Brent's Trip to Mombasa, Kenya

We have had lots of visitors lately...

We have kept very busy this year and it is only mid-April! Between Brent's upcoming examine and trip to Africa to my trips to College Station and Roundtop (that will be its own post sometime), we have found some time to be at home and have people visit us here.

First, in mid-March, Brent's parents came to visit us. Here is Cole with his Mimi and Papa. We had a great, relaxing visit with you both. Thanks for coming to see us!

The very next weekend Matt and Larra came to Houston to shoot a wedding and we got to keep Brody. We were thrilled! I love getting to play Aunt Leigh-leigh! It does not happen often enough! Love you Brody-boy! We had a great Friday night talking and playing with Matt, Larra, and Brody...Cole missed out on Friday because he goes to bed so early (that is not a complaint :) ). But Saturday, Cole was up and ready to play. Brody and Cole had a great time together! We are glad you were able to come and see us and thanks for letting us keep you, Brody!

Then two days later, Dena, Larra, and I (plus the boys) went to the Roundtop Antique Fair, only we never actually go to Roundtop (we hit a few other small towns around there with better deals or basically stuff in our price range). Last year, Matt and Brent played golf while we were shopping and found this amazing patch of bluebonnets behind Wal-Mart, so we had to stop again this year and take some pictures of the boys. Aren't they beautiful!

Brody 14 months, Cole 8 months

(this photo taking by Larra)

Next Sunday afternoon, we went to the Shell Houston Open. Our friends Keith and Ashley were given some great tickets and invited us to go with them. Thanks Rodgers! We also met up with the Zacs and Gilberts too while we were there, but it was super crowded being the final day and all, so we didn't hang out that long together. Cole did great and even got a nap in. We could not bring cameras or cell in with us so we took a picture when we got home...had to...my baby is in is plaid shorts! Soooo cute! Both of you! ;)

Then just this past weekend, it was Easter. My parents came down to celebrate the holiday with us and also had some business in Austin. While they were here, we hung out with my brother and his family and my Aunt Lois and Uncle Gayle who live in Spring. It was a great weekend, but we were all exhausted Sunday afternoon. If the Masters weren't so exciting, then I am sure there would have been more naps taken! :) Thanks for coming mom and dad and thanks for hosting us at your home Dave & Katherine!

Seriously, I need to get in front of the camera sometimes! I think it has been months since I had a picture taken with Cole...

Cole's First Easter Celebration

"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" -John 1:29

We celebrated Cole's first Easter at home in Houston. My parents came in on business and stayed with us throughout the weekend. After church at Tallowood, we headed over to my brother's house for lunch with his family. It was a great weekend to celebrate our risen Lord!

Our hope is to teach Cole about the real meaning behind this day and that is not about bunnies and hunting fun, colorful eggs. Sure it is fun and fun is good but it is not only about that; it is about our LIVING God. We will definitely be learning how to relate this to Cole as he gets older and has more understanding.

Moving on to the pictures and fun...

Cole's Easter basket

The hunt begins...

Cole loves his new shoes!



the next Tiger Woods

We are working on our...

Curb Appeal!

Well, it was definitely time to get outside and work on making our landscaping look better. It was not appealing whatsoever in my opinion and probably many others. We have lived in this house almost 3 years now and have basically mowed the lawn and continuously pulled weeds out of the beds. It would take hours there were so many. But it took us this long to do something because there were far more important projects inside our little "fixer-upper."

I wanted to take 2 of the 4 big trees out of one flower bed. Seriously, too much for such a small space. It was awkward and overgrown. So when Brent was in Africa, my parents were here visiting for a few days and my dad always loves a good project. He got a towing chain and Brent's truck and started pulling after he first cut around the base of each tree. The first one came out pretty easily and we were both surprised but pleased. So naturally we thought the second would come out that easily too. Not the case. All was well, just took MORE time. Then with all the mud we tracked on the driveway from the trees, it took me about 2 hours to wash the driveway...it was thick and caked on! But well worth it.

When Brent returned, we both worked a full Friday and Saturday outside moving rocks; laying a new border; planting 10 Snow White Indian Hawthorns, 3 Bay-breeze Indian Hawthorns, and 2 Oleanders; laying weed guard material; and putting out 29 bags on mulch. We planned to add some other small plants to bring in color, but we need another free weekend.

Here are the results: