Twins playing lacrosse

They're going to be stellar players. They can already scoop and throw. Check out the one-handed action from Kennedy.

Comings and Goings Part 2- Aunt Jia and Kin

My very best girlfriend in the whole world, Jill (Jilly, Jilly Beans, Aunt Jia) lives all the way in Houston, Texas so we don't get to see each other very often.  We go way back- I mean all the way back to the playground in 5th grade!  But we have made it a point to visit each other once a year since she's been down there.  I love it, because I have been able to see her relationship with her husband Brad grow stronger and more beautiful, meet their adorable son Ethan and then a few years later their daughter Kinley.  And I know she'd say the same about getting to see me and my family.  Even though we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like (I mean, we wish we could be next door neighbors!  Or at least live in the same 'hood) when we do get together we totally take advantage of our time :)

This summer it was Jia's turn to come up to the Lou and visit us.  Last year she came up with an almost one-year-old Kinley and K and G loved her.  This past winter Kennedy and I flew down to visit and the girls were fast friends, so this trip Kinley came to visit again!  (and I'm a bad girl, I didn't get it into the blog.  I'll have to add some pictures later)  The kids were inseparable, except for when they were fighting over toys and sippy cups :)  It was so very precious, and made me wish we lived closer for yet another reason!


The girls flew in late Wednesday afternoon, and we got some Imo's pizza to celebrate our friends' visit.  It was the first time K and G ate pizza!  Thursday we chilled around the house, went for a long walk, and then my MOST AMAZING HUSBAND TIMOTHY MICHAEL took on babysitting all three munchkins so Jill and I could go to a Thirty-one consultants meeting together.  :)  Very cool (the meeting and the husband).  


Friday Tim was most amazing AGAIN and worked from home in the morning.  Once we were all up, we decided to make some Chocolate Muffins (see previous posts!) and the kids were happy to help again.  We got a chance to play outside in the pool before Tim took on the munchkins again so Jill and I could have some girl time.  We went to Jilly's Cupcake Bar... ah.ma.zing.  And then some shopping to work our lunch.  We're dangerous when we get together!  ;)

Umm, don't mind me- I'm concentrating on measuring.  Baking again, the kids sure had fun!

Kinley helping to make our chocolate muffins!

these kids had an absolute blast together.  They made a MESS!

:) 

I just love this girl!

and so do Graham and Kennedy!!

p.s. this was right before bed time and they were literally jumping off the walls- at least the padded fireplace!  Maybe it was the sugar from the cupcakes we brought back from Jilly's? 

two very sweet girls

Awwww!  Maybe future daughter in law?  Hmmmm...

Jump!

While they were in town we decided to do some crafts we found on Pinterest (are you shocked?)  We made butterflies (and messes!) with their hands and feet.  Aren't they adorable?!?  And the pictures are pretty cute too :) 

Kennedy was so proud!

Chillin' on the last day before we headed to the airport

Saturday was the girls' last day with us.  Tim was Mr. Incredible again and manned the house while Jill and I went to a Zumba class together.  It reminded me of old times when we used to dance together ::sigh::  After an amazing class, we headed home for lunch with my parents and grandpa.  They love Jill almost as much as I do, and they were really excited to meet Kinley!  The kids got some down time together before nap time and before the girls had to head home to their family.  

As soon as I dropped them off at the airport, I missed them so much.  But I cherish the time we DO get to spend together, and I'm already looking forward to the next time!  

Love you, English family!

Comings and Goings

Where to start?!?  We've been so very busy at the Horstmann house this summer, and we love it :)  Right after we celebrated Tim's birthday, Father's day rolled around.  I mean, the kids sang "Happy To You Daddy- YAY!!!" for over a week!  :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Yay!

Blowin' out the candles :) 

We love you Daddy! (gimme that cake!)

Right after Tim's birthday, sure enough Father's day rolled around!  Poor guy, he has to do a birthday-father's day celebration now.   I don't think he minds though.  Especially since he got a combined gift this year and we upgraded his grill.  Aren't you excited?!?  He picked it out, so I know he liked it- ha!  We got together with the Short family for breakfast and then home for a nap (zzzzzzzzz...) Then on to celebrate with the Horstmann clan.  Did I get any pictures of us celebrating Father's day? Nope, I'm apparently a slacker.  (but that's okay, because we didn't get pics on mother's day either.)  BUT, we were supposed to bring Kid Friendly Dessert for dinner so we made cupcakes.  Don't you know the kids were all in the middle of that one!  And yes, they licked the batter off the beaters again.  THAT'S THE BESTEST PART!  (egg free, so don't freak out, okay?)  So I didn't get pics of the actual Father's day celebrations but I did get a picture of the cupcakes.  I mean, wasn't that the best part of the day?  JK!!!  Kinda.  But not really.  ;)

Mmmmm!  Pink Lemonade cupcakes with Strawberry Whipped Cream icing

Go ahead, lick the icing- I know you want to.

These seriously were the most incredible cupcakes and perfect for a hot summer day.  They are our new favorite dessert.  I will share the recipe, I promise!  

And of course, because I'm a smart-a** (i know, you're shaking your head in disbelief!) I decided to make NON-Kid Friendly cupcakes as well :)

Margarita Cupcakes!  Oh. Emm. Gee!

Um, the kids did NOT get to lick this batter (it was all for Mommy!)

I mean, melt in your mouth, tangy refreshing for-adults-only deliciousness.  The alcohol bakes out, right?  Oh, who cares?  It's just one... maybe two... and then I'll lick the icing off the container.

These puppies are margarita cake- alcohol included- with margarita-flavored jello icing.  Sigh.  

I promise I'll share the recipe for this one too.  

Right after the week of Birthday/Father's Day Celebrations, Aunt Jia and Kin-ley came to town!  They really do deserve a whole blog all of their own though :)