temple

We just started this temple rotation idea, where a few couples get to go do a session, while one couple watches the all of the kids for a couple of hours. It is working out really great so far. It's awesome for the kids to be able to actually see the temple in person on a regular basis, so that they can make the connection when they're singing about it, or reading about it at home or in primary! And it's great for the parents too, we are able to get that spiritual recharge, while doing the work that is asked of us :)

"I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday"

How the Merkley's got the kids to all sit there like that is a mystery :)

She is so beautiful

The temple grounds are breathtaking, and so are these cute kids :)

battleship

Who knew this awesome battleship is hidden in La Porte, just a quick 15 minute drive from Clear Lake?? I can't believe it took us over two years to go visit this place. We went with our friends, which made it even more enjoyable. I don't think I would have had the courage to try it on my own with the two kiddos since daddy was at work. The kids were able to climb all around and inside of the ship it was a very hands on experience:) Everything on the ship is set up the way it was when the ship was active, so you can get a feel of what it was really like for the people serving aboard. This ship was in both World Wars, Normandy in WWI, and Iwo Jima in WWII, very cool!

Check out this view!

Naptime Ryan, yeah right!!

There's Jaina...strapped to her stroller yet again!

Bombs away!

On our way there, Ryan kept asking if he was going to blast off in spaceship Texas, hahaha! What a guy :)

It's a bird, it's a plane, no.......

It's a historic day in the Farias household. Our little boy got his very own comic book. It came with one of the action figures the daddy has been buying him recently. He loves this thing, as you can probably tell by the expression on his face! It is going to be the first of many I am sure! He has about 10 boxes full so far to inherit from dad when he gets older!

zoo

One of our favorite places to go in Houston is the zoo, especially this time of year because it is getting cooler. And because Angel can get us in for free with his military ID ;) It is so interesting to see our kids going through the stages of childhood. Right now Ryan needs to know everything, and so he asks us about everything....because naturally we know it all! I think it's pretty cool that Ryan thinks we do anyways!!

"tag, you're it!"

Brother decided at the last minute that he didn't want to ride. Not a problem, Jaina took his ticket without hesitation!

Jaina is one happy little girl, we love her!

After we convinced Ryan that the orangutan wasn't real he decided it would be okay to get close enough to snap this pic!

Making a Splash!

Got a call last night to see if we wanted to tag along with friends to Discovery Green. Another place on my to do list that I can now check off! It was a lot of fun, we will definitely be going back soon. Ryan loved splashing around in the fountains, and there was a playground right there too....it was the prefect place to spend a warm morning. Next time we'll bring a picnic lunch and veg out on the lawn!!

science museum

So we had to go in town for a doctors appointment and decided to make the trip and gas money worth our while. Tuesdays from 2-8 are free and the museum of natural science, so we jumped on that opportunity! It was great to get out and do something different, especially with dad! Ryan liked these dinosaurs a lot more than the animatronic ones we took him to see last time. These guys didn't move or growl at him, so he was happy.

The Next American Idol!

Man how I wish we had video, or even pictures of this!

We went to a dinner at the church last night. It was really nice, while we were eating they had a talent show.

After it was over, Ryan got up on stage and started to sing, I Am a Child of God (see earlier post)

He immediately stopped when he heard his voice come across the speakers.

Then I went up there and stood beside him, take two....

he finished the whole song, and was very pleased with himself when he heard the applause that followed! So CUTE!!!!!!!!!!

1st day of preschool

Ryan's 1st day of preschool is finally here!! Ever since we went to tour the school back in July Ryan has been saying, "I want to go to school". Daddy left work to meet us there for the big day. I was expecting him to be a little more upset when we left, but he just gave hugs and kisses and went on his way playing! I started getting teary eyed at the thought that maybe he wouldn't miss us as much as I thought! After class started the school had a breakfast in the fellowship hall for parents. While I was there, his class walked by (going to Spanish I think). Luckily he didn't see me, but I saw him!! He was the line leader, it was so cute watching him literally taking his first steps into independence! The second day was a little easier, we walked into the school and the director greeted him by his name, and he ran up and gave her a big hug! It makes me feel good to know that he feels safe and comfortable in this new place! Again he walked right into the class, I had to call him back for a kiss! Man I love that little guy, he makes my heart melt!

Ryan was so excited to get to wear his backpack!

Getting ready for his meet the teacher orientation

I was okay until I took this picture....then I had to put my sunglasses on :(

Daddy made sure that he was there for this important day!

I think Ryan likes school!

1st official day!

What is Ryan doing?? Who knows, but he's not crying!!

See you later Sissy!

Notice his yellow crayon name tag in the back

That's the 1st thing he does when he gets to class