Morning Discussion

This morning Annie showed me an animal that hadn't been put away last night and asked what it was. I told her it was a cougar and someday she and Ben and Emily would be cougars. Ben asked why and I told him because they would be going to BYU for college and therefore be cougars.

Somehow the conversation turned to marriage. I told Ben that at BYU he could meet a girl to marry (because he still wasn't convinced he wanted to be a cougar). He told me he is going to marry Kylie since he can't marry Emily. I said Kylie would probably go to college at BYU because she's a pretty smart girl and if he wanted to marry her, he'd better do well in school and learn a lot so he could go too.

Conversation continued further with the fact that "me and Kylie are going to live on a farm, and I'll pay!" He is going to pay for the farm and the house. However, they will not have children; they are going to have horses instead, and one is going to be called Lightening. Lightening will be Ben's horse. He is of course telling me this as he walks around with 4 babies stuffed in the baby bjorn - one girl and a lot of boys.

So, what do Andy and I think about this plan? We like Kylie and her family. She has curly hair, so the legacy would be continued - although I don't know if she is left-handed or not - need to check on that one. She does like to play school and be the teacher - so the three generation trend could be continued... I also know for a fact that she does like farms.

I have told Kylie's mom this plan, but I haven't brouched it with her dad yet. (I think I'll let Andy do that over a game of frisbee or volleyball) I think they might be somewhat concerned about his plans for employment, but maybe Ben will let them ride Lightening. From what I've heard about this horse, it's something pretty special...

Tweezers are a Lifesaver!

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These are the many things that Annie has tried (and succeeded) to stick in her nose. I don't know what she's tried that hasn't fit. Nor do I want to. However, none have yet resulted in a doctor visit (knock on wood) as Dad is very steady with the beloved gold tweezers.

Tweezers also come in handy when one is trying to retract nails and batteries out of the gas turn on spot for the fireplace before Daddy gets home to see them... Whew!

I tell you - each child definitely has his own vice - be it electrical sockets or nose holes... hopefully Emily will stay on the tame side.

Happy Birthday Alex

Alex is Ben's buddy. We met in a neighborhood playgroup almost 2 years ago, and they have sooo much fun together. Alex's birthday was a few weeks ago (a fireman party where they actually got to play ON the truck!!!) and for his gift, Ben gave him an outing to Owen's Farm - which is Ben's favorite place on earth! So, we finally did our little excursion last Saturday and took way too many pictures - although these are some of our favorites. Alex was a little timid of the longhorns, so he gave Ben his food to feed the "big cow." He didn't really believe us when we said it wouldn't bite and 'was really nice.' Andy and I don't lie!
I love this picture! Andy had just finished feeding the buffalo (and teasing him with food to show the kids his black tongue) and I got them all lined up in the process - a rather hard feat for three busy kids with open running space! Emily just slept in her stroller...
And, of course, no outing in Dallas (since March) would be complete without a rainstorm.

Independence Parade

We had our neighborhood parade last Saturday. Last year Ben and Andy got to ride in an old 'stang and wave to everyone. This year we all watched and cheered. It was fabulous!!! We even got free sandwiches from Chick-Filet!