Stansell Getaway

Over Spring Break we headed to DFW to spend some time with Chris's family. We had so much fun!! The plan for the weekend was just to let the kids swim and wear themselves out....and that is just what they did!

Luke loved using Uncle Aaron's big arms to propel him through the air. So fun!!

Grandpa worked out at the gym while we swam.

Group shot.

In age order:

Rachel - 10
Luke - 7
Tenley - 6
Kate - 4

Miles - 4
Ian - 4
Sydney - 2
Mac - 2

Wade- 19 months
Madison and Tye - 1 Month

All the Stansell Grandbabies.
It was such a fun and relaxing time with family. We can't wait to do it again.

Kate's Hurt Arm

Kate had a little accident involving a foot powered car and an underage driver. Wade was driving and Kate was riding on the top of the car. Wade drove off the porch throwing Kate off the top of the car. We did not take her to the doctor until the next day when she still was not using that arm and it was swelling. Our pediatrician took one look and said it is broken. She scared me by talking about surgery and pins. She sent us for an x-ray.

I had a flash back. My sister and I, between us both, had two elbow surgeries, a broken arm, and a sprained arm. I still have a pin in my elbow. I was really hoping not to go that road.

Luckily the doctor called that evening to tell me the arm was not broken. She did want me to go to the ER and get her arm stabilized because even though the arm was not broken there were growth plates and other things that could be wrong. She wanted us to see an orthopedic doctor. This is Kate after she got her splint in the ER. She was so tired and just wanted to go home.

Kate did just fine with her arm bandaged up. She actually really enjoyed the extra attention. And boy did it bring back memories for me. This is Kate much happier a few days later.
We went for our appointment with the orthopedic doctor about a week later. He thought she had hyper-extended her arm when she fell. He took the splint off her arm and gave her strict instructions to keep her feet on the ground for two weeks. That meant no trampoline, gymnastics, bicycles, scooters, skates, and tricycles. Swimming was okay!! This was going to be very hard for Kate....she is more than just a little active. She has done very good following the doctors orders.

Two weeks later her arm is still pretty stiff. Bending and straightening beyond a certain point still hurts her. I am a little concerned about this. We go back to the doctor next week. He told us if she was still hurting he would order another x-ray. Sometimes hairline fractures don't show up right away. Lets hope everything straightens out with her elbow, literally, before we go back.

Sandhills

Over Spring Break the kids and I took a little trip to the Monahans Sandhills. We met up with a couple of our friends and headed over for a fun little day trip. I did not know what to expect really. The Sandhills were a lot bigger than I had imagined and it was a lot more exercise, especially carrying a 27 pound weigh every step of the way. Someone did NOT like the feel of sand, go figure. It was like the beach with no water.

I thought the Sandhills were kind of pretty. Rachel said it felt like we were in Egypt...the perfect description.

This is were Wade sat, on a towel, the whole time. He screamed when any part of his body touched the sand. Christian got him to wave at the camera for me.
You can be sure I took my turn on the sleds.
And this is how my run ended.
Cheryl speeding down the hill.
Mandi's turn... the adults were not going to miss out on the fun. I actually got more pictures of us going down than the kids.
They took turns burying each other. Cole first.
Then it was Luke's turn.
Adam and Caden. I think Caden looks pretty cool in those shades.
Sled for three.
I took Wade down the hill. He really enjoyed the ride too. He wanted to go over and over again. The problem was I had to carry him and the sled back up each time. Did I mention all the exercise this trip required?
Rachel enjoyed the trip but the picnic lunch was her favorite part.

Rolling down was just as much fun as sledding down...until the sand got into your eyes. Always keep your eyes closed.
We had such a fun time! This is a trip you have to take when the weather conditions are ideal....which they were. It would be miserable in the summertime but perfect for spring break!!

Aunt Dena, Grandma Dena, and Cupcakes

A couple of weekends back Grandma and Dena came for a visit. Dena was in Snyder for a visit. She came over to Midland to watch Luke play soccer, but the weather was too cold and wet and the games were all canceled. So since we were all stuck indoors because of the weather I thought we could make some cupcakes.

Grandma is getting Wade to eat his lunch. He definitely ate more than usual with her help.

The kids got to decorate the cupcakes when they finished baking. What fun!!

Can you tell this cupcake is decorated as a leprechaun?
A little help from Grandma.
Wade approved of the cupcakes!
Luke did too.
Our St. Patrick's Day cupcakes!! Yum!!

The hair twins.

My Boys

Nothing makes my heart happier than my kids playing together. Wade loves playing with the big kids and his brother just adores him. I hope this will never change.

Spring Soccer Time

Luke is playing soccer again this Spring. He is playing for the Hawks. I am so glad he has found a sport he really likes to play. I just love to watch him play soccer. He can really hustle!!

Kick that ball!!

Regional Spelling Bee

A few weeks back Rachel competed in the Regional Spelling Bee. The winner of the Regional Spelling Bee wins an all expense paid trip to Washington DC to compete in the National Spelling Bee. She qualified for the Spelling Bee when she won her school spelling bee back in December. We spent many hours learning how to spell over 1000 words, many of which I could not pronounce. We both learned some new words! When the big day finally arrived we were both very nervous. Here is Rachel all ready for the Bee to start.

Here are a few supporters from Rachel's cheering section. Grandnanna, Atti Kate, and Robin were also there rooting her on.
Rachel spelling a word. How scary this must have been.
Rachel with her sweet friend Atti who came to cheer her on.
Well the Spelling Bee did not turn out how Rachel hoped it would, but Rachel did GREAT!! There were 41 kids in the Spelling Bee. The round that Rachel was eliminated on started with 17 kids and ended with 9 kids. So she placed somewhere in the top 17. We are so proud of her!!