Mother's Day Weekend

Started off like this at the Houston Aquarium. Apparently they wanted nothing to do with each other at this point of the trip because I could not get them to pose for a picture for the life of me. Joseph and I decided that this will be one of MANY that they won't want to be next to each other.

We had so much fun at the aquarium. There were some wonderful tanks that we at ground level so Roan was able to stand and enjoy some of the entertainment.

Posing for a nice picture with Nemo and Dori.

Please note that Joseph has terrible photography skills.

And this is how we were most of the time....each wanting to go in different directions.

Although Joseph does lack skills he did do a pretty good job at making it look like Madeline was petting the white tiger through the glass.

The super fun Shart Tank train ride.....we were in a train that went through the tunnel of sharks

Some fun in the water at the Aquarium

This was Sunday before church.  Please notice the super cute boots Madeline has on.  She has worn these boots just about everyday, I told Mimi that they have been put to good use.  No matter the attire, we will wear the boots!

A game of croquet at Mimi and Poppy's house....note boots are still on Madeline!

Some fun catepillar catching with Aunt Melissa.  Roan was napping through this.  Madeline has a nice furry white catepillar on her thumb.  Aunt Melissa didn't just get one or two catepillars...we had to get a WHOLE BUCKET of them....oh fun!

Eat Sleep Party

What have we been up to lately???

SLEEPING

with our Roly-Poly Playground (bugs are in there).  This child is obsessed with the Roly Poly

EATING

what a good helper!

PARTYING!

Aaron and Keathley had an engagement party a few weeks ago and we enjoyed some time with family and friends!

I LOVE THIS PICTURE of my sweet Mother and Oma.....can't tell they are related can you?

My Aunt Tonja and Uncle Mike came in from Dallas to join in on the fun as well.  It was WONDERFUL to see all the family.

7 months

Can't believe Roan is 7 months old.....a week and a half ago.

We went to the park on that Sunday and he got to swing for the first time.  I think from the looks of the picture, he enjoyed it!

Madeline enjoyed acting silly as usual.

I love family outing like this!  God Bless

Easter - only a few weeks late!

I will tell the story in pictures.  We started the Easter weekend off with a fun time at the Jersey Barnyard for an Easter egg hunt and time with the animals.  Madeline couldn't wait to see the piglets.

Then she fed some chickens.

And Roan watched quietly.

Petting the rabbits with Oma

Feeding the calf with Opa

The Easter Egg hunt.  Madeline was VERY selective on which eggs she wanted to pick up.  Only the pretty colors she said.

Saturday night she made their Easter nest for the Easter Bunny to bring her "goodies."  If anyone isn't familiar with the history of the easter nest....click here.  We have made Easter Nests since I can remember and couldn't wait to see what he would bring to our nest.  Many people I know do an Easter Basket...but not us....the good ol' German tradition lives on with the building of the Easter Nest at the Willrich House.  Your nest has to have lots of nice grass and pretty flowers for the bunny to lave your goodies on.

Final product...all the pretty (real)flowers.

A little down time with Oma before bed

and some play time with Opa.

Roan LOVED the chocolate bunny he got in his nest Easter morning.

Can you feel the love??

Roan was also baptized on Easter Sunday.  It was a wonderful service and baptism. 

The Willrich/Bland side of the family

The Roan side

Guest of honor at lunch....Roan Gerard Willrich

Easter egg hunting in Mimi and Poppy's front yard.

The girls with the new baby donkey....so cute.  He seemed to love Claire's dress.

The golden egg Madeline found

Roan and Aunt Melissa

Pure joy when I look at him.

my kiddos...oh how they bring color to my life.

Catch Up - Part 1

I said the next time I post it will be about the Hoston Rodeo/Show, so here it is.  Madeline showed Teaspoon in the Walk-Trot class and Halter class.  Friday was such a fun day. Channel 13 Houston News interviewed Madeline and Jerry for the 5:00 news, Madeline got a little camera shy but made the news none the less!

We were all ready for her to come out with Poppy and ride Teaspoon on the course.  I had my camera ready, Roan was taking a nice nap (so happy so I could really watch her), Joseph had the video camera ready and we waited in the stands for her to go.  She did so well riding the course, waved at the judge at the "most perfect" moments, smiled, and enjoyed herself.  My pictures were less than impressive b/c the lighting in the arena was TERRIBLE, so no action shots for me.  As soon as it was over, Joseph storms down and says, "let's go now"...  I looked at him and asked, "why are you so mad"... he says, "Kari, you are never going to believe what I just did.  I was filming so perfect, got all her moves/ waves (I am thinking OH GOOD!) and at the end I looked at the camera and realized I DIDN"T PUSH RECORD!"

WHAT!?!?!

Let me back up a bit and tell you that I am slightly bossy about videoing.  Giving instructions on just how I want it done...and Joseph is always telling me to leave him alone he is doing just fine.  SOOO, this time I decided that I wasn't going to say a word before he videoed, I would let him do it and keep my mouth shut!  LOOK WHERE IT GOT ME!  No video of the ride! I will now start giving instructions again.

Saturday was her halter class.  We did so well at videoing that we FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES!!!  Maybe next year we will do better!  A few pictures from the professional photographer will have to do.

And my sweet sweet Roan napping away

After the show we enjoyed a little fun in the kids portion of the fair.

For Spring Break, we went to see my parents and spend some time with them.  It was just the kids and I because poor Joseph doesn't get Spring Break.  Mom was on break 2 weeks before we were so she missed some of the fun and excitement due to work.  Opa spent plenty of time with us because according to Madeline, "Opa doesn't have a job" HA!

One day we went into Abilene to see Old Opa in the hospital and to watch Aaron and the Cooper Cougars Baseball team win. It was a good (and short) game.  Every game we have been to has been 'their longest one yet'...so I was dreading going but ended up enjoying it.

Madeline helping Aaron with the field after the game.

Opa and Roan waiting to go eat!

We spent a little time fishing on Wednesday and then headed home on Thursday.

WHEW!!! I got all of it in. I will update on Easter next blog.  I'm tired of typing and hungry for lunch!