Favorite Things, round 2

Here are 4 things I'm a fan of right now. If they look interesting, give 'em a try. They might make your life easier (or a little more fun!)

The Dirt Devil Kone--I LOVE this hand-vac! I bought it to clean the crumbs out of Hayden's highchair after each meal, but I find myself using it all the time to clean up small messes. I like to use it to vacuum chair cushions and the floor under the kitchen table after dinner. Since it sits in it's charger, it's always ready to go--no plugging in an electric cord. And as a plus it looks kinda cool too.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte--several people were commenting about this drink on Facebook last week. With the weather turning cooler (thank goodness)~the smells of cinnamon and spices really usher in the fall~my favorite season. I just wish they had a sugarfree syrup for this one. The calorie count is not too friendly...

Purell Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer--as we all know the H1N1 virus seems to be spreading like wildfire. My kids already complain about how often they are asked to wash their hands, so I got this hand sanitizer which is the first I've found that doesn't leave my hands feeling sticky or dry. *note of caution~be sure you keep it out of the reach of children--a small amount ingested can be very dangerous.

Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers--yes, another diaper recommendation. These diapers rock in terms of absorbancy and they are so soft to the touch (for disposables). They have the stretchy tabs and back panal that are the Huggies trademark. One drawback, they are expensive. More so than regular Huggies. But I can always find a $3 coupon online.

Soccer, etc.

After 5 practices and 1 game rained out, Carter had his first soccer game of the season today. He is playing with the Haltom City league this year. He was excited to be there and played really well.

Carter is #8 (black shorts, red socks)


kicking the ball

Hayden eating his fruit snacks

riding on the ice chest


Carter showing off the 100 piece puzzle he did with Mommy

First Day of School!

It's official--summer's over and school has started again for the Watkins family! Today is special because it starts Carter's last year of MDO and Hayden's first year. I worked hard getting each one ready for the first day of school. Carter got a new backpack and lunchbox and Hayden got a new lunchbox and custom nap mat. Everything (and I mean everything) was labeled, napmat washed, lunches packed and everything was laid out for this morning. I made cinnamon rolls for the boys' breakfast and Daddy even joined us at the table. Then we took pictures and they were ready to go! Hayden cried at his classroom door, but when I returned after dropping off Carter he was playing at the table. Carter went into his classroom no problem, put his stuff in his cubby, and started playing with his friends. He has 2 buddies in his class and that helps.
~update~just picked up the kids. They both had a great day! Hayden was happy and the teachers said he only cried again at naptime until they gave him his paci and his puppy. Carter never talks much about his day but apparently it went well. They are both chilling in front of the TV watching PBS on their napmats. Hayden is suddenly very attached to his. Thank you Lord for such a good day.

Look at all our gear!

Ready to go!

Carter's 4th year of MDO

Hayden's 1st year of MDO

(comparison shot) Carter's 1st year of MDO 2006

Water Gardens & miniature train

Heath took off work yesterday and we did a few activities in Fort Worth. We have never visited the Water Gardens in the 9 years we've lived here, so we decided to check it out. It was pretty neat. Then we rode the Forest Park Mini-Train which we have done before, but it's always a good time with kids. The weather was perfect--not too hot. Once we got home Carter had his stitches removed from our bowling incident last week and in the evening he had his first soccer practice of the fall season. It was a great day!




Carter in front of the miniature train engine



Carter and Heath climbing the "Active Pool"

Mom & her boys at the "Quiet Pool" (not fond of my hair here)




boys at the water wall