Texas top to bottom vacation

We headed out on vacation this past week and got the tour of Texas. Matt was working in Austin, San Antonio, and somewhere by the mexico border, and we decided it would be fun to join him. What better way to vacation then to get paid for our miles, nice hotels, and included meals. The first day we drove to Austin and went to dinner with our good friends from college, the Budge's. Thanks guys for venturing out only days before having a baby! Then the kids and I stayed at the hotel and swam all morning while Matt worked. The next day we headed to San Antonio and checked into a 2 bed/2 bath suite overlooking the riverwalk. It was so cool to look out and see downtown. They also had a pool on the roof that we enjoyed. Here is a picture of a portion of all the luggage we had with 3 kids including a baby.

This is a picture of the riverwalk from our window
This is where we had breakfast and dinner overlooking the riverwalk.

We went out on the riverwalk a couple of times and loved walking around and seeing the ducks. The kids thought every little rock was a photo opportunity. How could I resist these cute little faces?...

Me and the kids on the riverwalk while Matt was working. We took the boat ride and the kids loved it.

Then we went to the San Antonio zoo and loved it! We were surprised at how good it was after going to the Ft Worth so much. Our favorite part was that they have a place where you can watch the hippos swim right by you. They were huge!!

Family shot at the zoo

We fed the birds there and it was so fun to have them climb right on you. I had one on my head and you don't have to guess what happened to me.... oh yes, right on my head. They were also pecking at matt's hair and neck. The kids got a kick out of that.

The whole family enjoying the zoo.

I took the kids to a park in downtown San Antonio. They had fountains everywhere and the kids had so much fun running through them. We all got in a water fight and everyone was laughing at us.

Then we headed to South Padre Island and got to enjoy the beach and some pools at the resort we stayed at. Here are some shots of the kids loving the sand and the waves...

Even Mckinley had her first time at the beach. We put her toes in and she didn't quite love the cold water. She was fun to take anyway!

Here was the pool by the beach. It was really warm and fun to play in the waterfall. we had a great time.

Mckinley chillin' by the pool. She was great at just hangin out in her seat and watching us swim and play

What's vacation without Dairy Queen. My college girls know what I mean... This apparently was Brennon's favorite part of the trip. Go figure. We could have saved a lot...

We relaxed in the hammocks by the beach and pools.

We had fun in the hotel rooms and Matt loves getting Mckinley to smile in the mirror. So cute!

My girls having fun at the hotel! We loved the shows at Sea World. The Orchas were amazing. They even had a baby one.

We even hit the water park at Sea world and the kids had a blast on the toys, wave pool, and slide.

Family shot at Sea World

The kids were our tour guides.... You can see what a job it was...

My favorite was feeding the dolphins and petting them. The kids really enjoyed this too

We loved seeing the penguins and puffins. They were very entertaining.

All in all it was a great trip and we can't wait to go back and do more in Texas. We are greatful Matt made it all happen with his work and I'm surprised it went so smooth with 3 kids. No sickness and not too much crabby kids. I'm a lucky mom! Great memories for years to come

Alva happenings

I am loving having 3 kids. It is totally crazy, but totally fun. They keep me on my toes and are a blast to be around. This is how we spend a lot of time cuddling on the recliner. As soon as I sit down with the baby, the other two are soon climbing up and laying on my shoulders. I love it!

I am loving having a baby to cuddle again. She is such a doll and such a happy baby.
Yesterday I found a toad in my house and it scared me half to death as I bent over to pick something up and it jumped at me. As you can tell, Brennon got a huge kick out of it. The toad is under the chair, its kinda hard to see.

Last weekend we went camping with some good friends. Here are some shots of the fun we had. Whats a campout without dutch oven and smores?

Matt had a long week and as soon as he got a chance to sit down with his baby girl, they both passed out!

The kids couldn't wait to swim in the lake. Of course it was still cold, but Katelynn didn't care one bit! She ended up getting all the way in.

Spring Life in Texas

I wasn't sure I posted pics of Mckinley and Katelynn's room. I still need drapes, but it is very fun to have a girly pink room.

We are having a beautiful spring here in Texas. It is 70 - 80 degrees most days and lots of sun. We are also enjoying having a baby around and adjusting to life with 3 kids. Its not too bad and probably because we spaced them 3 years apart, but I definitely have a lack of free time with 3. Mckinley is growing so fast and it is so crazy, because our other 2 were tiny for what seemed like forever. Matt calls her his "English Rose" because she has a red tint to her hair and fair skin like his mom and that's what her father called her. He adores Mckinley and I can't keep him from spoiling her. He helps out so much and cuddles her any chance he can get. He even watched her along with the other 2 for an entire weekend so I could have some girl time. Here are some pictures of our last month:

Mckinley enjoying the weather while we had dinner outside:

She has been smiling so much lately and we couldn't resist sharing some of her adorable faces:

We have been going to the park a lot before it gets too hot. Here is a group shot of some friends we play with at the parks:Playing at the park with just our family:

Katelynn is such a little helper. She is great with Mckinley and keeps her happy for me all the time. It is so nice to have an older one. She even takes naps with her. It is adorable!

Mckinley loves bath time and we love to cuddle her when she is all clean and happy

Brennon has started preschool and absolutely loves it. He is so proud to be big enough to have his own school and really needs the social time. We love it!

Celebrating spring and baby blessings

What better way to celebrate spring than with pictures of a new baby. I couldn't resist when we passed a park filled with flowers. Of course I made her mad unwrapping her with the wind and had to get a crying picture. At least she finally settled down and does a great peaceful picture.

We also blessed her in church on Sunday. She has started smiling and I must say there is nothing better than having your baby girl grinning up at you. I cant beleive we got her to smile for us in her dress. Katelynn also wore this dress to be blessed in and it is so fun to now have pics of both of our baby girls in it.

Mom and Mckinley
Mom and Katelynn. (I know, I looked much younger)