Spring

I love the smiles that come from the park. 

This park is on the path where I jog. We take a break and play while I stretch. I haven't been going as often, and I need to do it more. Especially before it gets too hot! I love Katelyn's crazy hair in these pictures. Usually her hair is in very tight curls, but if I don't water it down after she wakes up, it gets pretty crazy!

I have to add:

Troy told me this morning that he can't blow on his food to cool it down, because he "ran out of air." And when he plays games on the computer, he will say, "That was easy peezy lemon squeezy." The cute little sayings he copies just crack me up.

Katelyn loves to sing, "I wuv see tempo." She will sing the whole song in the cutest little voice. I also love her little laugh/cackle.

Liam found a friend that he loves to play with. They are just alike. They love to be loud, hit things, climb, laugh, and play with toys together. Liam loves to play with others.

Family Visits, Devin, Sarah, Tim and Grandma Jana

So, I am bad at remembering to take pictures. I need Annie here to remind me! Haha. I'll get some from Devin and Sarah and update. Anyway.

On Sunday night, Devin, Sarah and Tim arrived. We rejoiced that they were not driving anymore (because we know the feeling.) Then we had a wonderful Easter dinner. After dinner, my Uncle Dean, Aunt Colleen, Cousin Tim (recently back from his mission in France) and Cousin Sarah. Oh my goodness, I wish we could just hang out and talk for days. We had such a good time. Tim grew like 3 feet since I or Ben last saw him. (It's been awhile.) We got to hear stories of Houston when both our families lived in Spring and my dad was alive. We were treated to hear Sarah sing. She has a gorgeous voice. I love that they are my family!

On Monday, we decided to head to the beach. It was the only day that looked a little more sunny. All of the kids were whining when we got there (except Troy) because they forgot what sand felt like and Tim was a newbie to it! But they eventually warmed up. Liam was the most scared and wouldn't even touch the water. Devin told him that he could play his Wii U when we got home if he did. Well, that did it! Smart Uncle Devin. Now, Liam asks if we can go back. Wish us luck on swimming this summer..

Tuesday: We headed up to Spring to go to the temple. Our old neighbor, Amy Hogan, watched Liam, Katelyn, and Tim. What a sweetheart. She is truly such a wonderful woman. We loved catching up after the temple. We have so many memories in her house. It's fun that they are still there, it looks a lot different because they've updated it beautifully, but still the same feeling. 

                Then we got some lunch and went and looked at our old homes. So many memories here in Houston. It's still crazy to me that we moved here, of all places. It's been really fun for my family. 

Wednesday: Devin, Sarah, Tim and my mom went to the Kennedy Space Center. I stayed home, got things done, and practiced the organ. (I subbed in church and for a funeral. Our church organ does not have a stop to help you with the pedals! I had to do a lot of quick catch up. I haven't played since Utah.) Devin went to young men's with Ben and played ping pong. Us girls hung out.. well cleaned up dinner. Then hung out. We played board games and ate yummy stuff. I got pretty competitive... Devin and Sarah are good sports. Ben is very patient with me. Haha. 

Thursday: We went to the aquarium and the zoo. Well, I went to the first part. 

Oh the lighting on these pics. Sorry. Just sorry. Liam and Devin with a bengal tiger!The aquarium was very cool, but it was over pretty quickly.

We got to pet the sting rays after. That was by far the coolest part. 

The first thing Troy wanted to do after school each day was play the Wii U with Uncle Devin. It truly bonded them ;) Troy even drew one of the games at school this week. Can you guess what game it is? 

I only know it as "the Ghost game." Troy thinks the Ghost is biting Luigi. Maybe I should clarify, so it's not so violent...

Friday: We went to Galleria mall and then played games at home. Devin and Sarah made us some yummy dinner. Grilled steak and noodle salad.

Saturday: Made a big breakfast and then they had to leave. Such a fun week. I love that our kids got to know Uncle Devin, Aunt Sarah, and cousin Tim a little better. It's cute how they ask for them still. I'm so grateful they made the drive. It was a sacrifice, but we loved every minute!

Easter Weekend

Troy came home on Thursday with lots of Easter stuff, and he sweetly shared his eggs with his brother and sister. On Monday that week we had FHE about Easter and talked about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Videos from the Mormon Channel were fantastic to watch. I was part of an Easter program for the stake, with the harp, and it made Easter extra special for me. We tried to talk to Troy more about it and how much it means to us. 

My mom arrived Thursday evening and we were so excited to see her! Troy had school off because of Good Friday (love the faith in the South.) We spent the morning playing games with Grandma. 

On Easter morning we had an Easter egg hunt before conference started. These three love having each other to play with. 

Troy got this drawing book (Thanks to my cousin Lindsay with Usborne books.) I knew he would love it, it was such a great purchase. It occupied him for the rest of conference.

These three tend to stick together. Unless the boys are watching a show, then Katelyn comes and follows me. 

I have been THE biggest slacker with homemade breads. We have been pretty consumed with house projects. But, for Easter I made the Lion House rolls. Oh my goodness, I could eat a whole pan. This was before they were cooked. An after picture would have been better, but... oh well.

It was so special to have my mom here. She has been going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. They are hopeful with eradicating it, but the chemo is obviously a tough thing to go through. My mom doesn't complain and stays so positive. She is a great example. 

At the end of conference, Devin, Sarah, and Tim arrived after their LONG drive from Utah. We were so excited to see them! Next post!

March 2015 Picture Memories

Preschool - making masks. 

Mary Jo Peckham Park - "Train park" - Pure happiness

Troy and Michael. Best Buddies. Michael learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. Troy decided he would be faster if he ran. 

I was cleaning a lot before my family came at Easter, and Liam and Katelyn were occupied on the tramp for quite awhile. When I finally went outside after putting them down for naps, I saw why. Those are Katelyn's hair ties. Totally worth it. 

Houston Rodeo

We got to go to the finals night of the Houston Rodeo. We drove with the Boyers, Chris and Stefan. I wish so badly I had remembered to get a picture with them. We love picking their brains about Houston and just chatting in general.

Once we were there, we ate some rodeo food. Fries, nachos, fried oreos, and funnel cake (I now know what that is.) I felt, just so healthy. Haha. But we enjoyed the food and the whole experience.

We sat next to Chris and Rosanne. Chris works with Ben, and Rosanne is just awesome. We get together every so often. Such a fun couple.

I borrowed this picture..

Carnival outside, bull riding, horse riding, kids riding sheep, teenagers trying to catch a calf, and other stuff. Plus Brad Paisley at the end. We didn't stay for the whole concert, because we had already been gone so long, but we saw him in concert a couple of years ago at stadium of fire. But I had already enjoyed plenty!

Thanks to the Sommerfelts for watching our kids!