Rodeo Time

Here are quite a few pictures from the Austin rodeo. The kids and I ventured out to the grounds for the day to kick up some dust and to see what we could see. Mom , Brandie and several of the kids joined us. The weather was glorious and we could not have asked for better behaved children. They each were able to ride the ponies that were donated to the cause. We were blessed to be able to find front row seats for the pig races (not once, but twice.) This event was a treat as the crowd went wild cheering on the swine of their choice. Racing for Oreos, these tiny pigs were let loose from the gate to make their way around the rink and back into the shoot. It was quick, but very exciting! We were able to visit a tepee and well as a real milk cow. We watched Pro FMX motorcycle riders and hung out on real tractors. The kids thought they were in Heaven. The neatest event was the petting zoo (which, again, we visited more than once.) I was so proud of my Babies and the way they loved on the animals. No fear was seen in their eyes and they were totally comfortable the entire time (FFA and 4H, here we come!) They were able to pet and feed goats, sheep and lambs, a donkey, llamas as well as a kangaroo.

After everyone else left, the kids and I stayed (per Hayden's request) to listen to Casey Berry and the Live Texas Mosquitoes. Awesome sound. I was very impressed and am anxious to hear them again real soon. Six hours later, all of us sunburned, myself with a broken flip flop, headed home. We had a wonderful, dusty day, and are ready to attend next years rodeo. I would recommend to you!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Love,

The Senters

Our Newest Adventures

Spring is finally here! Below is posted a picture of our "first bud of the year." At the beginning of each Spring, I like to photograph the first sign of life that I can find around our house. It usually begins on our fruitless mulberry trees out back. It has been fun, recently, to explain to Hayden why everything is beginning to brighten up. He seems to understand a little, along with wanting to pick off all of the greenery! The garden is in the works, and next week is planting week. I am anxious to have the Babies help me so that they can begin to understand where our food truly comes from and how it is that God makes everything in his own time. Not to mention saving lots 'o' money every week in the produce section at the store. We will see if we can grow our food faster than the kids can rip off all of the leaves for fun!

Several weeks back, Kim, Jeff & Adam joined us at The Saltlick for dinner. I hadn't eaten such a heapin' helpin' in quite a while. Since the Babies were away, Kim and I walked off our dinner at the local Wal-Mart for fun.

We have a new addition to the family! Yea, caught your attention, didn't I! Well, the newest member of our clan is a brand new "made by Dad" sandbox! We had debated and processed and pondered and got opinions for quite some time before taking the leap! Well, it's a hit! For the last several weeks, the kids and I have been in the sandbox, honestly, from 9 AM to 4PM EVERYDAY! Of course we take breaks for lunch and naps. Why we break for lunch, I don't know- all I taste is sand in my teeth. I have never seen two kids have more fun together and be so creative at their young ages. The imaginations have come alive involving 1500 lbs. of sand! Thank you, Grandpa Gene, for your help! If you as parents are thinking about a sandbox, it has it's ups and downs. At the end of the day, we are glad we did it! There is nothing like your own private beach in your yard. I was lucky enough to be able to capture the expressions on the kids faces when they first saw their new toy. Kaylen Rae was not real sure at first and sort of "skirted around" the perimeter just peering in. She was hesitant to get in the sand, but quickly realized that if Brother is doing it, it must be alright. This may not always be true in their lives, but in regards to the sand box, we'll take it!

Since Hayden is now old enough to understand some parts of life, like listening, paying attention, and obeying, I found it time to introduce him to our local library. I recently found out about it's standing (it's almost a year old) and decided to check it out. We made some calls, discussed our plans and I quickly saw a gleam in his eye that thrilled me. Having never been to a library before, it seems as if he knew what I was talking about. He has recently begun to notice Pinocchio. I believe he witnessed a commercial on television advertising the classic film. When I was explaining to him about checking out books, I mentioned Pinocchio, and quickly prayed that they carried the book! Amazingly, it was the first book on the shelf that we saw when we walked in. Along with this classic, he picked out Olivia Saves Christmas for Kaylen. Such a good brother! We discussed the moral of Pinocchio as, "Let your conscience be your guide"- The Blue Fairy. You ask why I would converse about morals with a three year old? Am I crazy? Yes, but he totally gets it. He understood (on a three year old level, of course) what happened to Pinocchio when he lied, and now... he's petrified! Thanks a lot, Disney!

(Due to the weather lately, we opted for movies from the Blockbuster. He found Pinocchio and we rented it. I watched his face some during the movie. I think it truly all came together for him. OK, you say, enough about the puppet. I just hope he doesn't ask to keep the next cricket that we see as a pet.)

Camera in hand, I opted for a shot by the sign. I'm sure Hayden saw it coming. Since it was in a ditch next to the road, I chose to carry Kaylen and not let her down! We will continue to frequent the library one afternoon a week for preschool story time, when ever they offer events (which in the summer is quite frequently,) and when ever they ask to go. We have read our books multiple times and will continue to do so for two weeks until we can check out different titles. I am so proud of my little bookworms!

Since Kaylen Rae didn't get a photo op by the great sign, I captured one of her on the way home.

Here are several from the recent weeks. As of late, our household has been laden with sickness and has been quarantined. After a week, we are beginning to see the light and are praying for no relapses. All we can do is stay clean, drink our OJ (which both kids absolutely LOVE,) and take our vitamins. I will not complain about the rain we've been blessed with, but maybe a good dose of sunshine in our near future will help.

Thank you, Tiff, for the adorable shirts! You are so amazing and so talented. Compliments galore!

I hope that every one of you enjoy your coming week (Spring Break for many.) Please say safe and stay well.

Good Night!

Kelley