A visit from our honeymoon friends

This past week, the Anderson, Guarda, and Hoffner clans reunited in Dallas for our 5th vacation since meeting on our honeymoon in St. Lucia. Now we have 6 kids between us ages 2 and under. It was a houseful for sure but the kids got along like best pals and played for hours. (Jace included ;~) We got out to see a lot of sights around Dallas that we hadn't seen before, so even though we were at our house, it was definitely full of new adventures. me and the kids, Camryn, Amber, Kennady, Isabella, Karen, and Nico-- All the kids were running around and didn't want to stop so we could take this pic.

Sweetie Kennady and Kendall were instant friends!

Big blue eyed Isabella and cutie pie Nico (twins) loved the ducks at Watters Creek.

Where's Jace? Ok, so maybe only 5 can fit in our tiny plastic pool. :~)

Great day but tough day....

Does that even make sense? Well probably not to you but it certainly does to me. I found out today that Bailee, my 12 year four legged companion, has cancer. Jimmy and I noticed him limping on his front foot the past couple days. After looking at his foot, I noticed a huge lump. I took him to 2 vets (the 1st one I couldn't stand to be quite honest). After the 2nd vet extracted some fluid from his foot and sent it to pathology, it was discovered it was cancer. He will have surgery next week to remove the tumor. The sooner the better b/c it is painful. Then, the tumor will be sent once again to a pathologist who will let us know if it has mastisized. I am just wanting to think positively that is hasn't and this surgery will take care of it.

Where the great day comes in is our honeymoon friends came in town today! We've had an awesome day of sharing stories, laughing, and watching all 6 of our kids play. Yes, Jace even got in on the action. What is even harder to believe is that this is our 5th vacation together: St. Lucia, Asheville, NC, Cape Cod, Lake Geneva and Dallas. And, WOW, how things have changed!! I'll update with pictures later.

"Say yes Jace, Say yes"

Here's the scenario:

Jace and I were in the living room; Kendall was in the playroom. Jace starts crawling toward the playroom door and Kendall says, "You can't come in my playroom Jace", and starts to shut the door. (Note: she calls it "my playroom") I peak around the corner, she sees me and all of the sudden she says, "Hi Jace, want to come in my playroom?" "Come on Jace!" "Say yes Jace, say yes."

Yep, that's my Kendall. :~)

And one more quick, cute little story.... Kendall was playing with her magnet letter book today and picked up the letter "x". She looked at me and said, "X marks the spot, Mommy!" Not sure where she heard that but gosh was it cute!

Lots to update on....

Jace has now learned how to climb the stairs. I walked in the kitchen and came back out to see him up 3 stairs. I stood behind him but didn't take him down. I was curious to see how much further he would go, and he climbed 3 more steps. Baby boy is on the move!

I also think his top front teeth are coming in b/c he's constantly chewing on things and has been a bit fussy the past few days. No teeth as of yet, but I'm hoping they make their appearance sooner than later.

Kendall, Kendall, Kendall.....my spirited little lady! We've had our hands full with her the past few weeks. I thought I wouldn't need my behavior modification charts after I left teaching a few years ago, but oh no!! We started one about a week ago for certain less than lovely behaviors and so far, she has done very well with it. We've tried lots of different techniques and she responds best to positive reinforcement as most kids do. You give her the chance to earn a sticker and she's all over it. Just a little bump in the road, right??!! Many more to come I'm sure.

Also, she went to a princess tea party at my neighbor's house yesterday and wore a princess gown that Cousin Kenzie gave her. The girls had a great time eating, toasting, and even getting their toenails painted. I stayed for awhile and then Jace and I went home and spent some quality time together. My neighbor didn't even call me until 1:00 to come get her b/c she said the girls were having so much fun.

And one last thing....

41.5 pounds lost!!! There is so much truth to the phrase "Nothing tastes as good as being 'thinner' feels." I can't write thin just yet b/c there's more progress to be made but my overall spirit has been lifted as those pounds have been shed. I've updated you at 20 lbs., 30 lbs, and 41.5 lbs. I'll reach my initial goal in 8.5 more pounds and I can't wait to write that post!!!!!!

"Blow it up"

I'm just talking about a special handshake that Daddy and Kendall made up. It's so darn cute!! :~)

American Girl and "Popsicles"

On Sunday, we went to American Girl in Dallas. Kendall and Kenzie absolutely loved it. We ate lunch at the Bistro where their babies got to sit in high chairs at the table with us. It was definitely a neat experience for them both. Kendall at American Girl checking out the goods.

Kendall and Kenzie eating lunch with their babies.

The crew getting ready for bed.

"Popsicles" in Texas :~) Click below for a short video.

More pictures with Zac, Kenzie and Ty

Aunt Jenn, Jace, and Zac

Kenz and Ty just hanging out in the playroom

Oh my goodness.... is this one of the cutest pics??!!! Beautiful Kenzie and cutie patootie Jace

Uncle Jimmy and Zac at Gatti Town

Zac, Kenzie, and Ty come to visit

Mimi, Aunt Jenn, Zac, Kenzie, and Ty came to visit us in Texas, and we had an awesome time. We went to the Dallas Aquarium on Saturday and what a cool experience that was! I think the kids really enjoyed looking at what was the most gigantic crocodile ever. And they loved the tank that held the sea turtles and the manatee. We also went to Gatti Town in Frisco and the kids had a blast playing games and eating pizza. Jace was a trooper strolling around while the 'big' kids played.

"The Gals" -- Kenzie and Kendall at Gatti's Town."The Boys" just hanging out. Jace, Zac, andTy

Dallas Aquarium-- Jace was amazed by the sea turtle.

Mimi with all the grandkids at the Aquarium

So cute! catching a glimpse of the sea otters

Happy 4th of July!

Our neighborhood had a 4th of July parade this morning. We decorated the wagon and joined in the fun.

Jace's 9 Month Appt. and Kendall at Gymnastics

I looked at the date of my last post and can't believe it was 2 weeks ago. That's not very typical of me to go a 2 week stretch.

Jace had his 9 month appt. this past week. He weighs 18 lbs, 2 oz and was 28 inches. He's our little peanut for sure. Overall, he got a thumbs up from the doctor. Below is a picture of him pulling up. He hasn't pulled up on all objects yet, but his favorite is the couch in the playroom or Mommy or Daddy.

Kendall continues to love gymnastics. Jimmy takes her to class on Saturday mornings. It's their special Daddy-Daughter bonding time. In fact, we had a makeup class last night and I took her to the gym to meet Jimmy. In the car, she said "Mommy, I don't want you to help me at gymnastics school. I want Daddy to help me." :~)

Toddler sized uneven bars....too cute!

Obstacle course (and Jimmy had just gotten off work...he doesn't usually wear this to gymnastics class :0)the teacher helping Kendall doing a backward roll
But Kendall's favorite part is jumping on the trampoline.