Texas bluebonnets

Every year on the 1st Sunday in April we head towards the hill country in search of the Texas bluebonnets.  We were really excited this year thinking there would be fields full of bluebonnets since we had had a good rainfall and prime conditions for flowers.  We have about 4 or 5 places that we have gone in previous years and had great results.  This year we headed to two of them and were very disappointed.  We ended up with a small area of flowers and made the best of what we had.  It was perfect lighting though.  

Lexi

Taylor

 Paige

Ken and I

Just for the record Jordan was there but did not want his picture by himself.  We have our family pics somewhere else and I have to add them to our photos.

Silly family

After Ken got home from church we did a couple of family pics.  My family loves to complain about this and give me a hard time.  We used a tripod with the camera timer.  There is one setting on the camera that will take a burst of successive shots.  We did this so if anyone blinks or something we might still get a good shot.  Taylor, who likes to mess up family photos, decided to keep things interesting.  Look at his right hand in the pics.-the 1st two he gets into position and on the 3rd grabs Lexi and shakes her.  Gotta love it!!! 

Easter

We looked forward to celebrating Easter but felt a bit out of sorts with all the chaos of our house.  We made do and still enjoyed our traditions.  

Coloring hard boiled eggs.  Funny how much better they taste because they are pretty colors

Our beautiful kids before church.  Our egg hunt and things were a bit delayed because of Ken's church responsibilities.  

After a wardrobe change it was time for the chocolate egg hunt.  

sharing a delicious dinner with good friends

The outdoor plastic egg hunt.  My girls don't want to give up the hunt and miss the goodies.

Jordan's birthday

Our oldest turned 23 this year.  Can't believe how quickly time is flying and continues to pick up speed.      Although birthdays aren't as much fun as an adult we did still have him choose what restaurant to eat at.  He chose Pappasitos, a local yummy Mexican restaurant.  I remember when McDonalds was the place to go because you could play in the playground.  Jordan is a great young  man and will accomplish much in his life.  He is working full-time and taking classes in anticipation of transferring to BYU at the  beginning of the year.  Can't wait to see what's next.

Our four kiddos, can I turn back the clock and enjoy them little again?  

Being serenaded by the Mariachi band.  Caught Jordan enjoying the salsa verde and chips

Jordan likes brownies vs. cake, a preference inherited from mom

Jordan got assorted presents, but the one thing requested was new luggage.  His sisters said it was a hint to use it to move out.  They are eyeing his room.

Project Linus

Our Relief Society, the women's organization at church, decided to participate in Project Linus.  This is where handmade blankets are donated to local hospitals for children.  As part of the plan we also had a work night at church where we learned to crochet and hopefully make a blanket to donate.  I have done some basic crocheting but never completed a "real" project.  I decided to work on a blanket and had a great friend who helped me all along the way.  Once I got going it wasn't too bad, a great way to accomplish something when I wanted to sit and watch something on TV.  I appreciate all the help and encouragement from my friend and am happy to have completed this and was able to donate it to the program.  The girls want me to make something for them now.  We'll see how that goes.  

In Spring of 2010 Ken participated in Woodbadge training for Boy Scouts.  This is an advanced leadership training done over a couple of weekends.  After the training the participants have their "ticket" items, things they have to complete as part of their goals of ways they can enhance the Boy Scout organization.  Ken's overall goal was to encourage greater love of country.  He completed his ticket items in fall of 2011 but it wasn't until April 2012 that we were able to get everyone at a Court of Honor so he could receive his beads and neckerchief.  All parts of the award have symbolism of the growth of Boy Scouts.  It is a great relief and honor to complete this training and we're proud of Ken for finishing his.  

Receiving his neckerchief

certificate of completion

Ken and Larry the course coordinator

Some of the boys from the Venturing crew that Ken was the advisor for.

The proud fam.  Not the best picture but unfortunately the only one.