Aspen Grove Part 1

I decided to do our Aspen Grove trip in a two part post because there are so many pictures. We were at Aspen Grove from Saturday the 14th to Friday the 20th. Such a fun week! We were spoiled with great weather, warm during the day and cool in the evenings. I loved wearing jackets at night, it reminded me of our days in Wyoming. I loved playing games with the adults at night and having the kids play so hard everyday we had to wake them up in the morning so we didn't miss breakfast.  

Caroline, Bekah and Ava having fun together in the stompers class.

Brett doing the high ropes course.

This was our attempt at a family picture. Not so much.... 

Me and LeeAnn.

Caroline loved the loft in our cabin.

Gunner is such a ham.

Love my little man.

Gunner made fast friends with uncle Jared.

Love you babe!

Ode to my Dad

My dad and I weren't bff's when I was younger. I like to think that over the years I have matured a bit and we are much closer now. I like to think we've become pretty good friends. My dad is one of those people that makes a print on peoples lives. Everyone loves him. When he goes somewhere new he wants to meet and greet everyone. He is quick to share the gospel and he loves his family. My dad has been through alot in his life. Open heart surgery, cancer, and his latest challenge, a brain tumor. The amazing thing is not that he has been through so many health struggles, but that he has done it with such a positive attitude and sense of peace. Such trust in the Lord, that whatever he has planned will happen and he has had faith in that. He is strong and brave and someone I hope to be more like one day. Get better soon, love you dad!

I was able to spend some time with dad while he was doing his physical therapy.  

A few days after dad's surgery he was doing so well they moved him to a rehab hospital where he will stay for the rest of his recovery. Brett and I had visited dad a few times in the hospital but this is the first time the kids were able to see grandpa and his new haircut.  

Mom has been by his side through every step of the way.

Dad's Day

I took the kids pictures for a Father's Day present we did for Brett. I think the pictures captured the kids personalities perfectly. I know I am little biased, but seriously, we have the cutest kids ever. They make me a little crazy on a regular basis, but they also give great hugs and kisses on a regular basis too. Brett had to work on Sunday night, so we didn't get to do a fancy dinner, but we did bring dad breakfast in bed, which the kids thought was really fun. Thanks for being a great father and husband- we love you Brett. 

Finally

I am finally back into blogging. The kids seem to be growing up like weeds these days. Caroline is finally in a big girl bed, Yes,she is 3 1/2, but she always did so well in her crib and never tried to get out so we never felt rushed to make the transition. She has actually had a really hard time with it, I think moving to a new home/new town and not sharing a room with Gunner anymore and the big girl bed might have been a bit much for her to take in all at once. Hopefully she adjusts soon, because the long nights are driving me crazy, she has always been the best sleeper. She loves to play with Gunner, sometimes a little too much I often find them wrestling and running around the house with all too much energy. The other day while at the grocery Caroline did the most embarrassing thing...while walking to the checkout, we were behind this really big african american woman and really loud so the woman could clearly hear she said mommy, "that lady has a really big bum." I knew at some point in parenthood I would have a moment like this and luckily the lady was really understanding and just laughed, it could have been worse for sure. Gunner's hair is starting to come in a little bit, in the heat of the summer the hair on the back of his head gets really curly and I think it is adorable, Brett however calls him an old man. Gunner also just started nursery a few Sundays ago and he is doing pretty well. So far we have been able to just drop him off and leave. He doesn't cry, but he does tend to stay in the distance and kind of keep an eye on things. Gunner loves his sister and always does everything she does, good or bad. When there is trouble,I can count on them being together. He is on the verge of talking, he thinks he makes perfect sense every time his mouth opens and he does not comprehend why we don't understand him. A few weeks ago it rained and the kids were dying to play outside in the mud. So I gave in and let them get dirty. Now its a favorite activity of the kids. The mud seems to draw them in, and it has taken alot of self control to let them get that dirty,I mean they get really dirty, but it keeps them busy for a good few hours so its worth it.

New Home

The past few weeks have gone by so fast its almost been a blur. Here is a little update. Around Easter we started hearing of some job opportunities in Texas. Brett will still be working for the same company doing the same thing just in Texas instead of Louisiana. We have really enjoyed living in Minden but we also knew we wanted to move somewhere else within a year or so because we don't want Caroline to go to school here. Louisiana schools are terrible. Literally, top five worst in the country. So although its earlier than planned we decided to go for it. Our new home is in Crowley Texas. We are really excited for this move eventhough it has happened so fast. Brett has already been working there for a week, while I have been packing up the house. There are lots more opportunities for Brett in Texas and it is an added bonus that we will only be an hour away from family too. Louisiana will always have a place in my heart, my little Gunner man was brought into our family here and we loved our town and all the history here. It was fun to explore the bayous and go to all the parks around here. And we had the biggest best back yard here, that will truely be missed! Thanks for the memories Minden, heres to new adventures.   

And So It Begins...

The heat is here. We have already been out in the pool a few times this week and its only April. I am so glad I saw this blow-up pool for $3.50 on clearance last year. The kids love using it. And...I always love me a good deal. Hopefully it won't pop anytime soon because I am sure this summer is going to be a hot one.  

I love this boy. 

Look closely behind Caroline and you can see the start of our garden.

Splashing fun.

Gunner loves the slide.

Caroline was having so much fun she lost her balance and crashed.

But she got right back up to play some more.  

Spring

We love that its getting warmer. We love to spend our days going on walks and at the park or maybe driving in the barbie jeep or throwing the ball around with dad. Gunner is so much like Caroline used to be at her age. He brings me his shoes several times a day and sits at the door begging to go outside just like Caroline did. I love that the kids enjoy being outside and I love the nice weather. Heres to Spring.