Worship Team Cookout..

This past weekend Brian was able to get together the Worship and Rhythm teams for a family cookout. We've had a few of these and it is lots of fun to see everyone - including spouses and kids.

Here are some of the ladies that Brian is privileged to work with.

We were able to get a few family photos.....Jeff (on worship team) with his family.

This park has a great playground for the kids to hang out together and have fun while us adults get to catch up with each other. Thankfully we were able to eat and talk awhile before a thunderstorm hit the town. Such a fun night!

Trophy Time

I think the girls absolutely live for the end of the season when Coach Rick takes them all, one by one, and says all the awesome things he has seen in each girl and the great character traits they have shown this season. Can you tell, by Lindsey's face, how much she 'eats up'
everything the Coach has to say about her?

Team Mexico - 2009

Lindsey's Last Soccer Game

Today was the last soccer game of the season. It's been just awesome to see Lindsey's team develop actual "soccer footwork" skills instead of just kicking the ball as hard as they can. There were girls that came into it afraid of hitting the ball and now they are just fearless. Over the past two years, Lindsey has been one of those girls. It's been a great spring!

Girl Scouts Mother/Daughter luncheon

Today Lindsey and I headed off to our Mother/Daughter Luncheon. The Brownies were hosting it so it was fun for Lindsey to work on all the centerpieces and see them displayed on every table. The girls also got to perform and we saw an Indian dance, ballet, piano playing, a violin performance, poetry, etc. The talent was amazing. Lindsey's Brownie leaders did a wonderful job and it was a special time.

This is Lindsey, with her Brownie leader, getting ready to lead us all in a word of prayer.

I just love my little girl!

Bad, Bad Mommy.....

The kids are all tucked into bed with lots of hugs and kisses and wishing them sweet dreams. And then a moment comes where I am able to tell Brian something from my day. "Brian, I did something really bad today." (a laugh is actually bubbling forth as I just can't help it.)

"And I can tell you feel really bad about it." says Brian.

I can't resist sharing the tale of Reece and what transpired. I was in the kitchen baking and Reece comes in, grabs a 2/3 measuring cup and asks for sugar. Not to help me bake, but to actually just eat the sugar. I tell him again and again that you do not eat sugar plain. It has to be in something. That little kid is SO persistant, so......(here comes the bad part)... when he isn't looking I take a small spoon and put a little salt on it and say, "I guess you can have just a little bit." He gobbles it down and starts making his way to the bathroom. He's much too stubborn to grab a drink, in the kitchen, with me looking on. I'm talking to his back asking: "Would you like a little more, honey?" And trying so hard not to crack up as I watch his little head shake back and forth in a firm 'no'.

Gasp, shock, etc. I know, I know.......but I'm telling you -- he's not going to ask for any more sugar by the cupful I'm positive! :)

"Camping" with the Williams.....

Today we had the privilege of spending our afternoon/evening with the Williams family. I put "camping" in quotes because I have a feeling this is as close to actual camping either of our families ever experience. It was so nice to go hiking and have the kids just take off playing. It really is amazing what the kids find, in nature, that will just entertain them for such a long time.

Beth and I enjoyed walking behind Harrison and Lindsey and just listening to their sweet child conversations.

I wish I would have snapped the picture of the kids, running up the path, behind the guys. They weren't about to wait for the guys to figure out where on earth we were with the map.

We had usual 'cookout' food and enjoyed such a beautiful night. After supper, Anthony took the boys on another hike and they just loved it. Brian got a 'pit fire' going and Beth and I gathered the wood. She and I would have done so well in ancient times - ha! :)

Ahh...roasting the marshmellows....

....and eating smores.
Poor Beth, Brian was trying so hard to snap a picture of her with a little marshmellow on her chin.Lindsey did not even want a smore. Very unlike this child, but all she wanted to do was stroll around with Addison all night long.
Beth and I are already talking about our next get together......except this one is just for she and I. :)

Monday nights....

For some reason we've started heading to the tennis courts on Monday nights. Ever since Aunt Nar bought the kids their tennis rackets, the kids just beg to go and play. They also love playing tennis in our cul de sac, but it's not as cool as hitting the courts.
Last night I was SO excited that we had a pretty good volley going on until Brian said, "Yeah, but none of the hits landed in the court at all." Oh well... we call it "hot potato" because we just try and hit the ball no matter where it lands or how many times it has bounced. Some day we'll go more 'by the rules'. :)

Lindsey's getting a little instructional time from Brian.

Strawberry Picking...

We had the chance to pick some strawberries this week with Lindsey and Reece (Austin was at a friend's house for the day.). I missed out last year and so I'm thrilled to have had the chance to get out there this spring.

I've printed out SO many recipes that have strawberries in them.... If our skin starts glowing red - you'll understand. :)

"Mom...QUICK! COME LOOK!'

"There's a mommy duck and all her baby ducklings!"

Bridges....I love bridges..

Springtime......