Visit from Nana and PopPop

Bob and Ruth stopped by for a short visit on their way home from Florida. It was so fun to see them and we wish they lived closer. The kids just adore them and to be completely honest, it is nice to have 2 extra sets of hands around.

Nana and PopPop come visit us again soon!

The kids could not wait to show them their new Snoopy Snowcone maker

Next - a puppet show

I love the way PopPop is looking at Matthew - so cute!

Nana loved giving Matthew a bottle every night

More puppet shows

Walks around the neighborhood - Matthew just fit in that little wagon and seemed so content

Sweet Matthew - 12 months old

Feeding the ducks at the Quarries - check out the fake BlueTooth Will bought at the Dollar Store. Hilarious.

TCU Invades Shreveport

After FW, we headed on to Shreveport to meet up with my TCU girls, Mandy, Anna, and Red. Unfortunately, Alison wasn't able to join us. Red's new house is gorgeous and the kids all really have fun with one another. The girls slipped out for some shopping while the boys stayed home with the kids. It was a short trip for us since we had to leave a little early to get back home to work and school.

I'm looking forward to seeing them again at our Annual Lake Weekend.

The girls (minus Alison)

Mandy announced she was pregnant with a baby BOY - due August!

Baker and Elle had a great time playing - despite the tears in the photo

Samuel, Will, Catherine and Alivia adore each other and play so well together

We bought the kids matching t-shirts at Old Navy

Fun in Fort Worth!

We took a few days from our normal routine, dropped the littles off with Mimi and Grandpa and headed to Fort Worth to visit Leigh, Blair, the twins and Mama T.

It was our first stop on the way to Shreveport to rendezvous with my TCU girls to celebrate Mardi Gras family-style.

The weekend was absolutely spectacular. The weather was beautiful and it was just so fun to be with the older two kids who are almost independent. No diapers to change, no naps to contend with. They both did great in the car, too. We had so. much. fun. It helps me to realize how much more fun the kids will become as they continue to get older and older.

First stop - FW Zoo. This place is amazing. 

The zoo is small enough to not be too overwhelming.

They have re-done their aquarium area and it is so good.

Me and my cousin, Blair Taylor Walker

I love this shot that Matt took. Look at my face - I can't remember what Will was saying but that sums up the weekend for me - just joy with spending time with the kids and Matt.

Blair and one of her twins, Martha.

Alivia with the other (much larger) twin Katherine.

Matt was determined to take us to his favorite burger joint.

The weather was gorgeous.

After the zoo we made a stop at the TCU bookstore! 

Then we headed over to Trinity Terrace to see Mama T. She looked so pretty. She turns 95 next month!

Alivia and Mama T

She played the piano and sang for us. The kids were enthralled. 

That night we got a babysitter and went out just with the adults. Here is Matt with Leigh Taylor Bornitz, my other cousin. 

We started the evening at Leigh and Michael's house - it is GORGEOUS. It looks like it is out of a magazine - in fact, I'm pretty sure it HAS been in a magazine!

Morning chaos at the Walker house.

Martha - 19 months

This is out of order - but it is the guys on our night out at Leigh's house - check out the funky carpet!
 From L --> R: Michael, John and Matt

Katherine - 19 months

One Year Check Up for Matthew

We saw Dr. Dawson today and got a good report. Here are his stats:

Height: 29 inches (25%)
Weight: 21.6 lbs (35%)
Head: 47 cm (70%)

Compared to the other boys he is a peanut! I keep expecting him to wear larger clothing than he does after my experience with John and especially Will. We are finally over the bronchiolitis and he is returning to his happy healthy self.

Baby Matthew is ONE (tomorrow)!

We have had to postpone the actual birthday celebration today due to Matthew still struggling with fever, cough and runny nose. . . but I wanted to write a little something to my precious fuzzy-haired baby and post some cute pics back when he actually was healthy and used to smile all the time.

Dear Matthew:
My precious baby boy. You have been such a welcome addition to our busy family. Alivia and Will just adore you and dote on you. And I just can't seem to hold you enough. Your sweet temperament and easy going way has blessed us. Who could have imagined how much we would love you when I found out I was pregnant so long ago?

You will be my "last" of everything so that will always bring with it some sadness and joy. I don't think I will be able to wean you off the bottle for a long long time!

I pray that you will continue to grow into a God-fearing man who puts the Lord first in his life. A man who is not afraid to stand up for what is right and has a tender heart for his family. I pray now for your wife, that she would be a woman of character and would bring you joy.

I pray that I will be a mother who helps give you confidence and freedom to make mistakes and learn from them and help you find your gifts and mold them.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Matthew!

Love,
Mom

My friend and mentor, Dr. Patterson sent this shirt for Matthew

Seeing these pics reminds me how sick he has been lately - I have not seen a smile like this in about 2 weeks

No Training Wheels!

We give all the credit to the balance bike that we had. . .that thing is awesome. Once she got the hang of the balance bike, she literally jumped on her bike and took off without training wheels.