July 11, 2011: Rockin' River

We had a little bit of extra money (I think thanks to a certain Grandma!! :o)  that we were able to go on a family outing to Rockin' River.  It was so much fun, a nice change of scene, and something fun to do.  The kids had a blast.  They have water slides, lazy river, a playground in the water, it was awesome!!!  Here are some pics:

 I don't know what was up with Xzander's eye lid. It likes like he almost flipped it inside out.  He fell asleep on the way there and slept for most of it.

I had to stay with Xzander so I wasn't able to get as many pictures of the kids doing the different fun things they had there.  I know this is long over due.  More to come and soon!!!!! I promise!!

Going Private

As a safety precaution considering Devan's current job and his career choice, we will be going private.  Seeing how I may not think of everyone who will want an invite, please send me your email either through a message on facebook, or leave a comment on our blog or email me.  We are doing this as a safety measure for our family.

Random

Devan volunteered one day for Cub Scout Day camp.  This time he was with David's group.  Here is how well David did on his archery.

Who does this remind you of?

David and Ruby are good buddies.  They can entertain themselves for hours playing together.

One day I was just trying to get a picture of Xzander.  I took four trying to get a good one and he kept being silly. Here are a couple of them.

Our sad attempt trying to do something fun for the fourth of July.  We tried to go to Old Settler's Park for some things that were free.  It was me and the four older kids that went.  Besides the fact that it was extremely, extremely, scorching hot, the things that were free were either shut down because it was too hot, or kids wouldn't really enjoy them.  They did have fun things to do, but the price ranged from $2.00 to $7.00 times four, that gets extremely pricy.  David, Ruby, and Geric wanted to ride the choo choo train which was only $2.00, so I let them do that as we were leaving.  I also let them get an ice cream sandwich which was one dollar.  Little Devan opted out on both things and just wanted to go home.  There were no fireworks because of the drought.  At least we attempted and maybe next year will be better.

Ruby, Xzander and I went to the Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall because Ruby is getting too big, and outgrowing her shorts.  Children's Place was having a sale and we finally had some extra money that we could get her some.  When we were done shopping (we had already been to a few other stores), I couldn't remember where I had parked, Ruby was exhausted and tired and being a good sport.  The idea came to me that I could put her in the stroller and she could hold Xzander.  Good thing I did because we had almost walked around the whole outlet mall, in the heat, before finding the truck.  It definitely would have been too much for my little Ruby to walk with all that we had done prior.

Little Devan must be always hiding when I have the camera out because I don't have any of him since his trophy pics.  I definitely need to have my camera out more often.  (We don't have an Aunt Nannie around to take lots of pics for us anymore :o) I need to do better all around and Aunt Nannie, I hope you are chuckling!!!

End of the 2010-2011 School Year Report: My Smart Cookies

Devan

We are so proud of Devan.  He received straight A's all school year which is a feat.  When I went his award assembly, there were not very many third graders who received straight A's in comparison to the size of the entire third grade.  Devan worked hard all year long.  He chose to make the habit of coming home from school, having a snack, and then do his homework without being told, or reminded.  Since we moved here in the middle of his first grade year, he has been doing this.  I am available to him if he needs my assistance, but for the most part, he does it all by himself.

He has also became a reader.  He loves to read.  I am guessing he probably started reading the Harry Potter series about half way through third grade (that is my guess).  He finished those before the year ended and then read the Fablehaven series.  At the school they take Accelerated Reading (AR) tests on books they have read and get AR points.  Devan had 287 AR points when they closed the testing.  If they would have kept it open a little longer, he would have broken 300.  He received the most AR points in the third grade and was awarded a trophy that he is so proud of.  He showed it to everyone he could.  Kids would give him high fives in the hall.  Devan was extremely behind in his reading when we first moved here.  His previous teachers were, also very proud of him, especially his first grade teacher because she had seen how far behind he was.  She came up to me all teary eyed and said how proud she was of him.  So, here are some pics of him with his trophy:

That is one tall trophy

This next picture is of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd:

Way to go DEVAN!!!!!! (Now he says he just wants books to read for his birthday and Christmas, lol)

David

We are proud of David for his perseverance and doing his best.  We pushed to get him tested for Dyslexia, and found out that he is dyslexic.  Reading and writing are a challenge for him, but he doesn't give up.  His strengths are Math and Science.  When they did the testing for dyslexia, he tested doing four months into fifth grade Math.  He is also very mechanical.  He comes up with the neatest creations out of his K'nex and Legos.  I have been concerned about David and debated with the idea of home schooling him with the K thru 12 program.  I asked his teacher about it, who was an absolutely amazing teacher, and the best fit for David.  Anyway, she said not only did she think he would miss out on the whole in class setting, but she said, she would have missed out on not having David in her class.  He brought things to the classroom that other wise would not have been experienced.  She mentioned how special he is and when you are wondering if he is listening or getting the information, he'll raise his hand and say something that would just blow me away.  She also mentioned how spiritual he was.  The children are allowed to bring God up in a classroom setting, and he did.  He is not shy and talks about God at school.  He is an amazing boy.  A sweet, compassionate boy.  We love him.  David received a Student of the Month Award for Perseverance.  Here is a pic with him and his amazing teacher.

Ruby

I am wondering if Ruby has a photographic memory.  She is one smart cookie.  Pre-k through second grade, they use a number system to record the progress.  One is the lowest and 4 is performing above grade level.  My little princess received almost all fours on this last period of her report card.  I asked her teacher about her reading level because her teacher put a DRA reading level of 28+ and her teacher said they are only allowed to test one year ahead and that Ruby could have kept going.  I fear she may pass Devan up in reading.  She has already in about a one month time read One thru 29 of the Magic Treehouse series.  I need to get #30, #32, #35 thru #39 so she can keep going.  She likes to read them in order.  I am going to let her try and read Fablehaven after she is done with those.  I wouldn't be surprised if she was able to read it now.  Everyone who meets Ruby, just adores her.  She received a Student of the Month Award for Compassion.  So here are some pics of her with her teacher and their class pet, Mango:

Mango

Baby Chick

One tired Daddy!!! May 22, 2011

A little while after Devan started the Police Academy, he moved to part time so he could stay caught up with his homework and have time to study for his tests.  So he works 28 to 32 hours a week in two days, Friday and Sunday's.  On those days, he has to wake up at two in the morning for work and doesn't get home until about 7:30 in the evening.  Needless to say, makes for one tired daddy!!  He came home and fell asleep in the rocking chair without taking his boots off.  Ruby went and got her blanket and a pillow for daddy and this is the end result:

The boys then decided to pitch in and help take his boots and socks off.  They sure do love their daddy.

Found Camera, Lost Computer Cables

As soon as I can find the computer cable I need to plug my camera into the computer to down load my pictures, I will  do a new post.  I know I put it in a safe place, I just can't remember where that safe place is.

Xzander Walking, May 11, 2011

Xzander started walking around 13 months.  He is 14 months here.

I know I have done a lot of post of Xzander.  I will do an end of the school year update as soon as I can find my camera (please pray that I can find it).  If I am not able to find it, I will post the update without pictures.  I am hoping Geric grabbed it and hid it somewhere in the apartment and that I did not loose it at the school on Wednesday.

Xzander's First Birthday

Xzander's Birthday is March 5th, but we celebrated his birthday on March sixth.  Oh what can I say about this little guy? (Literally, little guy).  He is now 14 1/2 months old and I can still put on some six to nine month clothing on him, although I would buy 12 to 18 month clothing if I were to buy any.  He is so sweet and cuddly.  He has an exceptionally sweet spirit.  He is always so happy and quick to smile and his smile out shines the sun.  I am embracing him and sort of happy he is staying little so long.  I love this little guy oh so much.  Starting with pictures, here we go:

I could not decide what video to put here out of the three.  They each show the process of him eating his cake and they are all so cute.  I hope they will all upload.

This first one, he is testing the frosting and loving it:

This next one, he about gets the frosting off of part of the cake he has been working on.  I wish I would have left the shoulder straps off to see what would have happened.  He kept trying to lean forward and eat the cake without using his hands.  I think it would have been hilarious to watch him stick his whole face in his cake.  Watch for Geric swiping his finger and getting some frosting off of Xzander's cake:

.  This one he finally, really digs in:

I think I will use YouTube to upload videos on our blog.  It is so much easier and the quality is so much better.

The cake aftermath:

Presents:

I will post monthly pictures from birth until present soon.  I hope you all enjoy this post.  I enjoyed doing it.

Xzander, February 11, 2011

Just thought I'd post this short little video clip of Xzander in the tub.  You can hear Geric in the background.

Snow Day in Texas, February 4, 2011

The kids sure had fun playing in the snow.  Definitely not like Utah snow, but sure did bring back memories.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching them having a great time.  They cancelled school due to a snow day.  Most Texans are not experienced enough to drive in these kind of conditions.  I think they also close businesses as well.

Of course they had to eat it.

"I'M DONE!!! TIME TO GO IN!!"