Cloud 9 Ranch 2012

We were very fortunate to get all the gang together at the Burkhart's Cloud 9 Ranch mid- March.

As always, brought everything but the kitchen sink.

Loved every minute spending this time with our special friends.

Jenny and Amy had a great idea of giving each couple a date. We took the 1st night.

 Its amazing how quiet the outdoors can be.

Margaret loves her Luke.

Baby Benjamin

Bekah, H, and Luke

We got the kids matching outfits. I didn't get a group shot, hoping to steal it from someone else.... but that still hasn't happened.

Going to see the horses

Margaret Gray was so happy. Henry was much more comfortable with them this year.

Simon took a few naps on the porch... here in the playhouse.

I don't think we girls could ever run out of things to talk about.

Boys target practice

For our meal, Tom wanted to smoke brisket. He kind of became obsessed with it.. researching it on the Internet, choosing the perfect cuts at Costco, waking up at 3am to start it, working on it all day... I swear when he retires, he secretly wants to open a BBQ restaurant.

I foresee these 2 causing some major trouble together.

I told Tom that I thought putting them together in the same bed for a nap was a bad idea and it wouldn't work- I was wrong.

Annual golf "game"

Got her nails painted

Simon man hanging with Brinley's baby

Bekah and Brinley were all about dress up... looking their finest to go on a mule ride.

I can guess what our family photos will look like when Henry is a teenager.

A bunch of wild crazies.

Our little group is going through some BIG changes this year.

 The McAdams will move to Abilene in June, where Rocky will join an optho practice. He's the 1st of one our group to begin a "real" job. Although we're going to miss living near them, we're so proud of him and their family of FOUR- Amy is expecting in October.

The Burkharts are off to Indianapolis, also in June, where Zack will start his 1 year fellowship... specializing within Ophthalmology. We're excited to see what's in store for their family!

Johnathan will also start an Optho fellowship... his is 2 years. We're lucky to have the Warminskis close by for our last year here.

Rob will begin his last year in Orthopedics up in Minnesota, then will be taking his family to several places (including FRANCE) for his fellowship starting June 2013. He's also accepted a position for a "real" job with a practice that is near and dear to our hearts :)

We are so very grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Burkhart for hosting us every year.

Our friendships are priceless and we are so blessed to be able to spend such sweet time together.

Easter

We had a very laid back Easter this year.

Kids got books and candy filled eggs in their baskets.... got to get Simon one of those.

We really didn't talk much about the Easter Bunny, so H was kinda confused why his basket was on the table.

I actually got the kids real coordinating outfits this year, but took no pics. I'll save them for the beach....

Went to the earlier church service and had Braums' burgers for lunch. We were all enjoying an afternoon nap when the electricity went out... therefore, the kids woke up from the sound of silence. I have a love/hate relationship with their sound machines.

Headed over to the Woods' for an early dinner.

Henry and Uncle Brent with their matching outfits.

We had a quick hunt after it stopped raining.

Simon's onesie says "Little rother".... the "B" fell off.. it's a hand me down. Only the finest this Easter :)

And here are some pics from Henry's Easter party at school.

Rangers Opening Day 2012

Our 5th time to go to Opening Day. Funny to think that the 1st time I went, I was 38 weeks pregnant with Henry.

We changed our tailgating spot this year.

It was soo much closer to the Ballpark!

So much "busier", too. Made me a little nervous with the kids... Margaret is not the best at paying attention to cars.

Simon with cousins Isabelle and Ella

Ross, Jenny, and kids came in from New Orleans. Jack and Leigh came in from Austin. Tom's cousin and his family joined us, along with friends, the Bentons. Of course, PatPat, PawPaw, and the Wood family were in attendance.
Great seeing my sisses in law, Jenny and Leigh

Thomas kept saying, "But he has no teeth!" :)

Lots of action going on in this new location. One of the groups next to us rented a DJ. I think our kids learned some new language, and new moves, that day :)

PatPat made Alice and Margaret Gray matching bows.

Here they are with their friend, Olivia.

Isabelle, Gabe, and Henry with a random Easter Bunny

Heading into the game. Margaret liked hanging out with her older cousins.

To say that Henry was "bothered" by the noise would be an understatement. Got very nervous about the pending fly over during the National Anthem. We hid in the bathroom during it. It was still very loud... I had to drag him out of there and he soon collected himself and had a great rest of the time.

Pre- National Anthem :)

It was a great game. Didn't see much of it. I wanted to keep Simon out of the sun. He and I stayed out in the concourse at a picnic table under some shade.

Every now and then, Tom and the kids and Brent and Alice would join us. Simon was definitely a team player... was flexible and content most of the time... more than I expected.

On the way back to our tailgate, Henry spotted this motorcycle. He pumped his fists and shouted "YESSSS!"

The crowd got a little rowdy while we were gone... this picture is not of Margaret :)

Maybe soccer won't be her sport.

I know. I know. I'm "wearing" him all wrong, but it worked and he slept well. Love those chunky legs hanging out and his clasped hands.

Not a Louis event without some basketball... and Jackie doing the Cha Cha Slide (music compliments of the nearby DJ)

Margaret was a MESS. She kept stealing others' drinks. Spilled red Gatorade down her dress. Rubbed dirt on her legs. Probably ate 10 cookies. Helped herself to guacamole straight from the bowl. She was a happy girl.

A game of knock out.

Margaret got trampled, but PawPaw swooped in with a cookie and a hug.

We were there from 10 am to 7 pm. Long day... but the kids did great. Rangers won.

It was good to be back.

Here's to another chance. 3rd times a charm??

BBQ and Bluebonnets

Last week we met our friends for BBQ and bluebonnets.

Our kids were kinda "excited" at dinner (thank goodness we were sitting on the porch) and just as "excited" to be running in a field and forced to stop to take pictures... so here are this years bluebonnet pictures.

What?!?!