Picking Strawberries

This morning we went to a nearby Strawberry Farm to pick some strawberries. We haven't had the best luck with this in the past but thanks to an awesome recommendation from a friend, today was a huge success!  The berries were plentiful for the picking, no lines when we got there, some great friends joined us and the weather was perfect.  

We ended up quickly picking about 15 pounds of scrumptious strawberries.

This farm has a little side smokehouse store.  As we were checking out with all our strawberries, the tantalizing scents from the smokehouse wafting through the air were too much to ignore.  Trevor, Hayley & Jake all came away with some amazing sausage on a stick and a sausage patty. 

           

The sausage hopefully helped balance out all the many pounds of strawberries we consumed throughout the day.  The perfect snack to go along with day 2 of our Star Wars Marathon :)

          

          

1st Day of Spring Break

Yay!  We love vacation days.  St. Patricks Day gave us a chance to eat some awesome Lucky Charms for breakfast.  Luke was especially excited that the clovers turned the milk green.  Bonus!

We headed out for an early start at the zoo.  It was 45 degrees - what?! Not right for March in Houston. The cold didn't last too long but it was a chilly morning at the zoo.  We spent a lot more time at some of the inside exhibits like the aquarium, reptile house and Natural Encounters.  Who doesn't like a close up with the piranhas?! 

Luke was excited to show everyone the new baby giraffe and Duncan, the baby elephant that we have visited a couple times while they were at school.

Luke bonked his head climbing on the giraffe so
everyone joined in on the crying pose for the picture.
Twisted, maybe.  Funny, definitely.

We spend some time monkeying around in the African Forest. 

A trip to the zoo would be incomplete without a ride on the carousel and a refreshing drink of Lion's Drool.  Tasty.  

Back at home, we kicked off our spring break vacation movie marathon -  
Star Wars.  Quote of the night -  "I have a bad feeling about this"

But everything is awesome when you have a pot of chocolate gold! 

Cruisin'

Michael left after church today to go on a week long cruise with his best friend Tyler & his family. So awesome.  We will miss him during Spring Break but know he is have an incredible time cruising around Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel.  

I wish I had my camera when they left together after church.  Michael and Tyler, both dressed in their suits, walking away in the light mist, one with a backpack and the other pulling a suitcase.  For a short moment, time stood still and I thought, they really look like missionaries!  My heart skipped a beat as a little mist blurred my vision.  Where has the time gone?!  These two sweet boys who have known each other all of their lives, practically all grown up now.  So glad they have this opportunity for this fun adventure together this week!

Michael & Tyler, 2013

Acceptance Letter

Quick selfie before church...
gotta take some while we still can!

It was a great day at church.  We have a fantastic ward who have played such a huge part in our family's lives in the nearly 19 years we have lived in Houston.  The support and excitement for Michael as his mission call was announced at church was a sweet experience.  Watching the Bishop come in before the meeting and making a beeline to hug Michael, all the sweet ladies who taught and helped raise Michael just beam with pride, and his friends, youth leaders and Scout leaders shaking his hand, congratulating him.  He was even given his first "Ugly Tie" to start his tie collection :)

Michael wasted no time in filling out his Missionary Call Acceptance with the Bishop to be returned this week to The First Presidency.  

Signature of missionary.  Wow.

Opening the Mission Call

Waiting for Michael to arrive...

Opening the call!

ARGENTINA CORDOBA MISSION!

The Call

HUGS!

Facetime and Skype with Grandparents

Checking it all out

Awesome Friends!

My super talented friend Nicole came over to and took pictures of this exciting night for us.  To see more of Nicole's pictures of the night check out her photography blog - Nicole's blog

Mission Call Video

You've Got Mail!

February was a busy month of appointments for Michael.  He got to visit doctors and denists and have all sorts of fun things done.  16 days ago Michael met with President Barrow, the President of the local Stake (area) of the Church and officially submitted his paperwork to become a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

Fast forward 2 weeks, 2 false alarm big white envelopes from other people, and lots of mid day texts asking, "Has the mail come yet?"

Someone got mail today!

Michael has been working and having fun with friends at the Rodeo today but will be home at 8 pm to open the call!  Tough to look at it all day and know inside is the answer to where Michael will be serving the next 2 years!  Even Luke said, "Let's just open it up!"  But we will wait :)