Keeper of the Wild

The day after Colin's birthday party we decided to take the kiddos to Keepers of the Wild just outside of Hackberry.  It was a perfect day for walking around -- overcast and semi cool.  The kids had a great time checking out all the animals.

Love this little lady and her baseball hat

Boys going to find the next animal to check out.

Grandma Snay joined us.  She was upset that some of the animals looked sick but then we explained that it was a rescue center and she was better.

Black panther and cheetah

My favorite - a white tiger

This guy was a beast

We had a great day and the kids' favorite part was some of the monkeys.  As we were leaving one of the keepers gave the boys some tiger whiskers.  They thought that was pretty cool.  Liam even took them to show and tell and it was pretty big hit.

The following weekend was a soccer weekend and the boys did great.  I think it had to do with the cool, light sprinkles.  They just don't do extreme heat and running very well.

Taking a break

Fan club

My boys

Colin's usual play, ha!

Liam did really well and I kept attempting to take little videos hoping he would score a goal and he did come close, never quite got one into the back of the net.

He had a turn playing goalie

My fast little guy

Throwing it in.

I love watching my kiddos play soccer!

Colin's 4th Birthday Party!

After the triathlon and Colin's soccer game we all came home just in time for the bounce house to arrive.  The kids enjoyed every minute of it.  G&G Casson came over to help nap the birthday boy and Amelia while Chris and I went to Liam's game at 1:00.  My mom was also a blessing and ran around getting me some cupcakes and filled up a giant R2-D2 balloon for Colin.  With all of everyone's help Chris and I were both able to make all soccer games and throw a party.  

The party was getting ready to start and our birthday boy was still sleeping.  He took quite the nap.  He was ready to party once he was up and put on his birthday shirt.  First stop was the jump house once again.

I found a template to make some droid hats for the kids.  Colin liked his and he sat and ate pizza on the jump house entrance with his little hat.

 Some guests

 I failed at taking pictures of the food, decor, and kids bags :( but you can see some in the background.

Nate and Liam. 

Then it was present time!  This right here was quite the hit with Colin

Cool card

Legos!

He enjoyed opening his presents and was very outgoing with it.  Sometimes in the past he has been unsure of all the attention focused on him but he seemed to be okay with it this go around.

Birthday boy!

Boy with his toys

Ninja stuff was also a popular new toy

Kids playing police and firefighters

My guy

Love him

I did a lot of jumping with the kids.

Chris with the kiddos

Little girl and her big jumps

Ninja birthday boy

Grandma Snay joined the fun

The kids loved having an adult in the jump house with him.

Family photo with our boy

G&G with birthday boy and Amelia

We were so happy Colin had an amazing day!

Like I said I failed miserably at taking photos but his droid party turned out pretty well.  Here were some of the leftovers.

Birthday sign!

And here is an idea of what his cupcakes looked like.  I couldn't find another BB-8 topper to show the full effect!

Lastly, Colin did have his own personalized birthday cake that we failed to get a picture of.  Chris thought he had filmed us all singing happy birthday to him but when we went back to look on camera it is not there.  I am super crushed about it but all that really matters is Colin had an amazing day!  Thank you for all who made our sweet FOUR year old boy feel super special.

First Soccer Games

After the Kids Triathlon we all went to breakfast at IHOP.  G&G Casson, Grandma Snay, and Aunt Sadie all joined.  We skipped soccer opening ceremonies for breakfast.  I have to say it was probably the best decision.  When we arrived at the park Colin seemed pretty excited about his game. 

He even came running to join his team.

I had to help coach (or guide) since the coaches couldn't make the first game.  It was clear Colin had no interest in playing soccer.  He immediately sat down on the field and stated he was too tired.  

This is basically what it looked like...

Other kids running and playing and Colin off sitting, ha!  So he went and sat down and was perfectly content, if a bit cranky.  Maybe next year he will be more into it.  We'll see! I, on the other hand, had to continue trying to get 3-5 year-olds to focus which was especially difficult when about 3-4 of them primarily speak Spanish in their home.  

After Colin's game we came home and the kids played while Chris and I frantically cleaned and prepared for Colin's birthday party.  Tim and Mollie came to watch Colin and Amelia and made sure they got good naps before the party while Chris and I went to Liam's game which was at 1:30PM.  Lets just say it was hot.

Sitting with his team in the shade. 

Liam LOVES soccer.  He has really gotten into this year.

I have throughly enjoyed watching him play.

Getting after it

Go buddy!

Coming out pretty red faced.

I watched him play one quarter and then had to head back to the house to finish up stuff for the party but from what I saw he really likes playing and enjoys all the kids on his team.

Next up Colin's party!!