Vandiver 4 Going Away Party

Back in the beginning of February, we found out our friends would be moving away to Houston. Immediately after I heard the news, I knew I wanted to throw them a surprise going away party. As you probably know, I very much enjoy throwing themed parties. I was looking up ideas even before Natalie's birthday party.


I could not have done it without the help of my mom and sister, Alison, Melissa G., and Bobby. The theme was all about Texas and we even had the guests come dressed up in western/cowboy attire if wanted.

Everyone arrived around 4 and the Vandivers arrived shortly after 4:30. They were supposed to just go straight to the backyard, but came through the front door, so I literally pushed the kids out the door and told them to all go to the back. By then, they knew something was up, but since they didn't see any cars (all in the school parking lot across the street), they weren't sure exactly what to expect. We all yelled "Yee-haw!" to welcome them! It was a great surprise by them and we had nice, warm weather, a great turnout, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves!

I think they realized just how many people care about them here in the Haute (of course there are more, but these were the closer friend circle!)

I put together a photo book of photos from the past 3 1/2 years for people to sign at the party. It turned out great! I also designed the front cover to track their journey from California to Indiana and now to Texas.

Alison's mom made this awesome wreath and I added the Texas.

Our bounce house survived yet another party!

Our yard was packed with kiddos and it was great!

...and we played fun games!

T-Ball Jamboree 2016

Natalie is enjoying t-ball, which I am glad, but t-ball has to be one of the most boring things to watch! The Jamboree was last Saturday and it was a beautiful day! She has had one official game, which was on Tuesday.

They actually pitch to the kids (not at the Jamboree) during the games, each kids gets 3 pitches before they bring out the tee. We were so proud of Natalie because she got a hit on her very first pitch and we had actually never practiced that with her because we thought it was just pure t-ball. Defense is a whole other story! We definitely need to work on all areas of the game with her, but she's doing great and actually paying attention for the most part.

She was disappointment, in fact to the point of tears, to find out that her hat was not going to be pink! Haha! She got over that quickly though. She's on a team with a few other boys from her preschool and her coach is her best friend's mom which I think has helped tremendously too.

They are really cute and funny to watch, but it is sometimes so painfully slow!

We also need to work on her keeping her tongue in her mouth while playing sports!

Austin | 7 Months

Austin is doing great! Growing every day and still very much a go with the flow baby, which we are grateful considering how busy we can be some days!

For example, this last weekend, we were constantly on the go! Friday, I had 2 photo shoots and I cannot even recall what we did in the evening. Saturday started with Natalie's t-ball pictures and first "game", then a birthday party followed by a cookout at our house. Sunday was church with a neighborhood picnic immediately following, then I had another photo shoot followed by dinner at Steak 'N Shake for Cadence's 7th birthday. Even with that crazy, busy schedule, Austin was as perfect as could be...he just fits perfectly into our lives!

He is in 9 month clothes, still size 3 diapers, and still in infant size 2 shoes.

He can sit up for long periods and we don't have to be right nearby for the most part. He is starting to "try" to get up on his knees, but I'm fine if he waits even longer for mobility! He doesn't even really care about rolling all over the floor. He's pretty content just rolling over a couple times and then playing with whatever is around him. He especially loves his piano toy that I believe used to be Aubrey's. He loves music, so that toy is definitely a win.

We have not heard him say any words yet, but when he "talks" it sure can be loud!

He's still eating solid foods just once a day and sometimes not even then. I've been pretty bad about taking his solid foods with me when we are out and about around suppertime. Third kid problems!

He doesn't typically drink 8oz bottles, mostly just 6-7 ounces at a time.

He is sleeping through the night with only occasional 10/11p wake ups for a bottle and then back to bed he goes. Typically he's awake between 7 and 7:30, but lately he's been sleeping in a little later when I have to wake him up around 8:30 to get the girls to school. He loves to sleep on his belly and suck on his index and middle finger at the same time.

He's napping 2x a day, sometimes (rarely) he sneaks in a 3rd nap, too.

Ready for T-ball?!

In lieu of Natalie starting t-ball this week (well, practice anyway), I sent Natalie (in her PJs) and Bobby outside to practice, since Natalie was making Bobby paint a princess picture...haha!

She was actually more interested in swinging outside, but she played catch for a moment. She is silly, so this should be interesting!