Queenie and Grandad's Grandbabies

Tonight we had our "last last" dinner at Jack Allen's before Q/G head back to Idaho. Amazing how the family has grown to a table for 14! 

The girls love being with the boys

Clearly these two are related ( :

Here is a picture of all the grand kids and Queenie/Grandad: 

Lucky for us we are headed to see them next week!

Houston Vacation

Our first trip out of town this summer was to Houston. The girls had three goals: Aquarium, American Girl Store and Cousin Sarah's wedding.

Aquarium had a great sting ray exhibit! Both girls were able to touch the rays and see them up close. We also saw all types of fish and even a white tiger(? Random part of exhibit?)

Waiting for the Shark Train(at this point we had been waiting 35 min)

Finally it is our turn(45 min in line) and the "conductor" gets off his seat, looks under the train and says "needs maintenance". "Maintenance" arrives and despite seeing something leaking beneath the train, their solution is to push it from side to side with all their might. At that point, Dan had enough and the Aquarium visit only got more painful....if you are considering a visit, please call me first.

Touching the Sting Rays-ew!

On the Ferris Wheel

The White Tiger Exhibit???

Lunch! Girls loved the ginormous sting rays swimming nearby. 

Next stop was the American Girl Store. Both girls made appointments at the Doll Salon to get Julie/Caroline's hair styled. They also each had a set amount of money they could spend. Kate brought a notebook and pen so she could keep track(lots of addition and subtraction!)). We had quiet a few people come up and comment on the girls and their "record" keeping.

If you have not been to one of these stores it is something to see. As long as they still love/play with the dolls, we are happy to take them there.

Saturday was the Wedding! Cousin Sarah married Robert in a great event center in Spring. Surrounded by lots of family and friends, it was fun to celebrate the happy couple.

We also got to spend some time at Granny's house. Lauren loves babysitting her cousins(and is so proud that she can hold them unassisted ( :

Lauren & Locke

Kate's Birthday

Nine years ago we went to the hospital concerned that I might be in labor. Despite being told that "the babies were not going to come today", they did. Today is always bittersweet for our entire family and I hope we all can take comfort in knowing that Luke may not be here but he is always with us(especially his twin sister Kate).

Here is my post from Facebook:

Katherine Grace was born 9 years ago today. She was only 26 weeks along, weighed 1 lb 13oz and could fit in Dan's hand. With lots of prayers, tears and watching her overcome so much, she made it home three months later. 
Nine years ago she only needed one cotton ball for a diaper and a few drops of milk(not even a cc-remember those Queenie & Grandad!), but now requires size 6 1/2 women's shoes and has a laugh that radiates pure joy! Happy Happy Birthday Miracle Baby Kate-can not wait to see what tomorrow brings!

We had cupcakes for breakfast at home and then celebrated with our cousins. Kate's celebration with her friends is yet to come...many of her friends are out of town until it gets closer to school.

Her one wish was a pair of shoes with wheels. Queenie and Grandad surprised her with a pair-she is still working on being able to use them outside ( :

The Celebration at the Woods House! Thanks Robinsons for the Walkie-Talkies and thanks Wood Family for the TOMS and letting us celebrate at your house!