Best Welcome Home

I wanted to post this because I though it was so neat. This summer was Ellie's first time going to Utah for an extended period of time to see her Dad. 6 weeks to be exact and believe me that is a LONG time to be without your sweet child. As you can imagine coming back after that time was rough and alway a hard transition full of mixed emotions for Ellie so when we pulled up in our driveway and this was stuck to our front door I felt like crying of graditude. It was just what the doctor ordered and Ellie was thrilled. If you can't tell it is a giant welcome home poster signed by all the kids and some Moms on our cul-de-sac saying how they missed her and were happy she was back.

A Few Firsts

First day of middle school, riding the bus (20 kids at our stop!) The newest Gorzycki Tigers

First week of select (competition league) soccer. Go #16

SCARLETT IS 3

Scarlett turned 3 years old and finally made it on the growth chart. We are in the 10% but only in height. She is a skinny little thing with a huge personality. We adore her and yet at times are afraid of her. She loves playing in her kitchen and making dinner for Robert and I.  She always starts out with a Diet Coke for me and a coffee for her Dad. She has a million little sayings that crack us up daily like "you are bugging my feelings" and "do you want to see my moves". She loves having dance parties and shaking her bootie which is usually bare because she isn't a huge fan of clothes. She started Hip Hop dance classes and it is most definitely one of the greatest things to watch. All the kids in our neighborhood love her even though she usually screams at them when she first sees them and then tells them to go away, it doesn't last and ends with Scarlett crying that she loves her friends and doesn't want to come home. Fortunately we live in the greatest cul-de-sac ever and all the older kids play with and watch out for the younger kids.

 10 minutes before the party, Scarlett looks pretty happy

We had a huge birthday/labor day party for Scarlett and our awesome neighbors. If 57 people coming over and staying for 5+ hours means success then our party rocked. It was so fun and full of kids, water balloons, volleyball, pinatas and a lot of adults sitting around chatting. We have such a cool mix of neighbors and everyone really likes each other and has fun together both kids and adults. As Scarlett says, "I want to stay in Texas" and so do we.

Vacation in Utah

5th Grade Graduation

beautiful Ellie

36 months with Scarlett

SPRING 2012

Cousin Nick stayed with us for a week and the girls loved it. Hopefully he did too.

Sam and Scarlett synchronized somersaults

 My gorgeous daughter graduating from elementary school with straight A's no less. The entire 5th grade had a pool party with DJ and snow cones and much more. Things have changed since my day.

You would never know that downtown Austin is right behind the trees

 Memorial Weekend kayaking on Town Lake.

 Becky came out to celebrate her birthday. FUN! Now if she would just move down here.

Scarlett's first pony ride

ROT (Republic of Texas) RALLY. Crazy, minimally dressed, awesome motorcycle and people watching weekend. Robert and I had to check it out of course, as Harley owners and all.

SPRING BREAK 2012

The Bucks came down for spring break and brought Nani along with them. It was a full house but we had a great time hanging out. We hit the Austin Rodeo, did hair, swam and mostly let the kids play. Of course we had to bust out the chocolate fountain and chow down a few pounds of strawberries to make the break a total success.

AUSTIN KITE FESTIVAL

With perfect weather as usual we decided to check out the Austin Kite Festival. It takes place at a giant park downtown along the water across the river from downtown. It was a beautiful site to behold as 1000's of kites of every size and color filled the sky.

Tons of people, dogs, food, and games for kids. Ellie went for the climbing wall and was at the top in a matter of minutes while Scarlett tried the hula hoops out. It was pretty fun and different and a great excuse to get out and enjoy the day.