Tyler's Nature blog

Ty's started a blog to let friends follow some of his outdoor discoveries. Should be fun! The link is on the right.

One for my dad

My dad spent a good deal of his childhood in New Zealand where he learned the Haka (a Maori war dance), and became a big All Blacks fan (rugby team). Us kids have great memories of my dad dancing it in the living room, we loved it! Don't ask why, I just don't know, but here are the All Blacks doing the Haka prior to the start of a game. It's awesome!

Our Graduate

Next week Trey graduates from preschool. A whole 5 years old, he can't wait to start kindergarten.

The Flap Jack Kids Race

Race #2. This time Tyler came in 3rd for his age group, and Peyton 2nd in his. Trey was one of the fastest little kids and Bailey looked a little more sporty than last time (she still doesn't own a pair of sneakers).

Jack's Blessing

This past Sunday we blessed Jack at church. We were glad that we could spend the day with family. I'm pretty sure we came close to doubling the size of primary. America took way better pictures of the kids then I did, so you can check out her blog if you want to see the happenings.

Jack didn't want to cooperate for a picture but I had to take one of his blessing outfit. I made this when we blessed Peyton and made sure to add the trim from Tyler's, so he could have claim to it also. Every time a baby has been blessed in it I kick myself for not having done the embroidery yet. Finally, a few weeks ago, I found a place here that did it for me. Embroidered on are the names and birth years of everyone who has been blessed in it.

It's an idea from Martha. It's a good thing.

Searching for Hope

Since Peyton's diagnosis of brain cancer 9 months ago, we have spent many hours searching for something that would give us hope for a cure. We know that it is only with a miracle from our Heavenly Father that Peyton will survive but we have always felt like we need to fight, and fight hard for his life. The majority of kids with his diagnosis don't make it to 9 months. Hopefully something we're doing helps him beat this. On his website (link to the right), I've listed the things we have Peyton on. It has been very helpful for us to find out what other families have tried and what they think. Our hope in posting this information is that it helps another family who is struggling to save their child. Please feel free to pass along his website information to anyone who might find it useful.

Gator Gallup

The kids all ran in the Gator Gallup kids race this past weekend...

(we realized the morning of that Bailey didn't own a single athletic item of clothing. Hence the stylish spring outfit she's sporting!)

Spring Music Program

Peyton's first grade music program was about bunnys making good choices. Naturally, his speaking part was "Here are some bunnies making good choices."

Happy 3 Months Old!

Jack is now 3 months old and is so much fun. He is such a good baby. He'll sit forever watching his brothers and sister play around him and smiles every time he sees them.

A Win for the Underdogs

This will put a smile on your face!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Just some background- She's from a very poor village where she's spent years caring for her mother. She was bullied by kids in school and continues to be picked on by kids who all think she's odd.

Kid Updates

Tyler won these tasty treats at his school carnival. He is a great help around the house and with his younger brothers and sister. He pulled off a super clever April Fool's joke on his teacher and the assistant principal.
Peyton is getting ready for the 1st grade program in which he has one of the coveted speaking parts. He's lost another two teeth and has three more loose. He is doing so well and recovering great from all the medication and treatments (see "updates on Peyton").

Jack is SO sweet. He's such a good baby. He sleeps through the night and has started to smile and make cute little sounds. He is the most content little boy.

Bailey is something else. She changes clothes ten times a day and can get her brothers to do almost anything she wants. She loves chocolate and High School Musical.

Trey is a ray of sunshine. Last Tuesday he hopped on a bike without training wheels and took off. We registered him for Kindergarten last week. He loves to golf and is a little upset that by planting some new bushes, I took away his bunker.

Easter Sleep Over

Sunday afternoon Robert's sister's kids came down for a sleep over. I figured we'd spend Monday going to the Sea Center and to the local Natural Science museum. What I didn't realize is that they are both closed on Mondays, even with the kids all out of school. Needing something to do, I packed up all 10 kids (between the ages of Jack and 8) and we headed to the beach. It wasn't nearly as crowded as I thought it might be which was a pleasant surprise. We parked and unloaded and the kids started playing. I'm pretty sure that the people around us were placing wagers amongst themselves on how quickly I'd lose one of the kids. I was quite pleased that I managed to bring home as many as I took.

Go Aeros?

Yep, the Aeros, Houston's minor league hockey team. We had some fabulous seats courtesy of Robert's kind co-worker and it was so much fun. The boys loved the hockey and Bailey loved the cheerleaders.

Bayou Wildlife Ranch

We took the kids to a fantastic little wildlife park in Alvin. The kids loved it and highly recommend it!

Brazos Bend State Park

So, we were told that this state park was loaded with alligators but, not to worry, the lazy things always stayed on the banks resting in the sun. We confidently walked our five little children onto a small platform across from some alligators resting on an island in the middle of the lake. Within minutes one had hopped into the water and was swimming (with fair speed) towards us. We quickly gathered the kids and headed over to the next platform. We were there only a few minutes when another alligator felt motivated to leave it's sunning spot and head our direction. This one came up on the bank right next to us. It even opened it's mouth and started making the spooky growling sound that they apparently make. So, a word to the wise: Alligators do conserve as much energy as possible and will stay away from people, that is unless the people are 5 little rodent sized kids!