A Little Lake House Vacay

Brenda and Alan bought a house in Austin on Lake Travis. The past two weekends we have gone up to hang out there and are loving it. The first weekend it was cold and windy so we didn't get any pictures but the second weekend was beautiful weather.

We spent some time out on the boat dock watching ducks pass by and boats. Eric really really loves it there and has been up there for the past 5 weekends fixing it up. The girls love it there and so do I. I love watching them just play around and love life. No shoes, playing and getting dirty. It's fun and relaxing with no pressure to feel like you should be doing something else or get something done. And a great view!

Fun with dad. He's a great dad and they had lots of fun fishing with him this past weekend.

Marshmellows for breakfast.

Fishing lessons

Livy loved it and was concentrating very intently the whole time just like she does any task.

Rachel trying to catch herself a big one!

Fun with daddy.

Some Grandma and Grandpa time! Thanks for having this great escape we can go to!

The Little Man

Some more recent pictures of the little guy. We sure are loving having a little boy around here and I am loving having a baby. It's so great when he just smiles and hangs out. He still likes to be held a lot but is doing better being put down for longer amounts of time. He started laughing a bit the other day which is hysterical. He looks like he wants to roll some days and gets close but others he just sits there. Not sleeping through the night yet but that's ok. He constantly has his hands in his mouth chewing or sucking on them. He still doesn't like to smile for the camera so again all these pictures are a little off because I was shooting them while not looking. Over all he is a great baby and I am loving it! I'm just enjoying this now before he gets too old! He's almost four months if you can believe that!

Silly big sis Rachel. He loves watching the girls now. He just watches them in amazement no matter what they are doing. They love him too and are always hugging him, kissing him, rubbing his head, trying to show him toys and wiping up his spit up!

Livy didn't want any pictures taken of her this day but I got one, kind of. She now takes Colt's pacis because she says he doesn't like this kind.

Daddy's boy, Daddy's team! Go Horns!

Rachel at 3

`2wTime has gone so quickly. It has really been three years with this little turkey. Lots of laughs and now a few notes to remember Rachel at three years old.

37 3/4 Inches 75% 29 lbs. 25%

Favorite colors: Blue and purple

Favorite Scripture Story: David and Goliath

Favorite Song: Baptism

Favorite Foods: Chocolate pretzels, steak, chicken, broccoli, yogurt, any dessert or candy

Favorite Toys: cat, baby dolls and their accessories, stuffed animals, doll house family

Favorite Characters: Buzz Lightyear, Caillou

Favorite Movie/Show: Monsters Inc., Max and Ruby, Madagascar

Favorite things to do: take care of baby dolls, talk, dance, dress up, color, cook, pretend play (different characters, different animals, mom and baby with Livy)

What she's like: Funny: Anyone who knows her knows she says the funniest stuff, and has a super cute voice

Verbal: Talked early and a lot, a lot of the things she says surprise people because they sound like they should come from an older kid. Likes to elaborate when speaking, she doesn't like to say just yes or no, it's "I don't see why not" or "Not today." Those are only a few of her different answers!

Ring leader: she usually runs the show and heads up the trouble

Outgoing: Always talking to anyone who will talk to her

Loving and Sensitive: Loves to hug and give kisses, loves everyone, sensitive to other feelings and how you talk to her 

Quick to smile

Doesn't like being wet, at all, hands or clothes

Eager mind and Great memory:
Verbal Thinker: After we have talked about something loves to ask me to tell her about it again and again and discuss it

Free spirit

Best Buddies

Perfect Playmates

Loving Sisters

I love the sweet, sassy, keep me on my toes girl that you are Rachel. You make everyone feel loved with the attention you give to them and your outgoing personality. I love you and I am so proud of the person you have already become. Always remember Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to be happy too. Here comes another year! 

Olivia at 3

My Livy is three already and I can't believe what a great little girl she is. Just wanted to make a few notes to remind myself about Livy at three years old. 

39 Inches 90% 32.5 lbs. 50-75%

Favorite Scripture Story: Nephi builds a boat

Favorite Song: Nephi's Courage

Favorite Colors: Purple and blue

Favorite Toys: duck, ponies, Thomas the train, stuffed animals, fire truck, doll house family 

Favorite Food: ketchup, anything chocolate, yogurt, apples, chicken nuggets, beans

Favorite things to do: jump, read books, be held, dance, play pretend anything, pretend to be different characters with Rachel, cook, figure out how things work

Favorite Characters: Max and Ruby, Cars, Thomas, Dora

Favorite Movie/Show: Max and Ruby, Thomas the train, Caillou

What she's like: Literal: Me "lets not use those shoes any more because they are a pain in the butt" (don't stay on the doll) Livy "oh, they hurt her heiney, ok."

Very sweet: Offers a "rubby" to anyone in need of some comfort (rubby=rub your nose on ducks head, one spot in particular), always attending to her brother and sister, tells me I'm her best friend

A Quiet Thinker: Is constantly concetrating or thinking about something 

Curious Observor: Loves to ask why and is always watching everything around her

Shy with new people

Excellent hearing, hears every noise, quite, tiny, and distant ones too

Care taker: Wants to make sure everyone is ok, concerned with others

Loud like me

Easy to laugh, funny fake laugh too-Likes to throw out funny movie lines here and there when they are appropriate, latest one "Money down the drain."

Partners in Crime

Best Friends Forever

You're such a sweetie my Livy. I love you so much and I am so proud of the girl you have grown into. I want you to know that you are a special little girl and you continue to surprise me with your caring nature. Your "take everything in" personality helps me enjoy things again that I had taken for granted. Never forget that you are a daughter of God who loves you and cares for you. Can't wait to see you grow some more! 

More Birthday Celebrations

The Sunday before the girls birthday we had a little dinner party for them. We had some family and friends over for some yummy enchiladas, thanks Katie, and to celebrate with us again. Party #2.

More presents!

Aunt Lois and Uncle Dave

These pictures were from their actual birthday. That night we went and took a train ride. They really love trains and have never been on one. They thought this one was the Polar Express. They kept saying we were gonna get hot chocolate and see santa. I wasn't feeling good that day and didn't prepare well, I should have gotten them hot chocolate to have on the train. But they loved it even without the hot chocolate.

Waiting for the train with our tickets. Fake tickets. We just gave them a piece of paper and they loved it. They held it the entire ride their and back. We were gonna get real tickets from the conductor but he never came by. We only rode the train one stop from Farmingdale to Bethpage and back. So we got a free ride!

On the train. Grammy, Poppy, Hannah, Ian, Rachel, Livy and I went for the birthday ride.

This picture of Rachel doesn't look like it but they loved it. They had lots of fun on their first train ride. Then we went home and put candles in italian ices and sang happy birthday a few times. Celebration #3. Train cake came a few days later for Celebration #4. They had quite the birthday season! Happy Birthday Rachel and Livy! You are both amazing, sweet, wonderful and entertaining girls! I love you so much and can't believe we have had three years together already! It has gone so quickly and you have grown so fast. You are wonderful sisters to each other and to Colt. I couldn't be prouder or love you more. I love you both. Happy 3rd Birthday!