Austin Radio Controlled Association

On Saturday, with nothing much to do, we decided to go check out the Austin Radio Controlled Association event, "Big Bird Air Show". We got lost on the way... but finally made it. Cooler temperatures allowed us to enjoy watching these radio controlled airplanes... Matthew preferred to play in the dirt. Nicholas enjoyed watching the planes take off and land. He also liked looking at all the planes on the ground (especially the ones with "people" inside). Enjoy the pics!

First Swim Lesson

On Friday Nicholas had his first swim lesson at Nitro. To be honest, we knew he'd do a great job - he's been "practicing" at the pool frequently! Plus, one of his friends attends Nitro and they let us know the "stations" prior to our first lesson! He started at Station 1 and passed both 1 and 2! He'll start station 3 this week. Basically he can put his head in the water, float on his belly (starfish or dead man's float), and is learning to "dive" in the pool while sitting on the edge. He breezed right through the lesson and we can't wait to see what this week brings. To celebrate, we had dinner at La Margarita. Yum, yum.

My little photographer!

Yes, I am fully aware that this post contains only pictures of Matthew & me! It's because NICHOLAS took them!! He loves to use my camera and takes pictures often. This is what he can do! Impressive, right? We are now booking for Christmas pictures - call for your appointment!

Mama's Boys

My little guys have been oh-so cute lately (not that you would expect any less). Here's a funny Nicholas story: Jason forgot to do something for me today. Nicholas overhead that Daddy didn't do it and told me that I should tell HIM (Nicholas) next time, he would help Daddy to remember when Daddy can't! Also, Nicholas has become obsessed with ANTS since moving to TX. Every bug is a "fire ant". This morning he told me how he had dreams about ants last night...
Matthew is just adorable all around. He frequently will lay down, hold a book, and "read". "Da-dah-da-dah-duh" - over and over! It's pretty sweet! He also enjoys sitting down in the pool and falling back so his whole body is submerged. Scary! He loves it. Why, I don't know. Enjoy the pics!

Pics of Nicholas riding...

In case you couldn't see the video... and here's a bonus picture of hot, sweaty Matthew & Jen!

Look Ma! No training wheels!

Last month we attempted to teach Nicholas to ride with no training wheels. It didn't work. The process was frustrating and he just didn't catch on. Tonight, while Jason was washing the cars, he decided to pick up that bike and ride it all by himself in the front yard and sidewalk. So impressive! All by himself! So, we took him to the road behind our house (blocked off, no one can drive on it). He did an excellent job, turning and coasting and stopping like a pro! As this is my first video post, I did a terrible job. No one told me it would post sideways (I rotated it in the kodak software, but it didn't stay that way when uploaded here). Brownie points for anyone who tells me how to do it better next time. Sorry if you get a sore neck from watching. E-mail me and I can attempt to e-mail you a copy (possibly the correct way?).

On the lighter side

So after yesterday's post, I thought I write something happier. Here are some pics of the family! The first pic is Nicholas climbing a tree at a park in Georgetown. We had many other great pics too, but I like the tree behind him, looking up at the sky. The next two are at Mt. Bonnell - very beautiful. The family pic is less than wonderful, but the view is pretty! The fourth is my very own NICHOLAS - SWIMMING! That's what going to the pool 5 days in a row will do for ya! The boy who was afraid to put his face in the water is learning to SWIM!! Yippee!! The last is a cute pic of the boys. I love this one...

The Painful Truth

So everyone knows we moved to Texas. Two months later, we are still adjusting. Now it's time for the truth! So... it's been pretty difficult for me. When we first moved to Texas, we lived in an apartment. It was difficult for many reasons. We were used to the space of a house, we were unfamiliar with Austin, Jason worked all day, it was incredibly hot. Not a great time for us. We moved into our house. It is beautiful. Jason is working shorter hours. Sounds wonderful, but it's still been hard on me.

Nicholas breaks my heart. He wishes for a friend so bad. He talks about his "Dopey" and family and his "babies" non-stop. He is replacing real friends with these stuffed versions. He has prayed to God for a new friend. He cries, yells, and begs for new friends. I've told him that it takes time. We are making friends, it will just take time. I hope and pray the beginning of preschool will help him.

As for me... I am missing my life in KC pretty bad. I had a group of people that I could confide in about anything and people who would be there for me regardless. I think of how I have needed those friends in the past, and how they've needed me. I am sad we won't be there for each other in the same way. I miss calling up a friend and meeting for a park playdate. Discussing family/friends/life at home. I miss grilling out with friends, watching our kids play together and hoping their friendship will last. It's hard starting over. I'm not very good at it. It's easy when you are in school. You see people everyday - they can't HELP but talk to you. I am not so outgoing - it's hard for me to put myself out there. What if they don't like me? Am I worth liking? Oh the self-esteem issues that are rearing their ugly head. I love my husband, I love my boys, but I wish I knew who I was outside of being their wife/mother.

We're working on it. We'll get there. There are days I wish for the phone to ring more often. Days when I check too often for e-mails from old friends. It will get better. It will get easier. Right?

My Little Smartie-Pants

Nicholas is starting to enjoy Texas. He gets to ride on his scooter or bike every day as we are constantly taking walks (we've also been trying to "jog" and rollerblade - Nicholas made me do it). He loves being outside, so our backyard has been great for him. I think his favorite is the pool. He went from being completely afraid of the water to submerging his whole body willingly
(while jumping in and while in the water). We think he's about ready for some swim lessons (hopefully this time will be better than the last!). We hit the pool regularly - 3 to 4 times per week - which helps him I know!
We've met some friends in the neighborhood, and I know that will only get better for him. He already has 2-3 kiddos he calls his "friends", which is such a good thing. He still misses his KC friends and talks about them all the time. I don't think he realizes just how long it will be until he sees those friends again...
Nicholas is such a smartie-pants (like his DAD!). He can add and subtract very well, knows words and concepts that are pretty incredible (he just doesn't talk like a little kid anymore!). He probably spends 3 or so hours per day reading (sound familiar?). Nicholas is a voracious reader, like his Mom! He wakes up and reads, reads throughout the day (he's reading next to me right now), and reads in bed before he falls asleep. Sounds like a great day to me! The best part about my 4-year-old is he is old enough but still young enough. We cuddle, hug, kiss often. He just loves his parents, but has an independent streak a mile long! He is a wonderful big brother (unless he is pushing him down, which is not good). We just can't believe our little guy is 4 1/2 and starting his last year of preschool! Can't wait to see all that you become...

My Sunshine

Oh, Matthew! He has quickly become a toddler instead of a baby! No crawling at our house, just walking. Matthew is a climber too. He walks over to the kids' little table in the play room, pulls out a chair, climbs onto the chair, onto the table, then STANDS UP! You little daredevil! He has no fear! This extends to the pool too. He loves playing in the water, and doesn't mind his entire body going under! It worries his mommy, though! In the past month, Matthew grew SIX new teeth! What a big kid!
Matthew is all smiles and spends his days laughing or babbling to himself. He loves watching big brother and trying to do everything brother can do. He LOVES, LOVES his Daddy. He walks around in our bedroom saying "Da, Da, Da" all day long. When Jason makes his entrance each night, Matthew lights up and just radiates happiness all night long.
Matthew loves playing chase, tickling, banging, or anything involving noise! He is a cute, sweet, lovable boy who brings sunshine into our lives.