Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40!

My brother recently celebrated his 40th birthday, WOW! We celebrated by throwing him a surprise birthday party - we totally caught him off guard after a day at the golf course.

Burning down the HOUSE!
Love my brother
I think he was embarrased that we bought him an IV, FiberOne and Depends...
FINALLY!!! A really cool birthday present "Ah, no need to call the fire department!"

I heart my sister!

Muaaah!
Banks is the greatest big brother!

Who stole my baby?

Here are my sweet baby boy's very first school photo's. Only, he looks more like he's five, not my 20 month old...who stole my baby?!

What a handsome man

My question is, "How did they get the toddlers to pose?"

Parent-Child Dedication

Saturday, May 11 Austin, Banks, Cooper and I participated in Parent-Child dedication at Fellowship Church in Grapevine. Dedication is a celebration that recognizes your child is a gift from God and makes public the church’s commitment to your family and your family’s commitment to the church.

Rex, Glenda (not pictured), Mom, Keith, Megan, Kimberly, Kelsey, Yvette, Jason, Aaron & Josh all attended our dedication.

Jail Bird Banks is BACK in Jail

Okay, so we thought Banks was ready for a 'big boy' bed, but his Get out of Jail Free card has been revoked! A week ago Sunday we removed the front rail from his crib and he thought it was the greatest thing since PB&J - he climbed in his bed all on his own and slept peacefully ALL NIGHT LONG, even at nap time. "Wow, this is easy," I thought to myself, "what a short transition period." My how things change quickly, in five days, in fact. Thursday night he decided to have a party with Woody & Co. in the middle of the night. Austin found him asleep in the middle of the floor on Friday morning, poor baby had carpet indention's on the side of his head. Saturday wasn't much better, i had to put him back in his bed and when i tried to lay him down his music box went off and his eyes popped open to the sweet sound of Hickory Dickory Dock. Needless to say, after another up and down night I requested Austin get his tools out and re-assemble the crib. Mamma isn't getting any sleep and if mamma ain't happy, well..you know how the story goes.

To my surprise Banks has not protested. Obviously we gave him too much freedom too early. ;)

Prior to going back to Jail

Cooper thought Banks bed was cool too!

Spring Fever

We have experienced great weather lately...the kids love to be outside. Here are afew photo's from our recent outdoor excursions.

We all love to hear Austin play & sing

Holding an Ant

That is one HUGE flower

Banks calls Dandelions, 'Bubbles'

My Baby Doll

FAMILY PHOTOS

Trying to take a great family photo with a toddler and infant are as near impossible as winning the lottery, heck, i think you may have better odds of winning on a Saturday night?! Here is our attempt at hitting the JACKPOT. The second two are candids.

Checking out the goldfish pond

Ready to drive!

Diamonds & Pearls

Okay, so only pearls for the moment. Cooper & Ava had their ears pierced about a month ago during a lunch date. Two 'ear technicians' marked and pierced both ears simultaneously to minimize the stun factor. Both girls were absolute champs, Ava's cry obviously did not last as long as Cooper Reeses' did.

One GINORMOUS golf cart...

Austin and his dad, Rex, decided to buy a club car and jack it up to take to The Buck's Dead End Ranch. It's an 'Ultimate Hunting Buggy.' I must admit, it's a lot of fun to drive around, especially in the city. Rex has used the cart as his primary mode of transportaion to to get his hair cut and to drive to lunch! Banks actually knows where the key goes, which way to turn it and if he had stilts, could probably drive the thing. WATCH OUT BAMBI!

The Fort Worth Zoo

Last week Kia and I took the kidd-o's to the Fort Worth Zoo. I think we had more fun than the kids did! The weather was perfect and the animals were out in full force. Banks particularly liked the snakes and lizards...he has the tongue mimicking down pat.

Banks thinks all species of birds say, "QUACK"

Banks did NOT want to get off the mini-train.

Kia & Cooper - both looking FABULOUS!