Summer 2016 Week 2

We just completed week 2 of summer vacation. It's been GREAT! 

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed my kids so much. 

This summer has been all about the three of us! 

Monday started with painting. Read about that here. 

Summer includes the dreaded dental appts. 

We also saw Grandma before she embarked on a three week journey to Maryland to visit her sisters. 

No pics though, bad mom! 

And of course, SWIMMING!!! 

We tried two different pools this week. The boys had a blast and of course, so did I!!! 

 Look at that little brother helping his big brother out! 

So proud of this boy.

Hollister knows he has balance issues and he wanted to cross 

these "lily pads" so badly. 

He was so persistent. 

Even after Hamilton went up and crossed it on his first try. 

He stuck with it and crossed it several times. 

We spent a day at another pool with this slide. 

It was a blast.

I went on this one too, many, many times! 

We finished our week with the first official All Star tournament 

The team went 3-0 for the championship and advance to Regional next week!

For now, we prepare for Week 3 of this fantastic summer

Painting with a Twist

Yesterday the boys and I tried something different. 

We took a directed painting class together. 

It was at a mall in Austin. They had food, swag bags and everything set up for a painting class. 

The boys were nervous about doing something new, but in the end we all three had a great time. 

Waiting, we will be painting the picture in the background. 

 My long haired painter is ready. 

 Waiting... 

 Waiting as well...

 Our instructor for the morning, 

While waiting for our first steps to dry the boys walked around. 

The event was sponsored by Chick-fi-la and Hey Cupcake. 

Lots of treats and of course, the Cow! 

Step 2 was creating the dragonfly.  

 Mine after step 2

 My littlest artist. 

 The older one.

 Finished products 

 All the kids in the class. 

The boys are in the back row, far left. 

We currently have blank walls in our house. 

So, immediately the boys wanted to hang our art work up. 

Love it and the experience we shared! 

Astro Baseball Clinic

As part of the Astros Baseball Buddy Club, the boys had an opportunity to go to Minute Maid park and work with The Urban Youth Baseball League on of course, baseball skills.

They were both pretty excited about it, especially Hollister.

They didn't even mind waking up at 5:00am on a Saturday to get there in time! 

Signing in 

Waiting in the stands 

ASTRO LEGEND 

JOSE CRUZ!!!!!! 

He would be part of the clinic!!!! 

The boys were very excited about that! 

The kids were broke into various age groups and rotated around the field.

Parents had to stay in the stands, in one area. 

So, this was my vantage point for most of the day. 

 When they hit though, I moved closer and tried getting some better shots. 

Hamilton got to spend a lot of time with Jose Cruz because his grandson was in the same age group. 

 I do wonder what on Earth he is saying to Jose Cruz!!! 

 They took a picture with all the kids at the end.

Again, far away from the parents.  

 Afterward though, Jose Cruz signed autographs!!!! 

The boys were super excited!!! 

They will appreciate this more later in life, but they know he's a big deal! 

And not to be outdone by one Astro Legend, they had to get photos with some other favorites. 

Hollister really wants to meet Craig Biggio one day.

This cut out with do for now. 

And no surprises that Hamilton is all about the mascot, Orbit!!! 

This is what happens when you wake up at 5am and practice baseball for two hours.

You sleep on the way back home! 

He didn't even make it out of Houston.

The day continued with more baseball of course.

Hollister had another all star practice tournament in South Austin. 

He played in 2 of the 4 games.

New All Star jerseys too! 

His new all star number! 

He played first base a lot. Got on base a few times, scored a run and even got to pitch on Sunday. 

Official All Star tournaments start this Friday!