The First Day of School

 It is the First Day of School!

For El going into 8th grade,

for Eva going into 1st grade,

and for me going into 5th grade!

Beautiful!

 Eva will have plenty to talk about!

 Have a great day!

The Next Day

 At first, she needed her Mommy close by.

Issy and Katie took good care of us!

How about that cool pink cast!

We all left notes and decorations!

Lelly helped to keep Eva happy during her time 

in recovery!

Poor Eva

Eva has to have surgery to assist in

diagnosing why her toe is so swollen.

(The Doc in Cleveland was mistaken

about everything being fine.)

 She handled it like a champ!

She brought her Hippo blanket along

with her.  The hospital staff did a good

job of making her feel at ease.

The only tough spot was the drive home.

She really felt sick.  Luckily she fell asleep

for a good portion of it.  She woke in Bee Cave 

and requested Subway.  So we picked up a

sandwich and took it home.  After some 

food and sleep she was doing much better!

Summer Fun with Katie

 Katie and Eva had some learning fun while I was 

getting ready for my new year of going back to 

teaching.  Above they went on a scavenger hunt 

through the neighborhood.  Below they made a

working volcano!!!!!

Below, all three girls were having fun

playing music and goofing around.  

Eva makes a good hipster!!!

Fredericksburg, Texas

We took a day trip to

 Fredericksburg, Texas.

We have heard a lot about

it and decided to check it out.

It is quite a busy spot, however, 

one visit was plenty for me.

(keep reading and you will

see I do not get away with

just one visit.)

Kids Today, Grandparents Watch out!

One should be careful where you fall 

asleep with kids today around!
El, you seem so sweet.

The Runkles Roll in for a Visit

 Hmmm... and just when the pool is done...

What timing, coincidence?  I think not.

 Needless to say we spent a lot of August enjoying 

the pool and coolness.  Ahhh...

While we are in preparing dinner (OK, I was just

watching Dede do her thing), Eva is entertaining

Papa.  Not sure exactly what is going on out there!

 You go girl!!!

Dede, the only picture I had of you was in your bathing attire.

I assume you are ok with me leaving that photo out???

Kids Today

Another example of how childhood has 

changed.  This is what the kids today can

do to break the boredom of a long car

ride.  In my day it was touch bug or license 

plate bingo!

Eva and Lelly reading together!

Eva completed the summer reading challenge for

school (1500 pages).  So we had to send in a 

picture of her reading to go on the hallway wall.

 She chose to read with her best bud Lelly!

Potter Party

It is July 31st. 

 To all of you muggles this will mean nothing.  To us, this means time to celebrate Harry Potter's Birthday!  We watched a movie, made Peanut Brittle and Butter Beer, practiced spells, etc...

 El is in Ravenclaw House.  She dressed in their 

colors and is sporting an R on her hand.

 Three adorable witches!

Eva made the house signs below:

 Eva and I belong to Hufflepuff House.

 Katie is in Slytherin House.

 And El belongs to Ravenclaw House.

We have no Griffindors in the family yet.

 Eva prepares to cast a spell...

 Here is goes...

Oh my!  El you forgot Protego!!!

Needless to say, we had a fun night!

Toothless Summer at Sea World

 July in Texas... HOT!

We brave the Texas summer heat and go to Sea World.

We get about half way there and Eva loses her front tooth!!!

How about that cute smile:)

Let's just say is was a bleeder... Luckily we were close to

a Dairy Queen.  I ran in and got some napkins.  It looked

as though someone had performed surgery in the back seat.

We grabbed some frosty treats and went on our way.

Splash Zone Girls!

Too much fun...

 While making dinner I look over and Eva is fast asleep on the sofa!

She has not taken a nap in years.  Having Issy and Katie to play

with all day is wearing this poor little one out!  

Eva Rides a Horse

Eva wanted to give riding a try.

So I scheduled a lesson with Miss Amy, El's 

riding instructor.  Now keep in mind that Eva

will be going in a couple days back to her

 Rheumatologist for her swollen toe.

 So Eva learns to groom and tack up.  She then leads

Alice (the horse) out to the corral.  But of course

Alice manages to step over a bit toward some grass

and step on Eva's bad foot!!!  She is frightened but 

not really hurt.  Got to love cowgirl boots!

 She worked though her fear and did get up and ride.

I had all kinds of bad mom feelings.  How do I explain

this to the doctor?  Luckily she did not even have a bruise. 

Butterfly Fairy

My girls do manage to keep busy.

On this evening, El dressed Eva up and 

did her make-up so she was a Fairy.

 She flew all over, around, and through the pool. 

I am truly blessed with two wonderful daughters!