December happenings...

Life continues to go on!  Keeping busy with the holidays and activities. Chaperoned a trip to Santa's Village for the twins. Claire is playing basketball with her classmates. And we are unpacking and simultaneously decorating for Christmas.

 

We are in!

7306 Tophill Lane, Dallas, TX 75248

One box done. Just a few more to go!

Brothers... Oldest and Youngest

There's a reason...

So. I was really bummed about not taking the kids to the State Fair. Daunted by crowds, 4 little ones, and not having done the excursion with kidlets, i felt more secure with a trip to the good ol' Dallas Zoo. Kids were excited anyway and the cooler temps were great. Game on. 

Got our tickets from the ticket booth and was just about to go in when a giant bus load of folks pulled up. Zoo personnel were there to meet and greet with animals in hand which the kids were fascinated by. Turns out they were allSouthwest  Airlines employees. They all got off the bus cheering and snapping pictures. Then they came up to us (cameras rolling), and asked us if we knew what today was. I said yes, Monday, Columbus Day, Wright Amendment repeal day. They cheered and said yes and that they were giving away free airlines tickets-- all we had to do was roar like a lion. Well, Clare Elizabeth said, "No, I don't want to roar." I said to her, "Child you will roar or dance like a monkey if it means free tickets!" We roared and got two round trip tickets onSouthwest!!! Talk about being in the right place at the right time!!! I told them I was so glad that didn't go to the state fair! 😜

 

And to have all for kids looking nicely at the camera?? What luck for sure!

House updates

I got a little behind on things, so I'm going to throw a bunch of before-and-after pictures on here. (If I keep waiting for the right time, then maybe they will have to post themselves... Kinda like Jude and potty training... Never mind... Another blog post...)

Twins bathroom- paint (SW misty and...) hardware, artwork

Half bath- paint (SW heavy cream), spray paint hardware (rustoleum ORB)

Playroom- paint (SW balanced beige)

Demo in the kitchen- Day 1

Demo in the masterbath Day 1

Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival

Ahh, my most favorite festival!

Fall is here!

Claire is 7!

What a weekend! Birthday surprise visit from Gran. Plano Balloon Festival.  Dallas Arboretum. Fall Festival at church. Night time swim at the new house. Church and Sunday School celebrations. Party time. Dinner at Red Lobster. Whew! Not to mention presents and phone calls and FaceTime calls! What a special birthday for my girl!

Two peas in a pod

"Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers; the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul."  ~The Wonder Years

The Bigs Go Back to School!

New school! New day! New year! What a fun morning getting everyone out and ready.

Pups approve 👍

Finally took the pups over to the new house today! What fun! They loved the pool! Everybody is wonderfully worn out in preparation for the first day of school tomorrow. 

Pinch me!

I'm dreaming! 

Timothy Winston opens his eyes!

Timothy Winston Clouser is home with his folks. Saw this sweet picture with his eyes open and it inspired us to pose Jude again in a similar shot since he loves "baby". 

My very own Eiffel Tower

So I've been teaching the kids some household chores. Making the bed. Emptying the dishwasher. Etc. They are adding a very creative spin to the dishwasher task...

St. Pat's

500+ Sunday masses. 4 baptisms. Numerous concerts. Moms club mtgs and other meetings. Today is our last Sunday here. We said goodbye to our 10am mass family last wknd with tears and fond memories and this morning Scott is playing trombone at the 8am service. 

We will be joining All Saints when we return from our Florida vacation. New opportunities and adventures await!

Well, one good thing...

Un-bunking the twin's beds gave Carly the perfect view to watch the world go by. 

Sold!

It only took 10 days, but what a feeling to see a "sold" sign on our Tophill house! Waiting for the bids to come in from two contractors...

On the eve of their 5th birthday...

I'm going to take a moment and reflect. Time has passed way too quickly for this dynamic duo. They are the best of friends, two peas in a pod, yet as different as night and day, oil and vinegar. I have loved them with all my heart since the day we heard "heartbeats" and not just a "heartbeat." They make me laugh, they make me cry, and they make me sit back wonder how this is all going to work out in the end. Asher is so kind and thoughtful, intelligent and silly. Avery is so spirited and loving, witty and boyish. (Just today he told us he was allergic to owls. Good thing we don't encounter them too often.)

They humored me today and got into some of my favorite newborn poses from the early days. I'm a sucker for now and then shots...

5 years old. What an adventure life has been!

Happy Birthday, July guys!

Who would've guess that we would have the coldest July weekend since 1945 the day we had our boys' birthday party??? I mean, 68 degrees?? July 19?? Dallas?? Oh well. At least there wasn't a tornado. We had a wonderful little celebration for Asher, Avery and Jude. About 41 people showed up to show their love and support of boy-trio. The kids swam, had fun with noodles and slides, and enjoyed a warm pizza lunch at our beloved Terrace Pool.Two hours went too quickly!

Coyote on the run!