I Love Pickles

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sofia's first "Recital"

I have recital in quotes because it was really more of a "last performance" for dance class but still, so adorable. I took tons of pictures and videos and will post all videos here for family purposes. Disclaimer: All those who are not family I'm sure will not want to watch 12 youtube videos but I know some family members who will so that's why I'm posting them here :)

It was pretty adorable to see Sofia actually following along and doing the steps. And as Mike put it, without even picking her nose once. Yes, it's the little things that make us parents proud ;)

And now for all of the videos (they are all fairly short):

The beginning of the performance

Greeting (blurry)

Sofia the ham as usual

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

A Whole New World Solo

Let it Go

Curtain Call (blurry)

Saturday, May 17, 2014

I love Fridays

Yesterday after I got a nice yoga workout in at the Y, and ran a quick errand, I told the kids we should pick up Chick fil A and have a picnic. They were all about it of course and I was pumped to enjoy this uncharacteristically awesome weather for May in Houston. We've already had some 90 degree days so we have been loving this no humidity 70s and 80s business. We know in a few more days it's back to scorching humidity. Any way - on the way to get lunch, I called Mike and asked if he wanted to join us and we could meet him at Discovery Green - an awesome park right next to where he works. He loved the idea so off we went. SO. MUCH. FUN. I grabbed the kids suits b/c there are two awesome splash pad areas and I knew they'd want to participate in that. It is such a joyous thing to watch kids at a splash pad. It's like the definition of happiness. If you're ever in a bad mood, go find some kids to watch splash around in the water. Probably much more exciting when they're your own kids but still . . . just TRY not to laugh when you watch small children run around anxiously awaiting the next fountain to spray and the joyous shrieking that ensues after! It's just the best . . . I couldn't get enough video and pics but here are a few pics to try to capture it :)

This was just a sweet moment walking out of the Y. Gabe won't hold my hand but will hold sister's.

How sweet is this? The initial hesitation about getting under the fountain. Love how they are so united in this adventure :) I wish I could have heard what they were saying to each other.

And off they go together

The other splash pad around the corner proved to be much more exciting because the fountains turned off and on sporadically causing tons of excitement.

Mother's Day

Had to share all of the love I received on Mother's Day. The kids did some awesome crafts at church and my favorite was our family photo. It was a really wonderful day filled with family and love. Mike put on a phenomenal brunch for us all and then an impromptu dinner barbecue. My kind of day.

Me with my mom and both grandmas

Sofia's school "mad lib" - this cracked me up in so many ways. I love that I'm 5 and that I love to eat bagels. And that I'm really good at writing with a pencil. Hilarious. Purple actually is my favorite color and when I asked her about the being at work thing she said "You do go to work. You work here!" Loved that. Smart, smart girl. Made me feel validated! For a little bit at least ;)

Our beautiful family photo. Just love it.

Gabe's little hand print craft for me. So sweet, love those little hands.

And Sofia's vase for my mothers day flowers!She was still working on it when I went to pick her up, it was sweet to watch her get super excited when I saw it.

Fun in the back yard to end an awesome day. (Side note, see if you can find Baxter! ha)

Friday, May 9, 2014

CBS Performance

CBS is the bible study we go to each week. I am in a group with other women and the kids each attend a class of kids their own age as well and they love it. It's such a loving and wonderful environment and I love how much they are learning about God. At the end of each year, the kids do a very brief (but adorable) performance during which they sing all of the bible verses they learned that year, along with a couple other songs. I actually got the video to work this year and I know it's pretty brutal but I'm sure grandparents and parents will enjoy it nonetheless. It was the best I could do. . . and I am pretty sure Sofia picks her nose at the end. Sigh . . . Click here to see the video :)

Swim Class Take 2

As I had mentioned in previous blogs about Gabe's love of swimming, we had quite the issue with Sofia getting back to swim class. She went all last summer and LOVED it and was doing awesome. Then, something happened. Not sure what. I think it got much more challenging and she just decided she did not like it any more. So, instead of pushing her, we gave her a break for the winter. Now that school is ending, we decided it was time to start up again. I never want to be the parent who pushes something on their child but swimming is kind of a non negotiable. It's the only sport that can save your life. I don't expect the kids to want to be on swim team (even thought I would love that), but I just want them to know how to swim. And to have fun! So, she had her first lesson back on Wednesday and I'm not sure who was more nervous! I , of course, didn't let her know that I was. I just wanted her to enjoy it and not dread it! We got there, and of course the lifeguard had to pry her away and she was freaking out all the way to her teacher. Once she got to her teacher, he easily and quickly calmed her down and by the time I got to the observation room, she was smiling. I wish I knew what he said! It was like a 180, so amazing. She did have a moment of almost-panic when it was time to practice her back floating and swimming but again, Mr. Daniel said something that made her completely turnaround. It was so emotional for me because I just want her to enjoy herself. I never want to put stress on our kids! Long story short, she was smiling and happy the rest of class and came bolting towards me talking nonstop about how she loves swimming again and she can't wait to come back! And the best part - she actually is participating and practicing productively with no tears! She even did her back float all by herself again! SO SO HAppy and relieved.