A Texas Spring Break

Our spring break trip to Texas started off rocky with a van that wouldn't start, an insane amount of traffic between Louisville and Memphis, a severe thunderstorm with 60 mph winds in Arkansas, pulling an all night drive to make it easier on the kids and then discovering Lauren so sick she required medical attention when we finally arrived 19 hours later. But we made the best of sunny skies, warm temperatures and time together. After a shot of antibiotic and two days of medication, Lauren improved enough to enjoy getting out with us.

San Angelo doesn't have a lot to offer but it does have a sweet little river front, a few unique restaurants and military artifacts that fascinated Ty. Of course, anything Taylor finds interesting impresses Ty.

The dogs loved having the kids around and nightly walks to the dog park were a treat for all of us at sunset. I think simple moments bring the most joy.

We realized Lauren and Taylor will be in their third house in their third state together on their one year anniversary this June. Taylor has one additional address and state under his belt that didn't include Lauren. Shew! Army life isn't for sissies.

When I lived in San Antonio a few hundred years ago, the spring arrival of Bluebonnets was always a welcomed sight. Wildflowers grow all along the state's highways and we were not the only ones who pulled over to take photos in patches of Bluebonnets. My family believes I am crazy none the less, as demonstrated by the following video my son-in-law created while my daughters recorded and encouraged him. They are all brats.

On our way back home we stopped in Fort Worth to visit with my friend Erin whom I have not seen in years. In fact, the last time I was in Texas I brought Makenna with me to stay at Erin's and experience the American Girl Store in Dallas. She was Ty's age. Erin and I have been friends for 30 years. Time flies.......

Twenty-Two

I think we will stop advertising her age now because it is aging me! The beautiful baby who first made me a mother has turned twenty two years old. Time flies when you are having fun. She is ambitious, passionate, hilarious, sarcastic and a rambunctious addition to family dinners when we are fortunate enough to have her over. She lives forty five minutes away now and keeps both a full time job and a relationship with Jake. Our baby has grown up.

We had intended to take birthday photos last night when she came for dinner but she has a sinus infection and a self described, "leaking face" so she got a pass.

Each of my kids' birthdays leave me a bit nostalgic, therefore, I read through previous posts I have written about them on their birthdays and Erin's birth story might be my favorite. The link to her nineteenth post is here.

Happy birthday Erin Gabrielle! 

Catching Leprechauns

We went to Grandma's house and didn't bring any toys. After scavenging through Grandma's junk drawer for entertainment, a  Leprechaun trap was created.

Ty made them each an official license to trap leprechauns "I am (allowed) to make traps"

At one point research was done to determine if leprechauns can read and then there was a debate as to whether or not they can read English. 

video explanation 

The plan was almost foolproof.

 video result