4-Wheeled Chaos

A daily activity enjoyed by the Schmidt kids -- I like to call it "4-wheeled chaos". Q gets on the fire-engine and speeds through the circular path he's mapped out in the house. Sirens are blaring and Dakota is chasing him, barking the entire ride.

R has designated the "choo-choo" as her favorite and tries to copy her brother's path. You can see in the pics that the fire engine would be more suitable for her height, and Q could take

over the "choo-choo", but they won't have it that way.

Sometimes you can actually stop hearing the noise that's being generated, until the sirens and "all aboards" come to a halt. The SILENCE is then so loud.

* The second pic is of the "funny face" that JP & Josh taught Q this summer.

New Camera

Sorry, no new pics of late. We purchased a new camera yesterday for our beach trip this coming week. Our old camera was not keeping a charge and cutting off every half-hour or so. J's not going to be able to make it to Florida this year -- the new job is keeping him here. I've been instructed to take TONS of pictures and post regularly. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to You!!

Happy Birthday to You!!

Happy Birthday Dear Mimi,

Happy Birthday to You!!

Turtle Tuesday

This morning we woke up and took a walk to our neighborhood park to feed the turtles. The pond there is full of them...30 at least...big ones, little ones, greenish-brown ones, orangeish ones. As we approached the bridge that crosses the pond, the round splashes of water close in on us and little turtle heads come up for air. They must know that food is near. We usually bring dog food or stale hot dog buns, but today was a box of stale Triscuits. Q & R both love throwing in treats for the hungry turtles.

Sunny Monday

We strolled over to Mimi & Papa's this morning for a little dip before the temperatures soared. Even on our walk back home at 11am, the heat was brutal. Not for the kids of course...they're seated comfortably in the two-seater jogger, being offered Gatorade in ten minute intervals. But Mom is pushing/jogging about 50 additional pounds in this HOTNESS. All in all, the kids love the "p-o-o-l" (as Q spells it) and I enjoy getting out and about with them. I just hope my bum is getting into shape?!

Proposal for a Well Lived Day

The best days go fastest ---- keep up!

* I saw this quote on a Starbucks window the other day and thought it was so true of life.

Daddy's Home

Yesterday, Miss Courtney came over for the day to give me some helping hands. She and Q made a cake to welcome Dad home...strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, topped with M&M's. YUMMO! They also painted a welcome banner for his return. We are so glad to have Daddy back!

Splish Splash

The kids loved the fountains so much the other day, we decided to check out a new site this morning, located on the waterway. Next time, we'll bring a picnic lunch.

Anniversary

Today marks our 5th wedding anniversary! Unfortunately, J's in Dallas for his new job. In his absence, I had a wonderful celebration with the two most beautiful beings in the world. We went to Market Street, found a few sandwiches at a nearby deli, and enjoyed a little picnic underneath a shade tree.

We ate our lunch of ham & cheese while watching some kids play in the fountains. R was already making her usual noises that I interpret as her being interested in something. I was hoping that Q would want to also play once the congestion of kids dissipated. And he did! He kept telling me that he was being "very brave" in the water (again, mimicking what I must say a thousand times). When it was time to go, I literally had to pry both of them away.

What could be better than this, really?!

Galveston Isle

With the cousins in town, we headed south to Galveston Island for a little surf & turf. The kids had a grand time building sand castles and hanging with the boys. It was quite relaxing for the adults to get away for a few days too.

Independence Day Fun

Q & R enjoy goofing around with Uncle Chase.

Dog Days of Summer

After trekking to a neighborhood park this fine summer morning, Q & R enjoyed cooling off in the pool, while the cousins had fun with the "slip-n-slide".

Bounce

The kids and I headed to CS for a few days to play with the cousins. To release a bit of energy, we took advantage of an indoor inflatable playroom. FUN!

Sea Lions

Our favorite exhibit of the zoo this morning -- the sea lions. Q likes to check them out as soon as we enter, but today was extra special . Two divers were cleaning algae off the pool's surfaces. It was a scene straight out of "Finding Nemo".

The first picture reminds me of the time we spent in Savannah. We thought we would throw money into the water, but realized it was a koi pond and probably not a good idea.