John's 4th Birthday

John's birthday seemed to be at a busy time this year. It was right around Easter so we combined it with an Easter celebration at Austin Country Club and invited the Mezgers to come with us to celebrate. It turned out to be really fun! ACC is really set up for large crowds with kids and had all sorts of activities to entertain everyone from face painting, to an Easter egg hunt to an inflatable slide. The buffet was really nice and there was even a cookie decorating station. I hope we get to go again next year!

We had to have our own special Easter egg hunt because we missed the scheduled one! The manager was so nice to arrange it for us.

John loved this slide!

Balloon artists are always a favorite

Family shot

John and his BFF, Blake Mezger

Helping Matthew find some eggs

Melissa Mezger and me!

Alivia loved the cookie decorating buffet

Showing off our creations

Mom had her hip replacement about a month prior - she is getting along great but still moves a little slow

Daddy's on TV!

Matt has been destined for television stardom since I have met him. He has such charisma and charm that comes across on film and TV. Plus he pretty darn handsome, too. He was approached by the cable news network YNN (Your News Now) for a weekly segment about all things construction. It comes on every Saturday every few hours on the :35. It has been a blast to see them on TV. I think the kids just think it is normal to see Daddy on TV since they have seen him working on his blog videos.

Matt, I am so proud of you!

Too precious

My conversation tonight with Alivia:

Alivia: Anna (her BFF) is the 3rd nicest person I know.
Me: Who are the first and second nicest?
Alivia: God. . . then you. . . then Daddy. . . then Anna. So I guess Anna is the 4th nicest person I know.

OK. Melt my heart. That precious girl. She makes me a better person and I pray that when I let her down God will give her grace to forgive me.

Spring Break at the Ranch

We invited the Kinslow family out to the Ranch in Bertram for a day of fishin', shooting' and eaten'. We almost did not go because it was so rainy in Austin but I am so glad we forged ahead. We had scattered rain throughout the day but nothing that prevented us from having fun. The kids all get along so well. I am so glad that Austin Classical has allowed us to get to know this precious family. I am looking forward to more fun adventures together in the future!

The kids enjoy digging in the dirt

The gang!

Looking over the field as you drive out

My big catch!

Mia, John and Will

Mr. Dickey (the neighbor) has a big tractor the kids loved climbing on

The shooting range!

Mud, mud mud

Can you see me now?

Soccer!

Soccer has been a fun event for our family this Spring. Some other Austin Classical Families have been involved with Lone Star Soccer Club so we decided to join up this semester. It has been great. The best part is seeing good friends on Saturday morning and having help with carpool. Another bonus is that Alivia and Will practice on the same day and time. And all the kids play on Saturday within an hour of one another. Even John gets to participate in Soccer Shots on Saturday while Sister and Brother are playing. Lone Star uses the "new ball method" which means that anytime a ball goes out the coaches simply throw another ball in so the kids have the most time playing the game. This is Alivia and Will's first real exposure to a team sport and they have both done well. Alivia and her BFF Anna are the only girls on the team. I am not sure soccer will be a lifetime sport for either of them but it has been a good introduction.

Team England - Will, Morgan, Bailey and Mia

Alivia and her BFF Anna

Team Ireland (and the only girls on the team!)

Off week for sister - doing crafts on the sideline :-)