Ang's Visit

My sister Ang came for a visit earlier this month, but apparently we were just too busy having fun because this is the only picture I got of her.

We did lots of shopping--some with kids and most without.

She suggested going to the park.  In Texas.  During the first week of September. 😂😂😂😂😂

We ended up at the little caboose in Allen for about 10 minutes before we all were dying of heat.

We also checked out The Star in Frisco.  We hadn't been yet.

It's the practice field for the Cowboys and also used by the Frisco High Schools.

Olivia was over the heat.

Love these 3 goofs!

Besides lots of games with the kids, shopping, melting in the heat, and relaxing, we also got our nails done and ate some yummy food!  Thanks for visiting Ang!  See you in 6 months! :)

Rollerskating!

Our last summer Life Group family night out was to a rollerskating rink!  Our friends have family that own a rink somewhat nearby.  It's been in their family for years, and they were nice enough to let us have the place to ourselves for a few hours!

Olivia was super excited!  She heard us throwing out ideas months ago, and when she heard she got to go skating she was thrilled.  She waited patiently all summer for it to finally be the day!

Logan's little skates = LOVE! So cute!

That had the little pushers to help the kids out.  It was still a bit of a challenge.  I ended up having to help skate with Logan most of the time.  I was really proud of Olivia though, because she stuck it out longer than any of the other kids.

They did allow the kids to bring their scooters.  After one time around in skates, Logan opted for shoes and scooter instead.  He did put the skates on again later, but only briefly.

I didn't actually get a ton of pictures, because I was SKATING!  I didn't want to fall on my phone, so I left it at the table.  All the adults were living our glory days and had a blast skating together.

Only half our crew was able to make it, but it was still a blast.  It was so fun to be able to take the kids, because it's not likely something we would seek out to do.

Love these kids and their parents!

"You gotta try new foods, cuz it might taste gooooood"

If you've ever seen Daniel Tiger, then you know the song I'm referencing.  

We bring that up a lot at our house!

We ended up at a different market the other night.  Everyone was in awe of some of the strange looking foods.  So we decided to get a few and give them a try.

We have had a big struggle around here lately with eating more fruits and vegetables.  Especially from a certain brown eyed boy.  So we thought making it fun would help.

We had a starfruit, a dragon fruit, a papaya, and a pepino melon.

Olivia chose the pepino melon, and she couldn't wait to try it!  It tasted a bit like honeydew. 

Who knew there was such a thing as a black and white fruit?!?!  Not us!

Michael liked the starfruit the best.  Logan only tried about 2 of them, and I'm not sure he enjoyed any.  Olivia and I both liked the papaya the best (which was not surprising).

It was a fun little family night activity.  Then we took the fruit that was leftover and threw it in our spinach smoothie.  Perfect!

Wordless Wednesday--Cosmic Kids Yoga

Hiking

On Saturday we headed out to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve to go on a family hike.

Because of Hurricane Harvey (down south), the weather in our area had cooled off a little.

I'm really looking forward to fall weather when we can get out more!

They loved throwing rocks in any water we came across.

Trying to learn how to skip rocks

It started to rain, so we stopped under a shelter for a picnic lunch.

They played on the playground for a bit.  We had been there for a few hours.  I assumed we would head home, but Olivia wanted "more adventure!".  So we set out for another hike.

Who knew cactus grew here? We were a little surprised.

It was nice to find, point out, and observe all sorts of aspects of nature.

I spy a pretty butterfly.

Spider!

We made it up to a high look out spot.  So fun!

These two.  They just did this ll on their own.  Love them!

We were there from 11 until nearly 3.  Now that's a hike! 😉

The mall with friends

On Friday we met up with our friends at the mall.

The Vorlicky's live about 50 minutes from us, but they had to come out our way to pick up a specific dance item at a store near us.  So we took the opportunity to hang out for a bit.

We had lunch at the food court, and then or course we had to head to the carousel.

Why does he look so big!?!

Rides that go around are not my thing.  I usually send Michael.  I asked Logan if he could just ride by himself, but he insisted he needed an adult there. 😷

Apparently Alison really doesn't do rides that go around. Ha!

From there we went to the Lego store.  They played at this little "build a person" station for quite some time.  Olivia could seriously do this for hours!

Then we walked on over to Barnes and Noble.  The boys played trains.

And the girls read books!

(I swear Jordyn was there too!  She just didn't end up in a single one of my pictures.)

It's always fun to see our Ohio friends!

The Coop

We met up with my friend Robin for a play date at The Coop.

It was our first time checking it out.

Robin has a Logan too!  Our Logan's have a birthday a week apart from each other, so they've been in a MOPS class together for 2 years now.

This is the best picture I got of them. HA!

Jumping in the bounce house together.  Crazies!

Olivia did great with playing with both Logans.  It was a little on the younger side for her, though.  So she was ready to go after about an hour.

It was nice to check out a new place, play with friends, and have good conversation.  We're entering that new stage where one of our kiddos isn't a preschooler any more.  Times are changing!