Kate's First Day of 1st Grade

Sweet Kate headed off to first grade this morning.  She was brave, but Mom -- not so much.  I cried all the way home.  So hard to see her growing up, but how thankful we are that she is becoming a kind and thoughtful young lady.  And, we're even more thankful that, just last week, Kate decided to follow Jesus. We are blessed beyond measure!

My birthday weekend

We borrowed a boat from some dear friends and spent time on Lake Austin this weekend.  What a great way to celebrate my 35th birthday!  

Friday night - an evening boatride to Hula Hut with good friends. 

On Saturday, we and the Conlys took our families out for a full day on the water.  The kids had a blast taking in the sights and swimming.

We returned home, waterlogged and tired...but not too tired for birthday cake!  As Josh says, his girls always have room for dessert.

Kate's a Kindergarten Graduate!

Kate's Garden Fairy Tea Party

Kate turned 6 on May 3rd, and at her request we hosted a Garden Fairy Tea Party for her fairy and elf friends!  It was a gorgeous spring day for taking tea outdoors!

The kids went on a treasure hunt to locate items to take home and create their own fairy houses like this one.

Aunt Sherrill and Uncle Casey did face painting.

Grandpa made bow and arrow sets for our handsome elves.

I made flower wreaths for all the fairies.

Before the tea party, we had a short discussion on etiquette.  We talked about how good manners help show that you are thinking of others and not just yourself.  The kids were a little in awe of using real china and silver, and I think this helped them be on their best manners!  It was really something to watch 5 and 6 year olds having a very civilized tea party.  

Wonderful friends!

So thankful to family and friends for helping make Kate's birthday so special!

Happy Easter 2013

Happy Easter!  Christ the Lord has risen today, Alleluia!  We celebrated Easter with family and friends this year.  Here are Kate and Jill at Kate's kindergarten egg hunt.

We also participated in a neighborhood egg hunt...Anderson Mill is such a great place to live.  They always have fun, free activities.

Face painting!

Family pics in the park.

We dyed real eggs, which the girls always enjoy.  (Jill ate two of them immediately.)

Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Casey & Aunt Sherrill came over for an Easter meal on Saturday, and the kids had another egg hunt, this time in our backyard.

Sunday morning brought Easter treats and smiles.

And then on to church...the flower girl dresses pulled double duty as Easter dresses this year.

Sunday evening, our small group met for dinner and fellowship...and yet another egg hunt!

 And last but not least, here's a video of Kate and Jill singing about the reason we celebrate Resurrection Sunday.  Enjoy!