Congratulations Ryan...

Congratulations Ryan!!! I am so proud of you for working sooo hard and being recognized for your efforts.

You really are...

Love you!!!

{hee hee... I know that was super cheesey, but I really am proud of that guy!}

Crafty Little Girl...

The other day we were doing some shopping at the "teacher store" {as Elle calls it} to get materials for my classroom. This store has an awesome selection of educational toys and Elyse was immediately attracted to the Arts and Crafts section.

Being the girly girl that she is, she chose a vanity that she could decorate herself. It came with the vanity, 2 combs, puff paint, stickers, and jewels. She was so engrossed in decorating it and was a little bit {ok, a lot bit} of a perfectionist. She spent several minutes planning it out and then went to town. I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with her work. She definitely didn't get her craftiness from her mama!

The end product is absolutely adorable... {and so is she}!!

Stuff the Bus...

On Saturday I volunteered with some teachers from Holcomb to Stuff the Bus for United Way. It was over 100 degrees out and we were seriously melting, but we had a blast doing it. And, most importantly, it was for a great cause... to ensure that all students have the supplies they need when the school year begins. I'm so lucky to work with such a great group of fun, kind, caring people each day.

Karen didn't quite understand what they meant by "stuff the bus"...

Sonya, Karen, Me, Cara, and Paula

The whole Holcomb group...

Janice, Bekah, Cara, Sonya, Debbie, Karen, Paula,

Me, Alison, Tanika, and Tracy

Only Brush the Teeth You Want to Keep...

Elle went to the dentist this week and did sooooo good! She was so still and followed the wonderful Miss Shannon's directions so well.

Smiling for the camera, but keeping an eye on Miss Shannon...

Not another picture Mom...

Open wide...

She had a perfect report. Her teeth were sparkling clean with no cavities. She even got to choose 2 treats from the treasure box because of her good behavior. Although, she is eager to lose her first tooth so that the tooth fairy can pay her a visit, she'll keep brushing ALL her teeth.

What We're Lovin' Now...

Here's a sneak peek of what's cool in our house right now...

Ryan just got a new Subaru Forester and is enjoying how much less it takes to fill it up. And how much higher his gas mileage is. I'm enjoying that it's not bright yellow. :)

Payton spends a large part of the day wearing his strengh shoes. At this rate, the boy will be able to jump to the moon by the time he's 14.


Elle and I are into this show. Love watching these amazing performers! Elyse only likes to watch when they're dancing like ballerinas.

Mmmmmm... need I say anything? If you haven't tried these yet, grab a bag asap.

They are the bomb!

Run For It...

Last night when I was out for my evening run, I was feeling good. It was one of those easy runs.

My legs felt good.

My music was pounding in my ears.

Encouraging me to go faster.

Run farther.

When I realized that I was on pace to finish my 6 mile run with a pace that was below 8 minutes per mile! I've been in the 8:15-8:30 range consistently whenever I go on runs that are longer than 3 or 4 miles.

When I realized this, I really started pushing. Watching my pace. Trying to stay below that 8 min. mark.

6.25 miles...47 min 8 sec... average pace {7.32 min/mile}

I did it!!!! I hadn't really been striving for this goal, but when I realized that I was there, it felt so good to accomplish it!

So, I've decided to list some running goals. To help me push myself. Here they are...

1. Run 30+ miles per week for the next 2 weeks.

2. Run another 5+ mile run with a sub 8 min/mile pace.

3. Run one 13+ mile run in the next 2 weeks.

Dancing Queen...

Our little ballerina had her last dance class of the summer last night. She's had so much fun over the past few months learning ballet and tap.

Getting ready to perform for her audience...

So graceful...

Look at that focus...



Checking to make sure Mommy and Daddy are watching her...

Here are some videos of her cool moves!

Elle really enjoyed her class with sweet, sweet Ms. Julie.

She's looking forward to starting again in the fall!

Trip to the Aquarium...

Yesterday we went to the Oklahoma Aquarium for the day. It was Elyse's first time to go and she had a blast. Payton was excited to see the sharks again and show his little Sis all the crazy creatures.

Hanging out in the shark tank...


Bubbie explaining something to Sis...

In the shark tunnel...
{Elyse was afraid one of the sharks would bite her head off,
so she was covering herself}



Elle's favorite...

Checking out the shrimp...

Amazed by the GIANT eel...

Exploring the tide pool with Daddy...

Feeding the turtles...

Ahhh! Watch out for the gator!

It was fun to see Elyse so excited and amazed by all the fish. She learned a lot from her super smart brother and daddy. She is now an ocean expert!

Going Paddling...

This weekend Ryan's Canoe Club had a roll session at one of our local parks. Since it was so close, Elyse and I went as well so she could swim. She had a blast playing in the kiddie pools and then decided she was ready to go for a ride in Daddy's boat too...

Going for a relaxing ride with Daddy...

Sweet girl...

Kayaking on her own...