My little artists

The art easels that Jaden and Morgan received for Christmas from Jeff's family have been an exciting addition to our home school experience. As you can see, they have been letting their inner artist out of its shell!

Saying Goodbye

We met up with Jeff and the crew one last time at Jason's Deli. Then, we had to say goodbye. They are now safely back in California. It was fun while it lasted. Next time, maybe we can go to California!

The girls share their toys with the other girls

Maggie with her daddy Uncle Jeff

Jaden did a magic trick for Uncle Jeff. Now, Uncle Jeff is doing one back to her. It was hilarious! Too bad I didn't record it as a mini-video!

Maggie & Morgan decide to hug, and hug, and hug...

After living in this house for over 4 years, this is the first time that my brother Jeff and his family have ever come to visit. My girls (Jaden & Morgan) had fun sharing their toys with Jeff's girls (Emma, Bridget & Maggie). Yes, we both had nothing but girls! (so far anyway...) Jeff, Anne and their girls are now already back in California. Hopefully it won't take another 4 years before we see them again!

Wading in the lazy river

The other great part of the zoo is the little water trail that the kids can play in. I didn't think it would be open, since it is fall. However, fall in Texas could be anything from 30 degrees to close to 90 degrees. That day it was in the 80's and very pleasant. All of the kids had fun with their cousins!

A day at the zoo

We took a trip to the zoo. It was a beautiful day!! You can see that the children had a lot of fun!

Pictures for Family Sunday Dinner

Playing before dinner (from left) Emma age 5, Jaden age 5, and James age 2.

(from left) Emma age 5, Paige age 7 months, James age 2 and Jaden age 5

(from closest to the camera first) James age 2, Bridget age 3, and Emma age 5

(from left) Emma & Bridget

James waiting for his dinner to be delivered.

(in the background from left) my sister-in-law Amy, my mother known as Grandma Leslie holding Paige

(in the foreground from left) Morgan age 2, my sister-in-law Anne, and Emma age 5

(from left) Bridget age 3, Jaden age 5, and me

Grandma Leslie with Paige

Maggie age 1

(from left) Anne, Grandma Leslie, Paige & Jeff

Bridget & Paige

(we got all of the grandkids in one place at one time, for the first time in 4 years!!!) From left- Bryan's son James, Jeff's daughter Emma, my daughter Morgan, Jeff''s daughter Bridget, Jeff's daughter Maggie, my daughter Jaden, and Bryan's daughter Paige. That makes 7 grandkids age 5 years to 7 months!

Did I mention that my brother Jeff and his family came from California to visit? Well, if I didn't, now you know. We filled our days with outings and get-togethers. These are pictures from the first get together. It was a family dinner with my other brother Bryan and his family, Jeff and his family, my family, and the grandparents (whose house we met at).

Jeff's wife Anne fixed the dinner since her youngest is sensitive to soy. We had a soy-free dinner, and it was delicious! Roast, potatos, carrots, & biscuits... YUMMY!