Play-Doh, Baseball and Birthdays

Emily is turning out to be the arts and crafts kid in this family. No surprise when I think about teaching Social Studies. The best map-colorers were the girls, and the boys usually just wanted to get it done and turned in. I can see this in Anthony - he's that kind of guy already. So, lately we've been having nighttime play-doh and coloring sessions. It's actually been good for Anthony - his coloring skills have improved. So, last weekend, we got the Play-Doh out, and Emily created a beautiful sculpture.

Emily and Dog with her sculpture.

The work of art.

In honor of the Dodger's advancement to the NLCS, we decked Anthony out in his Dodger attire this morning. He's ready to watch the game with Dad this evening.

Last night was our friend, Dylan's 5th birthday. We went to Chuck E Cheese for his party - one of our favorite places. Emily really enjoyed the cake, as you can see!

Yes, it is Incredible Hulk Green icing!

Anthony Turns 5!!!

Today was Anthony's 5th birthday, and we had a very busy day. We took cupcakes to school to share with the class. And then after school we went to Chuck E. Cheese with our friends Dayton and Noah and their mom, Deb. That was a lot of fun! When Dad got home from work, he took Anthony to a baseball game. The Diamondbacks played the Padres. While the boys were at the game, Mom and Emily went to the library. It was a fun-filled day!

Ready for school!

Me, too!

Skee ball at Chuck E. Cheese

This is my favorite thing to do here.

The whole gang!

Celebrating at home

Can you tell I ate the one with the blue frosting?

And do you like my new Dora pajamas?

Game night!

Anthony's 5th Birthday Party

Anthony had his 5th birthday party last weekend. For the 2nd year in a row, we had it at Pump It Up. He loves going there. It was so much fun - not sure if the kids or the adults had the better time!

Let's get this party started!

Family Fun Time!

The Birthday Boy shoots!

Wheeeeee!

Hanging out w/ my friends.

The whole group!

Happy Birthday to Anthony...

Yummy cake!

Ready for the presents!

That party wore me out!

Anthony's First Day of School

Last Monday, August 11, was Anthony's first day of school. This is his last year of pre-school at St. James. He was so happy to get back and see his teachers and friends. Emily's ready to be there with him, too!

Posing outside of the classroom.

In the classroom.

I really want to stay and play!

Emily's First Baseball Game

We decided to take Emily to her first baseball game last week. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the Diamondbacks played the Braves. As you can see, she really enjoyed herself. She sat through the entire game! We were pleasantly surprised and plan on taking her back next week when the Dodgers are in town.

Emily playing in the new toddler play area.

Acting silly on the way to our seats.

Having her first ballpark hot dog!

And she really liked the Cracker Jack!

(Yes, she is wearing a different outfit - spilled her juice!)

A Visit to the Children's Museum

We have a new Children's Museum in Phoenix, and it is great! We've been there two times now and plan on going a whole lot more! Here are some pictures from our first visit last week. Our cousin Alyssa was here from El Paso and went with us.

Anthony driving on the Segway-type toy.

Emily made a pizza - yum!

He has some room to grow into these shoes!

Alyssa found a pair, too!

Emily drove this hot rod.

And Anthony rode on the motorbike.

After the museum, we went out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory - one of Mom's favorites! We had a lot of fun there, too.

The kids doing their silly faces!

Finally....

We've been back from Texas for over a week now, so it's time for this blog to be updated. We didn't get a lot of pictures - we had the camera, but didn't take a charger along. So, the photos are courtesy of Grammy and Dude's camera. The kids had a great time with their cousins. We were also in town for Grammy's birthday - it was so much fun getting to celebrate with her!

The cousins - Taren, Rhiannon, Delaney, Anthony and Emily

Is that Emily or Dora the Explorer? Playing one of their favorites, "Mother, May I?"

Happy Birthday, Grammy!

Emily and Taren sure liked their cupcakes!

Our last night in town - we're sure missing the girls!

Dinner with Friends

Our friends, Kimberly, Dylan and Connor invited a group of Moms and kids over for swimming and dinner Wednesday night. It was great fun to play with our friends, and the Moms enjoyed an evening out since all the dads were out of town.

Emily, Avery and Anthony enjoying the playroom.

Morgan, Lexi and Marin

Anthony and Dylan

Out of all the kids, baby Avery had the best pose for the camera!