Texas Outside

Marita is a cool Grandma.

I love walking shots.

Janie did not want to leave the park and threw a fit. She wouldn't walk with me as I headed toward the car. Blake saw that she was alone and he ran back to get her. I love when he is sweet to her.

Tired kids watching a movie.

Texas Rodeo

Last week we flew to Texas to where Eric's older brother lives for a Jensen family reunion. I had never been to Texas before. The first night we were there we went to a restaurant called Love and War and then on to a rodeo. Who knew that rodeos were so cool? I loved it. Before the show there was music playing and people were filmed and put up on the jumbo tron. Our group kept getting put up on the screen, especially Janie. I learned about why horses and broncos try to buck off the cowboys, hence the name bucking broncos. And I learned how hot Texas is.

Family Update

Eric

* Playing intermural softball for Whirlpool and church basketball. Went to the driving range last weekend and played volleyball at the church. He can't get enough sports in his life.

* Starting a new rotation for work in a month. He will be working with mergers and acquistions and is pretty excited about it. The last person who had this rotation traveled to South Africa and Brazil. Eric hopes to go somewhere cool and I want to go too!

* We are going to the Jensen Family reunion this Friday in Texas. We've never been to Texas but are excited, especially for a rodeo.

* Is turning 30 next week! Yikes.

Katie

* I signed up for a half marathon for August 13th in Martinez, CA. I am nervous about it because it has a lot of hills and I have a hard enough time running flat.

* I have the next 7 Saturdays off from work and we are going to enjoy it.

* We are going to Lerch family reunion beginning of August. Can't wait.

Blake

* He complimented Janie the other day "I like your cute alpha-fit." (outfit)

* The other night we were driving and debating where to go out to eat. Blake kept saying "I want pizza, I want pizza." Eric and I kept talking and then thought of a new pizza place we could try. I said "Blake do you want to go get some pizza?" He said "Ya, I've been talking about pizza for a long time!"

* Blake has dropped his naps and I'm so sad. I'm trying to make him do quiet time in his room but he has a hard time staying in there. He knows that the only way he should come out is if he has a messy diaper. So every day during quiet time he comes out 2-3 different times with another poopy diaper. It drives me crazy, but lets be honest, that is skill.

* He wanted to do something sneaky the other day so he said "Can you go to sleep in your bed?"

Janie

* Just started yelling "Nnnnno!" and "Mine!"

* She is pretty fearless. She loved playing in the water at the beach and wanted me to let go of her so she could swim.

* Waves to strangers

* Takes off and does her own thing wherever we go. She is a lot more independent than Blake was.

(What is going on with the spacing on my blog? It is driving me crazy. Help!)

Strawberries

Tape Man

Best $3 I ever spent on tape.

I love when they share!

My Mom!

My mom came to visit for 10 days last week. And we did not take any pictures. Sad. Bummer that the kids and my mom took turns getting sick. We played Acquire 3 times and my mom won twice. (Eric didn't win at all.) She played with Blake and Janie tons and taught them new words and tricks. It was nice to have the help and get breaks and to have my mom to talk to. She is the best!

A Car, Slip 'n Slide, and Measuring Cups

Thanks for the pictures Kristen!