Well, it's true, summer is over....but we had so much fun! We did things this summer that we have never done before and that we cannot wait to do again next summer (except put on 10 pounds!) :)
Jilian took swim lessons this summer, and, as we already knew, she was a pro. She did everything the instructors asked her to do without hesitation. This girl is fearless in the water - it's kind of scary. But, hopefully she learned some skills that she can keep with her. We practice them when we're in the pool, so hopefully they'll stick.
Brad raced in another triathlon this summer with 2 of his buddies. They all did real well. Although it's not really a spectator sport, Jilian and I and the family of one of the other guys go out and cheer them on. I think they secretly like it even though they say they don't care if we go or not! :) We did have a bit of a crisis - Jilian lost Marvin (her security toy.) Luckily Mimi was able to find a replacement. It's amazing that she did because Jilian has had Marvin since she was born.
We went twice in a row to Georgetown to see my sister and her family. The first weekend was for my precious nephew's birthday - he turned 1! Time sure has flown by! And, of course, we got to see KayKay and Grandpa. They came for Seth's birthday, too. I forgot to take my camera (can you belive that?) so I don't have any pictures - YET! Gotta get them from ALL the other cameras!Brad is really enjoying his new job. It's so different from his last. He loves the traveling much better than sitting behind a desk - that's just not his personality. Jilian and I are willing to make that sacrifice so that he's happy. We are getting by just great. My mornings are a little rushed (Brad always had morning duty, and I had night duty). I can't make it to work on time to save my life, and now that the Richardson police are 100% enforcing the HOV lane violators, I can't even use that as a crutch. To be honest, sometimes I think it would be easier to get a ticket to save some time, but I'm way too scared of Brad. He'd make me sleep outside or get a second job to pay for the ticket! Can't take that chance! I've been experimenting with new recipes for dinner, and I'm finding a few good ones. In fact, I'm sending them to EVERYBODY with a comentary so that they can enjoy them, too! Hope y'all don't mind! :) We're adjusting to some nights without Daddy pretty good. Jilian had the worst meltdown EVER the other night - it was World War 3 at my house. She and I were just screaming at each other. She said to me "I'M NOT HAPPY!" and "I'M SO MAD RIGHT NOW!" Phew - that was a rough night, but I had to lay down the law - not budging.
Her school is going great too! She loves it, and she has so many friends that she talks about, and when we get there in the mornings, the same 3 girls are there (I think they are her 'best' friends) and they greet us 'Hi Julian!' It's so cute, I can't even correct them. I figure Jilian has already tried, and it's a hard name to say. She loves her teachers and they say she is doing great. YAY!
We ended the summer with a great get together of our friends and neighbors. We had a suite at the Frisco RoughRiders game on Saturday, and we had 15 friends join us. We had a blast! The kiddos could run around and not have to sit in a seat the WHOLE game. We could sit inside or sit outside in stadium type seats. And, one of the mascots came to the suite to say hello. We had a great time just chatting with everyone, and I *think* the RRs won. I wasn't paying much attention...
Well, after this summer, we need a break....
Bring on fall....
We finally decided to go back to the hotel and actually check in this time....look at ALL the palm trees! We packed a cooler full of snacks, sodas and lunch meat, and ate our meals in the hotel room. The only meal that we ate out was dinner. It worked out great (and made for a cheap trip!)
The hotel was a suite, with a seperate living area with a fold out couch and a refrigerator. Every night after dinner, we went swimming in the pool at the hotel. This was even after being at the beach for four hours! It was perfect for us...the girls had their own 'room' and so did the grown ups. They had a little slumber party!
The next day, we went to the Texas State Aquarium. The girls had a lot of fun, but considering how much it cost, we would have rather been at the beach!
We spent about 4 hours each day on the beach (as you can see from my lobster skin) and just soaked up the sun. It's really funny how some much needed R&R can be found next to the ocean. Everyone was at peace...the girls had a million things to do and never argued once (on the beach, that is). They were just so....content. And, even Brad and I got some much needed beach therapy.... 
