Bike Ride

It took Jackson awhile to get the hang of his bigger bike, but now that he has it down, he loves riding it every day after school.  Yesterday, he asked if I'd come watch him.  First, he said, "watch how fast I can go!"  Then, he said, "I'm gonna try to kiss you as I ride by!"  Goodness, I love him so!

Easter Egg Hunt

After brunch, the kids got their Easter baskets from us, and then we found out that the Easter Bunny had come!

In years' past, the kids have found their Easter eggs in their Easter best...this year, they did it in their jammies!

Jackson loves finding Easter eggs!

Usually, he stops after each egg and starts eating what inside, this year, he collected them all as quickly as he could!

He asked Daddy to help him!

Showing off his loot!

Easter Brunch

Since we went to church and served on Saturday, that meant we got to sleep in and have brunch on Sunday.

We had stuffed French toast.

Cupcakes--that Jackson helped me make and decorate.

Fruit salad.

Sausage and bacon.

While I was taking pictures on the food, this sweetness was happening.  I had to snap a picture of it.

Easter Family Pictures

On Saturday, we took our family Easter pictures and then went to church.

Jackson in a bow tie and an old man hat kills me.

Before church service, they had an Easter egg hunt and bounce houses for the kids.  Jackson had so much fun!  Then after service, Jackson helped us teach our 4 year old class.  He did such a great job playing with them, and he even taught them all about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and then being resurrected into Heaven.  It was the sweetest thing to hear!

Easter

He is risen!

Chess

In January, chess club started at Jackson's school, and he couldn't wait to join!  They have meetings every Monday after school, and he just loves it!  Since then, he and Daddy have been playing a lot.  Jackson and I have played a couple of times, but I'm not that good--he always beats me, (which he loves!).  I really enjoy watching then play or even listening to them in the den while I'm cooking dinner, it's just the cutest!

Cillian

My sister and her son, Cillian came to visit us from Germany, and we were all beside ourselves with excitement!

The kids just adored their cousin, Cillian!  Jackson even gave him a nickname--Cill!

Him in the hat and Sarah's huge smile as she's holding him...I just can't!

Those eyes.  Those cheeks.  That hair.

Bryan and I are so excited to be an uncle and an aunt!  We love Cillian so!

This is my favorite picture!  We miss him so much already!

Driving

Papa Bear took Sarah out for her first drive yesterday.  She said that in true Dad fashion, he taught her a lot of life lessons along the way...and had his hand on the steering wheel quite a bit.

Driver's Permit

We can't believe our baby's old enough to have her driver's permit!  And it only took us waiting at the DPS for two and a half hours to get it!

Jackson as Zachary Taylor

Jackson's class recently put on a Wax Museum in which they had to portray a famous American.  Jackson chose to be Zachary Taylor, our 12th president.

Jackson researched Zachary Taylor, prepared and memorized a 4 sentence speech about the highlights of his life, then gave that speech in front of the class while dressed like him.

He said he couldn't smile in the pictures, because Zachary Taylor never smiled.

Zachary Taylor was a Major General in the Army, so he had a sword.  Jackson loved that part!

Jackson worked really hard on this project, and we are so proud of him!

When he told us he was going to be Zachary Taylor, we asked why he didn't pick his favorite president, Abraham Lincoln.  He said, "I already know everything about Abraham Lincoln.  I wanted to learn about someone else."  Speaking of Abraham Lincoln, his log cabin has been hanging on our fridge for about two years now, and I told J it was unfortunately time to take it down.  And since it has food, we can't save it forever, so he asked if I would take a picture of it, and I was happy to oblige!

Sarah's Birthday

We celebrated Sarah Bear's birthday for a little over a week, and she loved it!

The Friday before her birthday, her two best friends in the who world came over after school to spend the night!

We went to dinner at one of Sarah's favorite taco restaurants on Friday night.

Then, Saturday morning, we went to one of her favorite breakfast spots.

She loves these girls so much.  And so do we!

On Sarah's actual birthday, she got to pick her birthday meal.  She chose a fancy grilled cheese and fresh fruit.  She is so my daughter.

Then for dessert, she chose one of our favorites--a chocolate--caramel tart!

She does love plants!

Last weekend, we had the grandparents over to celebrate!