Are ya ready for some FOOTBALL?!

We are!! We have definitely been enjoying Preston's first year of tackle football with the Andover Falcons! He is loving it, and is one of a handful of kids that plays the entire game - offensive left guard, defensive end, and kicker. I am amazed when he talks about plays with Paul at the dinner table - amazed both because they actually RUN plays, and because he remembers them all and what he's supposed to do in each! The team started off the season great, winning their first 2 games, but has struggled against some much larger kids in recent games. The last opponent had 4 kids over 125lbs on the line - one was 147, which is exactly TWICE what Preston weighs (and he's one of our bigger kids)!! In Saturday's game, Preston had 3 great tackles and also recovered his own kick when the other team bobbled the catch! We've got 3 more games on the schedule, so we'll see how it all plays out - pun intended! :)


shaking hands with the other team after the coin toss
playing defensive end (left side of the pic)

Preston in the middle of the pic, moving to contain the running back

our footballer, #25

proud parents and their Andover Falcon!

DFW - Day 4

On the last day of our DFW vacation we ventured to the Fort Worth Zoo. I've mentioned several times how much I love our zoo, but this one was incredible!! The layout was so nice, with lots of trees and boardwalks. There were plenty of fun interactive things to do, the best of which was the bird feeding. There was also a whole little Old West town area called Texas Wild! with lots of neat little shops, a petting barn, and a carousel. I would love to go back sometime! After the zoo, we had a late lunch at Chick-fil-a (mmm!) where we got free chicken sandwiches for wearing our favorite college team shirts. I love their chicken sandwiches, and they're even better when they're free! After lunch we hugged the Dye's goodbye and headed our separate ways. What a great vacation with great friends!!

the girls and their boys!
This orangutan was hanging upside down!

(orangutan video)

Paul and the girls in the glass-top ape building

a beautiful waterfall in the tiger enclosure

The kids loved feeding the birds!

(bird feeding video)

Breckyn looks a little apprehensive - can't say I blame her!

The Old West

interactive farming activities

a bunch of posers!

checking out the stagecoach

another look at the Old West

more interactive stuff

Triston and Preston checking out their wingspans

I think 4 days of non-stop family fun wore them out!

Thanks for showing us a great time, DFW!!

DFW - Day 3

Day 3 of our trip found us at Six Flags Over Texas!! It was so nice having a big group there. A few times we split up so Paul, Mitch, and Christal could ride the big coasters with the boys while the girls and I did some of the tamer rides. We would then meet up and catch a show to cool off, then do several rides together. It got pretty busy by the end of our day, but we all got to ride the things we wanted (usually more than once!), and I think it's safe to say everyone had a blast!!

We were there right when they opened, ready for a day of fun and sun!!
The kids got to meet lots of characters, including Wonder Woman and Green Lantern.

The girls talked Daddy into riding Truckin' Across America with them - how cute is he?!

Mitch found a little green friend.

Preston was flying high on the Spirit of St. Louie!

The girls loved the New York Adventure and rode it twice!

Breckyn and I were ready for the Batwing to start.

Paul and Kellyn riding the Batwing

Christal, Preston, Triston, and Mitch on the Mini Mine Train

the rest of the Mini Mine Train riders - I was obviously excited! :)

We all decided to bump it up a notch and brave the Runaway Mine Train next!

We spent a lot of time wandering around and consulting the map - that place is huge!

We went up in the Texas Oil Derrick to see this awesome view:

And this one:

Paul, Preston, Christal, and Triston in the front car of the Shock Wave!

We all did the Gold River Adventure together.

The kids cooled off with Six Flags oldest and best treat: a Pink Thing!

We took a few spins on the Silver Star Carousel.

The girls got hugs from Bugs!

Preston struck a superhero pose with Batman!

The Grand Canyon Blaster was just the right size for the girls (and Daddy!)!

We ended the day with a delicious meal at Cheddars before heading back to the motel to relax our tired muscles in the hot tub! Another great end to another great day!!

DFW - Day 2

Our 2nd day in DFW started with breakfast at Denny's. We adults shared a booth while the kids were seated at the counter. Breckyn sat next to a sweet little old man who smiled at her a lot. I'm not sure which one of them was cuter!
Our highlight of the day was the Dallas World Aquarium, which was fantastic!!

On the ground levels, we saw many beautiful birds and monkeys.

The lower levels were filled with awesome aquariums that housed fish, turtles, and all sorts of other water life.

Preston thought this manatee was pretty cool!

As well as this octopus . . .

. . . that put on quite a show!

(octopus video)

stopping for a quick pic

This glass tunnel was incredible and allowed you to view sharks and rays swimming above and around you!

Mitch (on the left) checks out a stingray

several varieties of sharks swam overhead

our family, enjoying the spectacular sea creatures!

We were treated to a live Mayan dance by 3 very talented performers!

(Mayan dance video)

The kids were thrilled to get to pose with the dancers after the show!

After we left the aquarium, we strolled a neat little area of downtown for a bit.

That evening, while Christal and Mitch attended the OU/BYU football game, and after more swimming at the motel, we played a few holes at Lunar Mini Golf, where the kids all got glow-in-the-dark necklaces.

Preston was a natural!

Paul was happy to give the girls a little lesson.

The whole place was black-lit with glow-in-the-dark holes!

On our way back to the motel, we stopped at Bass Pro Shops to look around.

Breckyn liked the fish tanks!

Kellyn thought this huge bear was pretty cool!

Day 2 ended with some pretty tired but very happy kiddos!