South Padre

We recently vacationed in South Padre Island, TX and it was GRAND!  We absolutely loved it.  It was a totally cool, laid back, beachy-vibe area.  Our rental was gorgeous, had its own private pool and jacuzzi on the back patio {which the girl's could not get enough of} AND our own private beach access!  Perfect!

While we were there, we didn't do too much, but we visited some memorable places.  Second only to parasailing {which Justin and all 4 kiddos got to do} was visiting a little place called Sea Turtle, Inc.  They rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles.  It was extraordinary to get up close and personal with these creatures; to hear of the unfortunate events that brought them to STI and if/when they would be fully rehabilitated and released.  The girls thought this was awesome!

We also did a bird and nature preserve walk.  I've got to admit, when its 92 degrees outside with 85% or more humidity, nobody was thrilled with the idea of walking around outside to see this preserve.  But boy are we glad we did!  We saw tons of awesome birds {up close and personal}, sea turtles, dozens and dozens of fish and even an alligator! Everyone agreed, it was worth the sweat!

On our way to SPI, we stopped by San Antonio and
taught the girls a little Texas history!

The view from our back patio!

Beautiful, beachy Bella.

JTS and the girls gearing up to go parasailing.

Sophie, Hannah & Mia parasailing.

Look closely.  That's JTS and Mia.  You can tell by
the long legs and the shorts legs!

A rare moment of sibling love, unscripted and caught on camera!

Cute Cousins

In June, we got to attend our nephew Teddy's 1st Birthday celebration.  It was a great day in Laramie {albeit a little chilly} and we were able to capture some super cute pictures with all of the Spicer cousins!   What an adorable bunch!

Aubrey{8 yrs}, Tyler {6 yrs}, Sophie {13 yrs}, Hannah {12 yrs},
Teddy {1 yr}, Mia {8yrs} & Bella {10 yrs}

LegoLand

I came across a few shots of our trip to Legoland this past summer and wanted to add them to the blog.

The kid's table.

Want. Need. Wear. Read

This year Justin and I have decided to do something different for Christmas. We have been pondering a way to simplify Christmas for some time now. Our children, like all children, love Christmas and of course Christmas gifts. As they are getting older, they are becoming capable of asking for more, and sometimes even, expecting more. We feel the need to teach them that more is not always better. Sometimes, more is just... more.

Last year, I read about a new gift giving idea and shared it with Justin. Each family member receives four gifts: something they NEED, something they WANT, something to WEAR, and something to READ. Eureka! We both agreed - this was a great idea! Of course the children will still receive the customary gift from Santa and their stockings will be filled, but they now will know what their limitations are as far as Justin and I are concerned and they will have to consider what it is that they most want in these categories rather than presenting us with an endless list of meaningless items.

I am pleased at the thought of Christmas being so much more simple and less stressful this year. We have put a lot of thought into this idea and I know the girls will feel especially loved Christmas morning when, rather than just an abundance of gifts, there are select gifts that they were really hoping for. We are especially hoping that our children are still young enough that they can easily forget the years of over indulgence and find the true meaning of the holidays.

Halloween Treats

This year for girls' class treats, I found this adorable idea from Shindig Parties To Go. You can link to her blog HERE. I used chocolate chips instead of pre-painting the eyes and noses which was much easier yet didn't leave me with as clean of lines as if I had painted them and, because I had to make so many and they have to be delivered to various schools, I left mine sans sticks and they still turned out pretty cute!

Candy-covered Oreo Ghosts

+
labels

=

aDoRaBle {and easy} class treat!

Happy Halloween

Halloween 2011

Mia ~ SpongeBob Girl
Sophie ~ Mime
Bella ~ Witch
Hannah ~ Grrr Monster

These sillies had way too much fun taking pictures!












A sad mime who's make-up is rubbing off.

A new tradition...

Justin and I have recently started a new dinnertime tradition with the kids. After we say grace, we go around the table and each share a "gratitude" and try to think of at least one way we helped someone else that day. The idea is to start focusing on being more grateful and focusing on others and not just ourselves.

It really is so sweet to hear some of the things they come up with and it really showcases their different personalities. Tonight, Sophie was thankful for the chicken that gave it's life so that we could have dinner {always the animal lover}; Hannah was thankful for her friends; Bella was thankful for her family; and Mia was thankful for the curve that God put in her foot that allows her to dance. As for ways in which they helped others, Sophie talked about helping clean up in the lunch room; Hannah helped a friend with some school work; Bella also helped a friend with some school work and Mia helped a friend on the playground.

There are moments as a parent that you find such profound joy and gratitude. For me, tonight was definitely one of those moments!

Independence Day

We had a WONDERFUL 4th of July celebration
this year complete with family, fireworks and fun!


•yummy crepes•
{and very patriotic too}


•festive cupcakes•
{decorated by Sophie & Hannah}


•stars & stripes•


•sparklers•


•Hannah•


•poppers•


all of the noise made Harry nervous
and made him
S•M•I•L•E


•backyard badminton•


•Hannah & Aubrey•


•cute cousins•


•Bella & Toby•

•Poppy's cake•

{forever 29}

•JTS & I•

Random Family Photos

After the Bella's First Communion and spring piano recital, and because we had so many people gathered together, we snapped a few family shots. Isn't it funny how a photo, taken on a whim, can turn into something you treasure? I love that we have these pictures of our Grandmothers. My grandmother turned 84 in April and Justin's grandmother will be 89 this July.

4 Generations of Spicers


Nana, Poppy & the girls


'The Spice Girls'


Papa, Grandma and the girls


just us


4 Generations...