More strawberries!

Of course we had to get the cousins in on some strawberry picking fun!  It was a bit more of a hike this time and we had some pretty tired kiddos by the end of the day.

Flashlight Hunt!

On March 15th (yea, so I am a little behind.  My computer has decided NOT to let me download pictures which is quite frusturating!  Anyway....)  my sister piled her boys in the car and made a ten hour journey to come visit us.  I am still amazed she did this without her hubby and did not go crazy!  When the boys finally arrived the cousins were beyond estatic to see each other.  After grabbing a quick bite I thought it would be good to burn off some of that energy, so we grabbed our flashlights and went for an improptu flashlight hunt.  Kinda cheesy, though it may be, it was a huge hit and they wanted to do it every night they were down.  Who knew?

Biggest Tent Bed Ever...

Nate's new hobby is building what he calls "tent beds", in which he takes ALL the cushions off our couches, stacks them in various patterns on the floor,  and gets every single blanket he can find to build a "fort".  It is cute once or twice....but this is becoming a nightly ritual for us! 

 

This night, however, was special because he proudly proclaimed it to be the "biggest tent bed ever".  The whole family piled in.  Please do not miss the dogs, a couple Minnie Mouses, and Elmo who were also able to participate in this momentous occasion!

Bluebonnets 2012

As far as Texas traditions go, March is my favorite month.  We have had our annual Rodeo fun and now the annual bluebonnet pictures! 

I just love 'em!  I was excited that my sister and her kids were down during the peak of the season too!

He is always more intrigued by the yellow ones

Cute Cousin Craig

Daddy's girl

So blessed

She's got him wrapped around her finger!

Rodeo 2012

Although this post is entitled Rodeo 2012, I should have called it Petting Zoo 2012, because that is where we spent most of our time. 

Marissa was a little unsure initially but Nate went full speed ahead petting, hugging, feeding, chasing, stalking, harassing....(you get the idea. Don't you?)...the animals.  He LOVED it. 

 But the thing that really captured his heart was the wallaby.  I know, it is not your typical petting zoo animal - at least not in the United States - but Nate fell head over heels for this little kangaroo.  Matter in fact, he has been asking for one for his birthday ever since.  So if any of you faithful readers want to shell out some serious dough...a kangaroo would really make him happy!   

He hopped and hopped around the other animals cashing this poor little guy.  He even jumped up and hit his own head pretty hard, but it really did not slow down his pursuit!  We eventually had to drag him out of the petting zoo to give the Wallaby a break.

We went over watched a little Mutton Busting (or Muston Buston as Nate calls it).  Nate was initially horrified but quickly warmed up to the riders and idea of it.  There was no convincing him to try it though (not that I would have let him anyway)!

Next we hit up the Farm.  The kids grabbed buckets and went to work gathering eggs, picking "fresh" fruits and vegetables, and even taking a turn in a tractor.  This was Marissa's favorite part of the trip. Putting things into and taking them out of buckets is a pretty serious passion of hers!

 We ended this day back at he Petting Zoo.  This time, however, we discovered the brushes.  Marissa was suddenly enamored with brushing the animals.

 

 Nathaniel went on a hunt for the Wallabies but they were resting so he had to settle for hugging some of the baby goats.  He was pretty disappointed (although I don't think he looks anything but adorable!).

 Despite some gloomy weather, it was a pretty great day.  Any day that ends with happy kiddos is OK in my book!

And a super special thanks to our friends for hooking us up with free passes (and special Rodeo privileges) - that was fun!