Cousins

Dinner at Mimi's every Sunday night is always a treat because the girls get to see one another

Freestyle Heat Winner!

Before Alivia joined swim team I had no idea what a heat was - or even the names of all the strokes in swimming. But the Balcones Blue Wave has been such a fun learning event for our family. Will is on the Pre-Team this year which means he gets lessons but does not swim in the meets. The past meet was at Westover, and during the freestyle, ALIVIA WON HER HEAT! We were beyond thrilled (as was she). The green ribbons are the coveted prize for winning.

Mowing the Lawn with Daddy

The boys love their Daddy. They really want to be doing anything he is doing. Even baby Matthew wants to be with him all. the. time. It helps that Matt has the most patience of any man I have ever met. The kids just flock to him when he comes home.

Memorial Day at the Lake

I couldn't believe how chilly it was this year! The kids' teeth were chattering after they played in the lake and were out in the wind. Matt got out his good camera and took some sweet pics of some of the kids.

Matthew loves to be outside and the lake is great because the decks are safe for him

Alivia is really getting into Lego's!

Avery - almost a first grader!

John shivered the most of all the kids but tended to stay in the water the longest! 

Matthew is WALKING!

The official first day of walking is May 15, 2013. It was a precious day because when Matt and I came home from work, Alva had us sit on the couch and she put Matthew at the far end of the living room and he walked towards us! Alva had spent all day coaching Matthew to start walking. I think she felt like at 15 1/2 months old it was high time for him to get after it. Since then he hardly falls - I see his personality more on the cautious side that has come through with his walking.

I had a great video of him walking but can't get it to upload. .  .grrr

Last Days of School!

Will has graduated from Preschool! We have loved his teacher, Miss Lisby, this year. Will seems so ready for Kindergarten - much older (and rambunctious) than Alivia at this age. Austin Classical here we come!!!

Sweet Miss Lisby with our graduate!

Alivia graduated from First Grade! It was bittersweet knowing that we were leaving the Veritas community, but are excited to see what Austin Classical will hold for us. Alivia's teacher gave each child a character rock - Alivia got "Perseverance" for the SECOND year in a row! And the teachers do not talk about it amongst themselves! What an amazing quality to have.

Alivia's best friend, Kyra. Kyra wrote her entire Writer's Workshop book about Alivia and their friendship. How dear!

Mrs. Hurley - she is so kind - and is a gifted teacher with 15 years experience!

Another one of Alivia's friends, Charis.

The girls in the class - Lucy was gone that day :-( From L-->R: Lila, Kyra, Alivia, Bailey and Charis (with her little sis)

Will came with me to Veritas!

One last shot of Kyra and Alivia. There is a chance they will join us at ACS in a year or so.

Trip to Portland

So I had my annual Practical Advances in Internal Medicine Conference at my alma mater in Portland, Oregon this past weekend. We had hoped that Matt could come with me, but we had childcare issues. ... so I went ALONE. It was so strange to be alone - I read a lot of journals and appreciated the quietness of the mornings. But I have to admit I missed everyone terribly. I was gone Wednesday through Saturday. I got to catch up with some dear friends which was really fun.

I stayed with Dr. Patterson and his wife, Linda for 2 nights. Their house in Vancouver is beautiful.

Dr. P is such a dear friend and mentor - we went to Africa together during my residency.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Matt held down the fort with ease and grace. However, I did get a text from him at one point that said "I'm pretty convinced it's easier to go to work than to care for our four children." That was right after he had shuttled everyone to swim practice, made dinner and got everyone down to bed. WHEW. And, I totally agree with his statement.

PRECIOUS picture Matt sent to me. Two things make me laugh - the plastic wrench in his hand and the unbuttoned outfit. :-)