Lately

Here is what we've been up to in the past few weeks.

Our great friends, the Walker's came to Austin for a visit.  The boys did some hunting, the girls some shopping, we all hung out and ate lots of food!

Derek and I went out for my birthday since he was going to be gone on the actual day.  We had drinks at the Highball before dinner and then went to Uchi, our fave sushi spot.

My actual birthday started out great- phone calls, cards and lunch with friends.  Then the car battery died and Brooklyn and I were stranded for a bit.  Thankfully, I have friends who will rescue me and a moments notice! I ended the night with dinner with more friends and watching a movie at home. We ended up with a rent car for a few days.  Here is Brooklyn waiting outside the shop chilling to some music.

We attended the Austin City Limits music festival. Derek and I went on Friday and listened to some good tunes, ate some yummy local food, hung with Derek's co workers and had a great time.Saturday, we took the kids with us.  Brooklyn got her hair painted and was thrilled.  We danced to some music, went up the backstage balcony to see some bands, got snocones and some good food.  Barrett spent alot of his time watching the Texas game and was so excited about that!

Last first day of preschool

Brooklyn started her last year of preschool this week. She is really having a great time.  She's been waking up and ready to go before Barrett is even ready for school. She is going 3 days this year and seems to like the routine.  

All smiles before school

Modeling her backpack

Already at work

Brooklyn with her teacher Mrs. Vicki and Mrs. Katie

Folks, we have a second grader!

Summer went by way too fast for Barrett!  The start of school is here.  And, though he wasn't ready for summer to end, Barrett is off to a great start in second grade.  He has made new friends, is enjoying seeing old buddies and thinks his teacher is the nicest ever!  Here are some pics of the first day of school.

FIVE!

Brooklyn turned 5 last week. It is so hard to believe!  She has a build a bear party with some girlfriends. She was thrilled!  It was cute to watch all of the little girls pick out their animals and outfits.

 We finished up with cake and ice cream and opening presents.  Brooklyn was very specific about her cake.Chocolate with chocolate icing and blue writing.  So thats what we made.

On her actual birthday, we had pancakes for breakfast with candles.  Went to the pool.Played and watched a movie. And then had breakfast for dinner at her request.

Here are some things about my girl:
Favorite Song: Like its Dynamite
Favorite Show: Phineas and Ferb
Favorite food: Carrots
Favorite friend: Caroline and Tate
Favorite place: playground
Favorite color:blue

 Favorite thing to do: Play with Barbies

Finishing Summer

Summer is coming to a close.  We have one week before Barrett goes to 2nd grade and a few more till Brooklyn starts preschool. Where did the summer go?
Here's a wrap of out last few weeks of summer.
Kellee and Anthony and Olivia came to visit us for a weekend in late July.  We had fun loving on Olivia, there was lots of basketball contests, swimming, and eating.  The adults even got to go on a double date while the kids were with the sitter.

 We went to Houston a few times.  The kids spent a weekend with my parents while Derek and I had the weekend to ourselves.  My transmission went  out on my way to Houston, so I ended up staying in Houston for several days with the kids.  We had a fun time relaxing, swimming and hanging with Nana and Teddy

We went on Lake Travis for an afternoon and had fun skiing and tubing and swimming.

We went to Houston in August to celebrate Bob's 70th birthday.  We went to dinner with the family and got to spend time together celebrating my wonderful fatherinlaw.

My newest nephew was born this past weekend and I go to go meet him and love on him for a few hours.  He's precious!

We've also been swimming alot, had some sleepovers, played with friends, slept late, hung out as a family and enjoyed lots of cool treats. Sadly summer is coming to an end, but it has been a fun summer for us all!

Summer Camps

Barrett and Brooklyn each went to camp this summer.Brooklyn went to Camp Sunshine.  It is put on by some girls in the neighborhood and Brooklyn has a blast. She did crafts, learned cheers and some dances. She had a great time!

Barrett went to basketball camp.  He learned a lot of skills and improved in his week at camp.  He had so much fun! He also got to meet AJ Abrams. He is really into basketball right now.

Feeling Proud

Johnny Bonds

Dan McAnulty

Johnny Holmes

Robert Scardino

These were names that I remember hearing throughout my childhood.  I never paid much attention to them, except they were people my dad knew from work.

I also remember a picture my dad had at home  It was a picture of a little boy, who was 14 months old.  My dad said it was a boy who died in a case that he worked as a prosecutor. I'd forgotten about that picture until I saw a picture of the same little boy.

My dad always kept his work life separate from his home life.  Working as a prosecutor he saw and heard terrible things.   He saw and heard terrible things as a judge too. I am proud of the work my dad did for many years to bring criminals to justice and to put the "bad guys" away. I am happy that there are people who believe in justice and don't stop until they find it. 

I just finished a book that tells the story of the murders of a family- John, Diana, and their 14 month old son- that took place in Houston in the 70's.  It was a heartbreaking book to read. True crime books are not something I typically read.This book chronicles the story of the murders and those involved and ultimately how the case was solved.  I have a deeper understanding of my dad's experiences as a prosecutor and what all he dealt with in this case and in the many others he tried.. I can't imagine what it was like for all of those involved in the case and experienced it first hand. It made me even more proud of my dad. He spent so much time working to be a voice for the victims of crimes. The police, the investigators, DA's office and judges and all involved in this case and other cases work to find out what really happened. 

This book really moved me, saddened me and gave me a glimpse into my dad's job. I just wanted to share my thoughts. And now I know why my dad has that picture of that little boy.