The Life of Barrett and Tanya and their 2 Little Munchkins: Summer of Fun

"Be joyful always, pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

We have had a fun summer! Here is a mix of some of the things we have done during the end of July and beginning of August.

Taking a ride on the dart train to downtown Dallas.

We spent a Saturday with Tara, Jacob, and the 4 boys going to Dallas on the train, trolley, and having lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse at the West End.

Korbin, Calahan, and Dylan listening to music on their ipods during the drive over to the train station.

The Benker Family

We got off the train at the underground stop, took the long escalator ride up to the street, and hopped onto the old McKinney Avenue Trolley.

The boys all loved the ride!

The trolley conductor was a good tour guide during our ride to down town.

Tara and Jacob at our lunch together at Spaghetti Warehouse.

Cal asked for a refill on his drink, so the waiter surprised him and brought him his very own pitcher of coke. What a way to make an impression on a little guy. He loved it! And no, he wasn't able to drink it all - thank goodness since we had a long train ride home with no bathroom aboard :-)

Oliver - warn out on the train after a busy day out.

***Notice his cozy shoes...this was one of my projects for the summer - making little baby shoes. I found a pattern online and have a new sewing machine that I got for Christmas just waiting to be used. I figured I would try out a pair and make some for Oliver. Well the first pair was too small, the second pair too big, finally the last pair fit him just right. I have really enjoyed getting creative with these cute little things!

My new sewing project

Korbin, Dylan, and Cal having fun standing on the train for the ride home.

We took another trip down to Houston to celebrate with all of the Walch family - Pam's Birthday, Mother's Day, and Father's Day. We also spent some time helping out around the house as Pam is continuing to heal from her broken leg. She has really made some great improvement!!!

Conrad opening his Father's Day gifts.

Game time

Mackenzie - all in pink - her favorite color.

Preston playing Uncle Barrett's car racing game at GramPam and Pa-pa's House.

Uncle Barrett with Preston and Mckenzie playing games.

We spent an evening watching the boys while Tara and Jacob went out. We had a fun time!

We had a monopoly competition while there.

5 hours later - Barrett and Korbin battled it out for a long time, but Korbin was the winner!!! He won just about every piece of money there was in the game.

One evening Barrett and I made homemade chocolate and peanut butter fudge. We both love to cook. It is always extra special when we can cook together.

Yum! It turned out perfectly!

Camryn turned 5 years old on August 5th.

Madison turned 2 on August 7th. Too funny - this is the face she has started making when you tell her to smile for a picture.

Blowing out the candles.

I know the two girls aren't really babies anymore, but I had fun making them little slipper shoes for their birthdays.

Dad had his birthday on August 4th. I could use another slice of that birthday cake just about now. That homemade chocolate icing is the best!

Hannah and I had a day with Chandler, Cami and Madi at Grapevine Mills Mall. It was also the official day of Madisons 2nd Birthday. Happy Birthday Madison!!