thanks ladybird

In addition to the very yummy bluebell ice cream, texas bluebell flowers are a statewide delight!  Thanks to my friend Tammy's blog, I learned a little bit of history.  Apparently, these delicate flowers that adorn the highway medians and roadsides throughout Texas were part of Ladybird Johnson's roadside beautification projects in the 1960s.  So, if you visit Texas in early spring, be sure to note all of the cars pulled over with parents taking pictures of their children sitting amidst these Texas icons.  That's better than the rush of children going to the bathroom roadside as I first suspected.  Anyway, here are our little Texas bells among Ladybird's lasting efforts to make the great state of Texas just that much prettier.   

ps.  I hope Mrs. Johnson isn't offended that the girls actually preferred the flowering weeds that were growing in the same area :)

When it rains, we splash!

Arnie's vote for the Chargers' 1st Round pick

Click here to check it out!

7 amazing years ago...

Toby, 

I love this journey you're taking me on.  I can't wait for the next 7... and then the 7 after that, and the 7 after that... and well you get the idea :)  

I Loce you babe.  Happy Anniversary.

He is risen, He is risen indeed!

We celebrated Resurrection Sunday with the Easter service at church, a family brunch at the Cheesecake Factory and a really fun Easter egg hunt after nap time.  That is after a quick ichat session with the crew at Palisades Court. Way to go Mag for making that happen.  

Overall, the best part of celebrating this year was the balance we found between the fun and spirit of Easter and the truth of what we are celebrating.  It is such a joy to watch and participate in Rylie's understanding of Easter and it's ultimate and unmatched significance.  My heart relates to the joy and suspense in her eyes when we get to the climax of the resurrection story.  He is risen, He is risen indeed.  

And so, without further delay, here it is: Easter in pictures at the Lees house... 

Rylie is a beautiful silk dupioni dress and Reagan in a hand smocked white, pink and green dress.  Both lovingly made by Grandma Shields.

Just waiting to be found... 

How many eggs do you see?

Lees family Easter egg hunts all start with the same fair tradition; all of the kids line up at the door, youngest in the front, oldest in the back.  Chelsea wasn't patient enough to make the shot but I managed to catch a quick one of these two ladies before they were on the move!

Rylie didn't waste any time as she quickly slid down the slide to get the next egg!

Time wasn't a much of a concern for Reagan.  She tried to about 10 times to get this egg without getting her hands or knees in the dirt and mulch.  She finally managed to scoot close enough and bend over to get the egg.  I sure hope the treat inside was worth it!

Toby was happy to see the bunny didn't forget him...

And the hunt is finished. 

The Community Egg Hunt

Rylie, Reagan and I took a walk down to the community park for the third annual Easter egg hunt.  They hide over a 1000 eggs on the soccer field and all the kids run out on the bunny's count of three.  The hunting is short lived and sort of hectic but it is a great opportunity to see friends and neighbors.  This was a monumental year as Rylie very confidently stood with the bunny for a picture.  Reagan was enthralled with the bunny but as you will see in the pictures wasn't willing to break the 10 foot radius of safety.  

While all of the other kids lined up and focused in on their targeted eggs, Reagan just waved and said "hi" to the bunny.

Happy Easter

Coloring Easter Eggs!

Ta Da!  The finished product...