Bluebonnets

Bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas, and every spring they bloom for a few weeks.  I am fairly certain that we have been a failure as (Texan) parents by not taking our children's pictures in the bluebonnets

 in previous years.  This year, we all got our pictures taken by Shannon Morton.  We will get the full set of pics in about a week, but she did give us one preview.  I love it and can't wait to see the rest.  

Pig tails and backyard fun

Last weekend, Jared went out of town to play in a golf tournament.  My parents came down to help me with the girls.  

Mom put pigtails in both girls' hair.

On the days that it hasn't been raining, we have been spending lots of time in the back yard enjoying this spring weather.  The girls love to swing.

Dad playing ball with Wrigley.

We planted a garden this year. Jared built this planter box.  We are hoping to enjoy some tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplant, and jalapenos, and cantaloupe before too long.

Sliding!

Reading with Grandpa.

Armadillo Dash, Team Caroline, and Cowboy Day

This past weekend, we participated in the Armadillo Dash, a local 5k and half marathon.  This was race was  very special.  In December, our close friends lost a baby who had Spina Bifida.  While they know that sweet Caroline Grace is healthy now and is in Heaven with our Savior and that they will be reunited with her one day, this is also a very tough time.  Through their grief, they organized a team for this race and raised money for the Spina Bifida Association.  We were so blessed to be able to take part in this. 

My parents came down to watch the girls while Jared and I ran.  We left the house around 6:00 am, and I am not sure the girls were quite awake yet. 

Before the race, we got a pic of most of the runners and walkers on Team Caroline.

Team Caroline Kiddos

The kids cheering the runners on.

Jared finishing the 5k

A big group about to walk across the finish line together.

I ran the half marathon.  This was my second one, and I managed to run 7 minutes faster than the last one.  I am loving getting back in to running.  I think that this might be addictive.  

I run with these ladies usually twice a week and am so thankful for them.  I don't think I could stay motivated for those long runs without them.

I took the girls to the park later that day.  We took some sand toys for the girls to play with in the rocks.  There were three toys and Annabel was playing with all of them.  Madison came over and tried to pick up one to play with.  Annabel immediately looked at her and yelled "SHARE".  I am not sure we have quite gotten that concept across yet. My baby is developing quite a personality. Love her. 

Today was cowboy day at Madison's school.

Last weekend my mom and I took Madison shopping to find a dress that somehow looked western (because she is in an "I only want to wear dresses" phase).  This dress was buy one get one for $1, so Annabel got a matching dress.  However, this morning, Annabel did not think she needed to get dressed.  Instead, she insisted that a blanket and rain boots was appropriate picture apparel.

Madison wanted me to take a picture of her posing.

Apparently, Jared eventually convinced Annabel to put the dress on, but still with rain boots. 

Madison at Cowboy Day.