Bluebonnets: a comparison

I just wanted to show how much the boys have grown over the years. Time flies when you're growing boys!

Andrew almost 2 1/2 yrs. (before Alex came along)

Andrew 3 yrs. & Alex 8 months--We forgot sunscreen this day, and Alex got his first sunburn--on the top of his round head. Poor kid! :( This is my all-time favorite blubonnet pict!Andrew 5 & Alex almost 3

Texas bluebonnets

Any proper Texan knows that the bluebonnets bloom right around Easter-time. And any Texan mom with small kids hoofs them out into hill country to attempt to take cute pictures. You must avoid the fire ant hills, prepare for sunburn (even though it's only 65, the sun is strong!), battle the wind, and try to get everyone to smile and not blink at the same time. Luckily, daddy had to deal with the elements this year, as I was stuck at home with a stomach bug. Grandpa & Grandma VanderLaan were here visiting from Michigan to enjoy the countryside as well....

Rodeo Round-up

Ross took the boys to the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show this past weekend. While they sat in "action" seats (up close), ate a TON of junk food, and braved the rain, I got a weekend away to Michigan! I met my sister's fiance, went to my sister-in-law's baby shower (twin boys!), and tried on bridesmaid dresses for the Sept. wedding (love it!). I'm sorry I missed "mutton busting" at the rodeo, where they pad & helmet 4 year olds and see how long they can hold on riding a sheep. The boys got a kick out of this event. I can't think of anything more horrifying. What kind of parent does this to their 4 year old?? At least they all survived their weekend w/o mom....

field day & scouts

Thursday was field day at Andrew's school, and unlike last year (where he was terrified of everything), Andrew participated in 4 events with a smile on his face! He's come a long way in just a year! For those of you to the North of us, it was sunny (super windy) and 80 degrees. :)

Stick horse racing:

Mrs. Evans' "Smarty Pants" team:
Andrew & daddy at the Blue & Gold Scout banquet last weekend: