104 Degrees, Lots of Water, and Great Company

We were so very blessed to have some family come and visit us this last week.

Thank you Ann, Stacey and Baby Tayden!
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Justin and I have driven out to Rockwall a few times, but some how we seemed to over look the best thing there! Just off the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard (headed east on I-30) are some little shops (very expensive little shops). But right behind it is a great way to spend the evening!

Lake Ray Hubbard has sail boats,

a light house and some great sunsets!

But more importantly,

Shooting Water

(Above is Coda, Justin, Gracie and Stacey)
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Justin and I

(notice the new "do" at least ten inches gone! so much cooler)

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Tayden wasn't too interested in the camera,

but we had to get some pictures of them.

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The water shoots up every half hour. The first time Gracie wasn't too sure, but by the next time the water came up, she loved it!

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Justin couldn't stand the fact that I was dry!

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Again, she is such a sweetie!

(most of the time)

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Baby Tayden
Poor Tayden. He seemed to be a little clinging and just not happy when he first arrived here in Texas. Stacey decided that something just wasn't right and took him to the doctor. Sure enough, the little guy had infections in both ears. After getting his first dose of medicine. It was like night and day. He was such a joy to have him here with us.

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One of those beautiful sunsets.

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My kids wouldn't slow down long enough to pose with Grandma,

so here is a picture of Grandma and Tayden.

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The second the lights clicked on, Coda was gone. We really had to work on keeping and eye on him. He loved running through the water that was shooting up and standing under the water that was coming down. He would stand or sit on the ground where the water was about to shoot up. He was all smiles!

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I am not sure who is having more fun, Gracie or Justin?


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Look at that shot!
Although the camera is big and bulky, it really pays off to carry it around, especially when you can get something as great as this!


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"He who takes the child by the hand,
takes the mother by the heart."


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Most of our week with Ann and Stacey was spent either in the water or at the mall. We decided to go exploring and try out a new mall. We went to a mall just north of Dallas. You can walk down the mall and make a complete circle. We made the mistake of choosing to go right instead of left. After walking for about five minutes we felt a little self-conscious. Why? Because the stores we so expensive...we aren't talking Macy's or Gap expensive. We are talking BeBe and Prada expensive. And although we were wearing our cut off jeans and old flip flops, we still had a great time!
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Once back to the apartment, it was either "kick your feet up" or put your feet in. Here is Gracie kicking her way around. She loves having her water wings. She gets around so well, probably too well. We really have to keep an eye on her.


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COUSINS

Above: Tayden, Coda and Gracie
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Coda has been using water wings for about two months. We finally convinced him to take them off, and it didn't take too long before he discovered this!

He has been doing so great, especially for a four year old!

But like any man, he thinks he is invincible, so we stay by him all the time.

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Grandma spoiled the kids with water noodles.

It is their new favorite water toy!

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Baby Contest Material, Right!?

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We had such a great time with Ann and Stacey, and especially Baby Tayden. I was really starting to get home sick, so they came at just the right time! I promise guys, next time we will have more things to do and hopefully some extra cash to do them with! Thanks so much for taking the time and the money to come and see us. We just can't wait to see you again!

All our love!