The kidos at Lake Travis

Ethan and Ellie meeting their new baby cousin Halle.
Snack time on Papa's boat!
Ellie's first dip in the Lake. She was a little nervous at first , but then enjoyed floating in mommy's arms.
Wahooo! Daddy and Ethan riding on the tube. Ethan didn't want to at first, but then had fun with daddy. Although this was the only time he went out. He resigned to stay on the boat on all of our other outing on the lake.

During our trip to Texas...

Ethan's first dance

We went to a family wedding while down here in Texas. Tammy, R's sister, and Ken had a great time dancing the night away.

Ethan danced with his cousin(3rd), Anna for a good 30 minutes. They did slow dancing and fast. He loved it!

Ellie was exhausted and Whitney was kind enough to cuddle her to sleep

Kim looked so beautiful in her gown and pearls. And the wedding was a blast for everyone. Good food, fun and family.

Texas Game Warden Randy Harper

We are so proud of Richard's brother Randy. This week he graduated from the Game Warden Academy of Texas. After eight grueling months of wrestling alligators , shooting guns, academics and all kinds of other stuff...he is all done.He reports to Limestone county June 1.

Texas our Texas... the graduation was held at the Capitol in Texas . Rick Perry, the Texas Governor, was the key note speaker. I could tell I was in Texas when the prayer was prayed in the name of Jesus Christ. And then , the speeches repeated Christian themes all through out. I was very proud. Sadly, the one chance I had to take Randy's photo with the Governor, he turned around. So, pictured below is Randy getting penned and then posing with several officials and ... Rick Perry's right shoulder.

We are all very proud of Randy. Congratulations!

Above, is Randy, Mama Harper, Richard and Vicki

Red Fox Hike

We enjoyed a nice little hike on Mothers Day. Ellie was really really excited about seeing the horses and getting to pet them. And then one spooked her and she got a little scared. Honestly I'm sure they were more scared of her. She was squealing really loudly.

Cool tree.

New paint

We painted our room. Here it looks a little more mild than it does in person. It feels pretty dark compaired to the white that is was. Its now a nice rich olive green. I haven't decided on window treatments just yet. So for now we just have the wood blinds alone. In the top photo you can see part of an antique dresser that has been in my family over a century. I love it

Adam's 3rd Bday party

Our friend Adam , had his 3rd birthday party today.We went to the local bounce place. The kids had a blast. Then onto chickfila for lunch and cupcakes. Ethan and Ellie loved the cupcakes and party favors. So much fun for us all.

Birthday day boy, Adam, to Ethan's left. EThan couldn't wait to see his "present".

We got a babysitter!

Last night Richard and I went out for a nice Fondue dinner for my Birthday. It was so good. Complete with a yummy four course meal. Cheese, Bread , Salad, Chocolate Fondue. And a awesome wild game platter including, Quail, Ostrich, Trout, Bison and Wild Boar Sausage. It was a lovely dinner and great to have long, uninterrupted adult conversation.

April fun in the sun...

Ellie... eating.... naaaa....
Friday we went to Garden of the Gods (A local park)... We took a short hike. Don't you just love Ethan's scowl and Ellie's calm objection to being held?
They both had a blast climbing around ( despite the above picture). Ellie is budding into quite the little rock climber. She cried whenever we tried to hold her hand , and fell a couple of times... but got right back up.
I couldn't have a post of us hiking without slipping in a gorgeous vista. We are accepting reservations for the season. Please contact management to inquire about vacancies.

Daddy's home!

When Daddy comes home, Ellie gets so excited. She runs to him and hugs his legs.... Awe so sweet.

Ellie was so proud of her "Big Stack"
Today Ellie said "flower"... She has really been trying to repeat a lot of words.

Big Ginger

OK, So I worked at our big MOPS bargain sale this weekend. We took the kids up to it to pick out one new toy. And, of course, this is what they picked out. It was only $10- too good to pass up.

Yesterday, we went to our friend Kristal's house for a play time. The kids had fun. Except when we had to leave. Ethan is struggling with obeying mommy when we are out with friends. We are trying to work on that.

This morning the race was on! They both are in a good mood this morning- yes! It so rarely happens that they are both happy at the same time. .... and getting along. You know mommies. Its cold and snowy today (I think) So homebound we are.

Helper

My little helper.

Ethan and I made spaghetti and meat balls last night for dinner. Yum Yum.

Today was a gorgeous day here in Colorado Springs. The kids are sad to see Mimi and Papa go tomorrow. We've had lots of fun and can't wait to visit everyone in May.

This was Ellie's practice for future pageant parades. Ha!

(we are still working on her poise)

Beautiful day

Ellie has discovered sliding down head first. Wahoooo!