Spring Break Camping at Caddo Lake

Since we had a big trip planned for the summer, we decided to do something low key for Spring Break. We found a State Park on Caddo Lake right on the Texas/Louisiana border and got a reserved spot for two nights. The Coles came with us, which made it even more fun. The only disappointment was that we didn't see any alligators. Apparently on the the Louisiana side the lake is crawling with alligators, but we didn't see a single one over on the Texas side. The kids took that as a good thing as all the campsites were right on the water. From the edge of our tent to the edge of the water was probably a maximum of six feet.

We got lucky and happened to hit the park on the once-a-month free archery classes. Tim wasn't old enough so the boys stayed behind to go have some extra canoeing and fishing time, while the girls all went over and learned archery. While none of us is the next Katniss, we all did pretty well and got much more accurate as the practice time went on. We all really enjoyed it.

One of everyone's favorite things about the campgrounds was that at dusk you could see bats flying around and diving to catch mosquitos. This was their favorite not because it was majestic nature, but because Mo didn't call them "bats" he called them "butts" so there were lots of exchanges like the following.

Mo: I see butts!

Aunt Kaliegh: Yep, the bats are flying in the air.

Mo: Yeah, butts in the air!

(uncontrollable giggling all around)

Over all we had a wonderful time, unwinding and having quiet time in nature, as well as spending time with the Coles.

 

First Week of March

Leona actually trying to take a nap, and Tim trying to play.

These were taken at the Open House at the school. It was once again fun to see how far Leona has come this year, this time academically. She has worked super hard to overcome last year's rough year at school. She has such a sweet class and wonderful teachers, and Leona fits right in.

 

The Rest of February

Leona kept telling us about a "paper pillow" project in art class at school. We couldn't figure out what she was talking about, until I saw the finished projects at school. Leona's is the cinnamon roll on the far right of the middle row. It's hard to see the details in this photo but up close you can see individual rainbow-colored sprinkles and the swirly lines of the frosting. It was a really cool finished product. Leona was one of only about a dozen kids whose paper pillows got put on display.

Heart attacking the Bishops' doors for PAG

Last elementary school Valentine's Day Party 😢😢😢

Another art project at school: Leona said that she hadn't realized that the dress was supposed to be red, but I like it. In a sea of red dresses, Leona's really stand out, just like her. :)

Valentine's day action shot above and posed shot below.

The Rices, from Seattle, came to Texas for their mid-winter break, and visited us on their tour of the Lonestar State. They came to church with us and then came over for lunch and hanging out for a while afterwards. It was so much fun to see them. Joel treated us to a piano recital. Gabe was as goofy as ever. All the kids got along super well, and it was as if no time had passed. I really miss the Rices!

Cheering Clara on at her track meet

Fake nails, that I think lasted MAYBE 48 hours. They looked glamorous but were annoying.

 

Leona is 11!

Leona with her birthday buddy, Sasha, celebrating 11 & 10 years respectively.

Leona chose to do a movie and game night with a large group for her birthday this year. She and her friends had a great time. I am so happy that Leona has found a new group of super sweet friends at Hebron Valley, while maintaining friendships that she has from church and Coyote Ridge. 

Leona is such a sweet and sensitive soul. She sees beauty around her as well as creating it and nurturing it in others. She is a kind and loyal friend, as well as being infinitely creative and artistic. We feel very blessed to have her in our family.

 

January

In January Great Grandpa Roueche passed away. He didn't quite make it to 100, but he did make into his 100th year. His funeral was set to be held in Utah and there was tons of snow (for north Texas)  forecasted for the area. Collin and I had plane tickets to leave on Friday, but because everyone was saying that flights would be cancelled Collin made the last second decision to drive up to Utah with Aunt Tina, Uncle Pedro, and Aunt Karen. 

After they left the snow came.  There was a respectable amount, probably about 2-3 inches. Clara demanded snow "ice cream" and we learned that Hershey's syrup isn't a good flavoring agent. The kids played outside for hours with the Stevens and the Chakos. Two days later I caught my flight out just fine and the kids kept the block party rolling with time split among the houses with Gma and Gpa Cole holding down the fort at our house.

All of Great Grandpa Roueche's kids in birth order.

While we were gone Gma and Gpa Cole took Leona with them to a glass plate making class where she made these beautiful plates. I was sad to miss it as I had planned to go with her.

Leona was inspired by some prompts in the Friend magazine to make so First Vision themed art. I was SUPER impressed with her drawing and her diorama was really good too. She is such an artistic kid!!!