The McWoodell Summer, 2017
Our dearest friends, the McDonnell family, decided to do a major remodel in their house this summer. Sang was discussing their various living options with me, and after talking with Barrett, we decided it would be a super fun and crazy adventure if they could just come stay with us instead of going through the expense and hassle of renting a house... so we made the offer! We were planning on being out of town 3-4 weeks of the summer anyway, so they would have the house to themselves a lot of the time. And... we miss them so much... this would give us a little extra time together over the summer! We were so excited and honored when they said they would!!
The McDonnell Family, including Sang and Mark, and their four precious children (that I long ago declared my nephews and nieces!) moved into our house early in June, but we only had two days before our family headed to El Paso for a few weeks! We decided, since the McDonnells were able to help us watch Skye, that we would leave her. But we would still take Bella with us. We haven't introduced Skye to many dogs, so we were just a little nervous! But the introduction went great!! They sniffed each other and then got right to playing/ wrestling.... and it didn't stop the ENTIRE time they were together!! We didn't realize how much of a gift another dog for Skye to play with would be! She was more worn out the entire time Cody was there then we have ever made her with all our walks and fetching!!
The dog introduction!! Some sniffing...
And soon - besties!!
This is a video of their first few minutes together... but this is also what was happening for the next several weeks... they loved each other! Poor Cody had to put up with Skye's incessant need to play, but they both got a lot of exercise and passed out at night!
Our first 'family' dinner- so excited to be together!!
The day we had together before our El Paso trip, we had a group swim lesson ...
Kids did great!
And then we had to say good-bye for a few weeks! We were grateful for the McDonnells to be staying at our house and taking care of everything there for us while we were in El Paso!!
Just over 2 weeks later, we arrived back to Austin very late on a Saturday night. The McDonnell kids were all asleep, and ours went down quickly after we got there! Since it was the day after Barrett's birthday, the McDonnells had several cards from the kids and a gift ready for Barrett... a new tackle box- wrapped in Miller Lite boxes (the beer was getting cold in the fridge!)... Barrett was beyond excited!!
The next morning (our first morning back), we got to celebrate Kate's 5th birthday together at Hoppin' House-- so fun!!
Evan and the birthday girl!
Blake and Ellie- cupcake time!
Yummy!
Charley!
The following Wednesday was Kate's actual birthday, and we started the morning with super fun donuts that spelled out 'Happy Birthday Kate"!! So cute and yummy!!
Then I got to join Sang and Kate for Kate's first manicure and pedicure! What a treat!!!
Love the little girl's pedicure chair!
Toes done!! Yay!
The next weeks, both families were in and out of town and only sharing the house a small portion of the time. But we managed to squeeze in some fun adventures!!
These included:
Quarry Splash Pad: this place was beautiful and so fun!! Kids had a blast!
Worked up an appetite!
After the splash pad, we played in the nearby park and road the small train!
Riding the train...
Playground time!
We spent lots of time in our yard playing, jumping, practicing sports, throwing water balloons, etc!!
Water balloons!
Meal time was always an adventure!!
We played at a new Catch Air...
LJ and Ellie sliding together! Cute!!
Big hugs for Charley from Ellie!
We often read together at night!!
We went to the Austin Aquarium:
I must say I have a few issues with the Austin Aquarium, as not all the animals there seem to be in the healthiest environment. But we got a membership there last summer, so we are trying to go often to get use of that membership before it's over... and the kids love it!
Feeding the stingrays...
A favorite... feeding the birds!
Must-have picture in the shark's mouth!!
Half Priced Books stop!
Charley!! Hah!
Who knew a double stroller could so easily accommodate four kids!!?
Out to dinner with friends!
We celebrated the Fourth of July together!
We went on our annual Port Aransas adventure.
Mark helped us get the training wheels off LJ's bike and started teaching him how to ride on only two wheels!!
Thankful to Mark for his time working with LJ- especially in the heat of the summer!!
Here is a video of progress made!!
We spent a fun morning at the McKenna Museum in New Braunfels:
Evan remembered all the astronaut stuff from last year and couldn't wait to get back to it!!
The kids are on the very top of this climbing thing... you can't tell in this picture, but it's pretty high!
Ellie and Charley!
Busy little shopper!
We dressed up like princesses!!
And the older four kids did a day at Acrotex Gymnastics!
Then, before we could believe it, our time together was over! We headed off to Idaho, and the day we returned, they moved into a rent house. We love our dear friends, miss them already, and are so happy we got a little extra time with them this summer! We love our 'McWoodell' Family!
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