~ Camping! ~

O hmy what a weekend! We headed out camping at Inks Lake during Spring Break with our friends the Ketchums. What a blast!!! Ethan had so much energy and couldn't wait for the fun to begin. He wanted to try kayaking. We'd gone canoeing that morning and that wet his appetite (pun intended). We were sad upon returning to find out they'd closed for the day and would be able to go before leaving the next morning. Needless to say it is on the top of the list the next time out. That boy wore himself out! He was in bed early and the last one up for breakfast. Anyone who knows our E knows he is awake before the rooster. Emily had a wonderful time in the great outdoors! For a child who was TERRIFIED of flies and any type insect really has turned a corner in that department. One night after using the shower facilities we headed to the bathroom to dry her hair and happened upon a spider. We were the privledged observers as he trapped and wrapped a fly and then caught himself a june bug. That poor bug wore himself plum out trying to get away. Emily's take on it all was jaded, as if she witnessed that everyday. Emily's comment on the whole camping experience was" the worst thing about camping is packing up." Amen! We already have the next trip planned...

~ Hoe Down ~

Each year the kids have a learning unit that incorporates square dancing and the parents/loved ones get to watch the performance at Hoe Down. Get the boots out and get scootin'!

~Bow to you partner ~

~ Dosey doe, round and round we go ~

~ BBQ ~

Nothing seems to taste better than Rudy's (extra moist brisket and ribs!). But good company just makes it the blending for a perfect moment. Being there with the kiddos at Rudy's last night was one of those times you don't ever want to forget. Ethan topped it all off by giving a toast to his dad (who was MIA due to a late work schedule) thanking him for his hard work that allowed for a fun treat. Wow! that boy amazes me. God is good.

The Bicycle...A Foe Finally Conquered

Emily being more cautious by nature, it took her a small while to brave not having training wheels. However, once she decided she would do it she was off. Way to Go!

Explore UT 2009

Every year the University of Texas hosts the public to view its various colleges.
Its like Disney World - you can try to see it all in one day - just bc you can doesn't mean you should. We stayed with the Sciences. The kids loved the College of Natural Science.


E holding a millipede





Sheep's lungs.
The dark one shows why you shouldn't start a nasty cigarette habit.



Curious... but what a smell!

Gourmet Chefs~Breakfast for Dinner Special

Once they get a hold of a new skill what better way than to practice it... and mom gets a night off of cooking!