Mini update

So....I guess summer's over?!? But it's still 105 degrees outside!! With the start of school comes the hope of cooler weather. So what have we been up to? a little of everything.

Lots of sitting on the potty for Marley, but no successes, but also very few accidents. She can hold it like a champ.

Shepherd can't keep his pants on to save his life. His pants can be really tights around his waist and yet still manage to slip down and show his crack. Maybe plumbing is in his future? He also has started playing the wii, which he loves. We definitely have to monitor this boys tv time---he is very drawn to that sort of thing.

Owen loves playing trains and playing with his sister. He's so kind and helpful with her. Definitely the protective older brother.

Marley is just growing up so quickly. This is a first to have an almost 2 year old and not be pregnant. I feel like I'm able to watch her life quickly pass because I'm not as busy with a newborn or tired with a pregnant belly.

Shepherd loves taking pictures. I periodically let him use the camera...here's the world through Shepherd's eyes:

Is it tomorrow yet?

Shepherd has been so excited and ready to start school. God directed us and we decided to let Shepherd repeat pre-k 5 days a week this year. He was a little hesitant, but also excited to be with Mrs. Kercheval again. He also has another friend who is in his class again. So they're the leaders together. I'm praying that this is a huge year for my little guy as he matures socially, academically and most of all spiritually. We are so proud of Shepherd and are excited to watch him grow this year.

July in a nutshell

Oh, blogger, why do you always do my pictures in reverse order? Here's July...in reverse!

Owen had a face injury with the concrete. He fell off his scooter, face first. Ouch! He's tough though.

Lots of popsicles and ice cream for these kids. It's been a hot summer. We're on our 40 straight day of temperatures over the 100s.

Shepherd has taken up Photography. He loves being behind the camera. It's so cute. He's been that way for a while and I'm letting it bloom. Here's a picture he took one day. I love seeing things from his perspective.

Owen had his well check and got 4 shots. He was so brave, but still cried. He weighs 43 pounds. Solid kid.

Marley got hand/foot/mouth disease, which is actually a virus. It was bad for a few days...and she had her first fall asleep on the couch in the middle of the day. Overall, it was a fairly mild case. The boys didn't get it, which is kind-of amazing.

We went to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with our friends. I think that's where Marley got her sickness as I found a random piece of gum in her mouth. Yuck!!!

Owen Conley turned 4!!! How is that even possible. What a sweetie he is! I definitely have a post coming about my new 4 year old and how special he is.

We scored a Groupon for over half off at a swim school, so that's where we had his party. It was so much fun, and fairly easy on me. Except making the cupcakes...that my friends, was not easy! But I took great joy in seeing Owen's face and watching him show them off to his friends.

Shark cupcakes, life rafts and fish!

We had company come visit!! Nate's brother, his wife and their 2 girls came to visit from Arkansas. We had fun watching the kids play, going to Ikea, eating, and catching up. Here's Shepherd and Bella.

I had some major CURB scoring this month including this trunk. I've been working on her and will post after pictures when I'm done.

FREE Chick-fil-A...oh yes we did!!! And yes, we ran into one of Nate's patients. That was real cool!! Who doesn't love a doctor that is thrifty and humble enough to dress like a cow??

Shepherd's not in the picture because he was embarassed to dress up. really? at age 5?? Is he really my son? I told him it would make his meal free... and he asked "what's free mean?" Oh yeah, I forgot ALL of his meals are free to him!

4 of July Party and Fireworks...we had a bunch of people over for pizza and then headed to Lake Grapevine to watch the show! It was awesome and so much fun. Fireworks have not phased Marley at all.

Me and my new friend Julie

Lots of crashing after long days!!

And last but not least we started July out by celebrating my most favorite person. Nate's birthday is July 1st!! So glad that miracle baby Nate came into this world 32 years ago. I'm so proud to be his wife and friend. July also marks Nate's 1 year anniversary for being a practicing OB/GYN. I'm so proud of his hard work, determination, friendliness, intentionality, and care for his family and patients. This has been a changing year for Nate and he's taken it head on and made it one of our best yet.

It's been a month, what?

Oh yeah, I have a blog! I also have 3 kids...we're having a great summer. Lots of fun, lots of laughs, lots of late nights and we've started training for a half marathon again. So much fun, but not a lot of time for blogging. I'll work on that.