May Fun

 May as always was a busy and fun month.  Gloria and I went to Houston twice to get our visas to Russia and right down from the consulate was the Houston Nature center.  It was a great place to stretch our legs before getting back into the car.  Gloria loved the tight rope.  Our second time it was field trip day so she only did it once and there were tons of kids around but that day she got a popsicle

Lydia's school had a family Health night.  There were A-Z fruits and veggies, dancing, inflatable rock wall (Lydia got to the top, Gloria not so much), egg races and archery.  Super fun time with lots of friends (like Mia)

 All the cook kids have birthdays in May :) and we went to three parties this month, including Gloria's favorite school friend Judah at Build-a-bear.

 The pool opened!!!  The first weeks were a little chilly but its hot enough now to be nice.  We blame Lari Jo's daughters for this pose.

 Because of school, Lydia pretty much falls asleep when her head hits the pillow.  Gloria again not so much.  But one benefit is when Dad takes out the trash and finds a toad on the porch she got to come out and see it and of course with Gloria seeing a creature equals touching, holding and handling the creature.

 Another party-Kylie's at the Jumpy Place!

 Then off to a grown up party-crawfish boil.  But the kids had a great time too and Gloria enjoyed making a craydaddy village-notice the one hanging out on the pillow here.  Everyone there were in the late 20s to early 30s and were hanging out in the back yard all day.  We got there at 3 and left at 7 and that was just the middle portion.   And no one was looking at their phones at all, they were investing in face to face relationships-the world is not lost :)
I realize now that all these pictures are of Lydia & Gloria.  We had fun too just from behind the camera.

Minimoon #13

 Georgetown was our destination to celebrate our 13th anniversary two weeks early.  Thanks to my parents for watching the girls and LaQuinta for giving us points to have a free room to stay in and the USA for a Monday off.

 We dropped Lydia & Gloria off and had a great lunch in Salado.  Then to Georgetown where we got Caleb a wedding ring (please fit right this time!!) at James Avery and then we walked around the "Most Beautiful Square in Texas" signs saying that were every where and it was nice but we forgot to take a picture.  But we did take a picture at the Blue Hole on the San Gabriel River.  We had dinner at The Monument Cafe (very nice) and who would have knows what artichoke flowers looked like?  These were in their garden.  Then we went to HEB to get dessert and other random things like kids toothbrushes :)  Watched a bit of Shrek 2 in the hotel before sitting by the pool for 10 minutes.

 Monday morning, amazing- we slept in to 8:10!  Then yummy LQ waffle breakfast before putting on our suits and heading the the river for a nice walk, including a turtle, before it started to rain.  Instead of swimming we drove in the rain to see Lake Georgetown.  Back at the hotel we packed up, flipped through tv to remind ourselves why we don't turn it on during the day :)

We had Souper Salad (something I craved in Oman and then almost never eat at it now that I have access) for lunch before back to Salado where the family was watching Pollyanna.
A fun getaway!

....In the rain!

 During the late spring it began to rain, so naturally we grab umbrellas and go outside to play!  These last three weeks of school we are watching our neighbor Natalia who is a 5th grader, from after school until 5.  She has had a nice calming yet fun effect on our afternoons.

 A minute later, out comes Kylie to join us with her huge umbrella.

Then Natalia's mom stops by with her little brother.  Rain party in the front yard!

Pony Party

 Nearly half a year after Lydia's original birthday party and bad weather day, we had her pony part of the party at the park!  Most of her friends got to come.  First they petted a rainbow pony.

 Then rode a pretty one.

 Each girl got several turns (and some neighbors too).

 Friends-Lucy, Harper, Adelyn, Abbey, Nita, Maddie & Amber

 Nana & Grandpa came for the fun too!

It was a fun and special day!

Friendship International of Austin

 Seven years!  That is how long I have been a part of Friendship, 3 years as Current Events teacher, 2 as Assistant Director and 2 as Director.  And now I am closing this amazing chapter of my life to move on to new things when both girls are in school next year.

 Today was the Food Fair.  So for 2 hours we smiled, we decorated, we ate, we chatted.  We said good-bye to those moving home.  We caught up with those who stopped and we haven't seen in a while.  We talked about summer plans and gave lots of hugs.

 The kiddos came from childcare (including Mary who came to visit as a former teacher) and got a plate-mostly from the American tables.  For my plate, I like to start with Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan-lots of sticky rice, noodles and sushi.

  Then on to the world, which is people who are the only ones from their country like Czech Republic, Germany, (above) Iraq & Morocco.  From there I go to India, some are so spicy!  And finally to the US & Texas tables if I still have room.

 After judging, and eating, of course its picture time!  This group is mostly from Mexico & South America.

This group is mostly from Japan (who won the decorating contest two years in a row).  I said a quick thanks and goodbye from the stage but its always so hectic that I didn't have time to be emotional.  What an amazing end to seven great years.  I am so thankful that I have gotten to be 'at home' with the girls and be a part of some wonderful things like Friendship International. So many women have touched my life and I can only pray that I have been a blessing to them as well.  "For God so loved the world...."

Performances

 The children's choirs performed and RonTrail and his brother came with us and did a great job singing as well!

 Gloria and Jackson!  The theme was hymns.

 Lydia now has done something I have never done:  sang a duet in front of an audience!  She and Meredith sang the 2nd verse of All Creatures of our God and King!

 Final Friendship Tea Party Children's Performance.

Wildflower trip

We did our annual spring visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and as always it was beautiful!  Since it was the plant sale it was also crowded.

In the tower, you can see my reflection.

A funny one with the grandparents.  It is so nice having them close so they can come up for part of the day.

After trying to get bluebonnet pictures and climb the tower, we had lunch and the girls and grandpa played in the little house while Mom and I went for a walk in the new arboretum.  Such a lovely day.