Texas Pride

It is tradition that we take the kids for pictures in the bluebonnets every spring. It worked out that we could do it while Jackson was visiting. We struggled to get everyone to smile at the same time, but got some cute shots none-the-less! Happy Spring!

Let's Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway and this year we decided that Charlie was old enough to enjoy it. We met Anna Jane, Ally and Jackson there and had a great time!

We began the day with a pony ride.

Checking out the baby chicks.

"Look at THAT big tractor, mommy!"

The kids had the most fun on this "grassy hill" that was where the audience sat to watch the cow milking demonstration!

Carnival rides!!

Emerson was too little this year, so she watched from the sidelines. But, mommy has a pink cowgirl hat and some boots already picked out for her for next year!

Cupcake Party!

Grandmother hosted a get-together for all of us to see Farracy and Jackson and to celebrate Ricky's birthday! It was a ton of fun - especially watching all of the kids play! My how our clan has grown!

From left: Madison (1 1/2), Kennedy (4 1/2), Emerson (2 months), Charlie (2 1/2), Jackson (9 months), Georgia (2 1/2) and Grant (7 months)

Upside down chicken-fights. Only daddy and Ricky would come up with a game like this!

Megan and MaryAnn

Jackson

Emerson loved snuggling with her special godfather Ricky!

Happy Birthday Ricky

Tonight we will celebrate our friend Ricky's birthday with a little party at Grandmother's house. This morning, Charlie and I were talking about it and this is what he had to say:

All Smiles

I captured Emerson's first smiles and coos this morning! What a true blessing from God! She is growing and changing every day. With only one more week at home before returning to work, I want to see as much as I can, because I know these next 8 weeks before summer there will be so many "firsts" that I miss! Enjoy!

Cousin Pictures

When Farracy comes to visit we try to get a portrait of the cousins together. It is always an adventure, and this time didn't disappoint! We got a few shots between Emerson screaming, Jackson crawling away and Charlie looking anywhere but AT the camera. After the session was over, Charlie discovered this block and had a great time. Next time we know to request the block! Jackson and Emerson were glad to be back in their strollers, free from anyone touching them!

We even took "Baby Chickipoo", Charlie's stuffed Chick head in hopes that he would add to the Easter theme - and keep the kids interested. NOPE!

All smiles AFTER we were done!

Rodeo Round-Up

Thursday was Rodeo Round-Up at Charlie's school. They had games set up in the gym for the kids, a big silent auction and a bar-b-que dinner for everyone. Charlie invited all of his family to come and have a great time at his school!

Charlie was a ring hog. He just wanted to collect them all, he didn't get that you were supposed to toss them!
Ride'm Cowboy!

Most of the kids wanted to throw the hay all over the gym. Not my child. He spent the whole time CLEANING IT ALL UP!

Clean up, Clean up - everybody clean-up

Our friend Ricky was recruited to make balloon animals. He was a hit!

Charlie waited patiently for his turn.

Finally, the blue "wand" he had been waiting for!

Showing off his blue wand to his teacher, Ms. Iva!

Jackson wasn't sure what to think of the whole thing.

But, Charlie had a GREAT time!

Aunt Farracy and Baby Jackson are here!

Aunt Farracy and Baby Jackson came to visit from California this week. Even though he isn't the youngest any more, Jackson will remain "Baby Jackson" for a while in Charlie's mind. The boys hit it off right away and had a great time playing with each other. Grandmother says that Great Grandfather use to say that "kin knows kin". I guess he was right, because the boys were friends from the start. Emerson was too little to get down and play, but she was smothered in love by Aunt Farr and Grandmother. Won't be long and she will be ordering the boys around.

The boys took to one another immediately!

Charlie LOVED that Jackson would crawl around behind him!

Finally getting to meet Aunt Farracy!

Covered in LOVE!

Puppy Love

Our friend Jamison, who is just a few months older than Emerson, came to visit today. We are grooming them for a relationship now. Both his mom and I married our childhood sweethearts!

Don't they make a cute couple!

The happy couple.

Check out Emerson's crossed eyes! We could not get her to focus on us!

Emerson was playing "hard to get"! That's my girl!

Charlie humored us by joining the photoshoot long enough to get one picture. When he moved, both of the other two fell over! It was hilarious!

Little Church Princess

Today was Emerson's first time to go to church. It was very cold outside, so I almost left her in her fuzzy pajamas, but I could hear my mother in my ear telling me to put her in one of the 400 Feltman dresses she has hanging in her closet. So, I did! She did great in church. She cried a little during the sermon, but it was a long one and I would have cried too if I could have gotton away with it! :) Here is my little angel all dressed up for her big day out!

Rock Star

Charlie has resisted bath time lately, so I suggested a bubble bath one day and we made crazy hair the next time. Anything to get him in and out without a total meltdown. Little boys who play hard create a serious stink!