In Charge...

Earlier this week the kids stayed at the ranch with Boots and Banty by themselves. I think it is safe to say they all had a great time together. Brad and I were able to get caught up around the house and the kids were busy feeding the horses and going to town with Boots and Banty. Here are some pictures Banty got from the visit. Taking a break to eat.

Having our morning coffee (juice for the little ones).
Holding hands on the way home from town.
Boots needed lots of help. We are not sure how he does it without us everyday!
Feeding the horses hay.
Sitting on the vent in the kitchen.

Jumping in Mud Puddles...

Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions
Author Unknown

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.

My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away.

My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen.

My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.

My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.

My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.

My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

......

I found this poem and it makes me remember the little things in life are the most important. Here are some pics of Tate playing in the mud puddles I so often step around.

Maybe just a toe, or two!

Show me how Boots!

How about sitting right here?

Can you believe they are letting me do this?

What a day!

We went to Clifton this weekend to visit Boots and Banty. While we were there the kids were very busy feeding the horses, riding in the jeep, swimming, picking peaches and much more. Here are some pictures from the weekend. Picking peaches

Swimming

Playing in Boots' boots

Her "shy" face

Goofy Tater

Riding the Pop-A-Top

Three Little Monkeys taking a bath

Big boots to fill!

Pretty girl!

Emmy and Ellie

Visit to Baylor

On Saturday, we went over to Waco to visit campus. This was the first time Brad and I have been back in years and we were amazed to see all the changes. As we were walking around we both commented on how much has changed in the 7 years since we have graduated. Especially the two kids following behind us! Who would have thought 7 years ago we would have been walking through campus with our two year old twins! God is good!

While we were there we got to see Boots' monument of the Immortal Ten. They just installed it a few weeks ago and will be dedicated this Homecoming. It looks GREAT right in the middle of campus (where the fountain used to be for all you Baylor grads).

The kids really enjoyed the trip, especially the newly designed bear pit! Tate checking out Boots' work.

Boots with the monument (it has been raining so much the landscape is not finished.)



The family

The bear pit


Where are the bears??

Feeding the turtles...

Yesterday, Boots and Banty came to visit on their way to Colorado. We played, went to the park (a few times), went to eat some mexican food, and went to the park to feed the turtles some bread. Tate was the first one to the end of the pier at the park, but Emmy thought it was a little to much like going out to the ocean. She finally warmed up to the idea and they loved watching the turtles eat the bread they were throwing. Poor turtles were probably so bloated by the end of the whole bag of bread! :) Sitting by the turtles in our turtle shirts (thanks Mimi!)

Boots, Tate, Emmy and Banty

Dada, Tater and Boots watching the turtles

More Peese!!!

I am fine here in the pavillion eating my cookie.

Where's the bread?

Banty and Emmy

(this is the same look she gave the beach)

Emmy and Dada at the park

Boots and Tater sliding at the park

Mommy and Daddy

Baby Hop-Hop!

On Thursday, when the kids and I got home from Nana and Papa's house Dada was doing some yard work and found a baby hop-hop (rabbit) and he wanted to show the kids. Don't worry, I would not let the kids touch it and Brad wore gloves. Tate would not sleep that night because he kept talking about the baby hop-hop. They still remember where it lives and talk about it daily!
Look at that baby hop-hop!

Baby hop-hop

Putting it back in it's home

Tate getting a closer look at the baby hop-hop

So excited!

Sansing Family Reunion

This weekend we went to South Padre Island for the first annual Sansing Family Reunion. My mom has 3 sisters and they came with all their families. There were a total of 32 people (including 9 kids ages 7 and under!!!). We have not all been together in so long, but we had a great time catching up and watching all the kids play together. Thank you to Aunt Jo and Mimi for organizing the weekend and making it a great time for everyone. The Group

The Drake/Greene Clan

Our little family

The Mimi's and all the kids.

Hey Brody B. - You look like you need a goldfish!

Unc B and Emmy - All weekend she would say, "I want B!"

You still look hungry...here is another goldfish!

Tate being Tate. :)

We had t-shirts made for each family with the family name on the back. Here are the two Greene kids. :)