really long day of looking at the animals. For our last stop, Rainforest Cafe on the Riverwalk. It was a great day & by the end of the trip all the kids were super exhausted but all had a blast!

Mackenzie, Ava, Isaiah, Isabella, Tori & Alex

the girls were impressed by the mariachis
Zoo Time!

Being silly @ Rainforest Cafe