RETREAT!

We had a great time at our family retreat with our church. We got way more sleep this year! (Even with the Drennons as our suite-mates...love you guys) We took Lucy last year when she was just several weeks old and she cried a lot...But not this year, baby. Brinton enjoyed playing in the water and riding on the "boat", the thing that floated in the water (see pic). Lucy was pretty content and happy most of the time. Since she still isn't walking, it was hard to put her down without her getting filthy. I "learned" how to play 88, which is a form of 42 (dominoes). Although my team won, I can say it wasn't because I knew what I was doing. But I had very patient teachers. Maybe if I practice I would be up for it again. Our speaker was very good, too. His first session had me in tears. It was so good to be with our friends! (wish all of you could've been there...you pregnant ones and those who had sick kids...)

Brinton and Bryson last year at retreat...

and NOW!!!

BLUEBONNETS...

My kids weren't that excited about taking a good picture for me. Lucy just wanted to pick them and Brinton would smile but it seemed like only when Lucy was so looking down. And Brinton's smiles are often cheesey...but sweet. Anyway, I guess that's the fun of kids, capturing them as they are and not just in poses. :)

From the Foothills of the Ozarks.....stands our glorious alma mater, Harding is her name....

We went to Searcy this past weekend because Devan's youngest sister, Bethany, was getting engaged. John, her boyfriend, called the family and asked any of us who could to come and celebrate with them and give everyone a chance to meet each other. The kids did great on the trip for the most part. Lucy Lu hardly cried at all. Yay! We spent the night in Sulphur Springs on the way to Searcy and stayed with my sister and her family. They got back from Rwanda a couple of weeks ago and we are looking forward to spenind a lot of time with them before they go back. :(
Okay back to the Searcy story... well, she said "yes", and Bethany and John are now engaged. Whew, that could've been awkward if she had said no. We had a good time with the family and seeing Caleb (Devan's oldest sister's baby). And we stopped off at my parent's house on the way back. Lucy ran a slight fever that night but was not really fussy...she has this tooth that will not come in, her gums are swollen and you can see a little part of the tooth, but it just doesn't seem to want to push through. Which would be nice if it did since she still only has 2. Here are some picks from the Harding campus in Searcy.

Caleb is only 10 months old but weighs like 8 lbs. more than Lucy

Aunt Kimberly and Brinton
Our kids sitting in front of the fountain...where Devan was standing to take the pic is where we got married...
Harding swings
Lu in the flowers

April Fool's

April 1st was my wonderful husband's birthday. I baked a bday cake (strawberry, his favorite, which anyone knows who watches him at first Sunday meals go around the tables until he finds a piece) and had the Vandygriff's watch the kids while we went to Outback...Good stuff. I am so thankful for my life with this wonderful Christian man, husband and father, etc. It's hard to imagine we've been married 8 yrs. next month. He has taught me a lot and I grow to love him more and more each day. Watching him with our kids is one of the most treasured things I get to witness. I know a lot of you are better at these "tribute things" but there was mine.

EASTER

We spent Easter Sunday with Melissa's parents and family. They live in Buda and we drove there after church. Annie prepared a WONDERFUL meal and then we went outside so Brinton and Lucy could hunt easter eggs. Each had their own personal chaperone to help them. It was so much fun and nice to just sit back and watch while other people took care of the kids. (Which this family has done for us several times.)

I know this isn't a great pic...but what is Brinton doing?

Peek-a-boo
I love this picture of LuLu

What's that?
Brinton cracking a confetti egg on his daddy

Mo and Brinton - best buds

Brinton cleaning up the confetti...He just walked over, got the broom, and started sweeping...Where did he get that from?

Tractors and fishing

Brinton and Lucy enjoyed riding on the mower with my dad. Brinton calls it a tractor and gets way excited when he hears his grandad turn it on. He would ride the whole time but grandad's arm needs a break...kinda hard steering with one arm. The kids LOVE going to their grandparent's...not like they get spoiled or anything :)

Brinton also went fishing while we were there. I think he enjoyed all of it: Getting the hook ready, holding the pole, watching the fish come up out of the water, but when his grandad asked if he wanted to touch it, he freaked. Surprise, surprise?! I think Devan got this on video. I'll have to see if I can figure out how to put it on here.

Lucy at about one month...
Lu with her daddy on her 1st b-day!!! Pretty girl