Annual Photos

Today, it was time for one of the most painful experiences we have every year. It is one of the times I have to INSIST on family photos. I choose to do it on a Sunday before church. We usually end up with a few good ones, but the process is horrible with protesting kids, threats of being out there doing it all day, bribery, and blackmail. Maybe not blackmail, but close. It is NOT easy being a mom.

Volleyball Pictures

The volleyball team had to stay a little late today to take team pictures. I saw Kacy and Lexi coming home and couldn't resist. See Lexi's scowl? Yep - that's what I often have to put up with when taking her photo. 

Photo Booth from Bella's Party

Florida Photo Shoot

My cousin, Kim, has been working on improving her photography skills. She told me that she would like to do a photo shoot of the kids. Of course, I was more excited about it than Lexi and Jordan were. It was a great experience even if it involved bribing/forcing the kids to pose, especially to hold hands.

Kim's Pictures:

Friday Photos

I decided that today was a good day to take a few pictures of the kids. I grabbed my mom's camera & we went out back.

Interest in Photography

Once a month, Mormon women have an evening where they get together and have little classes on different things. They also usually have dinner and/or dessert. My mom always tries to get me to go with her, but I am not that interested. This week, however, they had a professional photographer coming. She showed a bunch of her photos and gave tips. One of her tips was to take lots & lots of photos. I know I do not need any encouragement in that area, but the last few days I have been taking more. These pictures were taken yesterday afternoon at the La Jolla Shores park.

Photo Shoot Attempt

Yesterday, Paige and I took the kids down to the cove. I wanted to get some pictures for Christmas cards. Unfortunately, it was not the day for it. By the time I got the kids ready and a little work done it was later than I had hoped. I know the best time to take pictures outside is between 9 and 10am. In addition to shade and sun problems, it was clear that Jordan was not in the mood to perform for the camera. Why are boys so tough? Lexi, of course, is always ready with a smile.

Birthday Party

Lexi attended her first Texas birthday party. It was for four year old Joshua (my friend's son). Lexi was the youngest non-baby there, by about 8 months. You only get to see photos of Lexi though.

SOBE Playground

This is our last weekend trip to the best playground on Miami Beach. We were actually headed to the pool, but there was a bit of lightening a little earlier so it was closed. We played at the park and then headed to the beach for a quick dip in the beautiful water.

Daddy's Day

This weekend, we tried to take our normal walks in between down pours. On Saturday, we got caught in one about two blocks from our apartment. On Sunday, we stayed dry, but had another fun issue to deal with. Moments after these photos were taken, Miss Lexi threw the worst/longest tantrum to date. First, she ran towards a group playing with a volleyball and then after a guy jogging and kicking a soccer ball. Being the cruel parents that we are, we didn’t let her get close enough to grab their toys. She screamed, whaled, flailed her body, threw everything she could get her hands on and did just about everything you can imagine for around 15 minutes (an eternity). My strategy is to just let her get it out of her system. Steve didn’t exactly like the noise and people staring at us like we were beating our child. All I could say was there is a reason they call it the terrible twos & Happy Father’s Day.

Rainy Weekend

It is a rainy weekend here in the "Sunshine State," so we are organizing and taking it easy.

SOBE Angel

Lexi posing as a South Beach Angel.

Grandparents

My mom was surprised to discover that Lexi speaks in sentences. I guess that is one of the many things I have forgotten to mention on the blog. She has been doing it for about 2 months (maybe more). Here are her 3 main sentences:

1. It’s a __________.
2. There’s the _________.
3. Where’s the _________?

The blanks are filled in with many different words including Spanish ones.

Playing with Toys

April Fun

Spring Daycare Party

Lexi's daycare is having a "Spring" party today, so I bought a little Easter dress from Target for the occassion. I'm posting a picture of her giving me attitude about not letting her play with my camera. :)

Sassy Girl

This evening as soon as we got home, Ms. Sassy demanded a cookie. Her impatient self could not stand to wait while I put her down along with the diaper bag, purse, phone, etc. Within seconds, her frustration was mounting. I finally sat her in her chair. She looked up at me, wagged her finger, and said, "No, no, no."

I would just like to take a moment to formally thank the daycare for teaching her that. There is nothing quite as fun as a sassy little girl. At least at this point, she is still looking cute while she does it. I'll make a complaint when she hits the teenage years & it just isn't funny.