Easter

The kids were out of school on Good Friday, so we got up and drove to New Home.  Tim cooked one of our favorite camping meals for lunch...chicken fajitas and fried pickles.  YUM!  This pic is in Addisyn's reading nook (the top of her closet!)

 Next we went to Mom's for the egg hunt.  She had a special hunt planned.  The kids had a clipboard with a list of eggs they had to find.  It made the hunt last a bit longer.  They all had fun.

 For supper we met the Ellysons in town.  We really enjoyed visiting with them.  We spent the night at Mamme and DadDad's. 

 The kids played all afternoon.  Karson and Jaxxon and Reagyn and Maddie had really missed each other!  Luckily I got a few pics.

 

  We had a good visit (but short) visit with everyone.  We sure missed Shane, Ashlie and the girls.  Hopefully we'll see them soon!!

Happy Birthday Karson!

Hard to believe Karson is 14 years old!!  He has changed so much this last year.  Stretched out and slimmed up.  But his heart hasn't changed.  He is still that sweet, thoughtful boy I am so proud of.  I have been told on several separate occasions about his willingness to help.  One compliment came from his history teacher:  Fernando, who is in a wheelchair,  needs extra help around school...getting to class and help in the lunch line.  The community presented him with a new wheelchair.  During the ceremony, the principal asked for all the boys who had helped Fernando to stand and be recognized.  Karson did not stand.  When asked later why he didn't get up, he told his teacher that he didn't want the recognition.  He helped Fernando because he was a friend and needed it.  WOW!  Talk about making a momma proud.   Then she went on to tell me how she hoped the child she is carrying turns out just like Karson.  She asked me some advice in raising one as good as Karson.  I readily admitted it was ALL God's doing.  All I do is pray, pray, PRAY!!!

 

Another reason to be proud of this kid is his plans for the summer.  He is going on a mission trip to Belize with our church group. The trip costs $1600.  Family has thankfully donated 2/3 of the money.  Karson has saved Christmas money, birthday money and worked for the rest.  See?!?  See why I am so proud?!?

 

 For his birthday, Karson decided he didn't want a big party...he wanted this glove.  It was NOT a cheap glove!  Rather than spend money on a party and a gift, we put that along with a contribution from him, and got the awesome glove.  He is SOOOO ready to use it!

I did let him invite friends over one afternoon/evening.  We cooked burgers.  I made his fav strawberry cake and homemade ice cream.  Ryan and Cameron came over to hang out and celebrate.  Luckily Nana was able to join us too!

Karson got a couple of very special birthday videos from some sweet cousins!  Too cute...thanks Aunt Jami, Cameryn and Zoey!

 

 

Spring Break in Houston

We headed to Houston on Sunday night.  We left Hamilton at 5:30pm.  We got to Houston to get in line at 10:30pm.  I've never seen anything like it.  So many pickup and trailers!  And portipotties!  We sat in line all night. (Whose bright idea was THAT?!?)  The kids made do in the back of the pickup but with 4 of us, there wasn't much room to spread out.  We finally started moving at about 6:30am Monday morn.  We got unloaded and checked into our hotel at 10:45am.  Whew!  What a night...I don't intend to try that again.  Houston is only 4 hours from our house now.  I'll be driving next time. ;)

 

 Our plan to eat lots of seafood.  First stop...Pappadeaux!

 The kids did lots of swimming at our hotel pool.  They swam so much the pads of their fingers and toes were rubbed off!

 

 

 Just like at any stock show...there is a lot of down time in the show barn.  These two made the best of it. 

  Karson showed the heck out of that steer.  But we weren't what the judge was looking for.  Still looked small compared to the others. 

 After Karson showed, and the steer was on the truck it was time to have some fun.  Lanny drove us to Galveston for the afternoon.  We ate some AWESOME seafood at Fish Tales and then went across the street to Pleasure Pier.  The kids rode some rides...lots of smiles!

 Of course we had to walk on the beach...Boo was the only one who got in.  She thought it was pretty cool and was wishing for her swimsuit.

 On the way home from Houston we made our usual stop at Buc-ee's for some yummy snacks...especially the beef jerky, and to use the amazing bathrooms!  Perfect end to a fun trip. :)

Harvest America

The Irvins and Lanny and I took the GBF youth to Harvest America.  MercyMe, Chris Tomlin and LeCrae were there to sing.  There was also a pastor who gave the message.  It was a free event at the AT&T Stadium...SO MANY PEOPLE!  There were so many people that not everyone could have a seat.  We had to sit behind the stage and look at a tiny screen!  It wasn't the ideal spot but we still enjoyed the music (well, all of us but Lanny!)  We know now to get there MUCH earlier so we can get good seats.  Planning to go back next year!

 

San Antonio Stock Show

Karson was the only one who got to show in the majors this year.  Reagyn's steer had knee problems and only made it thru county.  He's good eating though! 

 

 Karson's steer acted MUCH better after an attitude adjustment...AKA nose ring.  We didn't get pulled but felt it was a success anyways!

 Boo and I took a selfie while waiting for Karson to show.

 The kids missed several days of school while in San Antonio.  They didn't like it but were very responsible and got caught up on their studies while at the barn.

After Karson showed, we went down to the River Walk.  We all enjoyed walking around and looking.  We ended up eating at Hard Rock Café.  Love family time!