April Action

Wow, it is only April and we are already in Stage 1 water restrictions here in San Antonio. It is hot, hot, hot. Much to Elizabeth's chagrin we don't have a pool in our back yard and we need to find other ways to play outside, yet stay cool. Luckily not all of the rivers in Texas are dry creek beds.

We can't keep clothes on this boy.

The Friesenhahns invited us over for their annual Easter lunch and egg hunt. After hosting the Brooke Army Medical Center Auxiliary Easter Party at my house the previous week with about 50 people between moms and kids running a muck, I figured the Friesenhahn luncheon sounded like a good way to simplify life . It was a smaller gathering then usual as the younger generations are going off to school, getting married, and starting families of their own. The girls especially missed Aunt Andrea. However, even she was forgotten when we let the kids dive into their Easter baskets.

The month was rounded out with Gabe and I taking a house hunting trip to North Carolina, leaving Ryan with the other 3. He survived but I did hear quite a few words about devil children. All I can say is welcome to my world, as he has been gone for the previous 8 weeks leaving me to single parent. They are not bad kids, just high spirited. It doesn't help that their world has gotten a little crazier with a new baby brother, our house is for sale, and dad off training for two months straight. Things will get better after the move this summer. The good news it that we have a contract on a house in North Carolina. Sorry Elizabeth, still no pool in the backyard, but the house does back up to an elementary school so that we have playgrounds and soccer fields at our disposal and the YMCA is down the street. More on the house to follow.

H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y!

Just a private party at home with family this year, which was just fine by Casey. He was not about to share his "Happy Birthday cake" with friends. At least this year he can tell me the name of his friends. He speech has improved so much. He can even be understood on the telephone. His speech therapist said he could be discharged when we leave here. Now, if we can just get him fully potty trained. Casey currently has a thing for Mickey Mouse and Justin Bieber. (I blame his sisters for the latter). I figured Mickey was the better option for a cake. Not much has changed in the last year. He is a little taller a little heavier, but still a runt. Casey is still crashing into things and usually sports more than his fair share of bumps and bruises. However nothing will slow him down, he is bound and determined to keep up with his sisters. Since Elizabeth has entered Kindergarten, Casey and Ava have become best buddies. He will call for Ava first thing in the morning to let him out of his room and then curl up on the couch with her to watch cartoons. Casey is charming and delightful one minute, and destructive and obstinate the next. Most recently he destroyed his window blinds because he didn't want to take a nap. We prefer our sweet little boy, and hope that he will grow to be a good big brother over this next year. A marble run was his birthday gift this year, which all the kids are enjoying. I figure about the time they get bored with it, I will have to put it away because Gabriel will be crawling and putting everything in his mouth.

I am three, don't mess with me!

April Attractions

My best friend, Siusan, came to visit from North Carolina. With an extra set of hands and feeling pretty good post surgery, we decided to take the kids (minus Lizzy, she had school) and explore the outdoors before the summer heat wave hits.

We took the kids to McKinney Falls just south of downtown Austin. We packed a picnic and completed an easy 3 mile hike before cooling off in the creek. Casey, who is in the middle of potty training proceeded, to drop a log in the middle of the creek bed. At least is wasn't in his pants.

Another day, we headed up to Boerne, TX to play at Cibolo Nature Center and wander through the cave with no name.

The baby is in the polka dot sling.

Casey, the nature boy. He wanted his clothes off, but then didn't want to get in the water, citing that it was too cold.

Siusan and I played tourist. We checked out the Alamo, took a river walk cruise, and had dinner downtown.

I was very grateful for her company and help while Ryan was out of town again.