Kayaks and Canoes

A few weeks ago we headed to Lake Hefner for an evening float-

a family kayak adventure. 

I must admit, I was hesitant.

 If anyone is likely to tip over or have a crash, it would be me, seriously it's bound to happen. However, after getting used to my kayak, learning how to hold my paddle so as not to drench myself with every move, and gliding through the stickery bushes that jumped out of nowhere, I actually enjoyed myself. It was relaxing. The lake was beautiful. The weather perfect. Jett and Mitch were in a tandem boat paddling along by me... 

and, we can't wait to go back out. 

Spring Break 2012

This post is extremely way past due. 

My boys took their first real Boys Trip together over Spring Break. 

They went with friends to New Mexico caving. 

Jett and his friend, Jackson- I hear there were places even Jett was too small to crawl through, but this was a place his dad was too small to crawl through:)

Jett (and Mitch) both had an incredible time- they loved the caves, could not begin explain how awesome they were, or fathom how big- I mean HUGE, (as Jett would say) they were, 

 these two are just getting warmed up for cave exploring. 

They explored all through Carlsbad Caverns and another cave off the beaten path

all while camping out in 50 mph winds and rain and cold. 

Troy, Jett, Jackson, Lauren, and Chloe ready for more...

I stayed home in the warm and cozy house, working, and missing my boys. So thankful for an adventurous husband that loves his son so much and wants to explore the world with him... 

  

Mitch sent me this video one night- I think it is hilarious...

probably because I didn't have to sleep through it:)

Easter 2012

So late. I know. But, as always, better late than never...

We celebrated Easter with our families,

colored eggs, 

and remembered the sacrifice of Christ and the reason we have Easter.

Nothing fancy,

nothing extravagant,

nothing better...

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading...

1 Peter 1:3-4 

Baby Ben

Benjamin Lynn Elliott arrived on March 27, 2012. 

Jett is such a proud cousin. He loves baby Benji. 

We all do. 

What a blessing this fourth little Elliott boy is...

He is has the sweetest cry, the best mad faces. His cantankerous little spirit is adorable. When he's mad it just makes you want to kiss him more, which makes him more mad, and makes you giggle and kiss him more...he likes to suck on my shoulder and I let him. He is his own little old grumpy man. 

But the best old grumpy man you will ever meet... love you Benji.  

The Girls

The Girls are growing up.  They are almost trained to go from the shed to the pen.

 Almost.  

We usually have a stray. She likes to take the road less traveled. 

Notice most pics only contain three chicks. We have four. 

maybe she is shy. or independent. or head strong. or brave. 

or just one egg shy of a dozen.

We love our chicks. They are family. 

Now for those wellies...

The Tooth Fairy

Jett lost his first tooth at the movies. I cried. Mitch thought we were talking about Truffula Trees. I dropped the tooth in the car. I found it- thank goodness. I would have cried again and been so heartbroken over not having that little tooth in my jewelry box that my life would not have been complete. I might have had to have Mitch whittle a tooth out of Persimmon Wood had I not found the tooth under my seat.

Thank goodness for flashlights.

 The tooth fairy was so unprepared and felt a dime and handful of pennies did not quite portray the value of a first tooth,so she had to leave her $10 bill. 

Jett lost his second tooth a couple of weeks later. He had to wait to put it under his pillow because I was at work- moms can't miss a tooth fairy visit or a tooth collection, more importantly:) 

Jett told Mitch: "I am going to leave a note for the tooth fairy, I need $20 this time." 

Whoa. 

The tooth fairy is going to need a raise if each tooth is worth $10 more than the previous. or $10 each. really how much do teeth go for these days? I think the tooth cashed in for $5 this go around. 

Anxious to see what happens next time... 

Yes, I am saving his teeth. What else do you do with them? How can you throw away the first tooth or the second  or any? My friend at work told me her friend made her daughter-in-law earrings and a necklace out of her son's teeth. I promise not to take it that far...maybe.

Ridin' Around

Jett has officially mastered riding his bike with no training wheels- and now, there is no stopping him. I am pretty sure he rode about 10 miles in our driveway and to the neighbors mailbox and back last week! Loved these pics of his latest accomplishment!