Austin and Confrence

We spend the first weekend of April in Austin. We got to enjoy the beautiful weather and listen to General Conference. I really enjoyed conference and the kids cooperated pretty well so we actually got to listen! For a week before the girls talked about conference and how they wanted to watch it. They watched a little but knew it was important and were good at sitting when we asked them to.

We went to the part, played outside a bit, went for a dip in the hot tub, and of course they goofed around. I love when they all play together. Colt just wanted to be like the girls and do whatever they did. It is so cute to watch as he tries to tag along and thinks he is as old as them. I'm grateful we had the chance to listen to General Conference and hear our prophet and apostles. I am really grateful for this opportunity we have to hear from them.

Now is a great time to live in Texas

It has been beautiful weather here in Houston lately. I know the heat is coming soon so we are trying to enjoy the out doors and the kids are loving the nice weather. It has been in the 70's and 80's and just really nice out. These pictures are from before I went to Utah but I'm running a little behind!

One Saturday Livy asked if we could make a garden. So we settled on a few plants in pots. Maybe next year if we plan ahead we can get a real garden going. I think it would be great to have a real garden one day.

We went to Home Depot and got some dirt, tomato seeds, one strawberry plant, and one cherry tomato plant.

They were so into it and still are. Everyday when Eric gets home they remind him that it is time to water their plants. They get so excited every time a little sprout grows, it's adorable. They loved planting and watering and taking care of it. It is their special project with daddy.

Thanks dad for this fun time together!

There was also a crazy number of lady bugs in our grass for a few days. Livy was really into catching one and asked me to help her and what are the chances of looking down and finding one. Well little did I know they were all over. They caught tons of them that day. It sure was fun for them and so neat to see.

I love this one of Rae and the one of Livy below. They loved just staring at them and trying to keep track of where they were crawling. Rachel did suggest at one point to rip its wings off but we had to have a chat on why we don't hurt the animals. Trouble maker!

Mr. Outdoors has been loving it too. Happy to do anything outside he is enjoying his alone time on the trampoline!

Breaking out the bathing suits! We haven't gotten as crazy as their cousins and hit the freezing pool regularly yet but we have broken out the sprinkler and water table which seems to entertain them enough for now. I'm not ready for swim season yet!

Sharing their treasures! I love your sweet spirits and wonder with everything you come across. You two are amazing little girls and we are so blessed to have you in our family! We love you so so much. Thanks for being such good examples to your little brother.

Colt is keeping us moving!

Colt is about 16 months now and so much fun. I had forgotten how much I love this age. Lately he has gotten the screaming when he wants something down to a science which is driving me nuts and diaper changes are still a struggle every time but other than that I love this age. He is so fun, cute, happy to go with the flow, always trying to do what his sisters do, and thinks he is much older than he is!

He would be outside all day if I let him. He just hangs out with Pebbles, walks around, throws balls around, goes on the trampoline and just loves being out there. Of course he loves the water too when we break it out but he is happy to be out there no matter what. He also loves to point out every bird and airplane that he sees!

He loves getting a turn on the trampoline by himself! He wants to go to preschool so bad and just play. There are tears some days when he doesn't get to go into the classroom. He is saying new words everyday it seems like. So far he uses no, yes, out, up, go, car, bird, airplane, ball, baba (bottle-his favorite), more, dog, mama, dada, Pebbles, nose, eyes, hair, sit, hat, book, hot, clap, hi, bye, cracker, shoe, baby and I am sure there are more I am forgetting now but those are most of his favorites. He is always trying other ones when he hears you say them and working on thank you, olivia, and rae rae right now. I love hearing him talk and watching all that he can understand. It is just amazing how quick they learn!

He loves playing patty cake and still wearing anything he can as a hat. He is always busy and going going going. The girls are so good at protecting him, entertaining him while I change his diaper and loving him. Sometimes they think they can play as rough with him as they are with each other but he handles it pretty well.

At his 15 month checkup he weighed 26 lbs. 10 oz. and was 32 inches tall. He is in the 75% for height, weight, and head. Pretty much where he has been all along and going strong!

Now for this little one! I am almost 30 weeks now and feeling every day of it. It's not bad really and I feel guilty complaining at all but this pregnancy is definitely harder on my body than the others have been. I just have a lot of constant pains especially in my groin muscles. To lift my leg to put my underwear on is a challenge! Either way she seems to be doing good so we're thankful for that. Doctor appointment in a few days so we will see then how we're holding up! Only two months left now!

I showed Colt my belly the other day and was talking to him about the baby in there. Now when I ask where the baby is he pulls my shirt up and points to my belly and says "baby." It is so cute so I had to get it on video to have for later! Sometimes he lays on it and kisses it too. I don't know if he really knows what a baby is but he knows where the "baby" is. What a sweet little guy. I can't believe he will be a big brother soon!

I love his little hand in this picture while giving a kiss!

Please don't mind the white white belly and terrible stretch marks! Sorry everyone!

The big guy after a bath. We've still got the constant diaper rash going on so he gets to roam naked for a while after the bath, with his pink towel, so manly!

We sure love you a lot Colt! Everyone of us. You are such a fun and sweet boy and we are so happy to have you in our family!