Creative Fun

This summer we have really been trying to think outside the box for some of our fun activities. Now that the boys are old enough to play (or should I say...get into mischief) together, they have found some interesting things to do. The picture below is a frog they found in the backyard. They had a blast...I'm just not sure the frog thought the same!

Ethan "skating" in the coke boxes.

This is when we were stuck at home with the stomach bug (which we enjoyed for four weeks this summer...I would never wish that on anyone!!) That is why they are both in diapers...which is funny since they are wearing the same size! And yes, that is CD cases all over the floor, and they are in the entertainment center!

Ethan helped me make brownies one day, and Lathan helped with the tasting!

Cruise in Review

My wonderful husband, (who works very very hard) won a cruise in July through Toyota! We were both thrilled when we found out. I was completely looking forward to going, but sad to leave the boys for almost a whole week. Of course, they were in good hands and were fine. While on the trip, we went to Atlantis, enjoyed reading on the deck, participated in Bingo (which we almost won), saw several shows, relaxed in the spa, and got lots of needed rest.


This is Atlantis in the Bahamas. We spent one day enjoying the facilities. You could really get lost...it is very very big. While waiting in line for one of the water rides, we ran into a family from College Station. Small world, huh? And just for all who are curious....the suite across the towers goes for $100,000 per night with "only" (as they stated on our tour) a four night minimum stay. Nate had to close my mouth after I heard that!

Our dinner was usually during sunset... so during our last evening, we decided to watch the sunset and eat later. The clouds blocked the view of a true sunset, but we loved every moment of it.

Part 1: We're Back!

Sorry we have taken such a long break from blogging. We've been busy with VBS, 2 trips to Arkansas, Lathan breaking (really it was more like a crack) his wrist, taking a cruise (pictures to come later), and 4th festivities. It's been a fun whirlwind with many more summer activities to come! Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment!


Nate took Ethan to play golf with some of our friends (Jeremy and Collin). Ethan absolutely loves golf which will make many many people happy! I continue to ask him if he want to play tee-ball, soccer, or golf next year. Each time the answer is golf, so golf it is.












We had a "little" accident at home one evening. LJ pulled the drawer on the sofa table which caused it to tip over. Unfortantely, his wrist was directly under the table when we picked it up. After an ER and a few doctors visits, we are better. He cracked a bone and had to wear a small cast for a 1 1/2 weeks (children heal much quicker than adults). We were very fortunate as this could have been much worse. He still has a some bruising and swelling after a few weeks, but is starting to use his hand again. Nate was concerned about his capabilities of eating since he is right handed....as you can see from the picture, he had no problems finding a way to get food in his mouth!

















Ethan was all smiles at VBS!










We took the boys to the Rodeo last week. Ethan loved watching the horses and clowns. LJ took a nice long nap.












Collin and Ethan on the 4th watching the fireworks












LJ at school during their July 4th parade

Part 2: We're back (trips to AR)

On one of our trips to Arkansas, Nate and I spent a weekend with Nate's parents in Little Rock. Below is a picture of all the boys at the park. We had a wonderful picnic and a very relaxing weekend.



For the other trip, my mom and I took the boys up to Paragould to see her family.

Some of the many great-grandchildren












A bunch of us went bowling. This is Gage with Ethan..they love playing together.












This is a wonderful discovery we found in Jonesboro...a fantastic park. A bunch of us enjoyed a picnic and then played at the park that also included a water park!



Our visit to the firestation where, Darrak (my cousin) works. The boys absolutely loved it!

Summer Fun!

Our summer has already been full of fun events. Here are just a few pictures for you to enjoy!

A fishing day at the park-like the advertisement?

Ethan's FIRST fish....he caught a big one!

He has become such the artist...we love crafts!

A spider bite (just thought I'd throw that in)

Bowling with Hayden. Ethan has taken after his Mommy & Nona and learned to love bowling!


Playing in the yard.



I'm sorry I didn't post more pictures of Lathan this time. I have many more pictures to share from our Arkansas trip that I will post soon.

Party Animals!

Lately we have become party animals as this is the birthday season at the Lucas household. It all started in March with my 30th birthday. We then moved on to Lathan turning 1 at the end of the month. We threw a small family party which he indulged in lots of chocolate! He had amazing baseball cakes...I cannot take the credit as Angela is the creative one (I'm actually horrible at making cakes)! There will be a video of this to follow in a few days.
In April, we celebrated my dad and mom's birthdays with casual family celebrations. This was followed with Ethan's dinosaur party at the house. He had a full evening of bouncing in the blow-up jumpers, shooting silly string, and eating cake. His dinosaur cake was quickly devoured, thanks Avery. His evening was topped off by playing Wii with Hannah and Jackson who were able to spend the night.

Our Vacation Wrap-up

We recently took our family vacation to Arkansas and Missouri. Our first stop was in Little Rock to visit Nate's parents for Easter. This of course, included a hunt (see previous post). Papa & Nana had a great time with the boys!
Then, we were on to Ozark, MO to visit our best friends, Kyle & Alison. They are expecting a little girl on May 13th- Natalia, as Nate calls her. We are anxious to see her and hear what the suprise name will be. While in Missouri, we visited the Springfield Zoo which everyone loved. Great zoo!!! We also stopped by the Bass Pro shop for a quick look-around.
The following day we went to Silver Dollar City in Branson, only to find out it was "family spring break day." Parking was an adventure in itself. Once we made it in and ate, Ethan got to ride on several rides and had a fun time playing. We were all exhausted at the end of the day!
We also got to experience two hail storms while we were there. During one of them, Kyle & Nate decided to spend some quality time in the car wash....it's funny how guys are so protective of their trucks!!
We orginally planned for our trip home to take two days, but the boys were amazing and we made it in one day! We drove through Oklahoma, and I found a great fabric store. We also stopped at a very unique McDonald's for the kids. As you can see in the pictures, it is above the highway...very fun!
Overall, we had a great time with our family and friends. I feel very blessed to have such amazing boys (all three!) to share and cherish these moments with!!
Enjoy!