Fixing Fences and Celebrating Easter

Early in April, we had quite a bit of activity.  First, we replaced about 90% of our fence - some damage, mostly wear and tear.  It was a sweaty, dirty, and productive few days.  The new fence looks great!  Still had some measurements that were a TINY bit off...but our own "Bob the Builder" did all he could to make it right!

"Okay, guys, I'm going to finish up here.  Why don't

you go get the rest of the fence?"

Let's just make sure this funny colored knot stays right there...

I think these bricks need a few more holes...

Work, work work!  I wish Daddy would pay me minimum wage...

Also, we got the family together to celebrate Easter.  Early on, after church, there were Easter baskets to open (some from far, far away!) and family to gather together.  Baby-Baby received many wonderful gifts, including egg-shaped chalk, a bubble gun, and many Sesame Street books.  The main course was a Guinness roast, complemented by many tasty side dishes!  But the best part was being able to share our time with one another.

 Beware Bubble Boy!!!

 The whole gang together for Easter

 Thumbs taste really good!

My early artistic renderings...

Bluebonnets and Easter Eggs

Living where we do, it's almost a law to take pictures of the bluebonnets when they bloom.  So that's what we did - with much laughter and appreciation of the beauty.  Also, our little boy had his second Easter Egg Hunt ever.  This year, there was more egg hunting and less sitting on the ground and letting Daddy get the eggs.  However, the eggs could only hold his interest for so long, then it became a moral imperative to play with all the cool playground equipment!  Enjoy the photos!

Hanging out in a sea of blue...

 ...with my Mommy and me!

 Are we sure we know how to get back to civilization...?

 Grandma helping me make my bunny ears

 Let the chaos begin!

 Here, I'll show you how to get the good stuff out...

 Yep, it's a great day to be hanging out with the ladies...

 Enough with the eggs already...it's time to SLIDE!

 I'm pretty sure I can figure this out.

I wonder what the ladies will think of my sweet ride...

January and February Fun

Been a pretty busy early part of the year so far. We've spent time with family and friends, saw toy train exhibits, visited folks far away, continued to get Christmas gifts, helped a young friend celebrate his 1st birthday, and started learning to swim, all while getting into mischief and having TONS of fun! Best way to tell the story? PICTURES!!! Here we go!

Gotta love the Silly Boy Face!

Checking out the trains with Daddy!

Mommy sure appreciates all my help in the kitchen!

Visiting our "Grandma and Grandpa"!
Any time is a good time for Goofy Face!

Reason #465 I love Mommy - my homemade Elmo hat!

I got a stuffed cow stuffed in a can...
That's a lot of "stuff"!

Hey, baby! What's shaking?
20 months old - you digging me?

Me and my buddy extolling the virtues of gift wrapping

Yeah, toys are fun to play with, too...

The thoughtful, pensive look of a boy
preparing to learn how to swim.
OR...he's checking out the female lifeguard...

Daddy's helping me learn to swim - good times!

Why swim when you can stand on Daddy?

This absolutely is NOT a picture of someone
doing something they shouldn't. It's a picture of
someone being extremely helpful and trying
to steam-clean the carpet!

Dancing Machine!

Bonus points if you can recognize the song!

Christmas - Away

As is our usual custom, we split time between Buzz's and HBS's families, alternating who gets Christmas. This year, we spent Christmas with Buzz's family. The flight up north was uneventful, though our little bundle of joy declined to sleep until the very END of the flight. Then, of course, was the trip to baggage claim...from the farthest gate, carrying a sleeping baby, four carry-on pieces, PLUS a stroller... The good news was Buzz's brother-in-law and nephew were there to pick us up and take us away from the insanity! Once we refreshed and recovered, there were many wonderful activities to enjoy. We went to the Krohn Conservatory (a yearly tradition) to see the new Christmas display - trains!!! - and the live animal Nativity scene. We also checked out the Christmas train display at the Union Terminal Museum, though to be honest, climbing the stairs held just as much fascination as the trains. We spent a lot of time just visiting, especially with Buzz's Grandma - 97 years young! Christmas was tons of fun, with many wonderful gifts, and even musical accompaniment! As usual, the trip seemed way too short, but we were able to share warmth, love, and Baby-Baby drool... The flight home was less hectic, though we ended up getting through the ticket line AND security in about 20 minutes TOTAL...which left us approximately two hours to entertain a one and a half year old...it was good to finally get on the flight and head back home!

Enough chit-chat...bring on the photos!!!

Here we are! Ready for Christmas at Grandma's!

Great-Grandma has the coolest toys!
Look! A singing camel!

Hanging with the family...literally!

Check out the trains! It fills the whole room!

The obligatory "Christmas at the Waterfall" picture

Look, Daddy! Neat stuff in there!

Checking things out with my youngest cousin...

Being cute as the dickens with my middle cousin...

And working the stairs with my oldest cousin!

The Christmas train display was awesome! And crowded...
And look! It's Thomas the Train!

The family looking stylish on Christmas Eve

It's Christmas morning! I'm ready to PAR-TAY!!!

Checking out ANOTHER TRAIN with my cousin

Three important women in my life -
Mommy, Grandma, and Great-Grandma

Daddy with Great-Grandma - very festive!

The chaos of Christmas presents

An impromptu piano recital...anyone want to hear "Chopsticks"?

I can't imagine a happier Christmas photo!

Neither rain nor cold will keep me from the playground!

Sliding on your tummy is the only way to go!

Another crazy Christmas with my aunt!