So Cute!

There's really not much else to say! :)

Having a ball

...because that's exactly what they did in more than one way. I'll just let you scroll down and see for yourself.

Gran showed Sam he could climb inside...
And let it shrink...
So much fun! I love the smile!
So much fun inside!
Getting stuck.
Starting to get worried because he can't seem to get out.
Help from Gran is always welcome.
Marie was quite interested in it also and agreed to be put inside the ball...
Then she wasn't so sure about it. :) And yes, I was laughing.
It's definitely more interesting from the outside.

Oh how I miss it...

Ok, so I have to admit I hadn't planned on wiping our computer and putting most things back on. Unfortunately it took a while and then I just didn't jump back into blogging. Arnold did a great post for Easter but I'll have to add to that later since I promised the yummy lunch next...

I have to admit, I really miss a good Texas Bar-B-Que! So My dad decided to take us out for some since we didn't have time to smoke some meat when we got back from the temple.
This is my friend, Maja, who came with me to keep me sane on the flight over. It was her first time having ribs and I have to admit we had a little lesson on eating ribs before taking this picture. Otherwise it would have looked more like the next one.I think I've never seen a Texan eat a chopped brisket sandwich with a knife and fork... but hey she's German and it's amazing to watch them use a knife and fork. It's almost like a dance. We Americans struggle with the back and forth while they just eat with both the whole meal. Kinda cool.
And finally what post is not complete without at least one picture of a smiling little kiddo. :) And who wouldn't smile with so much yummy food in front of you?

Easter 2010

"But there is a ^aresurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of ^bdeath is swallowed up in Christ." -Mosiah 16:8

Together with the rest of Christendom we celebrate the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

He suffered and died that we might live. We are very grateful to him.

As the world turns to spring, and the promise of renewed life, Mandi and I enjoyed spending this easter time with our family, teaching, learning and playing with our Children of the importance of what our Savior did for us.

Here are just a few pictures of our children on Easter.

Houston Texas Temple

WARNING! More pictures than usual in this post! I just couldn't pick our a few.

And...Just for anyone who is curious... The next several or more posts will be of our trip to Texas so I hope you enjoy my pictures of the place I'll always call home! :)

To start, this trip to the temple was just for fun and to show a friend of mine the Houston Texas Temple. We walked around until little people were slowing down and we were needing to eat. This is Marie getting my attention to show me the tiny flowers she found and looked at for at least 10 minutes.

Sam was running wild and giving Grandad a great warmup for his soon to come exercise when he realized Marie wasn't with him and there was something exciting going on without him. He quickly came to join the fun and discovered a few things himself that Marie couldn't quite get.
Triumph! The prize has been won! And Marie decides to move on...
I love the JOY in this little face even if you are looking at the side. We should all enjoy the wind, water, outdoors and life this much!
More cute faces and splashing in water.
Sam was convinced the fountain water was the only thing to drink within miles. He seems to have survived the experience since we couldn't get him to stop. :) Marie was just not quite able to get it and I was pretty happy about that since I knew it would be followed by a very wet Marie.
Wishing it weren't out of reach. Plotting on how to get in on the fun.
The oh so fascinating water. I think about 1/3 of the time was spent looking at it or playing in it. :)
An attempt at getting in...
Stopped but not giving up. There is a lot of determination in this little gal.
An easier way to keep track of Sam than chasing after him for hours.
I think Sam would live upside down if given the chance.
And that finishes the Temple pictures...More soon of the lunch to follow! :) Mmmmm...Yummy!

TEXAS!!!

So this is way over due but here we go...
We had a somewhat crazy but good flight to Texas and when we arrived Grandad had some work to do in the garden. Sam just couldn't resist helping after sitting on a plane for 10 hours and in a car for at least 2 and a stroller also. That's a long time in anything for a 2 year old!Marie joined in the fun too. I didn't get a picture of the wheel barrel rides since I wasn't fast enough but they had fun riding back and forth on the leaves that got moved.At this point Marie was no longer interested in helping. Sam was a little unsure himself but he kept at it and helped the whole time.
And finally, He's big enough to help push! This is good since this lawnmower isn't so rideable. :)
Overall it was a great start to the trip! :)

Ouch :(

So Marie tried to get revenge on a very overly loving brother just before we went to Texas. She decided to cutely lean over the couch and drop a water bottle on his face or more specifically eye. Since Sam wouldn't hold still for a picture this was taken 2 days after it happened, and as you can see it's in motion too. :)
Marie has decided that she likes to stand on anything that will make her any amount taller. I'm not sure if it's a need to keep up with Sam or what but it's kinda funny to see her put a thin book on the floor and stand on with an expression that says, "Look Mom! I'm taller!" This however is the happy conquering of something a little taller. This expression says, "Now what do I do?"
And finally, Sam in his little Thomas outfit that Aunt Dorothea got him. He loves it and has worn the hat regularly since. How cute is that little happy face? I really do have the cutest kids in the world! :)