The rest of the visit

Here is a sampling of the rest of the pictures from Oliver's visit home. These show pretty much how we spent our time (other than the things I already posted about--Easter, Topsey, haircuts).

We painted the dining room, living room and bathroom (Kate helped.) I guess Oliver was tired of hearing me talk about wanting to paint. I meant hire someone to do it for us, but I guess this is fine too. It was actually fun. (Except for the bathroom. I will pay for the bathroom in the future.)Kate had her 4 year doctor appointment and Cole had his 18 month appointment. The picture shows them with Dr. Street (yes, that's his name. When you are new somewhere and don't know anyone to ask, how do you choose? This guy had a good name.) BEFORE they got their shots.
Since Oliver has left we have been back to the doctor 2 times with an ear infection, pink eye, allergies, and strep throat. Hopefully that is over!! No more sick kids please.

We enjoyed eating out a lot. I think we both gained back a few of the pounds we had lost since the deployment began. Oh well. Back to eating right!We played a lot. It was so nice to be together! The weather was great! It just went too fast!(This one is of Kate and Oliver looking at a snake before it slithered and hid under the deck)We have less than 40 days!!! WOW!! Can you believe it?

First Hair Cuts

Both Kate and Cole got their first hair cuts this month. Kate loved it and felt like a "rock star". She just kept telling the stylist to not cut off too much. Cole had to be bribed with a lolly pop to sit in the chair and Daddy kept busy keeping Cole's attention away from the scissors. Cole still managed a smile....

Kate had to stand up because her hair was too long and got in the way of the chair.

"Don't cut off too much. Only a trim" Kate kept saying.

Kate did enjoy the special treatment though. She liked sitting in the chair to have her hair brushed.It took us 4 years to take Kate and only 18 months to take Cole. They both had about the same amount cut of though. I think we will be going a lot more often once Daddy gets home (at least Cole will).

Easter morning

We left the bunny a plate of carrots and a beautiful letter that Kate drew. The bunny in turn filled the baskets to the brim with all sorts of goodies.

The Easter baskets the bunny filled...

Kate tearing into hers...

Cole checking his out (with help from daddy)

What a fun morning we had!

Easter Eggs

Kate decorated Easter Eggs with Mommy and Cole was kept out of the egg dye by hanging out with Daddy.

Kate is very proud of her creations...

Easter

We had a GREAT time together on Easter. Here are a couple pictures of us in our "Sunday best"...

Kate putting flowers on the cross at church. Looking into the sun. Looks like we are all squinting. Cole is eating--as usual.Kate and Cole in their coordinating Easter outfits--courtesy of Grandmom Deb. Sooooo cute.Cole and Daddy walking to the car. I don't know why, but I just LOVE this picture of my guys!Next I will post pictures of the Easter Baskets and eggs.

It was so nice for us to be together as a family. I hope everyone had as nice and as blessed an Easter as we did.

Another Welcome Home Picture

I forgot to include this picture in the welcome home post a couple weeks ago. It is my favorite and makes me smile everytime I look at it. I just had to share it with you all. Not too much longer now....

Topsey Part 2 (the petting zoo)

The second part of the zoo was a petting zoo. The kids both really enjoyed this!

At first Kate was scared to let the goats eat out of her hand. By the end she would let them. But only the babies...

Cole kept trying to pick up the baby goats. He succeeded one time, but I was too busy stopping him to take a picture. Where are my priorities??? Next time I will do better.

This is what a goat does... (and every other animal according to Cole)Kate's favorite was the lamb. She sang "Mary Had a Little Lamb to it".The loves of my life all together again...

Kate is still talking about the visit to Topsey. We will definately have to do it again.

Topsey Exotic Park

We went to Topsey Exotic Ranch while Oliver was home on leave. Part of it you drive through safari style and feed the animals, and part of it is a petting zoo. We all had a GREAT time!

Check out Kate's expression as she sees something coming....

She said "WHAT is THAT?!"

I will post the petting zoo pictures in the next post.

Would love to hear from everyone. I hope you all are enjoying the blog and check it often.

Kate's Birthday

Here are a few more pictures from Kate's Birthday day. She had a great day, and is SO proud to be 4 now!

We had dinner at the Texas Roadhouse, and she got to ride the saddle. SUPER excited!

Kate got beautiful flowers from Daddy!

The presents...

The proud 4 year old!

We have been soooooo blessed!!