Rainy day fun

 After a day of rain, we took advantage of clearing skies and went for a walk. This little cutie really enjoyed herself, especially the puddle splashing!

A victory

Mariana traveled with her 4H robotics team yesterday for the district competition (which we were so glad they actually had this year). They achieved first place in the Senior (high school) division. So proud of them!

Wedding weekend!

 My nephew got married on Friday, and Anastasia and Cecilia were flower girls. We couldn't quite make it work out to be at the rehearsal Thursday night, so we drove up early Friday morning. Austin and the gang dropped the girls and I off at the wedding venue to be part of the preparations. The bride bought these silky PJ's for all of them to wear while getting ready. She even curled Anastasia's hair herself! 

Meanwhile, Pawpaw and Manah snagged the other kids and took them out to lunch at Catfish Cabin, a local family favorite. Sebastian loved it, especially the part where they got to throw peanut shells on the floor and the dessert buffet!

Once the girls were dressed and ready, we spent the afternoon hanging out, munching and watching the wedding party get ready.

Loving that twirl

It was a short ceremony, and then we had lots of time to hang out and visit while the wedding party took photos. The family all had these names at our spots, and I couldn't help myself...

Loving that time with baby Ryder.

The violinist for the ceremony was a musician from Houston and played beautifully, so the older two girls went to meet him and snag a photo.

Sadly, there was some dangerous weather rolling around that evening, and we had to make a quick, earlier than expected exit right after dinner just as the dancing started. We were sad to miss all the fun but so thankful to have made it home safely. We missed everything but some rain.

Another big weekend

Allia volunteered and gave a testimony at the middle school retreat this weekend which Gloria attended. They both had a great time. In the meantime, Austin and Anastasia made a day trip to Fort Worth for our sweet friend Carolyn's confirmation Saturday. Then Sunday we had a special celebratory lunch with grandparents and Father Albert and delicious flaming cheesecake!

Happy Confirmation Day, Mariana!

 She has been waiting anxiously for this day every since Allia made her confirmation. And sadly our parish moved it from 9th to 10th grade during that time, so she had to wait an extra year. It was a beautiful day, and we are so thankful for this sacrament for Mariana. Lito, Lita, Pawpaw and Manah were all able to be there with us.

 Allia was her sponsor, and they made a lovely pair inside and out!

She wanted to imitate the photos of herself and friends from First Communion. It is so sweet to see them all so grown up and growing in faith together!

The lighting in the church was a little weird so...

 She was blessed to have a few friends who were not receiving this year and so were able to come celebrate with us afterwards. We are so blessed by our awesome faith community!

Allia made this cake for her.

She recieved some very nice gifts too.

Sweet sister date

 Big sis took littlest sis for an Easter octave ice cream date. Cecilia was overjoyed, and later in the day gave Allia a giant leg hug and said, "I really like you." So sweet!

Happy Easter!

 We were so thankful to be able to fully celebrate the Triduum this year. I just love the mass of the Lord's Supper (and the girls and Austin sang this time which made it even more special). We were able to attend the Veneration of the cross, and the older crew went to Tenebrae Friday night. Then we had a busy day of preparing on Saturday.

First they colored eggs at Manah's house.

There was a lot of cooking and baking. Cecilia was so proud that Allia let her help with her Macarons!

We made the crowns of jewels.

After a beautiful Easter mass at which Austin and the older 2 girls sang again. He is Risen. Alleluia!

Easter baskets are always so fun!

Some sweet friends joined us after lunch for an Easter Egg hunt.

And Austin and I finally fell victim to the cascarones later in the day! It does give one a more festive look, I think. ;)