Spring Break trip

The kids and I went to Oak Ridge for Jackson's first Spring Break. We had a great time visiting everyone. A huge highlight was getting to do lots with my sister, Emily who was also on Spring Break---although it never feels like enough time together. We took a nice hike in the Smokies too. Here are Jackson and Dow checking out a waterfall

Anna likes hiking too so that made it even more fun

The highlight for Jackson was throwing these "gumballs" into the rushing water and watching where they went

Me trying to get a shot with both kids

Anna sleeping--riding really wears a girl out!

Auntie Em and Uncle Karl get some deck time with the kids

Jackson taking a break next to Mimi and Dow's infamous bottle tree

Jackson loves running in the woods at Mimi and Dow's

girl time with Auntie Em

And of course you have to wrestle with Uncle Karl

Dad and his girls

Hanging out at the airport waiting to fly back to Dallas

saying goodbyes

Anna saying "more Mimi and Dow"

And you're never too young to fight over the window seat!

Bear update

It's been exactly a week since Bear's emergency stomach and small intestine surgery. And what a stressful week it was! Last Saturday night we thought we were going to lose her and today she is literally running around in the backyard. It's really hard to believe she is almost completely herself again (minus the zillion staples still in her stomach). Here she is a couple of days ago: and here she is today---her new life as a muzzled dog. So far this is all we can come up with as a way to keep her from eating toys. We are so thankful she is still a part of our family!!

See the resemblance?

SPRING has SPRUNG

We have been outside so much lately that I haven't been taking many pictures. Jackson loves to play soccer and ride his bike and Anna is big into pushing things (strollers, shopping carts, bikes) which means I have to be right beside her so she doesn't wipe out on the driveway. So...picture taking has taken a back seat for awhile.
One of our favorite parts of Texas is the great Spring and Fall. The weather is 70 and sunny and you just have to be outside every minute (before it gets to be 110 degrees!!). We had George (a friend from Jackson's class) come and stay with us a few weeks ago so here is Jackson and George by the fire. Another great thing about nice weather is night time outside fires!! And George and Anna at the park

Uncle Jack and Aunt Barb took the kids last weekend for a trip to see butterflies and have lunch. This is a shot worth framing for sure!!

Hard hats

We have a lot of "work" going on in our playroom these days. And you know us....safety first!

The latest and greatest

Some fun pictures of the kiddos lately Anna's favorite "hiding" place

brushing teeth

a little shopping at the FW museum

story time before bed

naked nudies

a little light reading while mama took a shower

2 zonie kids watching television!

oh and did we mention that Anna walked back and forth between me, Mike, and Jackson today?? YEP! Her first real steps over and over again!!!

Sweet sweet boy

Lately I feel like Jackson has really grown up. Gone are many of the tantrums as he is able to put a lot more ideas and thoughts into words. I think 3.5 is the turning point for him. Instead of naps we have more quiet time and mommy time. I really look forward to this time with Jackson when Anna is asleep and he and I can spend time together. We play games, do crafts, read books and just have fun! Lately his favorite games seem to be Go Fish and Uno. He also likes to crawl in bed with us in the morning and just snuggles me and gives me kisses. It's a wonderful way to wake up. And look at this sleeping boy. What a sweetie!!