Austin Loves His Daddy

Teenage Saturday

Parker had a Living Scriptures work meeting on Saturday from 9:00 to 3:00. After the meeting the company took the managers to a family fun center called Boondocks for the rest of the day and invited the wives to come along. Parker and I had a blast!

• We rode go carts- I've never done that before, so it was fun to try. It made me a little dizzy and the exhaust was terrible...
• Bowled- I had a strike and bowled a 96, which is average for me. Parker had two strikes in a row and bowled a 147ish.
• Tried out the batting cages- I did better than I expected hitting softballs. It was one of my favorite activities, although my left hand is terribly bruised. Parker did great, as usual. 
• Played arcade games- We really liked the basketball shooting and deal or no deal games. We won lots of tickets and picked out cheap toys to fill Austin's Easter basket. Don't tell him. 
• Played laser tag- Another thing I'd never done before. Our team lost, but it was sure fun! If we'd had more time we would have done it again!
• Played miniature golf- I had THREE holes in one. Mini golf is definitely my best sport ;) However, Parker had two holes in one of his own, and is much more consistent, so he won. 
• We ate a delicious catered dinner complete with cheesecake for dessert. 

The day was marvelous, and completely took us back to our teenage years. Can't wait to go again. :)

Easter

Our family had a wonderful Easter Sunday. The only thing that would have made it better is if we hadn't been so late to church. I had a fun time filling Austin's Easter basket (although the the book wouldn't fit...). I filled eggs with peach Gerber puffs for Austin and nerds jelly beans for Parker and I. Have you tried the nerds jelly beans? They're fabulous, and I've never really been a fan of jelly beans. Austin seemed to love the basket. We had a hard time getting his attention for a picture! 

After church we had a barbecue with some friends.  Parker grilled steak, chicken and salmon (I marinated the salmon and it was amazing!!) and the other families brought side dishes and drinks.

 Austin hung out in his stroller most of the time.

 This is what he does if he's not buckled in. He can sure wiggle and squirm.

 It was such a perfect day for a picnic. We all had such a fun time. The kids ran around while the adults chatted and threw around a football.

And, what is the real reason we celebrate Easter? Our savior, Jesus Christ lives. He was crucified and three days later rose again. Because of him we can all repent and be resurrected.

I'm an Aunt!

My brother and his wonderful wife had a baby yesterday. They named her Ella Nicole and I love her already! I can't wait to meet her, and introduce Austin to his first little cousin. I've seen one picture of her sweet face up close, and I think she looks like her beautiful mother. Oh how I wish my family wasn't so far away!

I like to eat eat eat apples and bananas!

Last Sunday I sliced an apple for myself. I saw Austin eyeing it, and gave him one to gnaw on, thinking he wouldn't do much with it. Boy, was I wrong! He loved it, and his top two teeth nubs are quite effective already. After biting off little pieces he started to get large chunks. He was SO MAD when I took it away, but raw apples just don't really dissolve or mush well. Sorry, kiddo. Since then I've tried giving him little pieces of banana and kiwi and he's loved those too.

In other food news, Austin's eating baby oatmeal cereal for breakfast. He seems happy enough about this new addition to his menu. The green beans he's had for dinner are much less exciting, however.  

Playing at the Park

Every now and then I babysit for a neighbor. This little girl is almost three years old and loves Austin, and  Austin gets pretty excited when she comes to play with him. On this particular Friday morning it was a nice day and  Parker didn't have work or school, so we walked to the neighboring complex to play at the park. It was so fun... can't wait till Austin can play and get excited about it too. :) T wanted to push Austin in the stroller and pushed him all the way home while running (with Parker and I helping to steer and watch for cars). She must take after her awesome runner mom.