More Bluebonnet Pictures ...

...courtesy of my friend, Tanya. Doesn't she do nice work??

The Great Outdoors

We met some friends at the park last week. One of the boys' highlights was when Ms. Kristy pointed out the garbage truck dumping two huge dumpsters. The boys (Nate, Ian, and Micah) stood watching, absolutely transfixed! Eli (just out of the picture) was really interested, too!
Melissa posed for us from the dolphin's tail right before we played a game of hide-and-seek.
Baby Anna Elaine came to the park, too. Ian absolutely loved touching Anna's toes. (Thankfully Momma Elisabeth is very laid back, even with sandy hands touching her brand-new baby!)
After a day outside, it's really fun to cool off with a fudge-sicle. Who knew that freezing chocolate pudding made scrumptious treats? (Thanks for the idea, Kati!) Ian's a big fan!
Half of our small group was able to go camping together this past weekend. We went up to some of our friend, Kyle's, family land near Brenham, TX, and pitched our tents. Our friends, Tim and Martha, let us borrow one of their tents (the one in the middle).
In the morning, Ian and Daddy enjoyed looking through the mesh on the top of the tent and seeing trees, clouds, and birds!
Not surprisingly, all three boys (Ian, Christopher, and Caleb -- all within about two months of each other's age) LOVED being outside.
We were all grateful for the cooler weather overnight and in the morning.
We played some games together
and then took a little walk around the property.
Christopher enjoyed holding Momma Martha's hand.
We walked by the lake
and got a group picture, too! (Kim, Matt, Ian, Tim, Martha, Aliceson, Kyle, and Christopher and Caleb in strollers up front)
fist bump!
The daddies were good sports and offered shoulder rides to their sons.
What awesome guys!

on the dock!
playing with bubbles

and playing washers
The girls won the first round, and the guys won the second. Everyone knows the girls would've won a tie-breaker, if we would have had time. :)

Ian loved his first experience camping. We'll have to do it again!

Bluebonnets and more fun!

We met some friends at Creekside Park (thanks for the suggestion, Kristy!) on Friday. Their bluebonnet meadow had just been opened, and it provided a wonderful backdrop for some if-you're-a-kid-in-Texas-you-have-to-get-these-pictures-every-year photos!
Ian loved the bluebonnets and kept saying "pretty flowers!"

Ian and his great friend, Caleb

Yay!
Cheese!


Ian giving sweet Brooke a hug!!
Caleb, Zane, Ian, and Brooke. Zane's mom, Tanya, is an incredible, professional photographer. She brought some fun props, including confetti eggs. When the older three kiddos found them, they were so intrigued and focused!
I don't know if any of us managed to get a picture with all four kiddos looking at the camera. If anyone did, though, it's Tanya! I can't wait to see how her pics turned out!! :)
I love Caleb's expression with the bunny!

Happy Easter!
the three amigos -- all born within seven weeks of each other! They've spent a lot of time together. :)

The steps on the pavilion were fun for climbing down! It's only recently that Ian is brave enough to not use the handrail.
Ian is always either "driving to Michigan" or "driving to New Mexico" when asked where he's going.
Creekside Park had an awesome playground, too, that we enjoyed after eating our picnic lunch!
What a big boy!

Yesterday at dinner Ian decided he needed to eat his ice cream with a big wooden spoon. (And, yes, that's a "rubber band" (headband) on his head. A new fascination ...


Ian serenaded us with a new favorite song. Can you tell what it is?

And a meal isn't complete without some copy Daddy time!
Ian's ring bearer tux for Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea's wedding came in. He was very happy to try it on.
What a handsome little fellow!

Just for giggles, here are a few pictures of Ian's latest random interests ... buttons (and putting them between his toes),

hats and mittens (especially at nap time),
and wooden spoons! :)