Happy Mother's Day

We want to keep every one updated with our lives here in Waco.

The boys were extremely excited to have Uncle Robbie visit. When they learned that one of my brothers was going to visit, they tried to figure out which one it was going to be. They wanted to know if it was my "Rocket" brother.

Robbie couldn't stay long. He was anxious to get back to his family after a long TDY. At least we could offer him a bed and a meal. We are grateful that he was able to stop by. We are a little far from everybody, and it is nice to receives visitors.

Last week, Susie told me that she didn't want flowers for Mother's day. I think that she is sad that they always whither eventually. This was the compromise. They boys and I woke up early to make this fruit bouquet for her

She was excited to receive our present.

After church today, we visited the house that we are buying.

All of the sisters in the ward were given roses for Mother's day. It served as a great prop for the photos that we took.

It is wonderful to see how happy Susie is. We have so many good things happening in our lives right now. Susie has had great health since last fall. I am one final away from finishing my first year of grad school. We are buying our house at the end of the month.

Braxton is becoming a great little photographer. As we posed for him, he started giving us directions about what he wanted to see us do.

Whenever we visit our house, one of the first things Braxton will do is start turning over rocks to see what bugs are hiding underneath. This can keep him occupied for hours.

If you look closely, you can see the pill bug perched on his knuckle.

I love all of the exploration that the boys engage in. So far they have caught bugs, lizards, and snakes. I really look forward to the time where they can really explore and experience their new yard.

Tavin has opened up a sprinkler box and discovered it to be full of bugs.

As we were getting ready to leave, Tavin climbed onto my back and held on tight.

This is our new backyard. Due to the slope it is hard to really see it in any one photograph. The backyard is what really attracted us to the house in the first place.

Our new home from the front.

We are excited to have a garden this year. We have a number of plants in pots ready to be transplanted as soon as we purchase the house.We are already seeing little tomatoes, squash, and peppers.

Tavin is an excellent helper. Every time Susie waters the plants, he takes the opportunity to talk to them and encourage them to grow. He also regularly prays for rain so that the plants will have plenty to drink. His prayers have been extremely effective as we have been receiving quite a bit.