Ears, Gymnastics, water and a fire suit

It has been crazy here; but then again, when is it not?

I am caught up on photo edits for the moment- until tomorrow, when we have our next shoot, this weekend our big "photo weekend" for the month and then we are taking photos for our church for Mother's Day. The next weekend is a wedding and then a Sunday full of photo shoots. May is crazy. June might be crazier. :)

About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I had a sinus infection and it somehow blocked the drainage to my ear, so I have a sort of muffled hearing on my right side. I hope it clears up soon. I need to call the doctor back, but I haven't.

Eli finished up his gymnastics class and everything at church on Wednesday nights is coming to a close this week. I am a little sad about that. I find myself happier...and my kiddos happier with a good schedule and lots of activities planned. Maybe I will try to be more proactive and have at least one fun, different thing for us to do a week. I know I will miss these days of care-free summers when  they are gone!

Here are some pictures from his last "watch day". I can't believe how much he loves gymnastics now. The first class he left saying he didn't want to go back ever again. It broke my heart, but we had already paid from Jan-May, so we decided to make this a learning experience. It also helped that we bribed him to go with cookies...:). But after the first month or so, each week got easier and we didn't even have to use cookies! Now I really think he is going to miss it. His favorite activities are the balance beam (he now balances on every curb he can find) and the trampoline.

We have had some gorgeous weather! I finally got out the little splash pad that we bought Eli when he was Ileigh's age. Eli happened to see it in the garage a few weeks ago and has been begging to get in the water. After MDO last week I surprised them both with a little water fun.
Ileigh was a little shy at first, but after some convincing from brother, she was all in. :)

Just had to share a funny story too-

Last weekend we went to a small car show here in Amarillo. It was put on by a local charity, where Chris serves on the board. My parents came along because my dad would never miss a chance to take Eli to a car show. :)

Anyway, Eli insisted that he wear his full fire fighter gear- who cares if it was 90 degrees outside? He had so many people talk to him and shake his hand. Makes this momma happy. Sometimes I hesitate to let him dress himself or wear construction hats or shorts and cowboy boots, but those are the days I catch so many older moms stare with a smile thinking back to their kiddos early years. This will only last a short, short time. And all those people who think I am crazy for letting him go out in public like that just flat out miss the beauty of childhood. :)

Here is a picture of my parents, Chris and the kiddos in line for lunch after the car show.