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Almost a year behind and I am trying to catch up. It seems that is most days. Trying to catch up on laundry, trying to catch up on the cleaning, trying to just catch up on time with my family. Not to mention my friends. I have dear friends that I haven't seen in years or even met their children. I would even consider these women some of my best friends. Why does this happen? Why do lives have to be so busy? I need to slow down and smell the roses, but then I feel guilty that my kids aren't keeping up with the rest of their friends. It is just a vicious cycle.

So I am catching up with my blog and this is where I am. I don't really remember the funny sayings or the milestones of my children from almost a year ago but I do have these great pictures to remind me that my kids are having a good childhood and they are making great memories even though I haven't taken them to exotic beaches or even to meet "The Mouse." I just want them to have a great childhood and be able to say, "Remember when....."

Izzy went to a Storm Chasers game with her friend Addison and her family.

Water balloon time. Nothing better than sunshine and water.

Cletus getting love from the girls. He loves being brushed.

We went to the pool with Tamela and Wylie. We had a fun time.

Mark and I had our 11th wedding anniversary this year. We were out having a couple pre-dinner cocktails and then went to Blue Sushi.

Out and about in the sunshine.

Over at the Camps' playing in the water and sunbathing.

True friends. Letting your friend shoot you in the face with water.

Stella and Nora Ondrejko joined Addie, Maia and Izzy.

At our Sunday dinner at Lazlos.

We love the zoo. We were invited to a VIP event to be the first to see the African Grasslands. We loved seeing the baby elephants.

Izzy got a huge pretzel. It was called an Elephant Ear Pretzel.

The Skyfari is my worst nightmare. I hate heights, especially when I have the girls with me. I make Mark take them.

In June an Elkhorn family went to Disney World. The dad and his two year old son were walking along the shore of a small lake when an alligator grabbed the leg of the little boy and took him under. They later found little Lane a few feet from shore. This was a lemonade stand to help raise money for the family.

Our friend Leonardo Juvera graduated with his masters or PH.D. and we were all invited to join in the celebration. We went to Cantina Loredo. We had so much fun. The conversations were only ones that true friends can have.

Val Camp and Me

Me, Ellie, Gaby, Laura, Leonardo (the graduate), Ana, and Val

Summer nights in jammies. Nothing is better.

Izzy's top two teeth are growing in....finally!

For Izzy's 7th birthday her Gamma gave her a book she wanted with money stuck in the pages. Pretty good gift if you ask me.

After Izzy opened her presents they played Pie in the Face. It is a pretty funny game.

After Pie in the Face we watched the annual fireworks from Shadow Ridge Country Club.

The next morning we lounged around and Izzy opened a couple of new presents.

She was super excited to get a new iPad.

Later that day we went to the movies for Izzy's birthday. In this picture is Kayla Brown and Lexi Bankus and Addie.

This is Addie Bradley and Nora Ondrejko with Izzy.

The next day for her bithday dinner, Izzy chose Kobe. The chef was doing tricks with his knife and lost control of it. It sliced right through the stem of Mark's glass. I'm glad no one got hurt.