Favorite foto Friday - Easter edition

oh wait...not that one.

definitely not...keep your hands to yourself!

The camera's up here...hello.

Now kids are disappearing.

Hey, I said hands to yourself!

Okay, that's it.

Zoom, crop...my favorite photo of the boys.

My fave of Bo.
My fave of Brin.

My fave of Ben.

My favorite crazy family!

Legoland Discovery Center

"It is a faintly spiritual activity that everybody connects with " ~James May , lego fan.

I was so excited when I saw Legoland was coming to Texas and immediately picked a weekend for us to go. The kids were counting the days, watching "The Adventures of Clutch Powers" and planning away.

We arrived Friday (Good Friday) right about noon. A holiday, yes, but I knew most schools were in session to make up snow days. All smiles when we arrived at Grapevine Mills Mall...
Oh, how foolishly optimistic I was!

There was a wait...luckily there were Legos a-plenty!

Kids had enough time to build things like this...

Legos are awesome but even they don't make up for a three hour wait!
The natives were restless (um, okay they aren't really natives since they were born in California) but I was not giving up and finally they let us in.

And I got to see Lego Mini Dallas (my favorite part), so cute!

Ya know he had to try it out - tough guy face and all!

Anything made of Legos that you can climb in/on is pretty cool in my book.

Honestly by the time we made it inside the excitement had left the building.
It was smaller than I expected, the kids on the playground (similar to McDonald's) were way too big and the pink Princess room was a huge disappointment. We rode one ride (there are 2 total) and skipped the 4-D movie since there was NO way we were waiting in line again and spent most of our time picking out Legos in the gift shop.

Not a total dud since I had coupons for free kids tickets but my advice:
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Go during the week, during the school year - no where near a holiday!

Or just wait until they go out of style ;-)

The gift of Easter

He is risen!

Easter is my favorite holiday. I realize I'm in the minority because Christmas get so much attention... Don't get me wrong, I love baby Jesus as much as anyone! He is a gift and everyone thought He was sent to rule the world...like sit high on a throne in an Earthly palace and rule as king.
Now we know His plan - to walk among us and spread God's word.
To save our souls.

Jesus, who lived a perfect life, hung on that cross for me. That is the ultimate gift.
"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loves us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved "
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)

And all we have to do is accept this gift...
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it"
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

What an awesome gift!
And I thank my Lord every day for knowing I could not make it to Heaven on my own.

Rejoice in His perfect love, His gift.

Happy Easter!

Love is in the air

Ben hopped in the car today and proudly announced that he has a girlfriend!
It took him days to work up the courage to ask her, but she said yes and he drew a picture so we could remember this day.

Gaga for go-go's

Last Saturday I strolled into Walgreen's in search of sunscreen.
As I paid, the cashier said "You can take one of these..they're free" and pointed to a bowl filled with little packages. "What are they?" I asked but she didn't know.

Not one to pass up a freebie, I grabbed one and only one then headed back to the soccer field.

I freaked out when Ben opened it because I was afraid it was candy, or some supplement/stimulant and took it away to inspect.


It was this little blue guy.

And little did I know what I started....

These are Go-Go's Crazybones...go-go's for short.
They don't do anything but my kids love them.
They are quiet, easy to store, and make great bargaining tools.
They have invaded.

Un-pluggits Art & Play Studio

It has it all..so long as it doesn't need to be plugged in!

Slides..

Pirate Ships...

Painting...

Even for the little artists :)

Wolf Boy

"I just now realized that I am half werewolf, half boy"
~Ben, this morning

At the races

Relaxing...

I know, not your usual family outing.

But, it was something different :)
Bo loved watching the horses "go real fast"!

But we were actually there for this...

Ostrich & Camel races.

And now that I've seen it, I'm pretty sure it's inhumane...
at least Ostrich racing, not so much camels or horses.

Mostly they just wanted to play and soak up the day...
and discover little friends that weren't so fast.

Happy Birthday Brinny-Girl !

Brinley~
Just the other day you told me "My eyes are beautiful...know how I know?"
I said "well, they are but how do you know?"
You said "because you told me so it must be true".

I love that trust! Luckily, you also trust in the Lord because Mommy won't have the answers forever. You are an awesome little girl inside & out and we love watching you grow even if it is bittersweet.

You are full of joy. So bubbly, giggly and a little pouty....everything a girl should be!
Your brothers are lucky to have you. You are always nurturing Bowen, holding his hand on the playground and cheering on Ben, no matter if he's playing soccer or at home playing Wii.

You just learned to make your bed, like a big girl should. But don't usually stay in it all night because you love, love to cuddle with us.

Your favorite colors are pink & purple and anything that sparkles.
You love to bake, paint, and get crafty.

Your favorite toys are animals - plastic, stuffed or real. You pretend to be a puppy, kitty, lamb, bunny and horse, complete with "horse language" and "horse dancing".
Did I mention you are hilarious?
And you want to be a veterinarian with you grow up.

You are Daddy's girl and Mommy's sidekick.
We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful daughter.

Happy Birthday big girl!
We love you,
Mommy & Daddy