Spring 2011 - Blue Bonnet Pics

Yep, it's that time of year again. Spring! I love the beauty of this time of year - the 70 degree weather, the beautiful blooms, and enjoying some outdoor fun! Although, Spring is such a short season in Texas. It seems as though we go from freezing to hot temps...ugh!

Last week, I took the kids to check out the bluebonnets at our local park. Needless to say, the kids were not in the mood for picture taking only playing in the fields. I tried to bribe them with lollipops (which has worked before) to get Natalie and Ryan to even look at the camera. After a few tries, I ended up just letting them explore and snapping away.

Autumn and Pumpkins at the Dallas Arboretum

Today, the kids and I met with friends to check out the Pumpkin Village and Festival at the Dallas Arboretum. It is an amazing sight to see all the pumpkins everywhere, along with the beautiful fall gardens! Although, it was very windy and warm (near 90 degrees), we all had a great time :-)

Ryan rolling this big pumpkin around!

I call this trio - the three amigos. Landyn is Natalie and Ryan's best bud and they adore each other. So sweet!

Our kids at the petting farm. Natalie and Landyn brushed the goat and then the little black bunny in the bucket - Ha! Ryan having a fun petting the baby goat.

Natalie and Ryan brushing and petting the big sheep.

There they go again; the three amigos exploring in the bushes and running around in the gardens!

Trying to get Natalie, Ryan, Landyn, and Thomas to pose for a picture.

A great picture of Landyn and Natalie sitting on top of a rock.

Ryan enjoyed exploring this pumpkin cottage. He kept saying and pointing "punkins, punkins!"

As crowded as it was that day, there was no one walking down this pathway of pumpkins. I put Ryan there and he turned around and gave me this big smile! Aww - my sweet baby boy!

After dinner - park fun

We went to PF Chang's for an early dinner (yum!). After we ate, we took the kids to the park to play for a bit before heading home. The weather is finally cooling some (not nearly enough, but it was a nice break from the 100+ degrees we had). It was so sweet to see Natalie and Ryan so excited to play at their favorite place. We are looking forward to the fall weather and enjoying so much more outdoor fun :-)

At almost 16 months old, Ryan is capable of climbing and sliding on his own. He is one busy, adventurous boy!

I love these pictures of Natalie! She is not running or turning away from my camera as she used to. Now, when she knows I am about to take a picture of her, she says "cheese" and scrunches up her face. I told her today to smile softly. With that, she gave me some of these great shots.

Natalie swim lessons

This summer, Natalie had her 1st swim lesson. We split private lessons with a friend, and both our girls did great and had so much fun. Natalie learned to jump off the side of the pool, swim to the edge, and float on her back. We are so PROUD of her! With more practice, she will swim like a fish just like Daddy.

Natalie getting ready to jump in

Natalie floating on her back

Here, the instructor lets go and Natalie floats for 10 seconds! Good job, Natalie!