Balloon Fest - Hannah's Eyes

It's amazing how different things look from the perspective of a 5 year old. On the first night we attended the actual Balloon Fiesta, it was so windy that they cancelled the festivities. Not knowing what to expect, we had arrived SUPER EARLY! Our first clue that it was too windy was that we saw kites flying everywhere on the field!

The girls didn't seem phased at all. They had a blast playing in the field. Hannah thinks she knows how to do cartwheels and was teaching the girls everything she knows. Check out this site for those pics!

The next morning was super early. As in, wake up at 3:30 and get ready, put the girls in the van (we had let them sleep in their clothes) and head out to the field. That morning was still windy but the balloons were able to inflate. This was awesome because it was the "special shapes rodeo" so there were lots of balloons of all different shapes - even some well known characters. Even though it was too windy for them to lift off, the girls had a blast seeing all the balloons.

Hannah got a great camera for her birthday and she used it for a lot of the trip but on this particular night, the batteries were dead. And then the next morning was SUPER early and her mommy (I guess that would be me) forgot to pick it up from where she had so carefully set it out so she would have it. When she asked to use my camera, I thought to myself "sure, why not?" I mean, Superman had HIS camera and I knew he would get the good pics so what would it hurt?

Here's what she saw . . .

Ronnie & Avery

Daddy & Chloe

Mommy & Chloe

Jen checking out the settings on her camera

Daddy being his goofy self

Self Portrait

All of the streets in the field had pretty cool names but this is the one we sat by :-)

Here goes the first balloon!

This cow was HUGE!!!

Next time, we'll see what I was able to catch!

Road Trip!!!

Here it is! The long awaited start of blogging about our recent family vacation!!! Many of you have already been following blogs by Superman and the bestie but here's my side. First, let me warn you that I don't have NEARLY as many pics as they do! And my side isn't as professional as theirs.

We started super early on a Wednesday morning. When I say super early, I mean we left the metro before 7:00. And when you're packing 2 families (4 adults, a 5 year old and two 2 year olds) into a rented minivan that is quite impressive!

Everyone knows that when you're headed out on the road, an important accessory is a cool pair of sunglasses. So, I was not surprised at all to see these divas with theirs. Thankfully, Avery had an extra pair because somehow, Chloe had forgotten hers in OKC! And poor Hannah . . . being the "big girl" she got stuck between the two carseats. But she was such a trooper - she only complained once (when we hit a bump and her head hit the side of Chloe's seat)! :-)

Our big stop for the day was at Groom, TX. Home of the 9 story cross. This was a great place to let the girls get some energy out - and a good photo op for Superman & Jen. Superman and I had visited this monument on our honeymoon 6 years ago but it was still very moving. I'm still amazed at the artistry as it takes you through Christ's final days on Earth. Thank God for His love and sacrifice!

After a LLLLOOOONNNNGGG day in the car, we finally arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico!!! That evening we found some dinner and rest. The next morning took us to new heights - literally. We rode a cable-car tram to the top of Sandia Peak. It was absolutely breath-taking. And I caught very few pics of this. My 2 year old (gotta love her!) was in a "hold me" phase so I had very little time with a free hand. Fortunately for me, I'm married to a professional photographer!

Here, the girls are taking time out for a snack. Jen and I sat with them while Superman and R went exploring.

And here is proof that Superman truly is a professional. He actually has the photo he was taking posted in his blog of the trip.

And I'm nearly positive Hannah's going to follow in her daddy's footsteps. In my next post, you'll see the first event of the Balloon Fiesta we attended through the eyes of a 5 year old.

This camera she was given for her 5th birthday and the child is getting really good!

We actually got to do a little exploring. Chloe was obsessed with picking up rocks. I think Superman was on the lookout for the next great picture.

And you can't tell here, but Chloe put a couple of holes in the bottom of her pants. While daddy was taking a pic of her and Hannah sitting on a rock, she decided it would be a fun slide . . . 2 year olds! Gotta love 'em. Right?!

Anyhow, that was the 1st 36 hours. Next time, you'll get to see Hannah's perspective!

My Most Boring Post

Get your attention? Well, this IS truly the most boring post you'll get from me. Why? I've been trying to blog all week about our recent family vacation. But when we were gone, I needed to dump my memory card and the only place to do that was on Superman's laptop. If you follow him on either his blog, his business website, his Twitter or his Facebook you will notice that he has completely been hogging the computer this week! Now, I'm not going to completely complain because he is trying to market his business and I'm proud of him. BUT . . . my blog is starting to grow cobwebs. :-)

Anyhow, as you anxiously await my next post, feel free to keep up by checking out Superman's blog and my bestie's blog. They are both up to date!

BTW ~ If you follow Superman's blog (or facebook or Twitter . . .) he often offers "specials" for his followers. Check him out!

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

I still have a hard time believing my baby is 5! I remember so well the night Superman and I learned we would be parents. And the scares I had during my pregnancy. And the sleepless nights. And . . . I could go on and on. But 5? Really?!

When we began planning her birthday celebration, it was supposed to be small and intimate. What we had NOT counted on was that at 5, she has friends. And she wants those friends to be a part of her celebration. So, our small and intimate celebration turned out to be big and fun :-) She had a blast!

Gotta love Johnnie's Sweet Creations!

They have NEVER let me down on designing a beautiful cake!!!

From left to right: Dallas, Serriah, Chloe, Hannah, Makenna

NOW you know why it's always so noisy at my parent's house :-)

From left to right: Aubrey, Chloe, Hannah, Taylor, Bryan (not pictured: Sam)

And THAT'S why it's always so noisy when we all get together at MeMe & PaPa's house :-)

Avery + Chloe = BFF

I love these two girls!

Hannah got TONS of great gifts but of COURSE the grandparents always pick the best things!

Grandma and Grandpa got the bike.

Hannah was excited because she has been outgrowing hers - her knees have been hitting the handlebars when she has ridden it this summer.

And MeMe and PaPa got her the camera. She's been saving her money for this, so now she gets to pick something else to spend those dollars on! She is such a photographer . . . she is following in her daddy's footsteps. She's not half bad, either!

After all the festivities, here is what I saw on the way to church . . . such a diva and only 5 years old. I think Superman and I have our work cut out for us with this one! (yes, that is lip gloss in her hand)

Disney on Ice 2010

So, not only does the Oklahoma State Fair always fall during the time of Hannah's birthday but Disney on Ice comes to the Oklahoma State Fair every year! Last year was the first time we took Hannah but I think it has become an annual tradition. This year, we let Chloe come along too. I mean, it's only fair . . . she sleeps with Mickey and Minnie every night :-)

Here's how much fun they had ---

Chloe was watching until she saw the light on the camera!

It was fun to watch her waving at her "friends" . . . so funny :-)

And it's really hard to catch a good picture while they skaters are whizzing by,

but here are a few of our favorite princesses.

And Mickey and Minnie, of course!!!

Coming soon . . . More birthday adventures!