Wrapping things up in Texas

Our last couple of weeks in Texas were spent soaking up every last bit of Texas sunshine possible and soaking in every moment we could with friends.  Words can't express how much we grew to love the people in Texas, or how hard it was to leave them. But we had lots of happy times with the sad goodbyes.

Brynlee, Abbi and Tyke were great preschool buddies.

Abbi was so excited to recieve her first dance trophy.

Brynlee, Abbi and Spencer at preschool graduation.

Reagan, Brynlee, Abbi, Spencer and Tyke enjoying the refreshments at preschool graduation.  I loved teaching these kids and getting to know their cute little personalities.

And there was swimming.  Lots and lots of swimming. Isaac, Natali, Abbi, Carter and Tanner at the pool.

Ammon, Carson and Tanner at the zoo.  You can't tell from this picture, but it was a hot, hot day.

More of our hot day at the zoo.

Owen with my sweet friend Janene.

Colby, Jason and Ben hanging out at the pool.

Hot dogs poolside.

Abbi with her buddies in the kiddie pool.

The only thing better than swimming on a hot Texas day is Frosti cone.  I would almost make the drive back to Texas just for one of these delicious treats.  Picture really fine, delicious shaved ice topped with creamy soft serve icecream. Heaven.

Abbi and her friend Kylie having one last play date.

Carter and Ammon with their good friend Cody.

Pizza Poolside.

Ammon and Carson.

Swimming until sunset.

Sometimes the dads actually swim...

Isaac, Natali, Abbi and Spencer in the kiddie pool. (I told you we did a lot of swimming!)

Slumber party with the Allreds.

Brynlee and Abbi woke up in the morning to discover that they had been the victims of mustache vandalism. 

Carson, Ammon, Tanner and Carter before they say a final "goodbye."

Schlitterbaun!

Prior to leaving Texas, we took a weekend getaway with some of our good friends to the "World's Largest Waterpark," Schlitterbaun. We had beautiful weather, great company and TONS of fun.  The kids were in h.e.a.v.e.n. We spent two days at the waterpark, and I felt like we needed two days to see everything. Owen was an angel baby, especially considering he spent two days in the sun without a great nap. 

Carson, Ammon, Carter and Austin ready to hit the waterslides.

Me and Abbi taking a break for lunch.

Kid picture (minus the two youngest).

Abbi and her sweet friend Brynlee.

The boys waiting in line for Boogiebauhn (a flowrider type ride that simulates surfing).

Strike a pose!

Colby and I with Janene and Jared.

The "threes" Logan, Abbi and Brynlee (so named because they are the third born in each family) and Madison.

Tanner, Logan, Austin and Carter.

Logan, Brynlee and Abbi had so much fun riding these waterslides together.

Our first attempt at a group picture got totally photobombed. 

That's better. We are so lucky to have such a great group of friends. We love and miss these guys!

Our little family. One of the few times on this trip that all six of us were together.

 In addition to all the swimming, we also checked out some of the "local" food. The Grist Mill in Gruene, Texas was fabulous!  The atmosphere was great and the food was spectacular.  The kids must have been pretty tired, because they were all very well behaved.  I was a little nervous about our party of six adults and eleven kids, but they did great.

The kids table.

Our family at the Grist Mill.

The other food highlight was Freddy's custard. Fabulous Burgers, Fries and Custard.  I would highly recommend it.

The boys' table at Freddy's.

Dance Recital

A couple of weeks ago,  Abbi participated in her last dance recital with Gabrielle's.  This little girl LOVES to dance and had been looking forward to this recital for months.  It was so fun to watch her perform, she absolutely loved every minute of it. The theme for the recital this year was "Wild About Dance."  Abbi performed routines as a bunny rabbit and a butterfly.

First position.

These three boys came to the recital to cheer for their sister.  They were (surprisingly) good sports and very well behaved.

Abbi with her dance teachers,  Miss Brittany and Miss Janene.

When the recital was over, she stayed in her costume all day and danced around the house.

We love those big blue eyes and long lashes!

All ready to tap dance.

The dance studio has a rule that you can't take pictures or videos during the recital.  I was able to video tape the dress rehearsal of Abbi's tap routine.  Here's a little peek at the dress rehearsal (where Abbi mostly watches her friend Reagan!)

Carter's Baptism

On March 30,  Carter was baptised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We were so proud of Carter for his decision to be baptized.  We held the baptism here in Temple and felt very fortunate to have Grandma and Grandpa Frost and Grandma Stewart come to Texas for the baptism.  We had a great program and lots of friends come support Carter.

I love this picture of my boys.  They look so grown up!

Grandma Frost with Abbi, Owie and Carter

Carter testing the font water to see if it's cold.

Patiently waiting for his baptism to start.

My sweet family.

I had to take about 50 pictures of these kids to get this one semi-decent one.  My kids do NOT like to be photographed, but they sure are cute.

Me and Colby with Carter on his special day.

Father and Son.

We were so happy to have Grandparents come be with Carter on his special day.

Following the baptism, we had a lunch at the park and an Easter egg hunt.  We were so grateful to all our friends who came to support Carter.

The "big boy" table.

The sweet Ogden family.  Our neighbors, friends, and Carter's primary teacher.

Abbi, Brynlee and their lunch of cheese puffs and brownies.

More friends.

Janene, Colby, Grandma and Grandpa at the food table.

Elizabeth and Owen.

Getting ready for the Easter egg hunt.

On your mark, Get set, Go!!

Grandma Frost and Owen.

The Fluhman's watching the Easter egg hunt.