John's Birth-DAY

Alivia and Will were just too excited to let the day go by without celebrating. I was hoping we could just let the party a few weeks back suffice, but Alivia would have none of that. . . So what's any good big sister supposed to do when Mommy is less than excited about baking anything? Get out your Easy Bake Oven of course! She whipped out mini creme filled cookies for all the kids. They were adorable. We were even able to put a candle in the middle so John could blow it out and we could sing. John was so happy.

John's Third Birthday!

My mom had a great birthday party idea to go to one of Peyton's construction sites and get on the big machinery. John loves anything involved with construction these days so it was a perfect fit. We loaded up our trucks (and mini van) and drove to Buda where Peyton's company is clearing the land for a large housing subdivision.

The kids were fascinated with the huge machinery and it was so fun to actually be able to get inside and see what they are like and feel the way they move. They are massive machines!

Happy Birthday Johnny Cakes!

Excavator (aka Track Hoe)

Paige and Peyton

Two thumbs up for this party

Aunt Emily gave John a construction hat - so fitting for the day!

The kids had just as much fun playing in the ditch nearby

Matt said Will seemed the most intrigued and actually wanted to drive the machine - the others just sat on his lap and were content to watch Matt drive

The birthday boy!

Massive machines!

Can you spot Alivia?

Construction cupcakes!

We left the job site to go to a nearby church playground for a picnic lunch

Avery and Alivia

Singing "Happy Birthday" - I love his face! The gale force wind prevented any hopes of candles.

Easter Egg Hunt at Covenant Preschool

Alivia and I went early so we could hide the eggs.

Emily and David Guidorzi - March 16, 2013

Our babysitter, Emilee asked the kids to be in her wedding! It was so exciting for Alivia and Will. She actually asked John to be in it as well, but after he refused to wear the shoes or shirt, I realized there was no way I was going to put myself through that.

The wedding was just beautiful. It was held in Mercury Hall in South Austin. I want to have a party there someday! It was just the prettiest setting. The ceremony was really touching and suited both of them so well. Will and Alivia did a great job and Emilee made them feel special. Thank you Emilee!

Rehearsal

The venue - so pretty - perfect for an outdoor wedding

Rehearsal - The bride, Emilee Wuebben. Will carried the family Bible.

Emilee made the headpiece for Alivia

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Risinger

Mr. and Mrs. David Guidorzi

So cute!

Grandmother Turns 95

Grandmother (aka Mama T) turned 95 a few weeks ago. She celebrated with a beautiful luncheon given to her by her daughter (Aunt Martha) and two daughters in law (my mom and Aunt Jerry). I drove up and back to Fort Worth for the occasion and I am so glad I did. It was such a special occasion.

Meeting her friends was just precious. If any of you know my Grandmother, she does not put up with ding dongs, shenanigans or fake people, so her friends were the liveliest 80-90 year old bunch I have ever met. It was fascinating to talk with them and hear some of their stories. And Grandmother made a point of showing me off and telling everyone that I was a DOCTOR with FOUR kids. I was humbled and felt really special.

I stood up and gave a quick toast telling Grandmother that a lot can be known by the friends they have and that her friends were just such a lovely group of ladies. And even though she goes on and on about my accomplishments, as the matriarch of our family, she has set the lead by going to college back when it was not the norm, working and raising a family. . . she was touched.

The saddest part of the day was learning that two of her friends had died since the invitations had gone out 4 weeks ago. . . it must be hard to constantly be losing close friends.

The table - so pretty!

Aunt Jerry, me and my cousin Leigh

Aunt Martha, Aunt Jerry, Leigh and Mimi

The centerpieces were so pretty

The birthday girl! She looked so pretty - I cannot believe she is 95!

Three of her precious friends. They are all in their 80's or older.

Leigh, Grandmother and me - we look so tall next to her

1st Grade Body Project

I have to say, I have been impressed with the science curriculum this year at Veritas. As part of the learning, the kids were all asked to make a life size body project with layered cut outs of all the major systems including things like the stomach, pancreas, intestines, muscles, bones, etc. It was QUITE a project and Alivia was so proud of it when it was complete. And I have to admit, I was too!

Alivia was putting on the finishing touches by painting the nails on her project!

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