Polishing the Pulpit

We just got home from one of the most uplifting and inspirational vacations ever! B and I were provided the chance to go to a National Gospel convention called Polishing the Pulpit. It was held outside Pigeon Forge, TN and hosted a couple thousand disciples of Christ. We attended a variety of Bible courses and learned so much. It will definitely be an annual trip for our family. What a perfect vacation: learning about our Lord and spending time in the great mountains He created.

While we were there, Colton and Ellie got to meet the famous Digger Doug and Iguana Don of the Digger Doug Creation DVDs. Here is Colton getting a big hug from Digger Doug.Ellie had a turn, too.And Iggy...

We also went to the aquarium. The penguin playground was my favorite. Of course.

Ellie and me with the fishes.

Elliette the great sea explorer.

And Colton the diver.
Oh, and we also a first ER visit for Ellie. She has learned not to run in hotel rooms because you will most likely fall and hit your head on a table. But no stitches needed. She got glued, taped up and was as good as new.

Colton being goofy on our way up the Smoky Mountains.

On top of the Smokies. What a gorgeous view.Our two standing in two states.Hiking with Daddy. Ellie loved it. Colton, well, you can read body language.Mimi and Pops also took us to play mini-golf. It was the first round of Putt-Putt for Colton and Elliette.

Daddy has some coaching to do.And here is Colton and Ellie in their Bible class. There was excellent child care while B and I went to Bible lessons. Colton and Ellie loved it!!

Polishing the Pulpit was amazing. I encourage anyone who wants to grow in Christ to attend. You will leave renewed and ready to serve the Lord's church.

Fort Worth Stockyards with the Olsens

We spent a weekend with our very good friends, the Olsens, at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Here are just a few pics of the fun filled weekend.

Here is Grant, Ellie, and Colton ready for the rodeo. It was the twins' first rodeo. The Olsens, Lindsay (and baby Cooper), Greg, and Grant at the rodeo.
My babies. Even if they are three now.

Daddy and Colton watching it all.

Ellie and the petting zoo.

Colton really liked the horns.

B tried to get the twins to 'saw Bevo's horns off' with the longhorn in the background.

A Few Firsts

Here is a collection of some firsts for Colton and Elliette over the past month.

Their first crocodile ride at The Dallas Zoo. First chimpanzee rides, too.



First monorail ride in the zoo with Daddy.

Elliette's first haircut.
Front view.

Back view. (wiggly girl=fuzzy view)

First dentist visits. Here is Colton going first.

He was such a big boy.

And Ellie has to ham it up of course.

She was very brave, too.

Our first black eye belonged to Elliette. She ran into the corner wall in the hallway.

It could have been worse and healed quickly.

Easter Fun

We had a great Easter weekend. It started with egg hunting at school. That is the first video. Thanks to Memaw for coming and helping with that.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bbwv1gXEZA

The next three videos are of Colton and Elliette egg hunting at Mimi and Pops' house. Ellie is not wearing her pretty pink dress because she threw up on it at Easter lunch. Sorry Mimi about your outfit. But she soon got her strength back and wanted to go find some eggs. Anything for candy.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbV6Ydoc17c

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1cMFLkSZ9U

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBYYQlhSdiQ

Here are a few shots of their Easter clothes before morning worship service. Mimi got Ellie the dress, and Colton the sports coat and tie. And Memaw got Ellie her white sandals, and the hat. It had a matching sweater that she wore to service, too.
Being goofy as usual.
So handsome. Pretty girl.

Third Birthday Party

Yes, they are three! Here are just a few pics from their birthday party. There are more pics on my Facebook page. We had a great time celebrating with close friends and family. Elliette and Colton are very loved!

This is Ellie's purple purse cake. It is a creation of my friend's Brandy Nance. She is amazingly talented. It was a strawberry cake and tasted just as good as it looked.

This is a very proud and excited three year old posing with her cake.Singing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl.She blew the candles out in one breath. Here is Colton's chocolate dump truck cake with dinosaurs in the back. Another Brandy Nance masterpiece. It was so awesome.

He really did like it, but wasn't happy about being pulled out of the big bouncehouse to take a picture.Birthday boy's turn to be serenaded. Made a birthday wish.Pops and Elliette enjoying some of her cake. Colton and Daddy sampled the dump truck cake. Time to open presents. Colton was super excited he got the tow truck he wanted.We had lots of help opening the presents. I learned chaos is just part of the birthday party deal. Here are the marvelous twosome who are no longer two on their actual birthday.

Three years old and crazier than ever!