Monday, September 12, 2011

August 2011

At the beginning of the month, we met Steve's brother, Allen, and his son, Logan, at a water park in North Richland Hills called NRH2O.  It was a great park and we highly recommend it!

Steve and the boys in the wave pool.

Logan, Ryan (making a goofy face) and Brock.

Allen and Logan.

Brock got so many compliments on his mohawk throughout the summer, that Ryan decided he wanted one, too.  After all, everyone was saying how cool Brock's hair was, but wasn't saying anything about Ryan's.

My Two Mohicans!

I told them to act like rock stars, so Brock really got into his air guitar playing and Ryan played the drums (sort of).

It was an extremely hot summer this year, so we spent a lot of time indoors.  One day we got out the Lincoln Logs and made a town, complete with a fence around it, guarded by Army men.  The little ones all over the center of the town are bluebonnets.

Ryan with his contribution to our Lincoln Log town.

Brock with what he built...

...and Carmen's house.

We also went roller skating again this summer.  We were only able to go once, but the boys really had fun.  We've got to do it more often throughout the year!

Ryan showing his skating skills....and dancing skills!!

Brock skating and doing some "tricks."

After skating with our friends, we went to McDonald's for lunch. 
Tyler, Ryan, Cole, Travis, Brock

After McDonald's, we went for a tour at the Blue Bell Factory.  This is a summer ritual for our family.

Free ice cream after the tour!!!

Tyler, Brock, Ryan and Travis.

Just before school started, we went to the Children's Museum in Bryan.  The boy's favorite thing is home builder project.

In my July post, I posted some videos of Ryan getting a couple spares bowling.  Now here are a couple of Brock getting spares.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Joe Brockman, The Marine ~ Boot Camp Graduation ~ August 26

My nephew, Joe, graduated from Marine Corps boot camp the end of August.  Since Steve is a former Marine, he really wanted to go and we made it happen!  He was so glad that he was able to see a fellow Marine survive boot camp.


Joe and his little brother, Jack.

Joe and his family.

Steve and Joe.


Joe with his dad (and my brother), Greg, Diane and Jack.


The next Marine in the family?

The outer bands of Hurricane Irene...the graduation ceremony was cut a little short due to the weather. 

Greg, Joe and Jack.

Joe and Steve.

Joe and Greg.

Joe and Jack.

Diane, Joe, Greg and Jack.

First Day of School~ August 22

Ryan started Kindergarten this year.  It was a little tough on both of us.  He started crying while he was getting ready for school.  Luckily, I held it together until I got back in the car after taking them to their classroom...then I cried like a baby!!


Brock started 2nd grade.  I just can't believe that he's already in 2nd grade.  Time really does go too fast.






Heading off to school.


It is now almost a month later and both boys are really enjoying school.  Ryan has a great teacher, Mrs. Hart, who is sweet and fun.  He's learned so much already!  He can read pretty darn good and says his favorite subject is math!

Brock likes school, too.  He was nervous before it started and kept telling me that he hated math.  When I asked him why, he said because he didn't like doing math worksheets.  I told him that I bet they did a lot more than worksheets in 2nd grade and that it was probably a lot more fun.  Amazingly, I was right!!  :-)  He really likes math now and even asked to bring home flash cards!

Although they both say they miss spending time with me during the day, they both also say that they like school and have fun!  It's going to be a great year!!

San Marcos ~ Aug. 13 - 14, 2011

We were invited to a friend's river house in San Marcos one weekend and we all had a blast...the kids with their friends and the adults with ours!

Brock, Reagan and Ryan

Ryan and Travis

Brock

Brock and Catherine

Catherine

Duncan

Reagan

Back to Front:  Brock, Ryan, Meredith, Travis, Duncan

Tyler, Catherine, Duncan, Travis

Some of the kids had to share beds one night.  Ryan and Catherine konked out with arms and legs all over each other.

Steve, Brock and Chad

Ryan on the Slip -n- Slide, which was a huge hit!  We lined up three of them end-to-end on a hill so they had one, long slide.  They loved it!!!


Boys and their bugs.

Brock hittin' the Slip -n- Slide.


Tyler after a few rounds on the Slip -n- Slide.

Brock snorkeling.

My sweet big guy, Brock.

My sweet little man, Ryan.

Meredith

Steve and Ryan fishing.