Gramz and Gramps Come for a WHOLE Week!

I don't know how we got so lucky to have my parents both come for a week at the end of April! It was a fun, laid back, and project-filled week. They flew into Austin, so we had plenty of time to visit on the road and Kristen was so kind to let us stay at her house. The week went by so fast and I'm so thankful to my parents for helping us clean out the garage, dad...change light bulbs and fix things. We got to spend lots of time just being together which was just what the doctor ordered. They are the easiest guests and we all wish they came more often!

One day we went to downtown Dallas while the kids were in school and visited Dealey Plaza where JFK was assassinated, the Old Red House Museum, and JFK Memorial. We had lunch outside at Corner Bakery. It was lovely to sit there while it misted and we enjoyed the birds, tram, and scenery. The outing was complete with 'Sprinkles' cupcakes. Thanks for supporting us in all we do mom and dad. We love you!















































Dad, Matthew and I in front of the JFK Memorial.

















Tiki and Grandpa watching the fountains in Downtown Dallas.





























We had an early Birthday/Mother's Day/Father's Day celebration! We love you Gramz and Gramps. Thanks sooooo much for coming!

Easter 2009

Yes the Easter Bunny visited our house this year. The kids opened everything before church and then we dyed Easter eggs. It was really fun this year to see all of the designs the kids came up with.

After church, the day was complete with a festive dinner at Grammy and Pappaw's. (I'm still kicking myself for not taking a picture when we were all dressed up). It was a blessing to reflect on the resurrection of our Savior.

Fort Worth Zoo

We had the 1st free Saturday in weeks, so we took off as a family and went to the Fort Worth Zoo. It is one of the nation's top zoos! Some highlights were the elephants, feeding the birds with seed sticks, flamingos, and watching the gorilla put the white rag on his head while sitting right in front of us. Great family fun!

Sean's Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the greatest guy! Here is my list from our last anniversary, but it is still applicable. He is so unselfish...our little family is the luckiest.

His Likes: (things he is passionate about)
Aviation
His family
The solar system
The church (everything about it)
Travel
Sports (watching, playing, coaching)
Animal Planet
Comedies
Me!
Long showers
Maps
Good 80's songs
Talk radio
Missionary work
Boating
Sushi
Good basketball shoes
"Combos"
Hot tubs

His Dislikes:
Women driving while talking on cell phones
When the boys miss the toilet
Cutting nails over carpet-yuck
Bad drivers
Lots of shopping
Cheap trash bags
Sad movies
When he gets hit in the face/head :)

What I Love About Him:
Watching him be a great dad
His nicknames for me
The twinkle in his eyes when he talks about his family and about flying
The way he does his hair-it's an art
When he gets fired up about politics
When he gives me tickles
When I go out with friends, etc. and he says "have a great time or enjoy"
When we talk or play Uno

I think one of our most favorite moment's of Sean's birthday weekend was when we all went to Babe's chicken and they made him stand up and do the chicken dance. Sean, you were a great sport!


















The weekend of Sean's birthday his cousin Cathy was in town and it was filled with all kinds of fun stuff, so when his actual birthday came around on Monday he said "I just want to do something that you and the kids would enjoy." Hence, we went to our favorite family park..."the wooden park". It has a big play area, walking trails, a lake, and even a friendly donkey that Austin befriended. It was a great evening. Here's some of the good times.
































Rolling down the hill!





























Queen of the hill!












Mack Boys!

Squirt

So our little Malti-Poo, Squirt, definitely deserves his own post. He was Taylor's birthday present, but technically we all share him:) He has been the sweetest, best little puppy. In the beginning I have to admit that the "accidents" got a little old. Now, he has become part of the family.

Last week Squirt found a way under the fence and disappeared. Jake and Taylor got on their bikes and I got in the car. We searched until it was dark. Finally a sweet lady called and said that she had found him. We were overjoyed. We know our prayers were answered. After that experience I now know that Squirt would be hard to replace.

Cousin Cathy Comes to TX

Cousin Cathy came to Texas for the weekend and we had a great time "Texas Style". We started out with a bang going to the Ft. Worth Stockyards! We had true bbq and then went to a rodeo. Of course the kids loved going out in the arena for the sheep chase! It was probably 40 degrees that night and windy...brrrr.

The most touching moment for me was at the beginning... a cowgirl rode around the arena holding an American Flag while the song "I'm Proud to be an American" played. It was beautiful and I got choked up. What a great country we live in. I also loved how they started out with a prayer...only in Texas!!!

The next night was fun at Babe's Chicken. (That's when Sean was a sport doing the "chicken dance"). The last night was dinner and a birthday celebration at our house. Cathy is so much fun. It is always a joy to see her and her wonderful kids. Lots of fun and laughs!

Who Says You Can't Bake a Turkey in March

Yes, I have helped with a turkey many times, but never done the whole thing on my own. This is my first turkey ever. Yum! It tasted good even in March.