Aust Family Blog

B&H 2- Bothers, Sisters and Cousins!

2011-08-04T20:15:00.020-05:00

We headed down to Surfside for our annual B&H Weekend...it was awesome!

Fun in the surf, sand, and sun!

Here's the whole gang!

Some of the cousins clowning around...

Sisters in law...HOT without makeup!

Katie and Anna spent the entire day in the water...they had a blast.

Well...unless they were bugging Uncle Andy!

Or hugging...

Or posing...

But, this is mostly how Saturday was spent...fun in the water!

Or, trying to fly a kite!

Katie and Sophia were shaking their booties!

I guess Dani snagged my camera...crazy child!

Brooklyn just lounging...

The Strauss Boys changing the world...or deciding who should get the next round!

Carter loved the beach...and loved scooting around in the sand.

Just a shot of the group

Cute girls hanging on the couch...such love!

Singing Happy Birthday to Aunt Coolie...

Hey, Brook!

Can't wait until next year! Watch out Wimberley...here we come!

Zoo Trip

2011-08-04T19:58:00.007-05:00

We went to the zoo with our cousin, Dani, last week. It was a blast! They have added cooling stations and have the usual A/C'd areas.

Here we are swimmin' with the fishes...

First take did not work so well...

Oh no...we got stuck in this root!

Get out, Katie!

The elephants are cool...but not as cool as Dani!

Finally found the giraffes...they are near the new African area...whew!

The girls loved this elephant! He (she?) was so cute, he kept running around playing...so cute!

Summer Vacay- 2011

2011-08-04T19:50:00.002-05:00

We kept our travels within the state of TX this year. It all began with Mommy's training in San Antonio. We rode up and dropped her off and headed to Fredericksburg to spend a couple of days with Nana. We then picked Mommy up and spent some time doing fun stuff in SA. We went to Sea World, to El Mercado, ate lots of food swam at the awesome pool at our hotel...it was great! We left SA and drove to Corpus Christi where we enjoyed lots of fun in the sun and a visit to Granny Ma and Daddy Pa's grave sites. We loved every second of it! Then, it was back to Fredericksburg to spend a couple of more days with Nana and pick up Berit. (Nana was super nice enough to keep her while we traveled!) We had a great time and found some new fun stuff to do around Kerrville. Oh no, we weren't done yet! We drove back through Houston and straight down to the bay house to spend the 4th of July with Mimi and Gaga. After more fun in the sun down there...we headed home for lots of laundry and resting...pics from the trip are below. Whew!

Hooks Game at Whataburger Field

2011-08-04T16:55:00.008-05:00

We had a great time at Whataburger Field watching the Hooks...it was great and also very kid friendly. We walked right up and a police officer handed us 4 free tickets...woohoo!
We stood in the outfield...which was perfect.

It was so cool...while we were standing out there Scott was approached to answer a question on the jumbo-tron. He answered the question correctly and won 2 tickets to another game.

Here he is on the big screen...

The stadium is awesome!

Katie hanging out with the mascot...no Brook, of course

The girls were so patient and waited until the 5th inning to play on the playground...

And, they had fun!

Corpus Fun in the Sun

2011-08-04T16:38:00.011-05:00

We had a few days of fun in the Corpus sun...every day was beautiful!

The girls loved the shark store...so much junk to buy!

Modeling in our bikinis...

And goggles...

The beach by our hotel...

Padre Island...the girls had so much fun on their boogie boards!

And, playing in the sand was so much fun!

We sure had a blast...we LOVE the beach!

A Day at Sea World with Sesame Street Friends!

2011-08-04T16:17:00.014-05:00

Our day started with Elmo and Cookie Monster stopping by our hotel for breakfast. The Omni in SA is so kid friendly...awesome!

When we got to Sea World...we got to see more of our SS friends!

Did you notice that Brook isn't in any of these pics? She was perfectly happy staying behind the camera, waving and saying hi from afar.

Waiting on the sea lions...in the shade!

Face is painted...

Chillin' with a little ice cream snack...which melted immediately.

Petting the dophins...

Watching the new Elmo show...

So fun!

The Shamu show was so crowded...but it has changed since last year...so it was ok.

Brook as cooling down with her Shamu beverage...

It was a fun day! Also nice that we got in free since we are teachers...sometimes it has its perks!

San Antonio Missions Game

2011-08-04T16:11:00.004-05:00

We had a blast at the Missions game while visiting SA on our family trip. It was fun!

Brook is quite the player...

So is Katie...

Katie is way into the game...this reminds me of my younger days when I would watch the players...I mean, the game!

Just being silly with our hair!

Next...and Last...2nd Birthday Post!

2011-07-18T17:29:00.012-05:00

Brooklyn's Houston party was a Noah's Ark theme...she loves the animals...even the little tiger on her tummy!

Katie had to pose too...

This is our new "ark" (thanks Diva and Gringo!)...Mommy and Daddy slaved to get this put together before the big day.

Making our little arts and crafts project (final product is the last pic I think...)

This is the cake...don't make fun! Mommy planned to order one...but with so many parties, she figured she should get creative.

A little singing...

Blow out that candle!

Gift time...

This is my new Dora desk...

This is the little project that we made...thanks Dani for adding the words!

Happy 2nd Birthday Brooklyn!

2011-07-18T13:24:00.007-05:00

Blow them out fast...it's windy!!

These girls are excited for some cupcakes...

Katie loves pink cupcakes the most!

Yum!

Gift time...

Thanks all for the fun birthday at the beach!

Family Night

2011-07-17T14:38:00.004-05:00

No, this is not our 4th of July post...the Family Night dinner was a red, white and blue theme...so our girls got decked out!

Just playin' in the sand!

Pretty Brooklyn

Pretty Kaitlyn...

Gringo and Brook showing us that Brook is now 2...B shows her 2 like she has her guns up...love it!

Brook fell asleep under the palapa, listening to the dj and watching the laser lights...such a party animal!

Katie loved hanging with the big girls. And, the big girls were good sports.

Girlies!

2011-07-17T14:25:00.005-05:00

Just some fun with the girls. They love to feed the birds from the deck...birds like Funyuns (?) I guess. Brooklyn loves hanging with her cousin, Abby...

Doesn't Brook look studious? She loved wearing these glasses...and got mad when I made her take them off...poor thing!

I just love this pic...

2011-07-17T14:07:00.002-05:00

AHAHAH...this is taking forever! I am only able to upload pics every few attempts. So frustrating. So, I have tons to upload...but it might take some time. Please continue to check back!

Birthday Girl...Brook is 2!!

2011-07-17T13:55:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn turned 2 while we were at the family reunion...so we did a little gift at the beach. She loved it!

Gotta take a little break while opening this gift.

Katie gave her a little help...but Brook did not WANT the help!

Jeez...this takes forever!

She finally got in to that gift...but we were busy assembling so no pics were taken. It was stuff for her baby dolls...she loves it!

Memorial Day Party

2011-07-09T20:32:00.002-05:00

Katie enjoyed a little bean bag toss during the fun filled Memorial Day Crawfish party...

While Brooklyn enjoyed some zzz's...

She was comfy in Abigail's stroller (thanks for sharing Abby!)

Such a dainty napper!

Random Beach Weekend

2011-07-09T20:27:00.002-05:00

Just another lazy weekend at the beach. I think this was Memorial Day weekend...fun as usual!

Brooklyn is hanging with the fish...(wearing Katie's bathing suit and hair band)

The beach wore her out!

Katie had a blast building a sand city...

Mommy and her big girl...love this sweet girl!

Wedding: Mike and Angie...Lots of Pics!

2011-05-17T12:51:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday, Uncle Mike married Angie...officially making her Aunt Angie! It was a beautiful wedding on the beach...in all ways! There are a few posts below to show just how amazing and fun it was. Katie was a flower girl along with Parker...a new friend of ours! Brooklyn and I watched and had a blast...I didn't get many pics of the reception...it was just too much fun!

Few More Random Pics

2011-05-17T12:46:00.002-05:00

This is our friend, Parker, she was the other flower girl...

Just playing after the wedding...

I love how Brook is looking up at Katie in this pic!

Sisters

2011-05-17T12:43:00.000-05:00

Look at these two! So cute!

Now, this is love!

Brooklyn Needs Some Face Time

2011-05-17T12:40:00.001-05:00

Brooklyn did a great job at the wedding. She looked beautiful, as well!

Playing with the roses...

Gosh, I love this baby!

Coming Back Up the Isle

2011-05-17T12:35:00.000-05:00

These girls did a great job!

Awww....

They Are Married!

2011-05-17T12:29:00.001-05:00

Mike and Angie seal it with a kiss!

Such a beautiful wedding...

Brook got front row seats with Diva and Gringo...

Flower Girls Waiting to Get Started

2011-05-17T12:22:00.002-05:00

Katie and Parker were so excited for the wedding to start. You can kind of see the crowd down on the beach in the background. So awesome!

Aunt Angie helped the girls open their awesome necklaces.

Here's my beautiful flower girl!

New Yard

2011-05-17T12:10:00.002-05:00

So, if you didn't see our backyard before...you weren't missing much. If you did see it, you know that it was UGLY! I added one picture below...and am totally embarrassed by it. But, it is all better now. These are pics of the new and much improved backyard. We now have GRASS and BEDS and we WANT to be out there! Now all we need is our new deck and swingset...that will come this summer! Enjoy!

Our new sitting area!

Mulched beds!

Pretty new grass! The really dark area was our original grass...that is all we had!!! It looks even better now after a month of watering!

See...no grass...dead spots from the pool last summer...UGLY!

Bearded Man!

2011-05-17T12:05:00.001-05:00

Look at handsome Daddy with his beard. It is pretty cute if you ask me!!

Easter Fun

2011-05-17T10:43:00.002-05:00

The girls had a blast searching for eggs...we had so much fun that I didn't even get more pics!

After hunting eggs, we headed to church and then had a fun family egg hunt and Easter lunch.

Here we are breaking some confetti eggs...Brooklyn was crying right after this move...(look at the determination on Katie's face!)

Then, we got some Easter goodies...here's Brook trying on her new flip flops...

And, Katie posing with her new gear...

Easter was great! We had fun hanging with family and sharing some great laughs...

Easter Egg-stravaganza!

2011-05-17T09:55:00.002-05:00

We had tons of fun coloring eggs again this year...Brook even got to enjoy the fun this time!

Here's our before...

And, here are some of the afters...

It was SO much fun!

They were so pretty!

Rice Baseball Game

2011-05-17T09:52:00.002-05:00

We headed out to the ballpark for a fun Friday night Rice Baseball game with Daddy's Greyhound baseball team. It was a blast!

Enjoying a little beverage...

Go Rice! What a fun night!

Update (Without Pics)

2011-05-09T13:49:00.002-05:00

Well, this year sure has been flying by! Now, it has come to a CRAWL! We have 19 school days left (actually 18 since we are taking this Friday off to help Michael and Angie prepare for their wedding). It seems like the school year will never end!

Baseball season came to a close with the Greyhounds finishing second in the district tournament. We lost 10-9 to Pershing...it was a VERY close game, with lots of back and forth...but the other guys pulled it off with a double in the 9th to score 2 runs...ending the game and a VERY awesome Greyhound season.

Testing season is almost behind us. We have 3 days of testing this week and then it is OVER! I have to admit...the testing days are the worst! Seems like it would be a cake walk...all day, no teaching, watching kids take a test. But, NO! It is VERY taxing!

Easter came and went...and it was awesome. Both girls were way into the bunny and hunting for eggs. I do have pictures and will update when I have time. The good thing about those 19 (18) school days...they start to be VERY easy once testing is over. Kids are working on projects, finishing up assignments, going on field trips...gives me just a little break and maybe some free time to upload some pics.

We are in the middle of Uncle Mike and Aunt Angie's wedding excitement. Last weekend was the guys golf outing, while the girls relaxed and played at the pool. This weekend is the BIG DAY! We are heading down to the beach on Thursday to lend a few hands. And, we are excited! Scott is the best man and Katie is one of the flower girls. Both are extremely excited and I will post pics (see Easter stuff above).

The girls are doing great and are growing so quickly. Katie is finishing up Pre-K and will start Kindergarten in the fall. She is pumped and cannot wait to be at the big school (same private school she is at now...but across the street) and wearing a uniform. She has to go to private school since her birthday is 11 days past the cut off. She will start public school in 2012-13 as a 1st grader. AHAHAH!!! Brooklyn is almost 2...going on 4 1/2! She talks up a storm and she can sing (I mean SING...Hannah Montana songs, Taylor Swift songs, Lady Antebellum songs...anything Katie likes). She is working on her potty training...which is necessary since she has the MOST SENSITIVE SKIN EVER!!! Her little legs chap around her diaper so badly that her diapers are bloody every morning...it is the saddest thing ever. So, we are seriously working on the potty stuff. I think we will get it done this summer. Both girls are little fishies. Katie is the best little swimmer. She does the back stroke (learned that last weekend), dives for toys, holds her breath FOREVER...she is awesome. Brooklyn is swimming with floaties. She moves her arms and legs and gets all over the place. She tries to jump in...but mostly just scoots off the side. I think she will be pretty close to swimming by the end of the summer...she tries to do everything Katie does.

That is about it. I promise to add pics...I just don't know when! Please check back...and have fun blogging!

A Day at the Rodeo

2011-03-20T14:08:00.002-05:00

Well, we went out and spent an entire day at the rodeo. We got there early, so that the girls could enjoy the carnival and children's ag area. Then, while they napped in the stroller, we enjoyed some shopping. Lastly, we all rocked to KISS! Katie LOVED it all, especially the concert. Brooklyn enjoyed most of it...but was a little bored by KISS and fell asleep halfway through the concert.

The concert was amazing...so much fun!

Rock Stars!!!

After the concert we had to use a few more tickets!

And, here is the HUGE slide that Katie LOVED! She did all 3 sizes of the Super Slide...this was the biggest and her favorite. She even put her hands up half way down...so funny!

2011-03-20T14:01:00.002-05:00

Hangin' out with the other animals in the Livestock Show!

Taking a little break with some ice cream...yummy!

I love her look of pure joy and excitement! She loves this ride...heck, she loves EVERY ride! She even tries to ride the big ones that she isn't tall enough for quite yet. We are in for some serious carnival fun in a couple of years!

Mommy and Daddy each took turns riding the roller coaster with Katie this year. Ummm...fun?!?

2011-03-20T13:54:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn didn't want to ride on a horse...so she and Daddy took a rest on the benches...

Katie and I took a break while Brook and Daddy did the carousel...

Katie was a super big sis and rode the wiggly worm (baby ride according to Katie) with Brook...little sis is not quite the dare devil that her big sis is!

Katie rode each slide (there are 3 different levels of the super slide) the biggest was her favorite...that pic is somewhere else in this post.

Mommy took Brooklyn down the slide...not a great plan. Brook didn't like it too much and pretty much refused to ride anything else after this...oh well!

St. Patty's Parade at the Beach

2011-03-20T13:35:00.002-05:00

As usual, we headed down to the beach to take part in the St. Patty's Parade. Katie rode in the SOBA (Save Our Beach Assoc.) float with Diva, Aunt Nikki and Gigi...while the rest of us watched and caught candy and beads. Brook had a great time!

Like the shirts I made for the girls? Baby Abigail got one too...but I did not get a pic :(

This is the float...they went by too fast for me to get a pic of Katie...she was up front.

Getting ready to start the parade...

Yummy...Brook was sampling the candy!

BEADS!!!!!!! She actually fell over because they were so heavy!

Go Texan Day

2011-03-20T13:25:00.001-05:00

The girls got all dolled up for Go Texan Day...

Aren't we so cute?!? Cowgirls are awesome!

Super Berit

2011-03-20T13:23:00.001-05:00

When she's not jumping fences and taking strolls around the neighborhood...Berit loves to check out what our neighbors have to offer...she loves cats and squirrels...

Brooklyn

2011-03-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

My amazing Brooklyn!

Kaitlyn

2011-03-20T13:13:00.001-05:00

Just a few pics of my beautiful Katie!

Elmo Live

2011-03-20T13:09:00.001-05:00

We had a fun family date night at Elmo Live. The girls LOVED it!

By the way, Brooklyn's favorite is actually Ernie...she likes Elmo, but Ernie is her main man!

Random Girls

2011-03-20T12:53:00.002-05:00

We had a snow day from school...instead we got ice...so Katie did her first science experiment and made ice from water. She hypothesized that it would freeze and she was right! So smart! Hey, she is only 4!

Mmmm...Cheetos...and a messy girl in her messy playroom!

LOVE!

This girl is OUT!

Brooklyn loves her baby so much...we are constantly helping her unbuckle the stroller. She is a good mommy!

New Years Eve

2011-03-20T12:49:00.002-05:00

We spent New Year's Eve celebrating Uncle Jeff's 40th birthday...FUN!

This is how Brook rolled at midnight! Hey, at least she made it!

PARTAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random Christmas

2011-03-20T12:37:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I am not going to go all the way back and upload ALL of the Christmas pics...so here are a few random holiday pics...

Uncle Bubba's Memorial

2011-03-20T12:31:00.003-05:00

We went to Karnes City to celebrate the life of Uncle Bubba (Daddy's uncle) and to share memories. While there we visited Uncle Bubba's dream retirement home. What a fun place! We got to play in the sand, see some animals, and play with BIG toys!

See...BIG toys! We LOVE tractors!!!!

Our little country girl...she really wants us to live on a farm...

We will always remember how awesome and fun Uncle Bubba was in his life! Cancer may have taken his life, but his memories will always be in our hearts!

New Start...For Me (and whoever else might be out there!)

2011-03-02T09:12:00.002-06:00

At this point I think I am updating for me. I plan on printing this out for the girls one day...as an album of their childhood. Well, most of it. So, even if no one is out there anymore...at least I will have something. I cannot believe I have not updating since Brooklyn was 18 months...she is almost 21 months! She has changed so much and is such an amazing little girl. She is hilarious and outgoing...and way less shy and serious than her older sister. Katie is just turning into the sweetest school girl. Every experience brings learning and she loves to learn. And, she loves to teach...guess it is in her blood! She loves to read to and teach Brook anything she can...and Brook learns best from Katie. It is amazing! Sisters have something special...lucky girls! So, I will update pics soon...I have TONS! Just wanted to break back in to the blogging world!

Brooklyn is 18 Months!

2010-12-14T12:00:00.003-06:00

Hey all, it's Brooklyn! I know that I don't get much face time on this blog...but I have made things pretty busy around the Aust house. I am growing up faster than my sister ever did, I guess it's because I want to do everything she does. I love to ask Mommy questions (that she may not always understand)...I say "Mommy, mommy, mommy, what this?" Mommy isn't always sure what "this" is...but she tries. I love Elmo and Dora! I love, love, love my big sister, Katie. I pucker up and give her kisses all of the time. Even after I hit her or push her or scratch her or bite her (yep...I let her know who is boss), Mommy makes me say sorry...my version of sorry is a kiss. Katie usually forgives me because my kisses are so cute :)!!! I don't have tons of teeth (we think I am taking after my mommy with the tooth issues), but the ones I do have work pretty well. I will eat most anything...including rocks and ice. You may not think this is funny...but I am SUPER cute when I point my little finger and say "No!"...my little voice is so cute and my little pointing finger...just melts hearts...seriously...it gets me out of a lot of trouble. Have I told you that I can wrap people around my finger pretty easily?!?! I take after my sister in my singing abilities...I LOVE to sing. My favorites are Itsy Bitsy Spider and Patty Cake...I love the "roll it and pat it" part...you should see my cute little "roll"! I can even get through most of the ABCs...so I am pretty smart...as we already knew! Mommy and Daddy say that I am such a delight...I guess I would agree with that. Katie might not always agree with that...but she is a wonderful big sister...and I adore her! As for my stats...I am average height and weight...all of my stuff seems to be working. Besides some mild skin sensitivities I am PERFECT in every way!

Check back soon...I am taking on the blogging world and it is about to get crazy!
Love,
Brooklyn, Little B, Brookers, Brook, Brookin

Just a Quick Girl Update

2010-12-10T09:45:00.002-06:00

I have been TERRIBLE at updating! Brooklyn will be 18 months tomorrow...so I will dedicate a post just to her...so be checking. Anyway, here is a quick recent look at the girls. This pic is sort of blurry...but they were rocking and would not stop!

Here is my baby who is getting to be such a big girl! Check out those curls...I love them!

And, here is the Bug...wet head and all!

Here are the girls at their cousin Braden's 2nd birthday party. Katie, Braden, friend of Braden's...totally forgot her name, Brooklyn and cousin Athena. Braden is going to LOVE being surrounded by all these girls one day!

DC Trip

2010-12-10T09:31:00.004-06:00

I headed to Washington DC for one of the greatest honors of my life, thus far. I was honored with the invitation to go with my principal to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award for our school, Johnston Middle School. Only 300 or so schools all over the nation were honored with this award, including public and private schools of all levels. We were SERIOUSLY honored to receive this award.

Here I am with the award itself. Along with the tangible award, we get to carry the label as winners, including: a flag to raise at the school, the seal on our letterhead, the bragging rights, and much more!!!! (By the way...I have chopped my hair off since this pic...because of this pic...jeez...why didn't someone tell me I was looking so OLD?!?!)

Luckily, the weather was nice and we had a chance to do some sight seeing. The leaves were changing and they were preparing for the Christmas tree lighting. It was awesome!

Here is "our" house at night...not so much my house right now...but whatever...

Honest Abe and sort-of-honest Kris...(and some random teenagers...thought I was getting away from those for a few days!)

This is just a beautiful picture at the Vietnam Memorial. Look at these colors!!!

What an amazing trip! I took many more pics...these are a random selection...I will definitely need to go back for a longer stay. DC is wonderful!

Trick or Treat

2010-11-02T19:41:00.002-05:00

Here we are getting some candy!!! Costume #3...we were Texans...Mommy was the football player, K & B were cheerleaders and Daddy was the coach...

A little group of kids ready for candy!

The whole group minus Dani aka Elmo...great costumes! Austin (goth guy from SNL), Jack (Craig- Spartan cheerleader from SNL), Carter (pumpkin), Anna (Incredible), Katie, Nick (pirate), Brooklyn, Sophia (Incredible...trying to escape)...

Halloween Party Part II

2010-11-02T19:34:00.002-05:00

This is how the night ended for Katie and Anna...they were TIRED!!! So much Pirate Fun!

Bobbing for apples...such fun...and mess!

Our Baby Pirate...

Nick was our adopted pirate...he fit right in!!!

And, Big was...well, hmmm...a relative?!?!

Spooky Party

2010-11-02T19:27:00.002-05:00

We put our pirate potion in the cauldron and invited some friends and family over to walk the Aust plank...

The Golden Girls made an appearance...can you guess which one is not a GIRL?!?!

Elmo had a bloody encounter...

The playroom got TRASHED...notice Katie with her gun...awesome! By the way...Brooklyn was a pirate like her Mommy and Daddy...but Katie was the mermaid that we kidnapped...it worked!

Here is Daddy Pirate...sorry, no pics of Mommy Pirate! But, I was one mean Wench!

Halloween at School

2010-11-02T19:22:00.002-05:00

These are our little Halloween girls on Friday for their school parties. Katie was Belle and Brooklyn was a bee...obviously...

Here's our pretty Belle...she was very particular about this...down to telling me how to do her hair.

And, here is our pretty little bee...she wore these "ears" for these pics and that was about it!

Ren Fest 2010

2010-11-02T19:16:00.002-05:00

We headed out to the Ren Fest to enjoy some outside fun and watch some fun people and, well, people...
We did enjoy a ride on the carousel...

Brooklyn had fun too...

The girls were decked out in their Bearkat gear...for a while at least (Katie does not like t-shirts)...enjoying a virgin frozen drink...

Brooklyn enjoyed watching all of the fun...

2010-11-02T19:10:00.002-05:00

The girls loved just hanging out and watching the crazy people walking around...

Getting geared up to do some climbing...

Didn't get much higher than this...she was too busy watching the big people around her racing to the top...

But, she did LOVE the trampoline jump thing...LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!!

A Few Random Pics

2010-11-02T19:03:00.002-05:00

Here we are all decked out for the game...don't think we won this one. But, we sure look cute!!!

Katie had a girls' night with her friend, Lily. The did hair, makeup and all of those girly things. Here's Katie painting her nails...coat #7, I am sure.

The girls with all of the girly stuff..

Brooklyn sort of joined in the fun...she acted like the girl party clown!!

Still Alive

2010-10-14T13:43:00.002-05:00

I know it has been a while. I don't know if anyone even checks anymore. But, I want to save this and have it bound for the girls at some point. So, I won't give up! If you are out there checking, I will update...I promise! Katie has had a birthday, stuff is happening. So, don't give up on me.

The Summer of 2010 is OVER!!!

2010-09-06T18:44:00.002-05:00

Well, at least according to Labor Day rules...our summer is gone!

Brook loves the water...so she took her last swim of the season.

Katie was looking for some underwater creatures...

See you guys at the beach...NEXT YEAR!!!!

First Glance...

2010-09-06T18:34:00.003-05:00

of our Halloween mermaid! Katie got this really nice costume for her birthday...so be ready for the final product...

One last pic of the birthday scene...

Surfside Birthday

2010-09-06T17:26:00.002-05:00

Katie had the first of her birthday parties this weekend for her friends and family down in Surfside. Luckily, the weather held up for an amazing birthday and Labor Day weekend at the beach!

Katie picked a Mermaid birthday for her beach party...

Such a big girl!

Enjoying her gifts...

On a swimming break, reading with her friend Akira...

Just Because

2010-09-06T17:07:00.002-05:00

These two really do love to hang out together! Here they are climbing back and forth through the table...and, Brooklyn is actually the ring leader in this craziness! Little sister often gets big sister into trouble...

Such a poser...

Chocolate popsicles are fun...and VERY messy!

For everyone involved!

Just a Few of Our Closest Friends!

2010-09-06T16:57:00.002-05:00

We went to the zoo to hang out with some of our friends a few weeks ago...and we had fun!

The elephants were having fun...

The giraffe's were stretching their necks...

Brooklyn was enjoying the coolness of the inside exhibits...

And, Katie was swimming with her fishy friends the pirahna (is that spelled right?)

Well...HELLO!!!

2010-08-30T14:09:00.001-05:00

Does anyone even look at this anymore? Well, I am going to keep posting! I was checking out my camera last night and realized that I have not posted a whole lot of fun Aust stuff! So, I will try to do that this week. The first week of school is down and out of the way so I might actually have time...maybe! So, if there is anyone out there...I will be posting soon! Plus, Katie's 4th birthday is coming up...so that will have to be memorialized as well!

Night in Old Fred

2010-08-06T17:33:00.003-05:00

We got lucky that they were celebrating Night in Old Fred while we were in Fredericksburg...it is a German party...lots of awesome German / Polka music and even more BEER! We had a blast and the girls loved it!

Brook jammed out to some Polka...I am a convert for sure!

Just enjoying some tunes and watching the dancing...

Katie wanted to dance...but she just watched because those people were GOOD and Mommy and Daddy are not so good! (Note to viewers...please excuse the nasty nose in this pic if you zoom in...the allergies were serious in the Hill Country...many tissues were used in the process of this photo shoot!!!!)

Doing a little dancing of her own...showing off her new tutu...

2010-08-06T17:21:00.003-05:00

I just love this pic of Katie...she is getting so big and so pretty...

Katie loved the slide...well, she rode all of the rides but she really loved the big slide.

Brooklyn's favorite ride was the swing...her first ride ever and she rode it 6 times. She cried when she had to get off. The girl running the ride said she had never had a child this young on the ride so she wasn't sure...but Brook proved her wrong!!!

Katie posing in front of the water wheel...gotta have some cultural shots!

The girls needed a little play time to run out the energy...so we had a break at the playground. Then they fell asleep and Mommy and Daddy got some music and beverage time!

A Day at the River

2010-08-06T17:09:00.002-05:00

We spent a day at the river during our annual Fredericksburg vacation. It was a great day...and we now have yet another place that Katie can't stop talking about...SHE LOVED IT!!! (Warning: these pics are TOTALLY out of order...uggg!)

Here's a pic of Katie and her cousins looking at fish and other water creatures.

This kept them pretty busy...and they had so much fun...

Brooklyn kept busy eating mashed potatoes...what, you don't eat mashed potatoes at the river?!?!

Katie and Hailey played in the river until the sun went down.

I just like the lighting of this picture...

2010-08-06T16:59:00.002-05:00

Just wading in the river. Katie is definitely a river rat!

Ham it up cheese head!!!

Chillin' by the river...eating Cheetos of course!

Brooklyn wished she could be out there with Katie...she is just not quite ready. Katie loved it though!

Daddy showing the girls how a day at the river is done...

Hey Guys...we are UPDATED!

2010-06-15T22:12:00.002-05:00

Ok, it has been a LONG time...so, if you want to catch up...you are going to have to go WAY back. Scroll down and go to Older Posts and go all the way back to our Easter posts...that is the last time Mommy updated. So, enjoy the reading!

By the way...Brooklyn here, I am one now. Can you believe it? I went to the doctor today and got 5 shots! I weigh just under 22 pounds (55%) and am in the 25% in height. I am thinning out...I was in the 75% at my last appointment. My doctor is amazed at how many words I can say...like Elmo, Momma, Dadda, Datie (Katie), pup, dank du (thank you) and many more...I am chatty. I also gave up the bottle the day before my birthday and am on milk and normal food. Such a big girl! I am almost walking. I will take a few steps...but prefer to crawl. I can keep up with Katie much easier on my knees. I will probably be running before we know it.

Anyway...that's about it...Mommy promises to be better with the blog. So, be sure to check back.

Party Girl

2010-06-15T22:04:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn had a swim party for her 1st birthday. It was cupcake themed and it was FUN!

Look at this beautiful girl!

Doing a little swimming at her party.

Welcome to the PARTAY!!!

Just waiting for some cake...

Is this for me? This is one dainty girl...she just ran her fingers in the icing and licked her fingers...nothing messy...unfortunately.

2010-06-15T21:57:00.001-05:00

Cupcakes, cupcakes everywhere!

Waiting for the party to start!

Even Katie got into the cupcake spirit!

Guess Who Turned ONE?!?!

2010-06-15T21:50:00.001-05:00

Our little Baby Brooklyn is ONE! Such a big girl!!!

Hey guys...I am one!!!

I got a fun ball pit for my birthday...and it is fun for all!

Beauty and the Beach

2010-06-15T21:40:00.002-05:00

Katie and I did a little photo session one evening at the beach. What a beautiful evening it was!

A little free style pose...

Brooklyn did some posing too...

The sisters enjoyed some play time during the fish fry. Brooklyn loves Katie so much! I think the feeling is mutual!

A Whacky Night on Honey's Deck

2010-06-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

We had a DJ with music and karaoke one night of the reunion...it was FUN!

Here's Matt doing a little Bieber Fever sing-a-long...

Daddy and Aunt Keely did some Summer Lovin'...

The ladies did some dancing...slide to the left...slide to the right...

Mommy and Aunt Keely did a little Ice, Ice, Baby...Word to your mother!

And, the two Cali girls did...what else...Going Back to Cali...so much fun!!!!

More Reunion Fun

2010-06-15T21:16:00.002-05:00

Check out these silly faces swimming at Aunt Honey's pool!

Daddy's Little Girls...

Gringo's Little Girls...

Brooklyn and Matt are new BFFs...she definitely felt connected to this goof ball!

Brooklyn also tried her first sausage...and loved it! Who wouldn't!

A Little Family Time

2010-06-15T20:57:00.002-05:00

At the end of our time at the beach, we got to enjoy a little time with family at our family reunion.

Katie loves to see her family...

And, play a little beach volleyball...Katie is not quite up to par...but she is a good ball retriever.

She also loves to hang with "her girls"...she asks for them all year long!

There's also a lot of lounging...

And, taking rides on the beach...

Hanging at the House

2010-06-15T20:49:00.002-05:00

When we weren't hanging at the beach...we were enjoying the view from the deck.

And, drinking some fancy Sunny D drinks...

Sometimes even Katie enjoys a little silent time on the deck.

And, I just had to include this cutie!

A Day at the Beach

2010-06-15T20:34:00.002-05:00

We spent a week at the beach and Mommy pretty much did pics on one of those days...so here they are...

Our little surfer girl...

Whoa!!!!

Gotta do some digging...

And some eating too!

Lots of fun at the beach!

Queens of our World!

2010-06-15T20:20:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn loves to put this crown on...she actually did this by herself...so darn CUTE!

It takes her a while to get it on just right...

Hmmm...this isn't quite right...

Such a sweetie!

And, here are our two queens sitting at their "royalty" table at Diva and Gringo's house...

Fun at the Bay

2010-06-15T20:15:00.002-05:00

We headed down to the bay to hang out one weekend. There was fun in the pool!

And, fun on the patio!

Cousin Time

2010-06-15T20:04:00.002-05:00

Uncle Jeff brought Nick in from Dallas for a weekend...so we had some FUN cousin time! Check out these scoundrels!

And, Brooklyn had to squeeze in to a pic...obviously!

Besties...and cousins! With matching icing messiness!

Sweet Nicholas is getting so big! And, he is going to be a big brother very soon! He is having a little brother! Yes...another boy cousin...finally...the boys are catching up with the girls!

Here we are in our group movie watching pallet...nighty-night cousins!

She is a SUPERSTAR!!!

2010-06-15T19:52:00.002-05:00

Katie loves to play her guitar and put on shows. She really does think she is a star!

Here she is giving us a show in the backyard...

And, another show on the couch...

Notice the Taylor Swift video in the background...she LOVES "Tlaywor Swiff"...and will watch her videos ALL DAY LONG!

Keep your eyes out for this little superstar!!!

Spring Crawfest

2010-06-15T19:40:00.002-05:00

As usual, we headed out to the Spring Crawfest. This year it was all Katie...she LOVES rides and since Brooklyn cannot enjoy rides...well, she just chilled and watched!

Katie also really enjoyed the fun house. She did this thing like 50 times...it was funny and sad when she would slam into the glass walls...she laughed, so we laughed too.

What happened Katie...did you eat a Smurf?!?! Must have been that yummy snowcone!

And, our friend Jason played that night...so we got the extra bonus of hearing some great music.

And, it was extra nice when the girls passed out and we got to enjoy some adult time of listening to the music!

Random Cuteness

2010-06-15T19:08:00.002-05:00

Here are some random cute shots of the girls!

These sisters love each other!

Hey there...I am just doing some drawing...

What? Drawing on my face isn't what you thought?

There really are no words for this...all I can say is that this is Katie!

Johnston Turns 50

2010-06-15T18:36:00.002-05:00

After being on the planning committee for 2 years...we finally got the celebration for Johnston Middle School's 50th year at our current location out of the way...whew! But, it was fun.

Katie loved the jumpy house...of course!

But, the best part was the dunking booth. And, Daddy was man enough to volunteer to be dunked. I (Katie) got to dunk his booty...man that was fun! Ms. Mione may have helped a little!

Mr. Wheat, Mommy and Daddy's principal, even got in the action and dunked Daddy. Don't worry...Daddy got him back later when Mr. Wheat was in the tank!

By the end of the day, we were TIRED! But, Daddy stayed and helped his buddy count up money and stuff. So, Mommy (being so over this event at this point) snuck us off to her classroom where we ate a snack and watched a DVD in the a/c.

It was a fun day...but we are glad it is over and we can get ready for the next 50 years of JMS!

Coming Soon

2010-05-20T10:05:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that I haven't blogged since April! But, we have been quite busy! TAKS testing, school year closing out, baseball season closing out...just busy times. But, next Thursday is it! And by "it", I mean the end of the school year! Woohoo! So, I will be blogging much more frequently! I have tons to update on and I am excited to get it done. So, check back sometime at the end of next week...this family has certainly been busy!

Please don't give up on us...we will be back in business...I promise!

Easter Hunt

2010-04-14T20:35:00.002-05:00

We had the big egg hunt at our house and it was a blast! Here is some of the loot that the kiddos got!

Brooklyn loves being the little sister! Just ask her big sis!

We got to hang with Diva too!

Mommy was too busy doing other stuff and didn't get too many pics. Bummer lady...but I can guarantee we had fun...here are a few more pics...

2010-04-14T20:14:00.002-05:00

Austin was the big Golden Egg winner! He may have thought he was too cool to hunt eggs...but he still found this sucker! Sophia found the little kid golden egg...but I don't guess I got a pic of that...sorry! But, she was too cute huntin' down that egg! (Oh, and see that UGLY fence...we are replacing that this weekend...if the weather works in our favor...wish us luck!)

Here are Katie and Sophia doing a little hunting...

Katie and Anna showing off their new flip flops...they are all about the Princess and the Frog.

And, here is my pretty Brooklyn...she didn't do much hunting. But, she did enjoy being carried EVERYWHERE!!!

Katie felt like she had to strike a pose in every picture...so this was the best I got...oh well!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-07T20:45:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter!

The Bunny came!

Wow...we admit...this is a little much. But, it is better than a bunch of little junky stuff that will be thrown away...

Brooklyn loves the Bunny!

Color Girl!

2010-04-07T18:33:00.002-05:00

Katie had so much fun dying eggs...she got all hands on for sure!

Brooklyn tried to help...if you call licking the eggs "helping"

These are a few of the pretty eggs we made!

Taa-daaaaaa! And, this was just our first dying activity of the year!

Oh, and here are the 235 eggs that Mommy filled with candy for the big egg hunt!

A Day at the Park

2010-04-07T18:21:00.002-05:00

One day during Spring Break we headed out with intentions to go to the zoo...well, that was a dumb idea. Everyone else in the city had the same idea...so we went to a park and had just as much, if not more, fun!

Check out Brooklyn's smile...she is having a blast!

This girl loves to swing!

And, I cannot tell you how big my baby, Katie, is getting. She played with every kid she could find...and then invited them to her party. What party? you ask. I have no clue! But, it is Dora themed!

She really had so much fun...the zoo would have been miserably crowded...the park was awesome!

First Beach Trip of the Year

2010-04-07T18:11:00.002-05:00

Luckily it was warm enough over Spring Break to enjoy the beach! We even got our feet a little sandy!

Brooklyn likes the beach...whew!

And, leave it to Katie to brave the sort of chilly water...

Brooklyn likes long walks on the beach...

Looking forward to MANY beach trips this spring and summer!

St. Pat's at the Beach

2010-04-07T17:42:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn got to enjoy her first St. Pat's parade at the beach...and she loved it! Here she is chillin' on the golf cart...

And, here she is watching the parade with Daddy...

And, cheesin' it up with Katie...

Oh, and here's Katie getting ready to throw candy and beads in the parade...she is so festive!

I had so much fun at my first St. Pat's weekend!

Rodeo Again!

2010-04-07T17:30:00.002-05:00

We headed out to the Rodeo one more time and it was St. Patrick's Day...so we wore our green attire! Katie LOVED the show and sang and danced until we convinced her that it was time to go out and ride a few more rides (to get rid of all of those ride tickets that were burning in our pockets!)

Katie loves rides...especially the coasters. She is suck a daredevil!

We call this picture "Ahhhhh!"

Katie spilled on her over shirt so she had to go around in this one for a while. I just think she looks a little like Sissy from Urban Cowboy...you should see her full length photo...seriously...I almost bought her a Sissy license plate for the stroller!

Updates

2010-04-06T13:57:00.002-05:00

I don't know if anyone is even still checking this blog...but updates are coming! I hope to have them up by tomorrow. There will be plenty to see...believe me!

RODEO!!!!

2010-03-07T19:00:00.002-06:00

Oh my gosh...is it Rodeo time already!?!?!

Oh yes it is! We are so excited for Rodeo time! This was our first trip of the year. We saw Jason Aldean and Katie rode lots of rides. Tons of fun!!

Party time!

Yep, I loved it too. Loved the people, told almost everyone I saw "Hi!" and jammed to the music.

See you in a couple weeks Rodeo peeps! Well, Mommy will see you later this week when she works her last 2 shifts on Wednesday and Thursday!

Just Rollin'

2010-03-07T18:51:00.001-06:00

Brooklyn loves to roll up in Katie's blanket. They are so cute when they roll together.

We love to play together!

So sweet!

Popsicle

2010-03-07T18:44:00.001-06:00

Brooklyn had her first popsicle while we were enjoying the backyard...

Mmm...this is pretty good...

Oh yea...I like this...

Cooooold!

It's GONE! NOOOOO!!!!!

Backyard...agains!

2010-03-07T18:20:00.002-06:00

The weather finally cleared up enough for us to get in the backyard...we have really missed our swings!

WEEEEE!!!

Hold on tight!

Man, I love being back outside...please let this weather stick around!

Date with Daddy!

2010-03-07T18:12:00.002-06:00

Daddy and Katie headed to Sesame Street Live for a date a few weeks ago. Katie was so excited for weeks leading up to their date and was a model date when the event finally came. She dressed up in her special Sesame Street gear and made room for popcorn and cotton candy.

It's All About the Love!

2010-03-07T18:06:00.001-06:00

Aren't we cute? We had a great time celebrating Valentine's Day with our friends at school and then with Mommy and Daddy at home. We love eachother so much!

Yet Another Update

2010-02-19T08:50:00.002-06:00

Well, Brooklyn is 8 months old. I cannot believe that my baby is growing up so fast! She is "crawling" all over the place and loves to play with and steal from her sister. Katie is usually pretty good with it...but sometimes we have to intervene. She is eating like a champ...which you can tell when you try to pick her up...whew she is heavy! She finally has ONE tooth...will they ever come in? She waves hi and bye and even says "ha" while waving hello and "buh, buh" while waving goodbye. She definitely looks like her daddy, which makes him happy since Katie looks so much like me. We are often asked if she ever makes any sound or cries because she is so good when we are out in public. Well, of course she makes LOTS of noise...in fact, she loves to scream and yell when we are home. Not all crying...just screaming and letting us know that she is there. If Katie leaves the room she yells, if Mommy or Daddy leaves the room she yells, if she is hugry she yells...you know...just a reminder that she is there! She is such an angel...keep checking back because she is changing every day.

In other news, baseball season has begun. We went to our first game of the year yesterday and Katie loved it...of course. We had to stay for the entire game...even though Mommy was ready to go after the 3rd inning. One of the teachers at school snapped this picture of me and the girls...I don't have any pics of me and the girls...so I love this one. We will obviously go to many more games...so there will be more pics...so stay tuned!

Update on the Girls

2010-01-31T16:42:00.002-06:00

Hey guys...Katie here...I am certainly growing up and becoming my own little person. Can you believe that I am 3 1/2? Geez...I feel old! I am still loving school and playing with my friends. I also have an amazing new teacher, Keysha, who is a great teacher. I am learning so much and surprise Mom and Dad with my brains every day. I really want to start doing some fun activities. I am thinking gymnastics or soccer...not quite decided. I really want to ice skate...but that is just not reasonable right now. Maybe over the summer (I hope)! I went ice skating for the first time while we were in Fredericksburg, but the pics are on Mom's new video camera and we have downloaded that yet....we will add them when she gets herself in gear! I still love my little sister tons and am having more fun with her now that she can play back. Well, I am off to play with my Barbies or do some art...check back soon!

I guess it's my turn. Brooklyn here and I am so excited to finally be able to update you guys (Mommy can be so busy some times!) I am 7 1/2 months and am growing up so big (at least that is what everyone says). I am working on crawling...but don't worry, I can get around. I scootch and move and roll...but actual crawling is not far off. I am so close...it is just easier to army crawl at this point. I have at least one tooth that is trying to come out...but no such luck yet! Besides some yucky ear infections and a couple of colds, I am doing good. Believe me...they tell me my weight has not been bothered! I am tall and healthy...so I think I will be ok! I love school and my new teacher Ms. Martha, she has even introduced me to grits and real oatmeal...man I love those breakfast foods! Well, I am pretty much right on track (or way ahead if you ask Mommy and Daddy)...so check back, I am off to play and try to chase my doggy, Berit!

Sorry Horns!

2010-01-31T16:34:00.002-06:00

Aunt Nikki gave me this shirt...and this was how I felt at the end of the game...sorry Longhorn fans!

Here's a cuter pic...

The Christmas Fun Continues

2010-01-31T16:22:00.002-06:00

After our Houston Christmas, we headed to Fredericksburg to celebrate Christmas and New Year with Nana and our other Hill Country family and friends.

Here we are opening our awesome gifts...

It even snowed while were there. I (Katie) was a little sick with an ear infection, so I slept through the actual snow. I went out to play in what was left after the rain and sleet...but I still had fun!

If you can see, this is the pic of the actual snow. It snowed pretty hard and it was beautiful!