Fall Festivities - Sea World

If you're wondering why I haven't posted, it's cause there hasn't been time!!

Every other weekend we've been backing up our bags and heading out for some new adventure. It's been awesome having year-your 3 day weekend since Anthony and I are both off of work in Fridays...

During the week and when I'm not working, I pretty much sleep. Thank heavens Tanner still takes a nap -- cause nap time is now an essential part of my day too. Being pregnant sucks all the energy out of me. But overall, no complaints!

Sea World -- AGAIN!

Originally, we were going to head to San Antonio for a dental conference. Anthony decided it would be better use of his time to hang out with us, and who can complain about that??

Feeding the Seals

Yup, that's a real fish. Yum, Yum!
Loved the tiny little baby seals lying in the sun.
These seals definitely aren't shy or quit!

Feeding the Dolphins
Dolphins are so much to watch. These dolphins are not shy either, but can definitely tell when you have food and when you do not!

Inside the shark tank

Deep Sea Diver

Seeing Elmo's 4D movie. Not sure I was ready for the realistic effects -- like wind, water, vibrations, holograms -- you almost feel like you're actually in the movie.

And of course, rides!


And oh yes, even the parents can join along.

Tanner loves to pretend he's a cookie monster (who doesn't!). But seeing him in person, he was super shy!

The Preschool Years

Tanner started his first official year of preschool.

On the first day, Tanner was jumping up and down, ready to go! So folks, this is the best picture I could get. He never cried once, never looked back, just ran into the classroom with all the excitement of a 3-year old.

He's honestly never been more excited to start. He got to meet his new teacher, Mrs Kennedy, when she visited our home. His classmates are 3 of his favorite friends from church, and I'm pretty sure the teacher doesn't know what she's getting in for.

On the way to school, he reassured me: "Mommy, don't worry. I'm not going to poop in my pants!"

I couldn't help but laugh. While he's mastered potty training, #2 can still be a challenge. I kept threatening him he wouldn't be able to go to his new school if he had an accident. And it worked cause he remembered, and so far, so good.

On Saturday, Tanner told us, "I want to go to school today!" When we told him it was a Saturday and it wasn't a school day, he got totally bummed. We reminded him BOTH Mommy & Daddy would be home. It worked some, but what he really wanted was to go to school.

Tanner goes to school M-W-F and I'm switching to a new schedule where I'm home the other 2 days.

So far, we just love the new school. I love the small class size of only 6 kids, the personalized emails from the teacher telling me about the week, his backpack is full of fun projects , and more than anything, it's a positive, happy experience for him.

This is definitely a nice change of pace for us. Over the summer, Tanner went to a montessori preschool and he dreaded every day. While I loved the Montessori philosoohy, this school was definitely not up to par. Even before we left the house, he would throw a tantrum. It got better as the summer progressed, but he would usually cry or whine every single day.

When I picked him up one afternoon, these were the first words out of his mouth: "I was crying today at school and was sad, but I thought of you and it made be happy!" I learned this trick from reading the book, "The Kissing Hand." When I dropped him off, I reminded him that mom loves him so much and that if he ever got sad, he could just think of me and how much I loved him, and then would be happy! Apparently, our little secret worked, and it just melted my heart having him tell me so.

I'm a Lion, Hear me Roar!

As Lance backed his bags (all worldly possessions fit into 2 suitcases) and headed for the unknown in Chicago, I wanted to let him know how much he'll be missed in the Big D!

Not sure if it's going to be "Uncle Panther's" super gift giving skills, arriving with a Lion costume for Tanner.

Who does it fit's better?

He's Tanner debuting the Lion Costume in front of the crowd.

As you can see, it was quit a hit!

My favorite part, "You can't roar, you're not a Lion!"

One day, he put it on for his friend Stockton, but he quickly had to take it off cause the little guy got scared.

Or when we went to the zoo last week, Tanner was bummed that he left his lion costume at home. Apparently, he wanted to show it off to the lions.

We'll miss Lance's surprise visits when he drops by with a moment's notice,

Nighttime bedtime stories were always a hit with Lance narrating,

Or roadtrips to KC where he'd tag along in the backseat with Tanner.

Only Lance can match Tanner's enthusiasm. He'd make up stories and songs as he went, such as the White man who built his house in Louisiana [to the tune of "Wise Man Built his House upon Rock"].

But as much as Tanner loves Uncle Panther, he wasn't willing to share his blanket, just his hoodie. So this, folks, it what you get.

Or Lance's witty personality and charm.

Goodbye and Goodluck!

Lance's Graduation

A month ago we got to go to the much anticipated graduation ceremony for Lance.

He graduated cum laude from University of North Texas with a degree in History. Lance has turned into quite the the philosopher and academic. He put in long hours of studying to get scholarships and straight As.

This isn't the end of big things for Lance, so Chicago better watch out!

During his graduation speech, he talked about how grateful he was for growing up surrounded by love. In college, he's seen how many people don't have it in their life and how devastating it can be. Amen brother.

The whole sha-bang!

I don't all remember the words Wes talked about, but it was very well scripted and can see why he wants to be a politician.

Lance & Megan

The brothers

Less Collin (there is spirit, away at sea in the Navy)

The Sisters

The Ceremony

And yeah, we were yelling at the called his name, even Tanner.

But he loved the clapping and yelling so much, he did it for everyone!

This is the point in my life where I realized maybe my little brother really isn't "little" anymore.

Congrats Lance, we're ALL proud of you!!

Road Trip

Heading back from San Antonio, every conversation was starting to sound like this:

Avery: My pillow pet needs to sleep -- so be quiet!
Tanner: Signing at the top of his lungs, purposely making as much noise as possible.
(Repeat 5 times)
Avery: Well, I'm plugging me pillow pet ears to they can't hear you!

The kids were definitely getting bored. We switched things up and decided to start singing some songs. Technically it was Sunday, and felt guilty for missing church, so we started primary church songs.

Here's Tanner's first take, it makes me laugh all the time :)

One more time, aftter a little practice...


Avery liked to call when he made a mistake, but she's his little teacher :)

Avery's solo, "I am a Child of God"




Tanner finally had enough...and was just being silly.




Of course, the kids both conked out and were asleep...10 minutes before we got home. Just our luck!

San Antonio Adventures

We escaped for the weekend with family and friends. We packed a lot into a weekend, but we had a blast!!

If you visit San Antonio, you have to visit Sea World. It's our new favorite place on earth...and we spend 90% of our time in San Antonio there.

If you ask Avery her favorite part, it will be Shamu & Baby Shamu.

I agree with Avery, it's unreal what these huge animals can do!

During every show at Sea World, Avery had one goal: GET SPLASHED! It took seeing the show 2x times to get wet...but Shamu did not disappoint. He splashed like no other. Chels was quickly running away, but Avery LOVED every second.

Tanner, on the other hand, is STILL talking about the Boat Ride.

He was barely tall enough to ride...and honestly I thought he'd be scared out of his mind. It's the classic ride where you get trenched...and e's usually not the adventurous kind.

Tanner's reaction: "Oh yeah, that was fun!"

Anthony: "Do you want to do that again?"

Tanner: "No!"

The next day, however, Tanner had a change of heart. As we were entering the park, he say it high in the sky. "Let's go on the boat ride!" Later, he found it on the map and insisted on going again. So we did!! And that's all he talks about since.

Forget the Dolphin show he laughed hysterically during:

Tanner thought the clown person was hilarious...but swimming on the wales was cool too.

Or the cute little mystery play the sea lion, walrus, and otter put on for us:

Seeing Elmo live on stage:

Or the million other rides:

Nope, it's just the boat rides that matters :)

Avery, on the other hand, was in LOVE with all of it.

"Can I be a dolphin trainer and an aerial diver when I grow up?"

Chels: "Sure, you'll just have to LIVE at Sea World!"

By the end of the day, Tanner was exhausted, to say the least!

The rest of us only we we had someone pushing us in a stroller too.

Quincy was the best of all the kids. She just needed those fingers (just like her mommy!) and she was as happy as could be!

We talked Avery into going on the Big Roller Coaster. She was just barely tall enough to ride, but luckily they didn't ask. I was telling Avery, "To go on this roller coaster, you have to wear your big kid pants." She looked at me all concerned and said, "But I only have on my swim suit!"

I'm not sure who was more scared after the initial drop -- Chelsea or Avery!

Just Chillin

Nothing cuter than seeing these little bottoms :)

The Alamo

Tanner's BFF, Brynlee

Riverwalk