Relaxing family time

After a very busy Friday, we had some relaxing family time Saturday. It was much needed!


Our new biking boy!

Two masses and a House Blessing

The girls pretending to have mass out in our front yard Thursday afternoon


Then on Friday we had the real deal...mass inside the house and a house blessing for our home as well as our neighbors across the street. Here is everyone at the big dinner afterward. The girls had already finished their dinner and were dancing around the living room waiting for dessert. :)

Busy weekend!

Pawpaw and Manah came Thursday after being away for over a month this time. The girls were so excited we had to play outside to bide the time. Here is Mariana helping Stephen ride. Such a sweet big sister!


They're here!




Gloria loved the dresses Manah brought


After some down time Thursday, the girls and I took our first bike trip to the new HEB together Friday morning while the grandparents stayed with napping Stephen. It was an adventure! Gloria made it about 2/3 of the way there and 2/3 back before asking to get in the bike trailer! That evening we hosted our Marriage Group.

Saturday Austin was called upon to work for some sort of Engineering Day on Campus giving presentations, so the rest of us busied ourselves with other things...a trip to the bookstore (grandparents and girls), mowing the lawn (me while Stephen napped because Austin was planning to do this before he found out he had to work), an errand (me and Stephen) and then lunch for all of us (except Austin) at Whataburger. :)

On Sunday we celebrated the baptism of our newest Godchild, Monica Michelle. It was beautiful!


While the rest of us were at the baptism, Pawpaw and Manah taught Stephen a new trick. He can now wave bye/give a high five!




And a gift they brought with them from New Jersey...an Irish Shamrock Holy Water Font. Mom and Dad brought us one of these years ago from a little Irish town up there, but it was knocked off the wall several times and finally couldn't be glued back together. Thanks Uncle Marc and Aunt Cathy for the replacement! We love it!

Fun little project

Lita gave these to the girls a few Christmases ago (I think?!), but we just didn't have anywhere to hang them in the old house. We finally hung them up here in the little cubby behind the door to their room. Now they have a place to hang PJ's that can be used again and other stuff so it is not all over the floor! Yay!

First step!

Stephen took his first step yesterday, totally unprovoked by anyone! We were at the park, and I was walking him around holding one hand. He let go, balanced for a few seconds, then took one step, balanced for a few more seconds and sat down! He is just growing up way too fast.

Awwww, Daddy

Did I mention Stephen learned to climb the stairs at the end of last week? It quickly became his favorite passtime, so Daddy quickly completed the bottom of the stairs gate project!

Fun moments

A big five year old!


The little explorer


One of the few toys that can be super entertaining for all ages!

Home Beautification

Since we finally got most of the more essential house projects out of the way, we have spent the last few months doing some beautification projects, mostly outdoors to take advantage of the weather and growing season.

Flower beds
Before


After


Side of the house


Shed beautification (much nicer when the crepe myrtles are actually blooming!)


Tile Cleaning
The grout had never been sealed and was filthy, so Austin scrubbed it and sealed it. This was supposed to be my project, but he kindly adopted it since my hands free time was a little limited with baby Stephen!
Before


After


Austin received three trees as gifts for his birthday from both of our parents (neither one knowing the others had the same idea)...we figured he must have been giving off tree vibes...or we had just moved into a house with a big yard but almost no shade ;-) We are really excited about the trees and just finished planting the last one yesterday. Somehow I missed photographing the other two planting events.

Planting the Burr Oak


Fun with the big hole

First Piano Recital

Allia had her first piano recital today. She was very nervous but did well!


Having a buddy always helps :)


And a sister there to cheer you on is nice too


The end of her performance on video


And just for fun

And six and seven

teeth that is. He got two more this week and just needs one more on the bottom to make it a nice even 8. This is the best tooth shot I could get...on the changing table in the laundry room. It really brings out the orange tints in his hair! He looks so much older now with all of those teeth. *sigh*

A little Patriotism anyone?

The kids found the American flags in the garage and started their own parade shouting, "Hip, hip, hooray" over and over while marching up and down the street!

Trouble in paradise...

On the Go

Sweet moments

Biggest and littlest reading together...both in footie PJ's


Happy crawler


A little entrepreneurial spirit...a rock, stick and flower sale!