Tanner's field trip

Tanner went on his field trip last week. It was at a local park so I was able to go with the little girls too. They spent the morning playing on a playground and then a reptile encounter guy came for a show. The kids got to see and hold lots of snakes and turtles and lizards. Tanner loved it. I'm just glad I didn't have to hold any animals. The little girls cooperated decently but we left after lunch. Tanner had a lot of fun being able to play a lot and have a good day with his friends.

His sweet teacher being brave.

Dinner and a concert with Ashton

We heard about a local high school having a Pop Choir concert a while back. One of our youth from the ward is in the choir. The theme of the concert was Disney so Ashton wanted to go. We went to dinner at a great crepe restaurant near the school. Then we went to the concert. It was a long show at three hours. Aside from that, Ashton and I enjoyed it.

Ashton's gratitude journal

I found this on Ashton's dresser the other day. I'm glad she is grateful for so many good things.

1. When I come to school.

2. Go to church

3. Read the scriptures

4. Go to the temple

5. Say my prayers

6. Going to primary

7. Play with friends

8. When I feel the Holy Ghost

9. My family

Ashton's baptism pictures

 Back when Ashton was baptized, we didn't really get a ton of pictures. I don't think we have one of the family together for it. It was such a special day that I completely spaced on getting some pictures. I reached out to a ward member about doing some pictures for her little photography business. Since it is just a little hobby for her, it wasn't expensive. She offered to head up to the temple grounds and I thought that would be nice. Ashton's dress still fit so we squeezed in a time one weekend and went up north to the temple. Ashton loved it. After this night, I found a piece of paper in her room and all the things that make her happy. Visiting the temple in a white dress was on her list.

Huntsville Fun

 Per tradition, we went camping in Huntsville for Easter weekend. For the first time, we decided to take the whole family. The kids did great sleeping. We didn't lose anyone... for too long.

The only part of the weekend that kind of stunk was the burn ban. So no campfires. Which translates to no s'mores and a messier meal prep as we couldn't use the fire to cook. We improvised and still had a good time.

The stake switched from hosting a big dinner Friday night to doing a dessert potluck and a bunch of games for the kids and youth. It was a good time.

We saw quite a few very large alligators in the water. Thankfully they stay away from the swimming beach. I kept Lydia off the fishing pier because of one alligator though. The fishing pier has no barriers to prevent kids from falling into the water so that was a no-go for her.

Tanner caught his first fish and was thrilled. Ashton reconnected with her long-lost best friends from Lake Jackson. Gemma and Lydia stayed a little closer to camp and still whined and complained like they do at home. We went out in a canoe around the lake. We took the kids swimming. Joseph went on a bike ride with the other dads.

Joseph's pictures of the weekend:

 

The only picture I took all weekend.

Festival of Colors

 Tanner read a Magic Treehouse book that ended with a little story about the Festival of Holi. My mind thought back to the one in Utah every year that I heard a lot about when I lived there. So I thought Houston might have one. It just so happened to have one that next weekend so I took the three oldest to it. It was a fun cultural experience. But, I decided afterwards that if we did it again, I'd just buy some of the color powder and have our own little party. The kids had a blast running around the powder area. We got most of it cleaned up before going to lunch afterwards.

Gemma's Birthday Interview

How old are you? 4

What is your favorite color? Purple

What is your favorite animal? Foxes

What is your favorite book? Dinosaur books

What is your favorite show? Wild Kratts

What do you like to eat? Spaghetti

What is your favorite game? Candyland

What is your favorite thing to do? Ride my bike

Who is your best friend? Lenora (a friend from the neighborhood)

What do you like to do with Daddy? Play on the playground

What do you like to with Mommy? Go out front and play

Where do you want to go on a vacation? To Wisconsin on an airplane

What do you want to be when you grow up? A superhero

What is your favorite song? Popcorn Popping

What is the best time of day? Taking naps (which she doesn't do often)

What makes you happy? Milk