REAL Halloween Decorations

Who needs Halloween decorations when you have critters like these hanging around your home?  Meet the orb spider - at least that's what I think this is. He's taken up residence outside the boys' playroom, which makes him a good object for observation.  Every morning, we find a brand new, Halloween style web ready to catch the day's meals.

This critter is actually smaller than most of the orb spiders we've seen around here.  In truth, our yard sometimes feels like the wilderness.  We've watched roadrunners capture lizzards in the backyard and discovered other creepy-crawlies like tarantulas and scorpions.  While not generally considered welcome company, these critters fit in during Halloween . . . I guess . . .

The Big Kid

I can hardly believe this is my second grader.  When did he get so big???

Conversation

 

Gabe: Are you a princess, mommy???

Mommy (internally): Why yes, yes I am . . .

School Fundraiser

LT's school is in the middle of it's annual Fun Run fundraiser.  If you're interested in contributing, you can visit www.crowdrise.com/Lieck.  Send me an email to get the name of LT's teacher.  All donations are due by Sept. 15, and the Fun Run will take place on Sept. 16.

Thanks, in advance, for your support!

Turning Two!

I know this is technically old news, but I haven't blogged about it yet, so maybe it's new to you.

Our spunky toddler turned two this past April.  It hardly seems like two years have passed since the stormy spring day he was born, but I guess the time has flown by because he keeps us so entertained.

If you've never met our big boy, you're missing out.  Gabriel is full of personality and has his own style.  He is independent, outspoken, and down right silly.  Just like his big brother, he loves trains, dinosaurs, and superheroes.  

Gabriel is also a budding scholar.  He likes watching dinosaur documentaries as much as he likes watching cartoons.  He follows along with stories that are read to him, and he always wants to know what's going to happen next and why.  

He balances his brains with athleticism.  Gabriel has a wicked arm and can kick a ball like it's nothing.  He would spend all day every day outside playing ball or swinging on the play set if we let him.

We can't wait to see what the next year has in store for our big boy!

Coming Up for Air

I can hardly believe we're nearing the end of June.  A lot has happened around here, and I have a lot of catching up to do - in terms of posting updates, that is.  So let's do a little rewind, shall we?

I think Easter is a good place to start.  Grandma & Grandpa Gonzalez and cousin Matt visited, which made the holiday all the more fun.  Grandma organized a scavenger hunt and led the charge on the Easter egg hunt.  As you can see, the boys really enjoyed themselves:

Next post: Gabe turns 2!

Our Feelings about our Alma Mater, in a Nutshell

http://www2.baylor.edu/baylorproud/2016/05/what-it-means-to-be-baylorproud-even-in-disappointment/

Springtime Fun

LT chose this car at the dealer on a recent visit for a repair.

See the butterfly?  LT sat perfectly still while it climbed up his leg and arm and then around his neck before it flew away.

The T-Rex is a good buddy to sit with you at the top of the swing set.

The tire swing is always entertaining.

And so is the rope ladder

Gabriel wishes his legs would move faster.

A rare pause at the top of the slide

And our budding Nascar fan, with his latest mini Nascars to add to his collection

One More from Apple . . .

. . . to honor Autism Acceptance Month:

Me Want Cookie!

This commercial is a favorite in our house:



These outtakes are pretty funny, too:

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

 May the leprechauns be near you,
To spread luck along your way.
And may all the Irish angels,
Smile upon you St. Patrick's Day.