Homeschool Day at Bertram

We took some Balcones Woods Homeschooling friends to Bertram for the day. We had a BLAST! Despite the cold and drizzle, the kids had so much fun being outdoors and fishing in our pond. I have such fond memories of Bertram from when I was growing up - it is a joy to share it with my children now.

The front gate

Love this shot of Will holding worms for fishing

I had just caught a fish!

Matt is a great fisherman - he fished a lot as a kid, too

Success! Bailey Mezger showing off her catch!

Luke Mezger helping the kids out

Daddy Daughter Dance

Matt looked so handsome and Alivia so pretty

Retreat at the Lake

I decided it would be fun to take an overnight retreat to the lake with the girls in my Community. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by women of faith whose husbands are all friends and strive to place God as the center of everything. They encourage me to do better, think better, live better. . . and we all live within minutes of each other.

From L-->R: Michelle, Amber-Rose, Kim and Sara (Christy Schooler is missing)

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