tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343470142024-03-07T02:49:38.819-05:00The Mathis FamilyMathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.comBlogger423125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-42266427368852104812014-11-10T23:04:00.000-05:002015-05-13T23:08:08.162-04:00Fall Camp Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past weekend was Caleb's scout pack's fall campout. Jes had to go out of town and I wasn't going to let him miss, so I took on the job of taking the both of the kids camping. We only stayed Friday night and got home as fast as we could after all the activities on Saturday, but we did have some fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfhajG3fPAVbjlej5_W3XNBnFxJwWrSup9DyABU6u8GVWDeNkWKco7evKbsaAKW5KxgMtR7ppRtTdONkbEh2iJuE4fD-JZ6PBa83yfknPJDP3P79aq0E6xKd_hdQUw0dDlGxN/s1600/IMG_7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfhajG3fPAVbjlej5_W3XNBnFxJwWrSup9DyABU6u8GVWDeNkWKco7evKbsaAKW5KxgMtR7ppRtTdONkbEh2iJuE4fD-JZ6PBa83yfknPJDP3P79aq0E6xKd_hdQUw0dDlGxN/s320/IMG_7655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSfBgyS7p-S_yeBD46K33EVQ9N7UlEyy1hoUqEt1gVKzYdazsM1EpCFe1Fta8o2SF0aT9KeplwEPo0Xqq8j30NUq0tQHlndls52K1ui-Ix-RuSMxIZlJpSB2HphqAmWoG5pzS/s1600/IMG_7657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSfBgyS7p-S_yeBD46K33EVQ9N7UlEyy1hoUqEt1gVKzYdazsM1EpCFe1Fta8o2SF0aT9KeplwEPo0Xqq8j30NUq0tQHlndls52K1ui-Ix-RuSMxIZlJpSB2HphqAmWoG5pzS/s320/IMG_7657.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our campsite was right on a lake. A beautiful sight for sunsets and sunrises!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXjuOiV2iS_wZfDT1tAAzdiCse0dvLVuVpK-XDhbSw3FmSwqms3xkh1DQVnTZtF3dru9MlhOTyeD2pKErZTY7TbjusPvHBJLLkFyDpaTcbvgc17SlmUk3e5s92LQ2ND23Lw0c/s1600/IMG_7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXjuOiV2iS_wZfDT1tAAzdiCse0dvLVuVpK-XDhbSw3FmSwqms3xkh1DQVnTZtF3dru9MlhOTyeD2pKErZTY7TbjusPvHBJLLkFyDpaTcbvgc17SlmUk3e5s92LQ2ND23Lw0c/s320/IMG_7662.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My little scout! This is his last year in Cub Scouts, so who know what will come next!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4EdVZUw9ziliyK86deWlPvRJKd52oi6grfrcXk_Tqv0YEmnWmIUeYbPaveWys-fqjTRY5dgHDWQkKyfNoVE8vj1thKYRR7WjY27ZlBUPFcZFPNCMmWCVOwS4TiUcwZYIW9G2/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4EdVZUw9ziliyK86deWlPvRJKd52oi6grfrcXk_Tqv0YEmnWmIUeYbPaveWys-fqjTRY5dgHDWQkKyfNoVE8vj1thKYRR7WjY27ZlBUPFcZFPNCMmWCVOwS4TiUcwZYIW9G2/s320/IMG_7667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys had fun making marshmallow shooters...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4_Oe7m8BjuiE-LBJKJVZ8-yniAcml8Hkw_zIrN4lsIb0m9bif8aCAy0ky1dbz-8wgHz-wwOU_fkOAdmvCb0GGjcPRHX0_6ooKEn_Ni5SNJ5VJvzSbXMU43NTBaUsXFYRjLNH/s1600/IMG_7670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4_Oe7m8BjuiE-LBJKJVZ8-yniAcml8Hkw_zIrN4lsIb0m9bif8aCAy0ky1dbz-8wgHz-wwOU_fkOAdmvCb0GGjcPRHX0_6ooKEn_Ni5SNJ5VJvzSbXMU43NTBaUsXFYRjLNH/s320/IMG_7670.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And they let the siblings get in on the fun too!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-38736336994483150752014-11-01T22:58:00.000-04:002015-05-13T23:01:07.014-04:00Dewberry Farms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Wednesday, I took the kids on a field trip with some folks from our homeschool group to a place called Dewberry Farms. This is a real working farm, just outside the city limits that puts on a fun fall activity set and the kids had a blast! We will for sure be adding this to our to-do list for the future!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwlOhFba8SmtZWgoQs3qm7stmJlLgiDUBoQFE20aNAGK7l2c0O9CCXeAx_fkb7-gGrOekPJ_TrGgwo9dw9Q0h2JLp2PfvvUqVj87cJsCMK2yd2VuskhBsyunxlHQEJC5TEJvc/s1600/IMG_7603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwlOhFba8SmtZWgoQs3qm7stmJlLgiDUBoQFE20aNAGK7l2c0O9CCXeAx_fkb7-gGrOekPJ_TrGgwo9dw9Q0h2JLp2PfvvUqVj87cJsCMK2yd2VuskhBsyunxlHQEJC5TEJvc/s320/IMG_7603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uDABN6sJloijYYOvZPPWfMlHshItmT5TL0Wxea2v8P99l483Q4uhqjGygwUXG4LCMqHBYgoVaGZSPogC5yIkPaDLoaxvs-61woQCJMWjNrVwoU46ZY-fW9ix_q9kTdx25uOg/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uDABN6sJloijYYOvZPPWfMlHshItmT5TL0Wxea2v8P99l483Q4uhqjGygwUXG4LCMqHBYgoVaGZSPogC5yIkPaDLoaxvs-61woQCJMWjNrVwoU46ZY-fW9ix_q9kTdx25uOg/s320/IMG_7605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwC8zw-sUE3KRKGqedIOw9EkefXX__r0_QOcT-W2-KeliDEjuaj9mb1eYiFff3P5Gt8iRYMiB8SrZkpTS7p0V6st8YCsUHjzaOwkx3Xm0NaybWHaXmwiCDShMyGdywU2so9zD/s1600/IMG_7606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwC8zw-sUE3KRKGqedIOw9EkefXX__r0_QOcT-W2-KeliDEjuaj9mb1eYiFff3P5Gt8iRYMiB8SrZkpTS7p0V6st8YCsUHjzaOwkx3Xm0NaybWHaXmwiCDShMyGdywU2so9zD/s320/IMG_7606.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-88202719824076277852014-10-29T22:52:00.000-04:002015-05-13T22:55:20.261-04:00Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Sunday, our church had their annual Trunk or Treat, the event we put on for our community for Halloween. The kids had a great time dressing up as a Jedi and Elsa (like every other girl in the country), playing games and getting candy. We will go trick or treating in our neighborhood on Halloween itself, but this even is always one we look forward to the most!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTkVAYepC0mLoA0ym633LujewR9a70N9LnF1b_EaFghpcIvrpkXKt-n8NkkhhciY081bczgvS3_xd7oVcUnuFSnCejftNGlJMNYNU_e9iio4Xx3lPZrbtMbfgLZNgLa744M9v/s1600/IMG_7543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTkVAYepC0mLoA0ym633LujewR9a70N9LnF1b_EaFghpcIvrpkXKt-n8NkkhhciY081bczgvS3_xd7oVcUnuFSnCejftNGlJMNYNU_e9iio4Xx3lPZrbtMbfgLZNgLa744M9v/s320/IMG_7543.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkGTUpt2gxQQgy-fDt8EkcLfqwQefgxMS2JNDxVFvlfllvi8l-rFJAE2ZliY3Pzl3fl9QjV05Yr8ZFlk4lWJdKpBO2MFFi_6tH1aa08SJfkyQZqc6nM4eFeUjb9r8eKx-ccVs/s1600/IMG_7546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkGTUpt2gxQQgy-fDt8EkcLfqwQefgxMS2JNDxVFvlfllvi8l-rFJAE2ZliY3Pzl3fl9QjV05Yr8ZFlk4lWJdKpBO2MFFi_6tH1aa08SJfkyQZqc6nM4eFeUjb9r8eKx-ccVs/s320/IMG_7546.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ600Xxx_WBXzesBvciyR8dhc4C6pK3A18HMZ1DxGkLRWhyphenhyphenn4Z93GwTKb8sXumtj1fLkUt9drxObqfgDL-dyBOe5sepfe-_zzKQg2bk92Lhn9MI_6rZwmzodxabJgkN7A8X0Or/s1600/IMG_7547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ600Xxx_WBXzesBvciyR8dhc4C6pK3A18HMZ1DxGkLRWhyphenhyphenn4Z93GwTKb8sXumtj1fLkUt9drxObqfgDL-dyBOe5sepfe-_zzKQg2bk92Lhn9MI_6rZwmzodxabJgkN7A8X0Or/s320/IMG_7547.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iQHruR1i3DYDU0541SUqoa3zl6p5BHNxgRpA9o1Y6aGVetFaBR8pfzsyUqswbKo3HjIS5KyOHAOaGQCOu33xAzOf2RoLAyJPhBPeSjsNLx-zP508MeXizB5Pvt5ZDhI8jmTE/s1600/IMG_7549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iQHruR1i3DYDU0541SUqoa3zl6p5BHNxgRpA9o1Y6aGVetFaBR8pfzsyUqswbKo3HjIS5KyOHAOaGQCOu33xAzOf2RoLAyJPhBPeSjsNLx-zP508MeXizB5Pvt5ZDhI8jmTE/s320/IMG_7549.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtIJREXMd87WmhmOtYBXPZ6ir9IafJsi8VtOlxRGRzXpWy8O6SEVMKhVtdlg1meFQIRkQaU3zVC5GDbpTTjGHiepdkRUV3jHIiKcdJoAAgzO0SRklqO3VYQjc3Gv1o6W_d8er/s1600/IMG_7562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtIJREXMd87WmhmOtYBXPZ6ir9IafJsi8VtOlxRGRzXpWy8O6SEVMKhVtdlg1meFQIRkQaU3zVC5GDbpTTjGHiepdkRUV3jHIiKcdJoAAgzO0SRklqO3VYQjc3Gv1o6W_d8er/s320/IMG_7562.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_FeNWoxckhMGSvIHwRRmHQKjYaJUpIks3KQvevdEU0XLaY3dM8BZ6rFE-6F6Pnj6MQIWxlNMKllKPulKYdi4hRKrvHCbWMMYDnQPqMMKxvMrg1j66aVgK0IjP48906xXdDv_/s1600/IMG_7569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_FeNWoxckhMGSvIHwRRmHQKjYaJUpIks3KQvevdEU0XLaY3dM8BZ6rFE-6F6Pnj6MQIWxlNMKllKPulKYdi4hRKrvHCbWMMYDnQPqMMKxvMrg1j66aVgK0IjP48906xXdDv_/s320/IMG_7569.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdJtXQd0GrQubYv-qhmHgh20jqjxbc3o55_VYv10JDyt4tRF6bh8cuAEM8cPS-9_qFz0xeJLzYOzLxD0EcNO3E23cE825JMWJp8X9nLrze4cdGQHMN22EWDsycl4-Zj_b9vMG/s1600/IMG_7570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdJtXQd0GrQubYv-qhmHgh20jqjxbc3o55_VYv10JDyt4tRF6bh8cuAEM8cPS-9_qFz0xeJLzYOzLxD0EcNO3E23cE825JMWJp8X9nLrze4cdGQHMN22EWDsycl4-Zj_b9vMG/s320/IMG_7570.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaPWJl-3cJMOgD8ZthEUy87SvwyfjNrAz6rkrb9JdsBbSoDsvbOWzFSBSql8av6AjW_6R3iF3J6NAtQCn6C9WTkylagputwKsemCrgwpuPfEHRZPctSbZ6aLprPmb9vMdLfd8/s1600/IMG_7582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaPWJl-3cJMOgD8ZthEUy87SvwyfjNrAz6rkrb9JdsBbSoDsvbOWzFSBSql8av6AjW_6R3iF3J6NAtQCn6C9WTkylagputwKsemCrgwpuPfEHRZPctSbZ6aLprPmb9vMdLfd8/s320/IMG_7582.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OBiTN1VtoM7Hp90_2M6sPY8ZH7x806HOCNIixs2hRZzxt1iuvs45JgMvH3A06e14__UbcnKaUO1dVFX_TXdelDjWF3pLCt-eP9yBYQNcQkJCu9d8-h35RhSndF3sPpGJuwtx/s1600/IMG_7583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OBiTN1VtoM7Hp90_2M6sPY8ZH7x806HOCNIixs2hRZzxt1iuvs45JgMvH3A06e14__UbcnKaUO1dVFX_TXdelDjWF3pLCt-eP9yBYQNcQkJCu9d8-h35RhSndF3sPpGJuwtx/s320/IMG_7583.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-28424881511215233872014-10-15T22:41:00.000-04:002015-05-13T22:47:47.337-04:00Piper's Art Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGw4C2HArgzAW4fCTuM-zVG_24tlyJrvBbFVEfMvMFcvdsff9qhay1jqwUPjrXrxJZitoE9X2uDtnpLfUGCRdLJNMSgzoB7wW-1AojpR1vGuG834rLwbxqhd1sNoBkeJtC8xe/s1600/IMG_7483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGw4C2HArgzAW4fCTuM-zVG_24tlyJrvBbFVEfMvMFcvdsff9qhay1jqwUPjrXrxJZitoE9X2uDtnpLfUGCRdLJNMSgzoB7wW-1AojpR1vGuG834rLwbxqhd1sNoBkeJtC8xe/s320/IMG_7483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Right before our school year started, Caleb had a taekwon do demonstration at a homeschool group open house at our church. This was a homeschool group I knew of, had friends in and considered joining and did that night. One of the folks who were at this open house was an art teacher named Sandy. She holds art classes for all ages of homeschooled kids at a local Hobby Lobby. <br />
Of course, my ears perked up because, as we all know, an artist I am not. <br />
And my girl is.<br />
So, you see my problem here, right?<br />
The more Sandy talked and the more I looked at the brochure, the more I thought I needed to make it work for my Piper, so we signed her up for a class. Let's just say, she loves it! This hits all the areas of art that I never could provide for my girl. I'm so thankful for this class for my girl!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-85034696447696063372014-10-07T19:04:00.000-04:002015-02-01T19:18:04.869-05:00A Second Diagnosis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19iGwi10dYSPnstxfvZuwDSISiR_5cFLok9iWGyJ_lyABBiCfQxuVx1dNBHqBtNd-9FEmfmZ9jmGaoMttCLs1ZKkmhtICHiQd1AdigO1Yx4BHLjKKtHmz1tkhthOJB5BT0DFi/s1600/IMG_7212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19iGwi10dYSPnstxfvZuwDSISiR_5cFLok9iWGyJ_lyABBiCfQxuVx1dNBHqBtNd-9FEmfmZ9jmGaoMttCLs1ZKkmhtICHiQd1AdigO1Yx4BHLjKKtHmz1tkhthOJB5BT0DFi/s1600/IMG_7212.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
About four months ago, Caleb started complaining of some very low belly pain. At first, I thought it might just be normal tummy trouble for him, but it got increasingly worse and was so bad that it would just stop him in his tracks, which is not normal for my tough boy. So, I took him into the pediatrician to discuss possible issues. There were some blood tests run and we were counseled to make an appointment with a local GI doctor. I knew the name of the very best, but he's about 45 minutes to an hour away and had a long wait, so I just went ahead and called and scheduled the first free Tuesday or Thursday they had. <br />
<br />
One of the blood tests run was a Celiac panel and our pediatrician felt it was negative, although there were some other revelations that provided some insight and baffled us, all at the same time but the major fear, appendicitis, was ruled out, so we waited. <br />
<br />
About a month later, our appointment came up for us to see the GI doctor. For whatever reason, this doctor was not able to read the lab results or look over Caleb's history prior to our visit, so we went on with a regular exam, complete with x-rays and consult and were sent home with a follow up scheduled.<br />
<br />
As I was getting off the freeway to turn down the street that leads to our neighborhood, I received a phone call from the GI doctor, on his personal cell phone. He asked me if I had knowledge of Caleb's blood work, of course I did, and he told me flat out that he believes Caleb has Celiac disease as well. We would go ahead with our treatment we were sent home with and return for the follow up a couple of months later.<br />
<br />
Today was that follow up appointment where we analyzed the blood work together and we both agreed that all the puzzle pieces fit together and that he has a 99% possibility of having Celiac. If you couple that with his sister's history, it's a sure thing. So, we treat for Celiac with a total gluten free diet for him. I fear it will probably be harder since he's much more adventurous, food wise, than his sister is or will ever be, but we will work through it! So glad to have an answer for my boy's distress and am ready to get him on track!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-28527028224576906872014-09-22T19:27:00.000-04:002015-02-01T19:27:41.300-05:00Dance Year 2014-2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's no secret that Piper did not want to take tap again, but she wanted to continue in dance. I try to make sure that the kids have at least one activity that is athletic in nature, and for her dance is it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOMmED0yCUIiJvhy1fhSnk7vcJKxR-lUEaVVS6TOeUZfRHAviwAi9tuXXIuz_B5-oTggxAkEbSKXbtBPmWAQmNdpOlevHwYl9V16wEx5Wj4esjW2MEtb0eJBfIMG20eyMVkhS/s1600/IMG_7237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOMmED0yCUIiJvhy1fhSnk7vcJKxR-lUEaVVS6TOeUZfRHAviwAi9tuXXIuz_B5-oTggxAkEbSKXbtBPmWAQmNdpOlevHwYl9V16wEx5Wj4esjW2MEtb0eJBfIMG20eyMVkhS/s1600/IMG_7237.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a hard time trying to find a school that offered a single subject ballet class at her age, since most kids are just starting dance and don't really know what they want to concentrate in. This will be Piper's 5th year of dance and her interests and abilities have been fully explored, so ballet it is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8AdpPDKXPAxBAYGYwoS_LfpBzl4n578ZSXHM0Qy3owJtMh3WdCazKUbzGiW6AODVHR4-4vW_rb7MzKsKTlCzQXK0cKe9MRc3gKQdPZgPFAsyjc7uGIqX6WGj_H8VeL6oPV8U/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8AdpPDKXPAxBAYGYwoS_LfpBzl4n578ZSXHM0Qy3owJtMh3WdCazKUbzGiW6AODVHR4-4vW_rb7MzKsKTlCzQXK0cKe9MRc3gKQdPZgPFAsyjc7uGIqX6WGj_H8VeL6oPV8U/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We started at a school called Christian Dance Center near us in Cypress. She will have a Christmas program and a recital, but we won't have to worry about anything being too risque or a revealing costume as this school is very much about modesty and honoring God while dancing. She's so excited and loves it so far! The bonus is that she has a couple of little friends in her class, too, so it's doubly fun for her!<br />
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-33701900320399362682014-09-02T23:49:00.000-04:002015-01-29T23:59:05.328-05:00Labor Day Weekend Trip to the Children's Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday was Labor Day, so Jes had the day off. We were looking for something fun to do that was indoors (hello Houston heat!) but wouldn't cost an arm and a leg, so we settled on the Houston Children's Museum. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me start by saying that I grew up going to museums in Dallas and we had a membership to one of the best science museums in the country, so I was slightly underwhelmed by this one. The hoards of screaming, pushy children didn't help either, but that's neither here nor there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On to what everyone is here for, the pictures!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut9AUEoKnw7IWV4D6mwidwVaL2NaivZnbgcftFVFRNZEyhP5wErY5HEXidI4YGT8_wgSpm_Od8JNSJMiqmZr77536LzasAzWglIjw7mzR0IcFGfZ8ae05BcOAiNaXopkRUn2H/s1600/IMG_7167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut9AUEoKnw7IWV4D6mwidwVaL2NaivZnbgcftFVFRNZEyhP5wErY5HEXidI4YGT8_wgSpm_Od8JNSJMiqmZr77536LzasAzWglIjw7mzR0IcFGfZ8ae05BcOAiNaXopkRUn2H/s1600/IMG_7167.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Jes and Piper were trying to figure out this maze thing. It was surprisingly difficult!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjDANMvRtaotRQcon2t_jhBgAyr0oLU0VrySfkZJGPGYctu_zwpMWJnzXqUra-OlFuODSpJg3s9EXrEVapWV4mI67qGsNbIWrMayvJhTS2zoM_diW8NOC7kewVCW2AQ7UUOsT/s1600/IMG_7169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjDANMvRtaotRQcon2t_jhBgAyr0oLU0VrySfkZJGPGYctu_zwpMWJnzXqUra-OlFuODSpJg3s9EXrEVapWV4mI67qGsNbIWrMayvJhTS2zoM_diW8NOC7kewVCW2AQ7UUOsT/s1600/IMG_7169.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Building chemicals out of models!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l5_XyPUy9Vgru2sfJ21BDpvnB8rtxVpHYOe2u4PBUHDByQGbLei-_Y4dbMSyJMv9KbMBD_DTxzRlU6zNKv3nyYMa61mmQ2fNyVkAseDX8ry5IPMUfaKNxgpV12nHQXOEfXYd/s1600/IMG_7171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l5_XyPUy9Vgru2sfJ21BDpvnB8rtxVpHYOe2u4PBUHDByQGbLei-_Y4dbMSyJMv9KbMBD_DTxzRlU6zNKv3nyYMa61mmQ2fNyVkAseDX8ry5IPMUfaKNxgpV12nHQXOEfXYd/s1600/IMG_7171.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I think she was playing with a magnet and iron filings here. So fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0ZzijP03XU4Ucg0uoNV64OJyYSOGFeuz3GYlkup9skxMGWeyOkbR43MDS9YhCnF7CYGeaOZ-yntzok5eIV43_YwB3-R2mRrWr5dNA0wHWjqKFFUfuvcfWOR6kNQVVXBbNM6w/s1600/IMG_7177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0ZzijP03XU4Ucg0uoNV64OJyYSOGFeuz3GYlkup9skxMGWeyOkbR43MDS9YhCnF7CYGeaOZ-yntzok5eIV43_YwB3-R2mRrWr5dNA0wHWjqKFFUfuvcfWOR6kNQVVXBbNM6w/s1600/IMG_7177.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This museum was divided into chunks and this section was a cultural section honoring South American peoples. The kids had a great time here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l3vea0t3Re1WhAY9QFE0KcLxPiQ3GCi_1PyAjml80l-odpS0ehLh36WUhk8TPq7O4NHqpdcFguotTBRCOFD9iapuw4WvwI-jy-PKFIhH4oYCsmoVHpWSVCtKMzVKS8UfZIZJ/s1600/IMG_7179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l3vea0t3Re1WhAY9QFE0KcLxPiQ3GCi_1PyAjml80l-odpS0ehLh36WUhk8TPq7O4NHqpdcFguotTBRCOFD9iapuw4WvwI-jy-PKFIhH4oYCsmoVHpWSVCtKMzVKS8UfZIZJ/s1600/IMG_7179.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course had to hop on the closest thing to a motorcycle that they could find.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzkrb-kjQtDL_0AQw5vZRUDaB08D-BrNhdzWaRKGOMofWPsCo2d2qnjQ4WrAdtKRBs3oebXdTk6Tfk4E1qba_JZ-oNto7EhMmb8eBlmWbwDreZk4w_iobpIkqggioj8ACzIpL/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzkrb-kjQtDL_0AQw5vZRUDaB08D-BrNhdzWaRKGOMofWPsCo2d2qnjQ4WrAdtKRBs3oebXdTk6Tfk4E1qba_JZ-oNto7EhMmb8eBlmWbwDreZk4w_iobpIkqggioj8ACzIpL/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture cracks me up, because about the time I snapped this, he was asking me why that phone couldn't text. It had never occurred to me that he had never used a pay phone and I really think he's never seen one either. He got a little education on this one!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINx3X8D_R6u4yAjm5gL8subIP5KeLB1j-6e2UNDB3mCU3Ih-TwFloF1AgHLQhgiDE-_K0JNbXmc5jwLt2RKOND77qORx0i3mGVUNgO55BfzuguQN5mhOfFdbfkhP_DrVbvp4U/s1600/IMG_7188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINx3X8D_R6u4yAjm5gL8subIP5KeLB1j-6e2UNDB3mCU3Ih-TwFloF1AgHLQhgiDE-_K0JNbXmc5jwLt2RKOND77qORx0i3mGVUNgO55BfzuguQN5mhOfFdbfkhP_DrVbvp4U/s1600/IMG_7188.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKVDxSgJ3e8WibIJeujoe94wzrC8jdzGlxV7AdgzHSzxNIDE-2Ir7vb4FOyN-5w1Sd1t95XjgYx-2j1hVjK2er-gHRtCgXx9NtqcK-hksk94C8GoNoxix4LrC_Mo2PJaU7p-J/s1600/IMG_7189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKVDxSgJ3e8WibIJeujoe94wzrC8jdzGlxV7AdgzHSzxNIDE-2Ir7vb4FOyN-5w1Sd1t95XjgYx-2j1hVjK2er-gHRtCgXx9NtqcK-hksk94C8GoNoxix4LrC_Mo2PJaU7p-J/s1600/IMG_7189.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A little periscope viewing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiwufnooyHVhATqRL1AZqiGi_8A9Bti02WEnwxXimOUrXeJVlU5iljXG_cDUHRpMMvjCOAnImpv1vDwqunCiEjZC171pLRvGifSvDnMhHsDbGZrARy4tFyHI5KNnnPqkTIueH/s1600/IMG_7191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiwufnooyHVhATqRL1AZqiGi_8A9Bti02WEnwxXimOUrXeJVlU5iljXG_cDUHRpMMvjCOAnImpv1vDwqunCiEjZC171pLRvGifSvDnMhHsDbGZrARy4tFyHI5KNnnPqkTIueH/s1600/IMG_7191.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ACoWWdszWnbRuFNNH79_a0klkhYeCKHd9Q1yDTsbv1N3sanN-g4Znw34-ZML5h6xK_5fjnNexDU5z0BfKxHP9WMob7i3kNe9nIy7bXEMwYLv_QyLtbUkHvIlwLeTp9OqQgZ/s1600/IMG_7192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ACoWWdszWnbRuFNNH79_a0klkhYeCKHd9Q1yDTsbv1N3sanN-g4Znw34-ZML5h6xK_5fjnNexDU5z0BfKxHP9WMob7i3kNe9nIy7bXEMwYLv_QyLtbUkHvIlwLeTp9OqQgZ/s1600/IMG_7192.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In the basement, the museum had a miniature city built with all the businesses and services you would find in a major city. Of course, P wanted to hang in the ambulance and hospital<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tnj0lyfIa731qGhYcRSOBKi-7sAgT0Q-yTdusDt5iC4XoKZ-d5sTlZ-87Jg2MHBP9CbAVH8IENxxXCFzemjcBJ4LJpCFt2AqhNbcIvlmmjukdr3MPooR9QodV8rdp9VDNM5X/s1600/IMG_7194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tnj0lyfIa731qGhYcRSOBKi-7sAgT0Q-yTdusDt5iC4XoKZ-d5sTlZ-87Jg2MHBP9CbAVH8IENxxXCFzemjcBJ4LJpCFt2AqhNbcIvlmmjukdr3MPooR9QodV8rdp9VDNM5X/s1600/IMG_7194.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
and the vet clinic. When she saw the sign for this, she was thrilled and I had to basically drag her out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sYCoksXDLfoKrL9kSdklg63RQdaNLCa3az8_WPMTWiW0K2VdSCm9ssooO1a93muYVatV2DYAhuuidOz__j8lYSUONKC-P8SQhOLXZlILMTRr24puaQROg4beiT9ZiOYvAKPa/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sYCoksXDLfoKrL9kSdklg63RQdaNLCa3az8_WPMTWiW0K2VdSCm9ssooO1a93muYVatV2DYAhuuidOz__j8lYSUONKC-P8SQhOLXZlILMTRr24puaQROg4beiT9ZiOYvAKPa/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy54jZ3m-ySSlCBTBLaYqmxhZJu_e5jq7oRj2PP2vWhMkZa_zm_1ZLDWEd3nih1vtguLcYGbrPBod_OeJf_au4gsD7ziWHQnHOIwt7W7EEs9eIWIrmnpE0nvDARNAq_v3E4D3x/s1600/IMG_7196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy54jZ3m-ySSlCBTBLaYqmxhZJu_e5jq7oRj2PP2vWhMkZa_zm_1ZLDWEd3nih1vtguLcYGbrPBod_OeJf_au4gsD7ziWHQnHOIwt7W7EEs9eIWIrmnpE0nvDARNAq_v3E4D3x/s1600/IMG_7196.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
She decided that she needed to fix this poor little kitty. Not sure what the scissors were doing, but she was hard at work!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmiO4zrrGjTvrobGNOtiOZPzzYN6UbGlUcy6UMeCLfmUERnWFK9qQPBGvAHeU_7IsnHRqfby7U_uNAED7IocvxauorldMK6Dmg0xnp4q4yaDmSPU7MCmxldKMttjXWunXnID0/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmiO4zrrGjTvrobGNOtiOZPzzYN6UbGlUcy6UMeCLfmUERnWFK9qQPBGvAHeU_7IsnHRqfby7U_uNAED7IocvxauorldMK6Dmg0xnp4q4yaDmSPU7MCmxldKMttjXWunXnID0/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My future veterinarian!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetzqtQ0-5ljvv3JGvW-G4s1QqPfgZWaGVYA_ysfBuIv4xUSfOQZsCQC7BKkXToxUwLb1WCl_Yak9Fc-_cNRvBOXpgeKXowqGCYyei1iAWMI-qXH-iFpxrpRHkJ2CSUoKc3uLI/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetzqtQ0-5ljvv3JGvW-G4s1QqPfgZWaGVYA_ysfBuIv4xUSfOQZsCQC7BKkXToxUwLb1WCl_Yak9Fc-_cNRvBOXpgeKXowqGCYyei1iAWMI-qXH-iFpxrpRHkJ2CSUoKc3uLI/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6uvKL7P9UKXSRogUT1XFBSwX7ZqQKf2CcJo6gQ3KZdP3ilBLON1N3AFT9cmopfHCryKkc4j-7ZIUDpehIDlg-QiwhB-VcF4Fqg42vUNt-UHC80N30ibCQy4kC7mtQDolH0gQ/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6uvKL7P9UKXSRogUT1XFBSwX7ZqQKf2CcJo6gQ3KZdP3ilBLON1N3AFT9cmopfHCryKkc4j-7ZIUDpehIDlg-QiwhB-VcF4Fqg42vUNt-UHC80N30ibCQy4kC7mtQDolH0gQ/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There was also a little grocery store where the kids could shop for ingredients, check out and purchase them with museum money. Both kids had a blast doing this, so we spent some time just hanging out there, not unlike our normal lives!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXTHZXsP3V-NqVT6DxNzynHamm01kN5yOUlqkoMr-nRxGq3UvzQ6U7dMprN-S8tQNMedM34rriEnsX-3SGX_jIPeEgkphjrRJehZNK3BG-aX8L_vamEmM2FH4lRO0s0dt5DsR/s1600/IMG_7200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXTHZXsP3V-NqVT6DxNzynHamm01kN5yOUlqkoMr-nRxGq3UvzQ6U7dMprN-S8tQNMedM34rriEnsX-3SGX_jIPeEgkphjrRJehZNK3BG-aX8L_vamEmM2FH4lRO0s0dt5DsR/s1600/IMG_7200.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP55GXJRyG14txUb0V-_zvTLgaP0Ii9NJ8LC97yRbvdJZpgbmJfhffXUwJ81EFC6gwCUY_cYC1RPB9qa_J2ofYebb7sMWRlmiNLJpf0r3C9A3IcuuR3LqGE1LuyY5oJsAkYFPB/s1600/IMG_7201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP55GXJRyG14txUb0V-_zvTLgaP0Ii9NJ8LC97yRbvdJZpgbmJfhffXUwJ81EFC6gwCUY_cYC1RPB9qa_J2ofYebb7sMWRlmiNLJpf0r3C9A3IcuuR3LqGE1LuyY5oJsAkYFPB/s1600/IMG_7201.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, it was a great time. The next time we go, however, it will be during the week when all the other kids are still in school!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-77682451757449488912014-08-26T20:40:00.000-04:002014-08-26T20:40:41.250-04:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, we started our 2014-2015 school year which finds me with a 4th and 1st grader. I'm not sure how we got here so, so quickly. People tell you it goes fast. Yeah, it sure does.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IGS_b6jX7FkC18uCUFbZv2VHNe05T3N2Szv00ENagRkMrynJ806w39M76FFrWJGmp1NOdVD7bJ7MzMl2BLZuvWE54883nUsKBzY0XazYOD7UdncqQeole6UToQ7bzC5NU_Ye/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IGS_b6jX7FkC18uCUFbZv2VHNe05T3N2Szv00ENagRkMrynJ806w39M76FFrWJGmp1NOdVD7bJ7MzMl2BLZuvWE54883nUsKBzY0XazYOD7UdncqQeole6UToQ7bzC5NU_Ye/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are my babies yesterday morning, ready to begin the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkzJIqYBHEpIW-JX_LyNoh-U_QO7glBL5EbV3rI7UXNaaJszK6Hf3yY1cO4M84x0YsSN7WNBazBAat6WA3s_zpbFmEVY7hvIvUayud0ajR87dfXENOV0hmV2oycvrjtlkQ_aa/s1600/IMG_7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkzJIqYBHEpIW-JX_LyNoh-U_QO7glBL5EbV3rI7UXNaaJszK6Hf3yY1cO4M84x0YsSN7WNBazBAat6WA3s_zpbFmEVY7hvIvUayud0ajR87dfXENOV0hmV2oycvrjtlkQ_aa/s1600/IMG_7118.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Fourth grade has seen a dramatic uptick in the amount of work that is required of Caleb. He has officially entered a grade where there is identifiable topics that every child in the state of Texas is taught. Fourth grade is where there is a dramatic shift away from general history topics to a very concentrated effort to teach state history. Our curriculum is not written in Texas, therefore it does not cover Texas history this year, so I am making an effort to make sure that he is on par with his peers this year, while still covering the history that is written into our curriculum. This adds quite a bit of work on my part, but it's totally worth it for him! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQCvlqq2uzCwk4YWG5UN6Nyotlpi0dSYTcwrzNUZZF9YNUo92Yw3cF_OmRqDzm7oUAXVId25HiM2l8uN6QKEvtU5O2aDRTXBICxKhrXH6GvMUD09aR7B9IWG8tWYPQbA7ZUk7/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQCvlqq2uzCwk4YWG5UN6Nyotlpi0dSYTcwrzNUZZF9YNUo92Yw3cF_OmRqDzm7oUAXVId25HiM2l8uN6QKEvtU5O2aDRTXBICxKhrXH6GvMUD09aR7B9IWG8tWYPQbA7ZUk7/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year, Piper was quite bored, working on kindergarten or so she says. I don't think that it was because the material was too easy, even though it was quite simple, but rather that the idea of school was a challenge and quite different from her flighty, come what may lifestyle she had before school. All summer, I've been talking up first grade and how fun it would be and showing her all the fun things we would be doing. This year, she's more responsible for more work (she will enjoy having actual expectations and responsibilities) and will have lots of fun projects, which she loves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0MfEsDmfw6dR1DdCz0ywP2SPxrtuyYaJrOAw7dt_RzXbmo6U1ZIPrSXhEdp3JnoTNuvEmD0sQchcqpFDmbl7nHl5d0REn81BEmXE5Xfn5bfPeuOOtghKPjRhTiyKkiZ9TqS6/s1600/IMG_7127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0MfEsDmfw6dR1DdCz0ywP2SPxrtuyYaJrOAw7dt_RzXbmo6U1ZIPrSXhEdp3JnoTNuvEmD0sQchcqpFDmbl7nHl5d0REn81BEmXE5Xfn5bfPeuOOtghKPjRhTiyKkiZ9TqS6/s1600/IMG_7127.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This year, both kids are doing history, Bible and science together. Even thought Caleb's grade level requires Texas history, Piper is participating too. Science consists of two curricula: Astronomy and the study of creation, both of which are easy for both kids to complete together. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-Ha6ufu4wRwPWJ7OnjCzRjzHGb2NQ2B2xrAQX56oJ26j7ZuD1O0IkcmqDQrdpVjnmSht5DkSj-F_UvYIbWkMBwIbIqpYPZVWvayUwd_GYNJS3V_LD6qZkEBVm5nCTdN_13d_/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-Ha6ufu4wRwPWJ7OnjCzRjzHGb2NQ2B2xrAQX56oJ26j7ZuD1O0IkcmqDQrdpVjnmSht5DkSj-F_UvYIbWkMBwIbIqpYPZVWvayUwd_GYNJS3V_LD6qZkEBVm5nCTdN_13d_/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We haven't quite yet started all the extra curriculars that the kids are involved in, but those start gearing back up next week. Caleb has been in TaeKwon-Do all summer, but each semester (12 weeks) ends with a break, so this week has been our break and he'll go back on Monday. Scouts will gear up for him soon as well and we will jump right into weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings, like normal. Piper starts dance next week at a new dance school that is a Christian ballet school. She is also going to start in a weekly art class on the 10th at a local art store. This Friday, we are going to go to an open house for a group at our church called God's Little Girls, something akin to Girl Scouts, which she won't have the opportunity to participate in this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hqZ1p81hs6H_JxnBOUJSkz6R5HYvFkrYQZZTXNEJVB_qiX04aOmoBWoP_J4tbA9bVnrkr2PU6ySrQMpS2IeXwsZ_EvBanZi1v1iElytMa6yMnTjfiOPGymIDMQw0V20-jnT1/s1600/IMG_7133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hqZ1p81hs6H_JxnBOUJSkz6R5HYvFkrYQZZTXNEJVB_qiX04aOmoBWoP_J4tbA9bVnrkr2PU6ySrQMpS2IeXwsZ_EvBanZi1v1iElytMa6yMnTjfiOPGymIDMQw0V20-jnT1/s1600/IMG_7133.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, we are so glad that our normal schedule is starting back up, as summer is a very difficult time for us. None of us enjoy the random, non-scheduled time that the summer provides, so we are looking forward to a fun year!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-53432109485120730112014-08-25T14:07:00.000-04:002014-08-26T14:08:25.647-04:00Skeeters Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Saturday, Jes, the kids and I drove about 40 minutes to Sugarland for a minor league baseball game. We had a minor league team near where we lived before and always enjoyed going to the games when we were there. So, we were invited to go to a game this weekend and jumped at the chance!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO6BzlCZax5Zu5PR51AkDmTvcsmJ_To_DLgBkhqVczGWLjBIvKdBtuqDEXrGtCFRia5xdl1g5OwD-SDARUWg8O267d8XN7BjmJs5u98cJ01xVn7S0ju3h5WVuhCuVhx7WG6hN/s1600/IMG_7088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO6BzlCZax5Zu5PR51AkDmTvcsmJ_To_DLgBkhqVczGWLjBIvKdBtuqDEXrGtCFRia5xdl1g5OwD-SDARUWg8O267d8XN7BjmJs5u98cJ01xVn7S0ju3h5WVuhCuVhx7WG6hN/s1600/IMG_7088.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb was super excited to go to the game, but P had a great time too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkx_o342DPxfcdJoPVIXYhLsy740dwAZTZ7u-s-QQ6mmUXlhIZDVP-GN5jAtvttPcvMzgmfPY2kO56iG4BjXD5v2Bz3ucTisRD41phYSkCEsO04V79YuWonuu_Yo9PyNuJQqd/s1600/IMG_7089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkx_o342DPxfcdJoPVIXYhLsy740dwAZTZ7u-s-QQ6mmUXlhIZDVP-GN5jAtvttPcvMzgmfPY2kO56iG4BjXD5v2Bz3ucTisRD41phYSkCEsO04V79YuWonuu_Yo9PyNuJQqd/s1600/IMG_7089.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We brought the kids in their swimsuits because I had heard, and later saw on the website, that there was a splash pad and water play area for the kids. I was so glad that we didn't end up having to change them and they could play and then it in the sun to dry out and not be too hot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6b9ksnqZNvLmBYBQ33JBVJAse5wcI0rY3AObaUb8UJ67IeJxyISSJXDnTRXhtUh5lP_Za_IiMizxkBee_Kw2cqjSkMWQLb_hq4NRt0zVWdMxPiiM9-2K2XNzpNTU1xzjVP1a/s1600/IMG_7091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6b9ksnqZNvLmBYBQ33JBVJAse5wcI0rY3AObaUb8UJ67IeJxyISSJXDnTRXhtUh5lP_Za_IiMizxkBee_Kw2cqjSkMWQLb_hq4NRt0zVWdMxPiiM9-2K2XNzpNTU1xzjVP1a/s1600/IMG_7091.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had lawn seats, which happened to be situated right behind the bull pen, so that kids loved watching the pitchers warm up and having a bird's eye view of the field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq54e2xfdrPDWrk_IsbK2VW-116CUETplFA20iNwPvImhmGDqpBG81df-rNSRtOUSvh4Y3gW-0sC46I0Snx5_JeEXH8fhaFmJUP3Egxzjc3_05y0hl60QfupcnWSto-GflJBXU/s1600/IMG_7094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq54e2xfdrPDWrk_IsbK2VW-116CUETplFA20iNwPvImhmGDqpBG81df-rNSRtOUSvh4Y3gW-0sC46I0Snx5_JeEXH8fhaFmJUP3Egxzjc3_05y0hl60QfupcnWSto-GflJBXU/s1600/IMG_7094.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper did a fair amount of dancing while we were there, of course!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexwt2WeLa6q2uTdT0PFgnEMeweHCXT6Tshvb7kq684ZF4OUZYc5pM-i2umCzjeNZdf5YIiQ7t4_AE1nPFOpvu3e_iBT6On76aOidUCQpE6WqSOY2kBIH5StlQSklEIzntVGVr/s1600/IMG_7096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexwt2WeLa6q2uTdT0PFgnEMeweHCXT6Tshvb7kq684ZF4OUZYc5pM-i2umCzjeNZdf5YIiQ7t4_AE1nPFOpvu3e_iBT6On76aOidUCQpE6WqSOY2kBIH5StlQSklEIzntVGVr/s1600/IMG_7096.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This boy loves baseball. He would really love to play, but it's such a huge commitment and he's never been really interested spending so much time on one activity. He loves to watch the game, though!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQo1Ahz61yWi5dLSpBCzt2CIRYE_n6-98XR2p2I1Mg58lcPRCf0kYpeLQZOVVvaZXvbyOBjZTqoZD7uhY0Rz8KqdXYE_W4j_Du12NPcWkBFIFl99H9UjB9fYoGtG4Zr66v5P3/s1600/IMG_7099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQo1Ahz61yWi5dLSpBCzt2CIRYE_n6-98XR2p2I1Mg58lcPRCf0kYpeLQZOVVvaZXvbyOBjZTqoZD7uhY0Rz8KqdXYE_W4j_Du12NPcWkBFIFl99H9UjB9fYoGtG4Zr66v5P3/s1600/IMG_7099.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb did a little booty shaking during the evening too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqCxcundhDPom5tePpJhr4s7B4SJl6jEOVM8HiqhZT0OMLTbfpiXiaauEh2Cd_9MyUY5ASjLpseK9Jrd4uwskFtF1WNOO0pvjmumQk_rbFdqmopPEYINIbxq3NuUuhG_9UI2c/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqCxcundhDPom5tePpJhr4s7B4SJl6jEOVM8HiqhZT0OMLTbfpiXiaauEh2Cd_9MyUY5ASjLpseK9Jrd4uwskFtF1WNOO0pvjmumQk_rbFdqmopPEYINIbxq3NuUuhG_9UI2c/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This was probably my favorite moment of the night. I would like to believe that Caleb was sharing the finer points of the game with his sister, but they were probably plotting something instead. Love my babies!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-84489630354079195062014-08-19T11:50:00.000-04:002014-08-19T11:50:06.833-04:00Washington on the Brazos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday, I took Caleb and Piper about an hour and a half away to a state park called Washington on the Brazos, the actual site where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpmL52fPCMNxCiBqJliU2AI5FQKvpePURuMwmOQMNaY8Kk_w45UncSyyelOidlS8n6ocsNooWw6FufWTB-PL8LyzczjPbXcWCnPm1pf299UT0MuBFkHsVX8Xkl3fHuX-opwwR/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpmL52fPCMNxCiBqJliU2AI5FQKvpePURuMwmOQMNaY8Kk_w45UncSyyelOidlS8n6ocsNooWw6FufWTB-PL8LyzczjPbXcWCnPm1pf299UT0MuBFkHsVX8Xkl3fHuX-opwwR/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It might have been a bit sunny. Of course, we picked one of the hottest days to go. On the way, the radio said that they high was going to be 105. I think it got to that temperature by 9am. Whew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipVfPVZ6OJltbdt9G9KV9z7XuIfoKtayHu2eny0VN651_MG8-449PvSQivW0iHozTx46O3OtGrS-WiQHQVxu-RXo705efWejcVqmNGJpZk_YYMl8i_Oz3cFhRFi8xjNvgp3sY/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipVfPVZ6OJltbdt9G9KV9z7XuIfoKtayHu2eny0VN651_MG8-449PvSQivW0iHozTx46O3OtGrS-WiQHQVxu-RXo705efWejcVqmNGJpZk_YYMl8i_Oz3cFhRFi8xjNvgp3sY/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A little better, but not much...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wIxXETDIDTJ7XV6_m9Daf_FwfbdtfIagOUDJvrrY2RoWIEi9q_LkZbdC3aevyK2bFmkhhBC88K0XSXljQz4VZYN4PvHgC_6x7cmHZcLl877CY6eE8IvOcN4wvNr7U0j8TIUh/s1600/IMG_7010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wIxXETDIDTJ7XV6_m9Daf_FwfbdtfIagOUDJvrrY2RoWIEi9q_LkZbdC3aevyK2bFmkhhBC88K0XSXljQz4VZYN4PvHgC_6x7cmHZcLl877CY6eE8IvOcN4wvNr7U0j8TIUh/s1600/IMG_7010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
On the grounds here, they had a home of one of the founding fathers of the Republic of Texas. The house was fully furnished with all the things you would find during the period and the kids were able to touch and manipulate many of these things. Here is Caleb and his friend Drew playing checkers with each other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm5LlhQR8bx7agZvWPfj3udWR92WPzmHCjXWcoHVKYT0lu0Oxrb7F4dS_V1CunAkDegPD0fLulApt9nQtWvGgJaoR2jsaxHps0VwbkFXeZqb1dh2ocr_ON_PggM1Xe0eAO0PL/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm5LlhQR8bx7agZvWPfj3udWR92WPzmHCjXWcoHVKYT0lu0Oxrb7F4dS_V1CunAkDegPD0fLulApt9nQtWvGgJaoR2jsaxHps0VwbkFXeZqb1dh2ocr_ON_PggM1Xe0eAO0PL/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There were these slates all around too that the kids were allowed to write on to experience how kids did school during this time period.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomwgMImQg5SqyXaCsbV22wtj94MuZb9PshUgiS1Hw1KJaPM5jotpBKpbI6a2PREXxFyH8WxU84lr_mCksit4M6WgfJb87zVnO8EBSHI0ekJuNYbLzTEUZXnjgCQNmxID256i0/s1600/IMG_7014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomwgMImQg5SqyXaCsbV22wtj94MuZb9PshUgiS1Hw1KJaPM5jotpBKpbI6a2PREXxFyH8WxU84lr_mCksit4M6WgfJb87zVnO8EBSHI0ekJuNYbLzTEUZXnjgCQNmxID256i0/s1600/IMG_7014.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This humongous spider was on site as well and all the kids gravitated to it, oohing and ahing over it. Piper named her (this was confirmed as being true) Charlotte, after a certain literary arachnid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FxpnXZJttjau7hXT9GBN3Iu4AuUqOQjUnGLzyWSqvamUgX4Y8IEL_u8gGib0VTtJXz9aAlp109Xlj8O3yCTwT3TLpfNk3AJunYvjL93EzI_S-JqK0FgjCK-jjX1ZFFkPp9G0/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FxpnXZJttjau7hXT9GBN3Iu4AuUqOQjUnGLzyWSqvamUgX4Y8IEL_u8gGib0VTtJXz9aAlp109Xlj8O3yCTwT3TLpfNk3AJunYvjL93EzI_S-JqK0FgjCK-jjX1ZFFkPp9G0/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a place where the kids could experience the chores and actual life on the farm, including laundry. You know I had to have photographic evidence of this! Here, Piper was using the washboard to scrub the cloth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK51WAbEjGYMqPt7curlwLbLAK-nRpzPEBNv5FBWMRFW1ZUn097lirbz4478d8-9Pjio0QR_xeKY9ZsptSLdzqhni2-hS0zzgKdNyXtM9IOslR3YAa-GhDLJrzGMKr2tJ2iPOy/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK51WAbEjGYMqPt7curlwLbLAK-nRpzPEBNv5FBWMRFW1ZUn097lirbz4478d8-9Pjio0QR_xeKY9ZsptSLdzqhni2-hS0zzgKdNyXtM9IOslR3YAa-GhDLJrzGMKr2tJ2iPOy/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And here she is hanging it up on a line with an old timey clothespin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_00e2lvzIoNNumZyxRGtDTcTI5jui6meLVUnre13YNaSARdqLl0h4wpUdxavHsH9cNZRxEKJAxpuhAe0ZdMSZw-O01kJl7_xO4h7U4hkh5A4n22PbiqEd6tPtg24VJY_CyPTM/s1600/IMG_7021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_00e2lvzIoNNumZyxRGtDTcTI5jui6meLVUnre13YNaSARdqLl0h4wpUdxavHsH9cNZRxEKJAxpuhAe0ZdMSZw-O01kJl7_xO4h7U4hkh5A4n22PbiqEd6tPtg24VJY_CyPTM/s1600/IMG_7021.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
She was so proud of her work!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjva4o_b33B1440d8lA8d0I0kHJURbZXHW9dn6huUwAo7So2QoQVB-Aih5LpKhTpvTGkxmC9ebHRVXs9QEenYlyyPJajTywJG9k9boyvCDZaCSIxu33guQQvlurm7TgFW_K1S/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjva4o_b33B1440d8lA8d0I0kHJURbZXHW9dn6huUwAo7So2QoQVB-Aih5LpKhTpvTGkxmC9ebHRVXs9QEenYlyyPJajTywJG9k9boyvCDZaCSIxu33guQQvlurm7TgFW_K1S/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We moved on to the part of the farm that housed the livestock and machinery to harvest and make things. Here, Caleb is learning about a corn shucking machine. Each kid was given an ear of corn and they were instructed to drop it into the chute and from the bottom came all the kernels. We aren't a corn eating family, but if we were, I would have to have one of these contraptions!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaTeyKowT358HnGiNAjFZ6N1yNNceb58-B010a4B1SOvQV2PqsRrv86YUqP4VFoPrFQ-lIorcZP3qByR3aq_IIOkLfzpN-ZwCKnkV9HZplVRgCMomuy8a5jYmhyphenhyphentimyv5TOam/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaTeyKowT358HnGiNAjFZ6N1yNNceb58-B010a4B1SOvQV2PqsRrv86YUqP4VFoPrFQ-lIorcZP3qByR3aq_IIOkLfzpN-ZwCKnkV9HZplVRgCMomuy8a5jYmhyphenhyphentimyv5TOam/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
P with the longhorn. I mean, I can't see a longhorn and not get a photo! Hook em! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ0t7oRPBqVWOxjt2dBj0ctwpfUoAbtEi3ehCm79KO9jXlYVZim9vJ77uF368B5bzVq9txjto-fS2AIeXbdyBbgUTCsJPfSE-WsCjyZ1Gh_9C-3nxLkh5kvm_6vFOAm7-kbUP/s1600/IMG_7041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ0t7oRPBqVWOxjt2dBj0ctwpfUoAbtEi3ehCm79KO9jXlYVZim9vJ77uF368B5bzVq9txjto-fS2AIeXbdyBbgUTCsJPfSE-WsCjyZ1Gh_9C-3nxLkh5kvm_6vFOAm7-kbUP/s1600/IMG_7041.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we were done with the farm, we went to an place on property called Independence Hall. This was just a large meeting space where the leaders met to decided business and have gatherings of large people. We didn't hang here long because we were getting weary of the heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9xBmfWS8K5iL-lg9km8Kv-O5wNng8fqKjMOLJp9UkRQY1ZxCQSsSh-Lc-74A_2DttI1tkzfQF8oGCVaDOJirkMcgZC6-DIvJ_TJP5rsquYfVBmq1VhDUhSZWdBjrtsh-ZpOO/s1600/IMG_7043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9xBmfWS8K5iL-lg9km8Kv-O5wNng8fqKjMOLJp9UkRQY1ZxCQSsSh-Lc-74A_2DttI1tkzfQF8oGCVaDOJirkMcgZC6-DIvJ_TJP5rsquYfVBmq1VhDUhSZWdBjrtsh-ZpOO/s1600/IMG_7043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last, we headed the the Star of the Republic Museum. This is the one attraction that was air conditioned, so we took our time here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb1NcTUB_PhQGq1qdHwUuCVVTB2w24mxqeUnyLRd0sM-vdJGPVe5IJEw0ggi_uavlSWAYVR9iD-E-95txhwZ2RZ0Eals8C0jqPEZqr4mgAe7btbNFmKASnIW0dSYvSUeqHOM5/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb1NcTUB_PhQGq1qdHwUuCVVTB2w24mxqeUnyLRd0sM-vdJGPVe5IJEw0ggi_uavlSWAYVR9iD-E-95txhwZ2RZ0Eals8C0jqPEZqr4mgAe7btbNFmKASnIW0dSYvSUeqHOM5/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, we had to have a photo with our beloved Texas flag!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RAQO5VCG5hvpW2Lk1X2TzVCEAwhTu0h9guWFN8AX3JMxtOegEyey2aoWj15tL2T2hzJ7CrSDOeXbgv4n_EVKQJbZ1tP6gjMWRevqtsgmeSLHi_kH6JLGpKU58VNnFTxWWFKb/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RAQO5VCG5hvpW2Lk1X2TzVCEAwhTu0h9guWFN8AX3JMxtOegEyey2aoWj15tL2T2hzJ7CrSDOeXbgv4n_EVKQJbZ1tP6gjMWRevqtsgmeSLHi_kH6JLGpKU58VNnFTxWWFKb/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper with a skull. I mean, she's obsessed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuOjcH0WciyAvVWTqcDvIczM55B0dn_SeX5PP3EjZp6s_ufBU445GeNoft9ii196ky3ZJwiHndTl8QFh03k2z3pdCotIawIxGZxawBA1jdBo6sBRXpS1_ojovqBhEdLB5aK3B/s1600/IMG_7054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuOjcH0WciyAvVWTqcDvIczM55B0dn_SeX5PP3EjZp6s_ufBU445GeNoft9ii196ky3ZJwiHndTl8QFh03k2z3pdCotIawIxGZxawBA1jdBo6sBRXpS1_ojovqBhEdLB5aK3B/s1600/IMG_7054.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper was cleaning a deer here. She had the best time in this part of the museum because she was able to be hands on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0nhf_soIXq6PyJzc2lhyNKULtH-YYKrmkwackFjen8H9cnTi180XZiX2Sinazo0I9zZyH-_aheonLPV5JPdzecD7uNJ-6jFXvJEmoXmfL-s_x2GL5IFSlaYLgwhlUR3Z7-6P/s1600/IMG_7057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0nhf_soIXq6PyJzc2lhyNKULtH-YYKrmkwackFjen8H9cnTi180XZiX2Sinazo0I9zZyH-_aheonLPV5JPdzecD7uNJ-6jFXvJEmoXmfL-s_x2GL5IFSlaYLgwhlUR3Z7-6P/s1600/IMG_7057.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Churning butter, like her Pawpaw used to do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU4m-02E0kGVvK5mCBFdU3L6oZ8gUuKUndB9mOZMJb7odCYltm3uCIlhyphenhyphengLEzpfMq6PBFB-_K_mxujrdSymISA1X-X3X1UEfNNvLGDKw2Vl49Uda-RxB_VvMKt1VqW7J5i7IJ/s1600/IMG_7058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU4m-02E0kGVvK5mCBFdU3L6oZ8gUuKUndB9mOZMJb7odCYltm3uCIlhyphenhyphengLEzpfMq6PBFB-_K_mxujrdSymISA1X-X3X1UEfNNvLGDKw2Vl49Uda-RxB_VvMKt1VqW7J5i7IJ/s1600/IMG_7058.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb had a good time too, just little less gross-ness for his chosen activities!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUT3z-GpmTIf5r5u_nLvDdKk6meHaAY_VaqT5l_xnP_XtO802WCmPpuUpCOkSbgV1zIXg7-B4jT3KgWh4KyHGnI9l-szv_Bg6mXKjfG6LTKWidX-GfZJFEwebyKakCB_3dvn1/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUT3z-GpmTIf5r5u_nLvDdKk6meHaAY_VaqT5l_xnP_XtO802WCmPpuUpCOkSbgV1zIXg7-B4jT3KgWh4KyHGnI9l-szv_Bg6mXKjfG6LTKWidX-GfZJFEwebyKakCB_3dvn1/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
One last picture with Stephen F. Austin before we left and headed back to our part of town!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf6241IVFbGN5dDZ6p8nv5d0Um3FdR8taeIH-Id_4WvuslyNzkE-sEWvOKqFO2wFZFyqtHiTbEOp1FydvuRca56ubSRJ-6XNFsdC3ho5PRvFQYPjwbJ6VFvX3GZSJJ0tLXr6v/s1600/IMG_7061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf6241IVFbGN5dDZ6p8nv5d0Um3FdR8taeIH-Id_4WvuslyNzkE-sEWvOKqFO2wFZFyqtHiTbEOp1FydvuRca56ubSRJ-6XNFsdC3ho5PRvFQYPjwbJ6VFvX3GZSJJ0tLXr6v/s1600/IMG_7061.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On our way back, we all decided that we didn't want to eat the peanut butter sandwiches I had packed for lunch, so we stopped at a local Mexican restaurant. It was yummy and hit the spot. At one point, I looked over and saw Piper doing this. She was eating sour cream right off the plate. I will never understand this. What a fun day!</div>
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-13958765622148678122014-08-13T21:48:00.003-04:002014-08-13T21:48:51.965-04:00TaeKwon-Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA68TtH8FlMVN4y3FgZ0u1x9TC3oqZ1CO-8bPDUAPK86oai7Mf6DUwpYjwAGxDl3LGFFDIWIX16IQm_gvo1bTsBTGoqQRfYGQlSrdBztO_z1m8KS9YuyG3OJAE1_RnJSfqcN-/s1600/IMG_5426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA68TtH8FlMVN4y3FgZ0u1x9TC3oqZ1CO-8bPDUAPK86oai7Mf6DUwpYjwAGxDl3LGFFDIWIX16IQm_gvo1bTsBTGoqQRfYGQlSrdBztO_z1m8KS9YuyG3OJAE1_RnJSfqcN-/s1600/IMG_5426.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2014 Cypress TaeKwon-Do Homeschool Class</span></div>
<br />
Back in February, Caleb started Taekwon-do, on the recommendation of a friend of mine. I had been told all manner of things about the class and the techniques and how it was so great for my friends' children. But, class is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:30, all year long. Y'all, let that sink in. Oh, and I have to mention the drive. It's about 30 solid minutes from our house in to the school. <br />
So, to say that I was hesitant is a gross understatement! <br />
I bit the bullet and we went for a free trial class in February, wherein he fell in love. I was a bit unsure if he would even like it since Caleb is not athletic in any way shape or form. However, my bright, unimaginably intelligent, but super clumsy boy has excelled! Since February, he has belt tested and is about ready to do so again within the next month! He also competed in a tournament where he won a medal for patterns. <br />
I can't even express how good this class has been for Caleb. His balance and focus has increased to a level that I've never seen. He has made some very good friends who are all just a bit different from society, just like him, which was something that I worried so much about when we moved away from the only friends he's ever known. I think we have officially found Caleb's sport!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-64366833548776927302014-08-04T10:53:00.000-04:002014-08-18T10:53:55.248-04:00San Felipe de Austin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Saturday, we went to San Felipe de Austin, near the town of Brookshire, Texas. Jes rides with a motorcycle group in that area and has passed this place a few times. Since the weather was not blisteringly hot, we decided to hop in the car and go explore!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwjKNCp6f553J1Om1u9RqUDRyp6DiB490d9MUcW31Nfly6YknIvvT1xYL93ov08lThU8EMfermF9f0R_7INdKT1648_MAM6WCI-rf9nQsHy3iT7IWKIGVczT1Z_sWGQ9t4dMw/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwjKNCp6f553J1Om1u9RqUDRyp6DiB490d9MUcW31Nfly6YknIvvT1xYL93ov08lThU8EMfermF9f0R_7INdKT1648_MAM6WCI-rf9nQsHy3iT7IWKIGVczT1Z_sWGQ9t4dMw/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
C & P at the state historic site sign.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pe3Oeb5kHs5sPBaAY_y88SLV6a-cxCccQKxAFU2_oDy-DxQkrtoY9h11hP5FTsTx74GEdcxNZvWLQcBoY4oCnQ-lSz8yoyTND00r8bwishB2HNdexNWYqmwtntGi1z3lRshY/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pe3Oeb5kHs5sPBaAY_y88SLV6a-cxCccQKxAFU2_oDy-DxQkrtoY9h11hP5FTsTx74GEdcxNZvWLQcBoY4oCnQ-lSz8yoyTND00r8bwishB2HNdexNWYqmwtntGi1z3lRshY/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here in Texas, we fondly refer to Stephen F. Austin as the father of Texas. He was instrumental in founding and establishing Texas as it's own republic, ensuring its freedom from Mexico.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk5l8DrGCfXo1YZ3iKynJ38tpmana53V_lNLxm5w2vMpM4_C_w-GIN0HOZ7e9GJ6cyart1z7MPODYWyLbLNN0dKZG8lEpUtk1ZzIISR2vhYwRAQdR23IXH3hq8kfCk7ykHkgG/s1600/IMG_6924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk5l8DrGCfXo1YZ3iKynJ38tpmana53V_lNLxm5w2vMpM4_C_w-GIN0HOZ7e9GJ6cyart1z7MPODYWyLbLNN0dKZG8lEpUtk1ZzIISR2vhYwRAQdR23IXH3hq8kfCk7ykHkgG/s1600/IMG_6924.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This town was the first town established in Texas and included all the things you would think would be included in a town. A town hall and various homes, shops, etc were on this property. It was cool to stand on the ground where so many of our founding families stood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCp-OxW03ruZh4ZoG7UY2_uXcG67EsFkf88tLR0vkKwz8teB5fJf3vZIQX1Z5P8ZImri1dKB6Z2jM2RBrKH2rBRbVgjPL61LajOu2YExHHeuN8pBv_ffThnjQc8h3NT5hgoYo/s1600/IMG_6926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCp-OxW03ruZh4ZoG7UY2_uXcG67EsFkf88tLR0vkKwz8teB5fJf3vZIQX1Z5P8ZImri1dKB6Z2jM2RBrKH2rBRbVgjPL61LajOu2YExHHeuN8pBv_ffThnjQc8h3NT5hgoYo/s1600/IMG_6926.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the town well for everyone. It's pretty neat that this still stands!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBHej5X_Ut7MlIUcvfoG8_ou1hVheYWp2rYCIU-3n9zEIJe2F1vWRPsZRA17CV4P9qBz6c4HNLrJN75rbDMFtGQmX59ZBX94HakETwzmvzFmYzvrvp_dGqpbV0WF9v7Jl19e4/s1600/IMG_6930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBHej5X_Ut7MlIUcvfoG8_ou1hVheYWp2rYCIU-3n9zEIJe2F1vWRPsZRA17CV4P9qBz6c4HNLrJN75rbDMFtGQmX59ZBX94HakETwzmvzFmYzvrvp_dGqpbV0WF9v7Jl19e4/s1600/IMG_6930.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The historical association have a great little program for all the kids to participate in where they can do some of the things that these settlers did. Here they are making printer's hats out of large pieces of printing paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMiniTtTVyhbCo8EJXq_sysfOdoQ4wHqes2eHrV3xdOsZAp4BP7GDY-dE2lF49pq35L6qCaYc-xLKwZY9t5ktXik558J079pXxqvAzqx1by0ca0XPrXrSDPQgTTpKXZEhRLhm/s1600/IMG_6932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMiniTtTVyhbCo8EJXq_sysfOdoQ4wHqes2eHrV3xdOsZAp4BP7GDY-dE2lF49pq35L6qCaYc-xLKwZY9t5ktXik558J079pXxqvAzqx1by0ca0XPrXrSDPQgTTpKXZEhRLhm/s1600/IMG_6932.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My babies and their hats. They are so silly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUfZ_OH9m4IE1AJd8ypiQ3zjwqJ0iwBqxpvCks6EtVROcG7dhxirvAZNkRbtVug_fOGjv_LKX6P5qr6unah8qzHxgW_sobkr3IeFzgRMGXLMu5cNA7J8cao4ph0sp0QZmdvi2/s1600/IMG_6934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUfZ_OH9m4IE1AJd8ypiQ3zjwqJ0iwBqxpvCks6EtVROcG7dhxirvAZNkRbtVug_fOGjv_LKX6P5qr6unah8qzHxgW_sobkr3IeFzgRMGXLMu5cNA7J8cao4ph0sp0QZmdvi2/s1600/IMG_6934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There were some Lincoln Logs set up for the kids to get an idea of how the construction of buildings were done in that time period. I had tried to buy Lincoln Logs for years, but neither kid was super interested, but I may need to now. They absolutely loved building with these!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE4M2B0AETGAoLdB8Gsew2S27-zExms1zYPvi2D1APciK2lNIR4EVwkCC4sHqeQTa1x40fWTwatDgsZoRqZLzW9SKkiU288yY3422HLj0i5x6x7e4RwnlWr_VhjFZyJIq1Ewo/s1600/IMG_6935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE4M2B0AETGAoLdB8Gsew2S27-zExms1zYPvi2D1APciK2lNIR4EVwkCC4sHqeQTa1x40fWTwatDgsZoRqZLzW9SKkiU288yY3422HLj0i5x6x7e4RwnlWr_VhjFZyJIq1Ewo/s1600/IMG_6935.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Not much of this town still stands because Stephen F. Austin caught wind that the Mexican army was on its way to invade the town. So, instead of abandoning everything and giving them a leg up by providing shelter, food, etc, so they set fire to the whole town and burned it to the ground before fleeing. This was a really cool outing and we are having fun discovering all the cool Texas history sites!</div>
Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-8090263724953753392014-08-03T14:46:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:55:35.230-04:00Feed My Starving Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Saturday, we traveled about 15 minutes up the road with about 300 other folks for our shift to pack meals with a charity called Feed My Starving Children. We got to wear fun, snazzy hair nets and pack food packs for children that will be shipped all around the world to needy children. It was a great way to serve and include the kids in another ministry project!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTug-t0FljUW4fBYZOU6Br_-fM0XB7PivEihWZ-O3e0SFJ0glyIiXXnLUd-jjxkpotqNMXnTaKWayFIcYWUg61VUGPf5tzEXIFvjwPyCXbAhMh2h2N2flr4YE4TRfb7mwkVUK/s1600/IMG_6895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTug-t0FljUW4fBYZOU6Br_-fM0XB7PivEihWZ-O3e0SFJ0glyIiXXnLUd-jjxkpotqNMXnTaKWayFIcYWUg61VUGPf5tzEXIFvjwPyCXbAhMh2h2N2flr4YE4TRfb7mwkVUK/s1600/IMG_6895.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYB8ePP_DcqbFY1UrtKt1YhIY4_qaTM-Cln9HraT8r3BWwLfTHPuBp-US6njfDKv-Z4gTIdyRcvaEOZTEf930rJYud6NzL3fqNmbu1qiKTkdIcidI99ecUqkct1K2n4CcF0YPP/s1600/IMG_6897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYB8ePP_DcqbFY1UrtKt1YhIY4_qaTM-Cln9HraT8r3BWwLfTHPuBp-US6njfDKv-Z4gTIdyRcvaEOZTEf930rJYud6NzL3fqNmbu1qiKTkdIcidI99ecUqkct1K2n4CcF0YPP/s1600/IMG_6897.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksrBQxxgpLKSQujMDl8rF2lobl-NG3b2kaKAS-D6pNeRLcvBYZZiDX1oJT-dX953sdkBO1b1wKSSx-IAww-LUPUVqePdxv04guEB4fNgKudi7E0XRw4Dk4YEw4YXf0KWYCpyH/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksrBQxxgpLKSQujMDl8rF2lobl-NG3b2kaKAS-D6pNeRLcvBYZZiDX1oJT-dX953sdkBO1b1wKSSx-IAww-LUPUVqePdxv04guEB4fNgKudi7E0XRw4Dk4YEw4YXf0KWYCpyH/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiTd4vTOYz58VqZhp6FZ2jX65MuhCnibAevqmkT4bhua5cgmBS7IsBq6fDOXOb-rVNQbx-cqtytT2p2N_q857TTKCHKXg77dAUMlmSGgJ-kzDQ-kDI9vKK5C4Gm2DFeahf3P0/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiTd4vTOYz58VqZhp6FZ2jX65MuhCnibAevqmkT4bhua5cgmBS7IsBq6fDOXOb-rVNQbx-cqtytT2p2N_q857TTKCHKXg77dAUMlmSGgJ-kzDQ-kDI9vKK5C4Gm2DFeahf3P0/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qj7Z_-QhmVw8gK5WCs7qt7bZoFdLq1HwBb1VOH7qQkNdGkTufSIveVMwt1dQgIZWHV6-LyiKASqqlFzKVLnA4xLmF4OEEebT4Ff7DQutNlcf8ssfY4E7sF3WWocLnKHIzUII/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qj7Z_-QhmVw8gK5WCs7qt7bZoFdLq1HwBb1VOH7qQkNdGkTufSIveVMwt1dQgIZWHV6-LyiKASqqlFzKVLnA4xLmF4OEEebT4Ff7DQutNlcf8ssfY4E7sF3WWocLnKHIzUII/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs1gDtwSbqd8kaTwIHVTBUi-oWG3R6wjsF1CTEtX0wSkmRrwSZOb9z6avjfjgF23QtVUln3oEpO3plWZ0n7O6HllU2oW0IO2SWJHSTthGYl7WUv8rUzKK1MUdoD1IKDIn6e79/s1600/IMG_6906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs1gDtwSbqd8kaTwIHVTBUi-oWG3R6wjsF1CTEtX0wSkmRrwSZOb9z6avjfjgF23QtVUln3oEpO3plWZ0n7O6HllU2oW0IO2SWJHSTthGYl7WUv8rUzKK1MUdoD1IKDIn6e79/s1600/IMG_6906.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuv4IgumSSuk_fx1przVvSqXMUdBlC96TagJpZYm2ycMlNx356ui3awvDLCpTnwsRjrvfacY9mJemuOrKRbXWyueJSj0gQYst_uSnJ6eAIwBytHpQvG_Cyvsnm9CmkbFHdS1S/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuv4IgumSSuk_fx1przVvSqXMUdBlC96TagJpZYm2ycMlNx356ui3awvDLCpTnwsRjrvfacY9mJemuOrKRbXWyueJSj0gQYst_uSnJ6eAIwBytHpQvG_Cyvsnm9CmkbFHdS1S/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-32620716362627402542014-07-20T14:32:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:43:30.952-04:00Science Camp and Fun <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week, Piper went to science camp at our church, something I had signed her up for months ago. She is my independent free spirit, so she was super excited to have her own thing and go have fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8HFB7Hh8Wi5VVhsRO7EFcxfabLm7jQs2bCPQaYRetg6qlj3BzM1GEYndzGcgJUPG40aBcUVag9X6q4CGAT8GHSmeM11eHp5jnwYe_gn8w_XiJkks6rD5_o85-ObwwZ5ss1Pu/s1600/IMG_6810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8HFB7Hh8Wi5VVhsRO7EFcxfabLm7jQs2bCPQaYRetg6qlj3BzM1GEYndzGcgJUPG40aBcUVag9X6q4CGAT8GHSmeM11eHp5jnwYe_gn8w_XiJkks6rD5_o85-ObwwZ5ss1Pu/s1600/IMG_6810.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Since we have to pack up and take her food everywhere, I decided to go ahead and get her a new lunch bag. Let's just say she loved it and it was perfect for her lunch, snack and drink to take with her all week to camp. I'm confident it will also be super useful in the future too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsV-nRfnoKm37uTK9rmh13kKHT504IIZapm6oiAz1MaHlZpEx_A04IiXLC3aysGweWy6s33ElJyLklrpXDtALu9_DTlBd3lmfdJ7sfDnsIE-ZAtvrmFAICw6BdBhDFL_dCVyV/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsV-nRfnoKm37uTK9rmh13kKHT504IIZapm6oiAz1MaHlZpEx_A04IiXLC3aysGweWy6s33ElJyLklrpXDtALu9_DTlBd3lmfdJ7sfDnsIE-ZAtvrmFAICw6BdBhDFL_dCVyV/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mid-way through the week, I took the kids to Studio Movie Grill for their monthly family rewind movie. This week, it was Annie. I was a little unsure if the kids would like it, but this was what I saw of P the whole night. She was enraptured! But who could blame her? It involved all her favorite things: girls, singing, dancing and major role played by an animal! Caleb was kind of "meh" about the whole thing until the end and then he really got into it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLuQI7IO4QBQDeGxqLwzj1b30UFj6w1e9opXk5JDk1TPb3q1qfLzd3fe93KMsAoQLIG9WbtfYX5XKItOxhyphenhyphenHPGkl_PSSy1xeeXPhfQaL1dGhBKyPkox7kzxX0DJKSvcNhT1XV/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLuQI7IO4QBQDeGxqLwzj1b30UFj6w1e9opXk5JDk1TPb3q1qfLzd3fe93KMsAoQLIG9WbtfYX5XKItOxhyphenhyphenHPGkl_PSSy1xeeXPhfQaL1dGhBKyPkox7kzxX0DJKSvcNhT1XV/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
On Friday, Caleb and I trekked over to the mall to the Disney store and found these gems being put out. I have looked all over creation for Elsa, Anna and Olaf for P and haven't been able to find them, even in Disney World. So, let's just say when I did find them, I bought allllllll of them! Someone is going to be a rockstar Mommy on Christmas morning... :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefwSCXrvbNfvOKjjCtRlfZ_qYbAJQzXCYxn48mN3JpG_wpKzS5t7Jo4s0g_WRqbK3dz29-efqG0j0b1xJ-0HrytLklc9gdqJOeS4jEj9KY29smLZ94ouuyVe9dnSf1WBLOKoF/s1600/IMG_6822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefwSCXrvbNfvOKjjCtRlfZ_qYbAJQzXCYxn48mN3JpG_wpKzS5t7Jo4s0g_WRqbK3dz29-efqG0j0b1xJ-0HrytLklc9gdqJOeS4jEj9KY29smLZ94ouuyVe9dnSf1WBLOKoF/s1600/IMG_6822.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Caleb and I then went for a sushi lunch at a nearby place. He is so, so easy to please on the food front and we share many of the same likes and dislikes, so anytime that we can escape and get sushi, we do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM2iSjwcK5PRLADZQyyEfE2LWeLyP1rOb564GK1sVeXksOayARKkhxdKhq7i0OysH-vTBfvEpiafEJC1CRAqSdjqt-s84uSEcLsSbn5IOZCGSXSrOv9BZWJWqVcBU7F5tBfCl/s1600/IMG_6832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM2iSjwcK5PRLADZQyyEfE2LWeLyP1rOb564GK1sVeXksOayARKkhxdKhq7i0OysH-vTBfvEpiafEJC1CRAqSdjqt-s84uSEcLsSbn5IOZCGSXSrOv9BZWJWqVcBU7F5tBfCl/s1600/IMG_6832.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb had taekwon-do all this week too, but all the other boys were busy so he basically had private lessons all week. He took advantage of this and worked really hard, gaining some serious traction on some skills he needs before his next belt testing! Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-19440100515823007302014-07-07T14:31:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:31:31.681-04:004th of July and American Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we weren't having birthday parties for the kids this year (hello, Disney World was enough!), Piper decided to invite her friend to go to the American Girl store with her for a fun outing. Since we were going on Sunday, we decided to give her her doll and such before we went so that she could bring them with us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl9QpT8YUpUX-ICdx2P2RCRL4736N9ZzP-Jh6E1ND-Vl_Uz3b_lSmeET4rtQOdv4hqH4L5WcX6Ot3OCC9aFgTd7617prKiGQt8K_2glVSkElyfeTMOe-cnpJnosrF9qeztcuz/s1600/IMG_6674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl9QpT8YUpUX-ICdx2P2RCRL4736N9ZzP-Jh6E1ND-Vl_Uz3b_lSmeET4rtQOdv4hqH4L5WcX6Ot3OCC9aFgTd7617prKiGQt8K_2glVSkElyfeTMOe-cnpJnosrF9qeztcuz/s1600/IMG_6674.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is P with Argos, the dog that she so desperately wanted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXuxv1mFTLdjwrIH1kh6Mv559ctACAXJuZCuy-QPDvVnqLL87J_etiFbwMy5DbGK2eI_VwiGBc3ZWQ7uV7qWduZt2jZYczUzPq47Dm4OqK4eIiBNOabJHyQub3Z6aSwWsaMlf/s1600/IMG_6686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXuxv1mFTLdjwrIH1kh6Mv559ctACAXJuZCuy-QPDvVnqLL87J_etiFbwMy5DbGK2eI_VwiGBc3ZWQ7uV7qWduZt2jZYczUzPq47Dm4OqK4eIiBNOabJHyQub3Z6aSwWsaMlf/s1600/IMG_6686.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper always wanted Marie-Grace, so that's exactly who she got. She loves her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb6qCS-ePke1ofdqowU3YMLZHXxGuNNh3qlHobx8m7O7OTyRQZFAavlLwNpwYwb_Rbeq0N0jEGIwDFTWpqQd5QX9AIl5_cjBODEWuRdEa3emHB8RLVlGfiEvTNwLG6LaQ4JAw/s1600/IMG_6692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb6qCS-ePke1ofdqowU3YMLZHXxGuNNh3qlHobx8m7O7OTyRQZFAavlLwNpwYwb_Rbeq0N0jEGIwDFTWpqQd5QX9AIl5_cjBODEWuRdEa3emHB8RLVlGfiEvTNwLG6LaQ4JAw/s1600/IMG_6692.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My happy girl with Marie-Grace and Argos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6SjXqQ04AZBeBE50b8W6U7tsPYzt00nkUZNm0jWraYwbVSuKVVe9E-pGWT4nwtcQrvyPW8WoLIF2IlG72wGJMPLuRnBZYdjxvEGO6miIQ1r2ErQddMSJWgFH4fpU9ZoWurA2/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6SjXqQ04AZBeBE50b8W6U7tsPYzt00nkUZNm0jWraYwbVSuKVVe9E-pGWT4nwtcQrvyPW8WoLIF2IlG72wGJMPLuRnBZYdjxvEGO6miIQ1r2ErQddMSJWgFH4fpU9ZoWurA2/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday night, my mom and I took the kids to downtown to watch the fireworks. Here they are just waiting for the show to start!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DOa2slJfZJirx7XBA_MMCHrx_DkU9Jj6yt0ykuc2Y4ef5vY1O8O7Bj9U6HelzJF3WblgTawIsUMd9mtcJLz3Cl-iHvAyFl0ye7VoO1Qdf_4-RE3222mtHw6id_oK30w0zbVr/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DOa2slJfZJirx7XBA_MMCHrx_DkU9Jj6yt0ykuc2Y4ef5vY1O8O7Bj9U6HelzJF3WblgTawIsUMd9mtcJLz3Cl-iHvAyFl0ye7VoO1Qdf_4-RE3222mtHw6id_oK30w0zbVr/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend, Miriam, planned her girls' joint birthday party for when we were in town so that P could come, especially since we missed it last year because we were moving that day. This is P and her little friend, Kaylie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iQCM6OPM-1gEIPYciwUNYRk0beXAs5XRUnEySpjCMyE52fMfUOnk-jEF2L_CN2uUlL8XVnb_bqSqNY6scTiygaoBSPUn_KgOVKZ8s6bkbyKqSGnk1kZ2twTeJJO0q2Obbmlx/s1600/IMG_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iQCM6OPM-1gEIPYciwUNYRk0beXAs5XRUnEySpjCMyE52fMfUOnk-jEF2L_CN2uUlL8XVnb_bqSqNY6scTiygaoBSPUn_KgOVKZ8s6bkbyKqSGnk1kZ2twTeJJO0q2Obbmlx/s1600/IMG_6737.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
On Sunday, we headed to the AG store so the girls could look around and pick out a couple of new things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeyFhBlYS3VM9X1wkYTEfOpkOBh4PZb0Sj2fWlH_ifopUC2IsO3nSzfPnGPetNm9xNmyKqJwrtvUlyTKGB401XShpE6GIEyc2kt4hRUdjW-4qkJNRSFFDvG5I2hzKVDgBaCF9/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeyFhBlYS3VM9X1wkYTEfOpkOBh4PZb0Sj2fWlH_ifopUC2IsO3nSzfPnGPetNm9xNmyKqJwrtvUlyTKGB401XShpE6GIEyc2kt4hRUdjW-4qkJNRSFFDvG5I2hzKVDgBaCF9/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So excited!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAL-p71KNAjxbXBXbJgLjAoVK3fizFGPSioQA08pCOzbp3Zl3IEdt_lzXXH7x9qgQ6O892o5ruScHcZmf21IgOT57oh4PUV1AKItcID6vbaQOfsd_GH8dymGqzWQvi1Rqreax/s1600/IMG_6740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAL-p71KNAjxbXBXbJgLjAoVK3fizFGPSioQA08pCOzbp3Zl3IEdt_lzXXH7x9qgQ6O892o5ruScHcZmf21IgOT57oh4PUV1AKItcID6vbaQOfsd_GH8dymGqzWQvi1Rqreax/s1600/IMG_6740.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper with Marie-Grace and Kaylie with Molly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX9G9Ji3SsGPP-KmpVskui8AhTQRJ05upFN9RTD8cQHIgEsnHkUN6iV9pWoIN9LPgXUU3SXX2vNSYvhWsl-QfgoZJ3upkNFhjl-4RE2oPeUnW26S_76Y1B5ejB63lU0ob6roT/s1600/IMG_6747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX9G9Ji3SsGPP-KmpVskui8AhTQRJ05upFN9RTD8cQHIgEsnHkUN6iV9pWoIN9LPgXUU3SXX2vNSYvhWsl-QfgoZJ3upkNFhjl-4RE2oPeUnW26S_76Y1B5ejB63lU0ob6roT/s1600/IMG_6747.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls had so much fun playing with their dolls and the staff of American Girl was so sweet to let them try out all the accessories.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3i866ExaGczljvBVqXvpBGrvG1EzH-mAKIvetppSmdYh3Z_f7dX0BYzHhDos_isWmgxr-80-Rnr42Ph1ARd1XrW5JzKjs5c50STqiEkKlLTjqokkmTf5H8O_IOpxZSkkA7tc/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3i866ExaGczljvBVqXvpBGrvG1EzH-mAKIvetppSmdYh3Z_f7dX0BYzHhDos_isWmgxr-80-Rnr42Ph1ARd1XrW5JzKjs5c50STqiEkKlLTjqokkmTf5H8O_IOpxZSkkA7tc/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After the AG store, we went for ice cream and then called it a day. It was a very low key weekend and birthday, but perfect!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-21138670143363006682014-06-30T14:17:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:18:32.879-04:00Happy Birthday, Piper!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rsdtXIawrZjKirLw5fBP5PAsTYKkfc_R9DPVdEzvzHE9UorqLKTQhU5aBHQ2AMm0kmUzIdmL0piz-VprVIBY3VK1YVAS9GZifDyecNhWTDtXsO3gcfY7ZylEpKiZgI2IXJMI/s1600/IMG_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rsdtXIawrZjKirLw5fBP5PAsTYKkfc_R9DPVdEzvzHE9UorqLKTQhU5aBHQ2AMm0kmUzIdmL0piz-VprVIBY3VK1YVAS9GZifDyecNhWTDtXsO3gcfY7ZylEpKiZgI2IXJMI/s1600/IMG_6625.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy birthday to our sparkly, sweet, gorgeous little girl! She is our sunshine and light and has taught us so many things about ourselves! We love you P!!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-3114917394738160482014-06-28T13:47:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:14:40.665-04:00Trip to California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week, we returned from a trip to California for a family reunion and celebration of Jes's grandfather's 90th birthday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-okLdnxQBI6DXSTssVUwSt2e8EIHX9A-olJxCktMvvcpTu-sdNBsEy1qz4bqdSSH9u7gSDOchgh8RAAkX3MQnIbjz2TpDfB3gf58mYv-EkWOits5-ipjesnbvz5S1SJdG6AdM/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-okLdnxQBI6DXSTssVUwSt2e8EIHX9A-olJxCktMvvcpTu-sdNBsEy1qz4bqdSSH9u7gSDOchgh8RAAkX3MQnIbjz2TpDfB3gf58mYv-EkWOits5-ipjesnbvz5S1SJdG6AdM/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though Caleb had been on an airplane many times, he did not remember and this was Piper's first time to fly. Both were equally nervous and thrilled! If you've never been to Houston, you might not know that we have 2 major airports (and innumerable small) here, one in the northern area and one just south of downtown. Jes works at the northern airport, but we ended up getting flights into and out of the southern one, so we had to leave very early to arrive due the the extreme traffic going into and out of downtown Houston. We ended up waiting for quite a while, so the kids got a kick out of watching the planes come in and go out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7fdYSH6Kp909DT9Fi_6wLZUbJ4rpsSPeaRpHMAQ75TG36m8pgNb4hopwcA2eSXBxjIBqvtG7R6jJYz75ynttjnEqolaOYuO9dJrJiLWM2oN3eOu-CT8nCHIyo3gTL8FOTofv/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7fdYSH6Kp909DT9Fi_6wLZUbJ4rpsSPeaRpHMAQ75TG36m8pgNb4hopwcA2eSXBxjIBqvtG7R6jJYz75ynttjnEqolaOYuO9dJrJiLWM2oN3eOu-CT8nCHIyo3gTL8FOTofv/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we made it on the plane, P had a minor freak out (all nerves), but the iPads and a little hug cured that and we were off!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOwMqMpkeYmcD5CXXdnRQe_Wi8idHFxc9gdn7_8ZsowCcFoL-2uVSQre07iyM7pCW2Yd2jUknQhzbvbtdTs1UYiY9qZC3F-Tp9IyjyZcB-52RPZRAup2pTwYDByhaEOUploz0/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOwMqMpkeYmcD5CXXdnRQe_Wi8idHFxc9gdn7_8ZsowCcFoL-2uVSQre07iyM7pCW2Yd2jUknQhzbvbtdTs1UYiY9qZC3F-Tp9IyjyZcB-52RPZRAup2pTwYDByhaEOUploz0/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since we had to leave so early and spent a good part of the day travelling (it was 2.5 hours from LAX to my sister in law's house, where we were staying), the kids just vegged in the backseat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNavTPj57nS78CreHwMzLHMydwwrv-lwWPY3awg4gEGd-tY-nTRF3MSzCFEvy0lQu2yvgo-x2-eRVHbTC7l5Vu1H0mpikc6Z9BXSQHiMsu-qZ6C7hJr3REjwL_bbECnBExW-AU/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNavTPj57nS78CreHwMzLHMydwwrv-lwWPY3awg4gEGd-tY-nTRF3MSzCFEvy0lQu2yvgo-x2-eRVHbTC7l5Vu1H0mpikc6Z9BXSQHiMsu-qZ6C7hJr3REjwL_bbECnBExW-AU/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My mother in law is a huge fan of all things tea, so we let the girls (Sarah has 4 girls) all dress up and have a tea party while all the boys went fishing in a pond down the street. They had so much fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hCbMQ2Qa1nHajF1u5vqsdWb3DTJ-76JMyPP2ihAve58ciSJIGkD_UGbKgXUbiZY6MBhVW_djm-bPYHz0BM7Zz2MdE5DWrzj3rqmuCqRyxn309ah5XF17P_GiA8Lr9YmizgG_/s1600/IMG_6374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hCbMQ2Qa1nHajF1u5vqsdWb3DTJ-76JMyPP2ihAve58ciSJIGkD_UGbKgXUbiZY6MBhVW_djm-bPYHz0BM7Zz2MdE5DWrzj3rqmuCqRyxn309ah5XF17P_GiA8Lr9YmizgG_/s1600/IMG_6374.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Piper with her great grandfather and great grandmother. P's middle name is the same as her great grandmother's. The last time I had a photo with her and her great grandmother, she was just 1 year old, so we had to have an updated photo!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWlRj8cjKpbH-7iJWrWXQj-OtyCrqSUNsFpjK74H14P-4CuwJYVvLKk57-pGHgpSuD-OdW4Y3WX5Q8ppp4k30ce1vtTdx0REgMtjmmDkS0q8vd4-ZwbB1yIGIAJN_vdRFWyn5/s1600/IMG_6381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWlRj8cjKpbH-7iJWrWXQj-OtyCrqSUNsFpjK74H14P-4CuwJYVvLKk57-pGHgpSuD-OdW4Y3WX5Q8ppp4k30ce1vtTdx0REgMtjmmDkS0q8vd4-ZwbB1yIGIAJN_vdRFWyn5/s1600/IMG_6381.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The kids had such a good time playing at a local park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_3AJtHJuQrctwiHZGlLBM_sBFQ_wtLGt3V2GEqC5SPI57wsNJDQH8otLPGSTYG4ePV_F70FW50VZlsn1e3Ilz1UBqOQQgEE85iC7mwsbkxpeMBuGs4gBIUclXYKzsCmsi0rg/s1600/IMG_6393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_3AJtHJuQrctwiHZGlLBM_sBFQ_wtLGt3V2GEqC5SPI57wsNJDQH8otLPGSTYG4ePV_F70FW50VZlsn1e3Ilz1UBqOQQgEE85iC7mwsbkxpeMBuGs4gBIUclXYKzsCmsi0rg/s1600/IMG_6393.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper and her youngest girl cousin, Bekah. These two surprised us all by being inseparable, despite at least 2 years difference in age!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0Y2A_VQd2jhqj5k6wr99lIx5nVQPzejKD0IkBfkwqLlpKHVOQA4_3kTo-NxKS7nk1sshXpkvVZiJW5LSsNom0s5dkUraYtVH03p7mBn25jNl_p2k1UDn9iw0i6XeacR1v9K2/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0Y2A_VQd2jhqj5k6wr99lIx5nVQPzejKD0IkBfkwqLlpKHVOQA4_3kTo-NxKS7nk1sshXpkvVZiJW5LSsNom0s5dkUraYtVH03p7mBn25jNl_p2k1UDn9iw0i6XeacR1v9K2/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
One day, we all went to Discovery Science Museum of California. This skeleton was in a display just outside the front door of the museum. I just happened to turn away for a second and looked back and saw P doing this. She seriously cracks me up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtrX-cg2m_YCI9BrJmRQ01Wono-3FD4WF9qHKWsgzxugwCTGtpiAGmTB_X64sq5PQeYfSbkwJ9dII-qyDl7o29UboYuvbZA5iXpgf_BWxRoG1rQ-46iKmhFeuBJyU4LhVaxAa/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtrX-cg2m_YCI9BrJmRQ01Wono-3FD4WF9qHKWsgzxugwCTGtpiAGmTB_X64sq5PQeYfSbkwJ9dII-qyDl7o29UboYuvbZA5iXpgf_BWxRoG1rQ-46iKmhFeuBJyU4LhVaxAa/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This museum is where the space shuttle Endeavour is now displayed, so we had to see it. It was so cool to see an actual space shuttle up close and personal. They also had a great timeline of the shuttle program, which both of the kids were super interested in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3oGbqT6fSMlPkMR4iOGOQr6ciN-ytq2fUuIc_NgJMYRC6DcORpV9hIn_Mwwp0DlYzMblMBGYkShru8aLW76F_RrUeEEH-jJ3eYU3EsFUKgO74cR72X6oOMR9lcT0ObMwdqDN/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3oGbqT6fSMlPkMR4iOGOQr6ciN-ytq2fUuIc_NgJMYRC6DcORpV9hIn_Mwwp0DlYzMblMBGYkShru8aLW76F_RrUeEEH-jJ3eYU3EsFUKgO74cR72X6oOMR9lcT0ObMwdqDN/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a really cool room that had a giant aquarium that we could have hung out at all day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlviaSEHqoFoNrxwUileQThuJPJiZZqGZf7HC9mBNYShQuT5juSpoQt9VneQD_CoM13Er_f1xGw3a-US8DEGCBQhhPTfeG9QPNa-ClMXsXULq1T3PaQS79U3ImL9PM3rZJeJOf/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlviaSEHqoFoNrxwUileQThuJPJiZZqGZf7HC9mBNYShQuT5juSpoQt9VneQD_CoM13Er_f1xGw3a-US8DEGCBQhhPTfeG9QPNa-ClMXsXULq1T3PaQS79U3ImL9PM3rZJeJOf/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This museum also has a huge rose garden that had every type of rose I had ever heard and not heard of. So cool!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzxu1nPusaoYRVlMuTMbo4z-9kso5IZiq5NGRztmA9ubydgpr5f0ycjL82kW61Vb4jZw892UH9TaKbQ58NIwSoFXjThVf9GC_6xirEfMnxgh7LMoOw2TKa3RJQj4bKqw0Pm4d/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzxu1nPusaoYRVlMuTMbo4z-9kso5IZiq5NGRztmA9ubydgpr5f0ycjL82kW61Vb4jZw892UH9TaKbQ58NIwSoFXjThVf9GC_6xirEfMnxgh7LMoOw2TKa3RJQj4bKqw0Pm4d/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, Piper's favorite part of the whole museum was the section on the body. She says she's being a zombie here. Yeah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquRTOIAnt_P7j-mEySLQE5gq6_rsxl8Yjxy5zE42phNc_00Lq09rrm0ovuugZ2xVFOtzqe6L809RXkQTCis28lq_iTqBAmjXSwRP3ov0YA373K26y8EoPiVutLQjyWScT11ss/s1600/IMG_6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquRTOIAnt_P7j-mEySLQE5gq6_rsxl8Yjxy5zE42phNc_00Lq09rrm0ovuugZ2xVFOtzqe6L809RXkQTCis28lq_iTqBAmjXSwRP3ov0YA373K26y8EoPiVutLQjyWScT11ss/s1600/IMG_6491.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This was an awesome display where she could watch an actual surgery, as if she was there. I had to literally tear her away from this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0Uqj-xtEUGXgSrDXWlePpfeg1yU4i9u-PtZU9PWi7GQZQDLR4G2Qy5l9fruUPjTPwrH5OG_7MIUNlIcMxHBsnszRNOLnZ6qsFofa6c5kleQWqwlrN8CNawGb63P5pB669XWF/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0Uqj-xtEUGXgSrDXWlePpfeg1yU4i9u-PtZU9PWi7GQZQDLR4G2Qy5l9fruUPjTPwrH5OG_7MIUNlIcMxHBsnszRNOLnZ6qsFofa6c5kleQWqwlrN8CNawGb63P5pB669XWF/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb really enjoyed the ocean displays. Here, he is driving a submarine using actual controls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A-Btiru7eh4XUGDxqZKRv4vh9TJs7KcqHCY07Vy1I_EEx1g6j0gUVwbB7o2W343_5LWMsLd2TzLr9VO2-dO_6PyNCAG3a_JtYPXYMLjC90L9_7TgsHnNEQW_fsuunQlOw9Qq/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A-Btiru7eh4XUGDxqZKRv4vh9TJs7KcqHCY07Vy1I_EEx1g6j0gUVwbB7o2W343_5LWMsLd2TzLr9VO2-dO_6PyNCAG3a_JtYPXYMLjC90L9_7TgsHnNEQW_fsuunQlOw9Qq/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The last day we were in California, we went to Long Beach to see the Welden side of the family but since we were early we stopped in a local Kmart. I hadn't been in a Kmart since I was a kid, so I might have been a little excited...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX1d2cYlTfL0La7OZ30RyNSoJmYl2GXj5-Z1OXESqe76rb1EFQLA7XPXRZYBRYteuoVyxF3dtz_AKcjfYh1BsLcMH3vKv9B8QDlLyj4Mq-L8whdFc9MhNmmfT10dZEeZuNlVL/s1600/IMG_6511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX1d2cYlTfL0La7OZ30RyNSoJmYl2GXj5-Z1OXESqe76rb1EFQLA7XPXRZYBRYteuoVyxF3dtz_AKcjfYh1BsLcMH3vKv9B8QDlLyj4Mq-L8whdFc9MhNmmfT10dZEeZuNlVL/s1600/IMG_6511.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last time we were in California, we took a photo of all the kids with Grandpa Welden, so we lined them up again, as best we could, and got another photo!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7ax7rZV_7VW78TbB46PMXhbC7b2tkWnCH95rZM5tva5mYLWrbYJtqvOGzvO59kBltwbUGjvc2PTuYSY0D10ifRufNytuTF5gHvURcUGKb3dUg_i0GcfC3quoCVHiDNzM6dXt/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7ax7rZV_7VW78TbB46PMXhbC7b2tkWnCH95rZM5tva5mYLWrbYJtqvOGzvO59kBltwbUGjvc2PTuYSY0D10ifRufNytuTF5gHvURcUGKb3dUg_i0GcfC3quoCVHiDNzM6dXt/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper and Caleb with their Great grandpa Welden. We love him!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewZ8F9iqV3QaOG-lDbb59F1ts2sxWxfanNLctGaeidYq13_VpwIUimWR8WOjIlachNFIdQrYxQmybtbABx347hlUcmVkyY6dTkGN2OBiftp0fRbURDrBYxoAfWIakq0ZAgm1t/s1600/IMG_6529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewZ8F9iqV3QaOG-lDbb59F1ts2sxWxfanNLctGaeidYq13_VpwIUimWR8WOjIlachNFIdQrYxQmybtbABx347hlUcmVkyY6dTkGN2OBiftp0fRbURDrBYxoAfWIakq0ZAgm1t/s1600/IMG_6529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day, we headed home and had a layover in El Paso, a small, but lovely airport. We had such a fun trip and can't wait to go back in November!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-69745069987096978332014-06-16T13:31:00.000-04:002014-08-15T13:40:03.394-04:00Piper's Dance Recital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, Piper had her dance recital with the dance school she's been enrolled in since our move to Houston. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgQu7DpBmA7Nyu7is38ql_TXOCuUbBMcUpOhGvBpqmFNqINZ6SVSxaMMM2w2yzZIOzR_rI74CyCY4-dxjjjO0TPyj3FWGotPy6VQAfgXxsC13o2o8t-Pc8weG4fO26qxqjfbE/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgQu7DpBmA7Nyu7is38ql_TXOCuUbBMcUpOhGvBpqmFNqINZ6SVSxaMMM2w2yzZIOzR_rI74CyCY4-dxjjjO0TPyj3FWGotPy6VQAfgXxsC13o2o8t-Pc8weG4fO26qxqjfbE/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The ballet number this year was set to the Mary Poppins song "Spoonful of Sugar" and was just precious! P loves ballet and enjoyed this number immensely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C1fYVMYvMik8ZNLBcZF1_YgeV4Yd83wZkw5kLqLPOTVzssPxKWS5rh1grXkZjQ41PQ-K2kG_uVqfo2mmuSyF6jFd3rmW17hxgAR8jCORztAgsUC5bcnTXwYCgUrK5ORG2ezi/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C1fYVMYvMik8ZNLBcZF1_YgeV4Yd83wZkw5kLqLPOTVzssPxKWS5rh1grXkZjQ41PQ-K2kG_uVqfo2mmuSyF6jFd3rmW17hxgAR8jCORztAgsUC5bcnTXwYCgUrK5ORG2ezi/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The tap routine this year was set to the song "Mr. Sandman". P hasn't always been a huge fan of tap, as it does not come easily for her and she has to work very hard at it. However, this year she has come very far in her skills and gained so much confidence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZgTA6HwDiphJrvUL-I2s_SdAk3EN352E7b5A5P5IwyRhgKK5WSl3N12fW2tPhC8i3y1-5J9MHBhopL93vVEH3GhV5kSgGx3GZIA47aKhyOc-hZ6yzIiz6SLrotty_JbQHj1P/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZgTA6HwDiphJrvUL-I2s_SdAk3EN352E7b5A5P5IwyRhgKK5WSl3N12fW2tPhC8i3y1-5J9MHBhopL93vVEH3GhV5kSgGx3GZIA47aKhyOc-hZ6yzIiz6SLrotty_JbQHj1P/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikidzi4H8AbGHnjz6WRCfDzAM5kLx5OL3_EDHsUQVxfKQNvM8seIYZ37DNc48qBkp8hQl5WJaOIC3GGbuH2GARxEuJIpCbP34bFp9wjS7TTU-DFJ2becaGHOR52YNh8k9Apm-V/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikidzi4H8AbGHnjz6WRCfDzAM5kLx5OL3_EDHsUQVxfKQNvM8seIYZ37DNc48qBkp8hQl5WJaOIC3GGbuH2GARxEuJIpCbP34bFp9wjS7TTU-DFJ2becaGHOR52YNh8k9Apm-V/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb and Jes were at Piper's recital too to cheer her on! Next year, we are moving on to a Christian Ballet school here in Houston and Piper is super excited that she'll be able to spend the year focusing on her one true love: ballet!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-83819816469699604122014-06-14T17:00:00.000-04:002014-08-14T17:08:13.590-04:00Scout Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week, Caleb, Piper and I packed everything up in the mornings and headed to Scout camp. This year's theme was science/space and was right up our alley!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCbPWrqk0kVYFETITZ4GPkXXtUAuyzgFf9lcN8J44hCxxysc96W67Mza5cNOPuAGyC3rVw8lT4Si9E8urKieyzu7CjbGt3JIoCSLWjEpdAVEWg_Dd_cY5Gh-2fPhCZ69wG_ZW/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCbPWrqk0kVYFETITZ4GPkXXtUAuyzgFf9lcN8J44hCxxysc96W67Mza5cNOPuAGyC3rVw8lT4Si9E8urKieyzu7CjbGt3JIoCSLWjEpdAVEWg_Dd_cY5Gh-2fPhCZ69wG_ZW/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This is not a new science experiment to my kids, but it's always a hit! Who doesn't love dumping candy into a bottle of Coke and watching it explode?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfEP3iqwM7L_S6TjQygyou-GelCsE_aUrT8YNMCgukS3KIrvZmTKi65-URbtdWyfeV-wa8ugWz53s1avG9Nwe5WypRsLX_-7JY-Efx7puoXeon5jLDkr4j4ym5AU0E0MwQyci/s1600/IMG_6181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfEP3iqwM7L_S6TjQygyou-GelCsE_aUrT8YNMCgukS3KIrvZmTKi65-URbtdWyfeV-wa8ugWz53s1avG9Nwe5WypRsLX_-7JY-Efx7puoXeon5jLDkr4j4ym5AU0E0MwQyci/s1600/IMG_6181.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a rope bridge at camp that Caleb swore up and down that he wasn't even going to attempt. I managed to talk him into trying and turned around to see this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzrDtp0cMEPY2QDFDhqEqR5VebAeZU2BQBqh5SSQTmZzqRG8Fu9NQpXGe-LnDnseu5HVoFohR41kMGisEIaHobx7IrJSMr35lWFpoZW5_mgtNlgO5oV9wZQDCJSi0vtTa4-KQ/s1600/IMG_6188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzrDtp0cMEPY2QDFDhqEqR5VebAeZU2BQBqh5SSQTmZzqRG8Fu9NQpXGe-LnDnseu5HVoFohR41kMGisEIaHobx7IrJSMr35lWFpoZW5_mgtNlgO5oV9wZQDCJSi0vtTa4-KQ/s1600/IMG_6188.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
He was half way through the bridge. The boys participated in archery and sports and various other things throughout the day and we had a blast. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVg7GW3clCDzO0hQT30FQ5bzNeKomuT9EyDP4F8yTw406kgcZ2Dm2odymauKtNLzCl_pxEG3gUzaGx28QkB6I1OCqZrxLa5hyRcBi0pNoi7jlDtvnGPXcX6dCHlfTnzC1F4U7/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVg7GW3clCDzO0hQT30FQ5bzNeKomuT9EyDP4F8yTw406kgcZ2Dm2odymauKtNLzCl_pxEG3gUzaGx28QkB6I1OCqZrxLa5hyRcBi0pNoi7jlDtvnGPXcX6dCHlfTnzC1F4U7/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tuesday morning had faces like this looking back at me. This was foreboding of the next few hours of our day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwjfbxKo5xFu7YcnvhATXMiahLC8dvISmuWpFJ5Rqu_tZTYFdCQJaKm5Z5QST1jKir8veYTeH5UVmlYf7_FQMKRHOXF3v32D6wLjyE_MkohMI1JEGR4bZLS7aci_WhyphenhyphenJw8alN/s1600/IMG_6194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwjfbxKo5xFu7YcnvhATXMiahLC8dvISmuWpFJ5Rqu_tZTYFdCQJaKm5Z5QST1jKir8veYTeH5UVmlYf7_FQMKRHOXF3v32D6wLjyE_MkohMI1JEGR4bZLS7aci_WhyphenhyphenJw8alN/s1600/IMG_6194.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I was a group leader, called a den walker, so we arrived early everyday and I was able to snap a photo of the kids in the astronaut suit on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50rksGkmnRCB28HRc1e2uuz0ycW3AiIDYw57ST1XGOM8qSj5bZxldyuIEgD0i4lgUe2jEmKfxwBgEDdvwh7KrECWIR0b11N7czxhBRyL09-Q60f0hurlo7Ep8wRyeEekOT-xJ/s1600/IMG_6195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50rksGkmnRCB28HRc1e2uuz0ycW3AiIDYw57ST1XGOM8qSj5bZxldyuIEgD0i4lgUe2jEmKfxwBgEDdvwh7KrECWIR0b11N7czxhBRyL09-Q60f0hurlo7Ep8wRyeEekOT-xJ/s1600/IMG_6195.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Both kids were super excited to climb up in the suit and get a photo op!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUANlegNPnmqyUwa66zX3G76uefeFHMFi3ejkrlOjIEEZW_ErO9XJdXJsRjx-5rfU6sL_b0xnI8JBUmOgafE2Sbq1os8__mw4-KJUIRmTSujtzpYFT2bRPYwXQPln5OYT9ZuB7/s1600/IMG_6202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUANlegNPnmqyUwa66zX3G76uefeFHMFi3ejkrlOjIEEZW_ErO9XJdXJsRjx-5rfU6sL_b0xnI8JBUmOgafE2Sbq1os8__mw4-KJUIRmTSujtzpYFT2bRPYwXQPln5OYT9ZuB7/s1600/IMG_6202.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb built a pine car holder and gave me his best fake excited smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_1yI5rijct_tHOu0Cym9FBwCUqFVYJJ3wyvlQWKzSXo9Toa5DF5AKKWkqMgJgNwn8cAq-H5i5q67XkfYSJoH1AfRzCK4zYFKBAUev4ua11wIGCD_vSeOLgrzkzQoI7Htv3lt/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_1yI5rijct_tHOu0Cym9FBwCUqFVYJJ3wyvlQWKzSXo9Toa5DF5AKKWkqMgJgNwn8cAq-H5i5q67XkfYSJoH1AfRzCK4zYFKBAUev4ua11wIGCD_vSeOLgrzkzQoI7Htv3lt/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I managed to track down P and get a photo with her too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScF99F5CZWDYwf0PXyUcdTNOT8hfPpmtt8aRI_s_l3RPSOm15GoLYhhxsEI3Yri6U4R-ycucxnafyBkbSJCu6tB-q0MXBLT1MaO5ND_0C90ywrUPP91PKEwyVHRrCbYv55Bvo/s1600/IMG_6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScF99F5CZWDYwf0PXyUcdTNOT8hfPpmtt8aRI_s_l3RPSOm15GoLYhhxsEI3Yri6U4R-ycucxnafyBkbSJCu6tB-q0MXBLT1MaO5ND_0C90ywrUPP91PKEwyVHRrCbYv55Bvo/s1600/IMG_6225.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And we all went to the rope bridge for a second day. But, by Tuesday night, what I saw was this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiDDEAMc2jM4wZpznEjOu7OCtD004MlELWFx7zKV1ekUkD0xfVUOm6Wona29AdWeOzrj0nuFHFkZzBj2aQQrpECI4iZjEF4zLUXQYtHrnirodAATL1mfojdLV55CnWH_aq645/s1600/IMG_6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiDDEAMc2jM4wZpznEjOu7OCtD004MlELWFx7zKV1ekUkD0xfVUOm6Wona29AdWeOzrj0nuFHFkZzBj2aQQrpECI4iZjEF4zLUXQYtHrnirodAATL1mfojdLV55CnWH_aq645/s1600/IMG_6233.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Poor Caleb spiked a fever Tuesday night and was so, so sick for the next 6 days. We were only able to complete 2 of the 4 days of camp, with the second being pretty grueling since he didn't feel well, but we were thankful that we were able to do that! It was so, so hot but we had so much fun and can't wait for next year!<br />
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-25222639416730888422014-06-08T15:56:00.000-04:002014-08-14T16:06:20.694-04:00Fish Hatchery Visit <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, I took the kids to a fish hatchery about 2 hours south of where we live. This trip was with Caleb's new Scout group and Jes was supposed to take the kids, but he was called out of town unexpectedly to Dallas. So, he showed me what to do (I had NO idea what to do with a fishing pole), we packed everything up and off the kids and I went!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-DbMUKU9pFCiE7nJJE2vY9qMDnii7e3EHTmmiiUGsl3dAHq2JYU623dv92CzFODwg7THlP9jPDY7gzBiFfyGbKNow-sX4vNI-yFeTzO89QGF44P06YRb24RKRZgUF-uzLxW-/s1600/IMG_6104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-DbMUKU9pFCiE7nJJE2vY9qMDnii7e3EHTmmiiUGsl3dAHq2JYU623dv92CzFODwg7THlP9jPDY7gzBiFfyGbKNow-sX4vNI-yFeTzO89QGF44P06YRb24RKRZgUF-uzLxW-/s1600/IMG_6104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They were super excited to possibly catch a fish. Little did we know that the fish in this pond were huge and we were grossly under prepared. It didn't really matter because we had such a good time and got to hang out with friends!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW0FQwNFRvVt1fJrShhfsNinGpwG95bbBcp00fd5xe3NGREQpVBLhyphenhyphenYeBhZ2z2PhUtCLGUj1ku8CstykzHIxw4wHOhX4rXycoNF6zv9lch4EcTTEM3WJDmKSeMWS75LTNiP0u/s1600/IMG_6106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW0FQwNFRvVt1fJrShhfsNinGpwG95bbBcp00fd5xe3NGREQpVBLhyphenhyphenYeBhZ2z2PhUtCLGUj1ku8CstykzHIxw4wHOhX4rXycoNF6zv9lch4EcTTEM3WJDmKSeMWS75LTNiP0u/s1600/IMG_6106.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb, patiently waiting for a fish to bite. He actually had one on the hook, but it managed to get away at the last minute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OcBiUf4JSbpYZAa5EmVRV-YxDKfToe_2YR7f4PBDPUQt7yw_YW2kh_bltXUC3WkLPMksTVPRlrjX7Y0INWAA1LIOrtYpQ5AF0VTjyJpolfappRa14iMF2KovfWgRIluiKyvA/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OcBiUf4JSbpYZAa5EmVRV-YxDKfToe_2YR7f4PBDPUQt7yw_YW2kh_bltXUC3WkLPMksTVPRlrjX7Y0INWAA1LIOrtYpQ5AF0VTjyJpolfappRa14iMF2KovfWgRIluiKyvA/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper is my outdoor, get in tune and up close and personal with nature kid, but fishing is just not really her thing. She was so distracted by everything else and alternated holding the pole and playing with the bugs. I suppose it's not for everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HJgT2uOIRBWxZrY5MBsCxQ7305LYz9rdGEnJROZSBeLtrrmS5H9v-c8rZkIB0nGiBCezcxGSG0jl9ztvkgoYdIWIdRROmH7kl1NLJIff39tS7Dx8X_MX47TN-drLJkkMCTHh/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HJgT2uOIRBWxZrY5MBsCxQ7305LYz9rdGEnJROZSBeLtrrmS5H9v-c8rZkIB0nGiBCezcxGSG0jl9ztvkgoYdIWIdRROmH7kl1NLJIff39tS7Dx8X_MX47TN-drLJkkMCTHh/s1600/IMG_6121.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After we had our fill of fishing, we went indoors to see the sea life and visit the touch tank. This was Piper's favorite part and had we not been paying close attention to her, I think we would have come home with various sea life in her pockets. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgmEXMEooN6GayEk9dBcwuvIynWpGfPWq0B1uWbaTIhvy5nPkbnuaa4kIhu64nS7bdFqgVpMaMQVVIfEQiuAmFlIMtE25eoXXNU-c7RfVc2HWq3Uqz-fKXc6op5sgT5Hhrcvt/s1600/IMG_6132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgmEXMEooN6GayEk9dBcwuvIynWpGfPWq0B1uWbaTIhvy5nPkbnuaa4kIhu64nS7bdFqgVpMaMQVVIfEQiuAmFlIMtE25eoXXNU-c7RfVc2HWq3Uqz-fKXc6op5sgT5Hhrcvt/s1600/IMG_6132.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For whatever reason, this turtle loved Caleb. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5vDD5y7rmbQciK0aECUkEnKaJuzQkvs2_IRx-nP8Xp5SLvtyIWgQRnH3Gw7NW_DfuiJos8QnGHJSf44MYdODgzciFPBy45iXZzsdSeTg8ThM34GVC3KVxkj9ucyWW1HcGO8z/s1600/IMG_6137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5vDD5y7rmbQciK0aECUkEnKaJuzQkvs2_IRx-nP8Xp5SLvtyIWgQRnH3Gw7NW_DfuiJos8QnGHJSf44MYdODgzciFPBy45iXZzsdSeTg8ThM34GVC3KVxkj9ucyWW1HcGO8z/s1600/IMG_6137.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After cooling off indoors for a bit, we went on to a tour of the fish hatchery. This was our tour guide. Let's just say he was very enthusiastic about the topic of breeding, raising and releasing fish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbpo33LvgGlvKQYDUqAXWs2EcFK_BLC-AopJOXz7zGSCQF78CIkwgW1n3KYX0XIByh5aF-FdzecBY26_m41F-1P-W3jBhBLy16jk0AVMALYb8JblkKlM5GFiEJcI1-xSEKwrc/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbpo33LvgGlvKQYDUqAXWs2EcFK_BLC-AopJOXz7zGSCQF78CIkwgW1n3KYX0XIByh5aF-FdzecBY26_m41F-1P-W3jBhBLy16jk0AVMALYb8JblkKlM5GFiEJcI1-xSEKwrc/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a great time and can't wait to go back again, this time with Jes!<br />
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-45710743719292952362014-06-07T15:43:00.000-04:002014-08-14T15:52:14.269-04:00TaeKwon-Do Tournament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Saturday, Caleb competed in his first TaeKwon-Do tournament. If you've never been to one of these events, let's just suffice it to say that it's controlled chaos. Lots and lots of noise and movement in one room. I was worried about Caleb being able to focus and do what he was there to do, but he proved me wrong and did so, so well!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Caleb's first event was patterns. Part of taekwon-do's teachings is to give the students very predictable and learned moves in order for them to protect themselves. Caleb has always had a phenomenal memory, so I knew he knew these patterns backwards and forwards. Of course, he did well and even ended up with a medal!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3gle9OTdKkwJpckfa9WqSjjtubIU8veVSjYgGis5suZBB3rqERewltOtBbZVWzQMBJLKMxxp-7_kDGx2FijJrMDhKrse4lKT2oBOcPMujKCvTZx88HmG6fRNfBMkb4gv82aw/s1600/IMG_6031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3gle9OTdKkwJpckfa9WqSjjtubIU8veVSjYgGis5suZBB3rqERewltOtBbZVWzQMBJLKMxxp-7_kDGx2FijJrMDhKrse4lKT2oBOcPMujKCvTZx88HmG6fRNfBMkb4gv82aw/s1600/IMG_6031.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibT4fl7pKItHaQfo5zVi1KnomB74bj-Gi-Qb4kPrHheJyFgy9_Mxa2FGTP3sF-hULntQjz2xwIcJ3Sc-BpTHT2wPTS4Lb2K6ZgZJyj2oLBYFUkjoLOdMP854rdLqDT8Kfa4bX_/s1600/IMG_6036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibT4fl7pKItHaQfo5zVi1KnomB74bj-Gi-Qb4kPrHheJyFgy9_Mxa2FGTP3sF-hULntQjz2xwIcJ3Sc-BpTHT2wPTS4Lb2K6ZgZJyj2oLBYFUkjoLOdMP854rdLqDT8Kfa4bX_/s1600/IMG_6036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLtm05BcEoG5I0EUPPHV3p02bmYqSJIAgzkpgvPE7t2orcbyUTzqZADuEErVpO4XUumkQpVbFlMVL9qNcRYUQuRdWvFx9ritsh1tC8IU-JkGurRpqjKCZ3UF1rzC6wHftksMf/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLtm05BcEoG5I0EUPPHV3p02bmYqSJIAgzkpgvPE7t2orcbyUTzqZADuEErVpO4XUumkQpVbFlMVL9qNcRYUQuRdWvFx9ritsh1tC8IU-JkGurRpqjKCZ3UF1rzC6wHftksMf/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2zisCu8YTxon6J0yKd_T2Eam8XbXIJO8mctXqOpDbsp2OfO55yfshvAbudr_tdsR5fGIY_eHRAhI1BxdOM3muqt7MQC9SeUy77UpPEEHicWUKI77aK1NIgwx4YTlikry7WgQ/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2zisCu8YTxon6J0yKd_T2Eam8XbXIJO8mctXqOpDbsp2OfO55yfshvAbudr_tdsR5fGIY_eHRAhI1BxdOM3muqt7MQC9SeUy77UpPEEHicWUKI77aK1NIgwx4YTlikry7WgQ/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJulZiLGfCzSanF6F4dtmqCtLrDbBGGmpBUMcyT34u4BWdOXO9QTzrddMHTqFnB4cpn7fP78JZe5z6WFHroTu7vpvoRP8q7AQqNOQLaWsulRo_SRqByIlKjESdJTexjIdtZ2JF/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJulZiLGfCzSanF6F4dtmqCtLrDbBGGmpBUMcyT34u4BWdOXO9QTzrddMHTqFnB4cpn7fP78JZe5z6WFHroTu7vpvoRP8q7AQqNOQLaWsulRo_SRqByIlKjESdJTexjIdtZ2JF/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgaIvSdZ2x0B6HzdOEGfnzp-wiizAHA_iI0yWAFaE_qCM8auUgP5o3NSVe4WuSEyMoEXA40362-YhZnFo4t3QJBuEjrWGexIiiD11Aud_WWgNiSVBef2uiJU-xagZ-0s-NVmh/s1600/IMG_6040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgaIvSdZ2x0B6HzdOEGfnzp-wiizAHA_iI0yWAFaE_qCM8auUgP5o3NSVe4WuSEyMoEXA40362-YhZnFo4t3QJBuEjrWGexIiiD11Aud_WWgNiSVBef2uiJU-xagZ-0s-NVmh/s1600/IMG_6040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsPABexPazTrk_GuENIxO6kj64tFFSqBqDnPjqSGv5wYSBFjZ96HKHg8XfPpIIGYKsvwihiXFVvH9sIBCK7VMpQk8vy8UUcyhgvOxEKLs1nCM-t8SbGTjlc49ekkCjGpEGUwo/s1600/IMG_6041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsPABexPazTrk_GuENIxO6kj64tFFSqBqDnPjqSGv5wYSBFjZ96HKHg8XfPpIIGYKsvwihiXFVvH9sIBCK7VMpQk8vy8UUcyhgvOxEKLs1nCM-t8SbGTjlc49ekkCjGpEGUwo/s1600/IMG_6041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VKH4J7IYSbDIAiJ3LnCCd-rtzLUZ9jUyBYhJU8bOF6VkdM5Bz8PFstRxT9i0N-1xSpGvXnajlow0gLxmlAu5Jw9UGqNSL34M7RG5_mLCQ1vWcdhuUI_eONk_M_9lgXZUTLy5/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VKH4J7IYSbDIAiJ3LnCCd-rtzLUZ9jUyBYhJU8bOF6VkdM5Bz8PFstRxT9i0N-1xSpGvXnajlow0gLxmlAu5Jw9UGqNSL34M7RG5_mLCQ1vWcdhuUI_eONk_M_9lgXZUTLy5/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
We are so proud of Caleb's achievements! He also competed in board breaking, which is highly competitive, with increasingly harder and higher levels until one person emerges as the winner. He did not medal in board breaking, but he did try his best! And really, that's all we can hope for!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-83998669411608192932014-06-03T12:47:00.000-04:002014-08-14T12:48:46.586-04:00Tree Planting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mentioned earlier about Caleb's scout den working on extra achievements since all the boys ranked up early. The biggest one that they were working on together was called the World Conservation Award. Basically, the boys learned all about conserving and recycling and taking care of our planet. One of the major parts of earning this award was some sort of service project that pertained to Earth and taking care of it, so we decided that doing a tree planting even with the city of Houston would be the best option.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were at the mercy of the city to tell us when we could complete this, so we had to wait until after our ranking up ceremony to get it done. But, we worked it out and planted trees around a little pond in northwest Houston. The following photos document this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc2SiapNIbMsGyovkJl0LqdccOYxKwkPwC7Q_XKAEoW4AFG2K0n7gInsi_F7A4SVj5k4EJT9Drk3P8VSeT4WhTpeSGaLcq33PpjvV7eM1JkxUihJZCfVIxZyAUl9HAN__OJ7O/s1600/IMG_5989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc2SiapNIbMsGyovkJl0LqdccOYxKwkPwC7Q_XKAEoW4AFG2K0n7gInsi_F7A4SVj5k4EJT9Drk3P8VSeT4WhTpeSGaLcq33PpjvV7eM1JkxUihJZCfVIxZyAUl9HAN__OJ7O/s1600/IMG_5989.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oTYOvZrEKLG_E4kEdbjrR_ZykqYPn7SuL2ZeIV_rKJHaIOIyJcWXSjDhNWzvivMlS_5_vLvfBXPYrBlYHeFfwglxCKGdKEH8mPlv_uet5Lk5sMtIL42s0tdPQnWyWj8TezeO/s1600/IMG_5991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oTYOvZrEKLG_E4kEdbjrR_ZykqYPn7SuL2ZeIV_rKJHaIOIyJcWXSjDhNWzvivMlS_5_vLvfBXPYrBlYHeFfwglxCKGdKEH8mPlv_uet5Lk5sMtIL42s0tdPQnWyWj8TezeO/s1600/IMG_5991.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWwTG2ejpSadIBiUqnwGU6pHAaeFM_mmRowmK6Q91gQpoON3KhUzs30dAcL9WRgaHzVenyyApIKJ4fmgA5It6MPRRae840SyMAcZIiTOVUYAMDRzFd_o6nNl2ohpypZTfe89C/s1600/IMG_5993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWwTG2ejpSadIBiUqnwGU6pHAaeFM_mmRowmK6Q91gQpoON3KhUzs30dAcL9WRgaHzVenyyApIKJ4fmgA5It6MPRRae840SyMAcZIiTOVUYAMDRzFd_o6nNl2ohpypZTfe89C/s1600/IMG_5993.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4ikpsx_jYT6rxoS9Am6diTLtzqEWIMMvTZo_hJb_IgHAKis8rA_hjilNGHZvGOUCVdqbHUx6aEkZ0qVnfUBexRULNSeev2DpJhvWGVml0TTD465kNqh_kpmaENatbKM2cFUw/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4ikpsx_jYT6rxoS9Am6diTLtzqEWIMMvTZo_hJb_IgHAKis8rA_hjilNGHZvGOUCVdqbHUx6aEkZ0qVnfUBexRULNSeev2DpJhvWGVml0TTD465kNqh_kpmaENatbKM2cFUw/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D9YJPGKlKG1ZM_bEqFaqIqqmAvC7v9qurgYJVteJu2c4B4lyozfWydRoE6yoxI799ASfO9tG7wzNN7QHb0ymJk_C-ArOBDkKmwKhzYu-PbIQLYDp5NUH2wZ7rrj24YPBycR9/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D9YJPGKlKG1ZM_bEqFaqIqqmAvC7v9qurgYJVteJu2c4B4lyozfWydRoE6yoxI799ASfO9tG7wzNN7QHb0ymJk_C-ArOBDkKmwKhzYu-PbIQLYDp5NUH2wZ7rrj24YPBycR9/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoPsfe-AT-djNoxPR-ytfPbOJlhAjIwpFpzTGazfBFE5kbLVPV2aG60r6rmKc34E-f_eMXchVTc16quR47MPznaUiHt-fQaTZ-GL084bp1_I6mCTXZn_7rNOGnq5FOuKKahuU/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoPsfe-AT-djNoxPR-ytfPbOJlhAjIwpFpzTGazfBFE5kbLVPV2aG60r6rmKc34E-f_eMXchVTc16quR47MPznaUiHt-fQaTZ-GL084bp1_I6mCTXZn_7rNOGnq5FOuKKahuU/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG3ZkEeMPh7JqTUFPjcQ84UNE_MrIZPNGP4kp1ZZyPFX6ZFx8ihVcc9pneAidO4sUv0IUNwIkPGlX8eK8GP0arF1QteLHCTNBd2_kgpf4TsGU25wSF3TPtHYmIPb0-YuqJ2kG/s1600/IMG_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG3ZkEeMPh7JqTUFPjcQ84UNE_MrIZPNGP4kp1ZZyPFX6ZFx8ihVcc9pneAidO4sUv0IUNwIkPGlX8eK8GP0arF1QteLHCTNBd2_kgpf4TsGU25wSF3TPtHYmIPb0-YuqJ2kG/s1600/IMG_6005.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg177oK1howHkR2YT3rYXPedLmqixOFohdxOpFmGwDbceRTJOXsl4Eou2ZPxGxc682wU-ADjs_p4qnkGBVYkM_xKWB6payBXZIRZIUKKML8l2Zx7hJYXRPKOE85RlLZfwqn2uQl/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg177oK1howHkR2YT3rYXPedLmqixOFohdxOpFmGwDbceRTJOXsl4Eou2ZPxGxc682wU-ADjs_p4qnkGBVYkM_xKWB6payBXZIRZIUKKML8l2Zx7hJYXRPKOE85RlLZfwqn2uQl/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys had a lot of fun and worked so hard, with each group of 2 boys planting 4 trees, with a total, of 12 trees planted.<br />
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-18649617176947939992014-05-27T11:23:00.000-04:002014-08-14T11:31:26.455-04:00Endo Appointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been nearly 4 years since my cancer diagnosis and treatment, but every May signals my return to the endocrinologist for a yearly check up. Every other year, he likes to do a sonogram to look and see if there is anything amiss and that, combined with my bloodwork, has given me a clean bill of health every year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year was no exception. All went well, my bloodwork looks perfect and I'm good for another year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSdEyQi1lA_VXjfikcOteKJOIziSGSlfYkVVNyuy1gX2rO1L6fBZ5sOh_sPXjJEfsisLLKMZQBolTGWr6zM9zAAY17P9yhgshEIgWHY19A-HXqW1ZUzLBQTXKiZHKSu2P9_2h/s1600/IMG_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSdEyQi1lA_VXjfikcOteKJOIziSGSlfYkVVNyuy1gX2rO1L6fBZ5sOh_sPXjJEfsisLLKMZQBolTGWr6zM9zAAY17P9yhgshEIgWHY19A-HXqW1ZUzLBQTXKiZHKSu2P9_2h/s1600/IMG_5965.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This time, I had to take the kids with me, but thanks to a little invention called the iPad, they were totally entertained. Piper was very, very interested in the sonogram (no surprise), so my doctor did a little bit extra to show her everything. So, good visit and next year I'll be at 5 years out, which I don't know if that will change anything, but it is a huge benchmark for recovery!Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-86549576472974661472014-05-17T11:11:00.000-04:002014-08-14T11:21:12.821-04:00Scouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Thursday, Caleb's scout pack had their final pack meeting and ceremony to officially advance the boys and give them their new kerchief for their higher ranks. Caleb was a Bear this year, so he was moving up to Webelos 1, our next to last level before Boy Scouts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYqfrFkuxJXWSxdRDnN__DmlbhpgaUadlxbmHG2z-pjCmKBOFdULXr2aR3zRCXOTZDgQ_G-5CUhyycl2HbC0MRTD2ez8l6w5XVIChaORiAkzH5_npWWPTai5gXsqiSzFn9Rvy/s1600/IMG_5861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYqfrFkuxJXWSxdRDnN__DmlbhpgaUadlxbmHG2z-pjCmKBOFdULXr2aR3zRCXOTZDgQ_G-5CUhyycl2HbC0MRTD2ez8l6w5XVIChaORiAkzH5_npWWPTai5gXsqiSzFn9Rvy/s1600/IMG_5861.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb's last few moments as a Bear, even though he finished all his requirements in February.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qSf0MFYog-nc9_sXx4IMUep1CnuIzfan8zTzYMMYMSlH8VZyu0-A1jp_j9vLdV93JfO6PFANemSZvPimC7YI2gLzXzLiW9H7rfxIwBvB9lSYY6W1z5Lh5yDae2GQjj4inChc/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qSf0MFYog-nc9_sXx4IMUep1CnuIzfan8zTzYMMYMSlH8VZyu0-A1jp_j9vLdV93JfO6PFANemSZvPimC7YI2gLzXzLiW9H7rfxIwBvB9lSYY6W1z5Lh5yDae2GQjj4inChc/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since Caleb Bear den had finished all their specific requirements to rank up, the boys spent the rest of the year working on special awards that weren't required but certainly fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoO7Lf7PcOehJ33f7hkjEl5Os5Qk1cVa2l2dp-juY9bLFuCRdpfkiOtCG3wBVcY3VZ8O6iE5EHCZGKipFM8RMBSg78qsgOxpecaPbz7rUa2Rmua3ZxKNAmj7x93RtRwTWYA43B/s1600/IMG_5871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoO7Lf7PcOehJ33f7hkjEl5Os5Qk1cVa2l2dp-juY9bLFuCRdpfkiOtCG3wBVcY3VZ8O6iE5EHCZGKipFM8RMBSg78qsgOxpecaPbz7rUa2Rmua3ZxKNAmj7x93RtRwTWYA43B/s1600/IMG_5871.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb received a variety of awards and we are so proud of all his hard work and achievements!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcsIUKObp8-ub9hOEH2QI7dEhnMCLGD6StsU0xX7tP26XdN-zNVhmuM64vAwbw8Fh1mu3GyiJUHOBkAC_KPCMc8tcMt8_xN8MG8otL8wnpglpf7npVz_K3gfHJIk2l3udV3cZ/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcsIUKObp8-ub9hOEH2QI7dEhnMCLGD6StsU0xX7tP26XdN-zNVhmuM64vAwbw8Fh1mu3GyiJUHOBkAC_KPCMc8tcMt8_xN8MG8otL8wnpglpf7npVz_K3gfHJIk2l3udV3cZ/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our new Webelos 1! We enjoyed our time in this pack this past year, but we have decided to move on to another for the next couple of years. When we lived in McKinney, we were a member of a homeschool pack that was just wonderful and had heavy involvement of the dads. So, when we moved, I specifically looked for a homeschool pack, which are pretty rare here. The pack is a homeschool pack but the dads are not involved in a manner in which we were used to from the last pack. This bothered Jes. A lot. So, we are moving to another pack that isn't a homeschool pack, but does meet in the evenings where Jes can be more involved. We are excited to see what new and fun things we get to do this next Scouting year!<br />
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34347014.post-4339635888255973252014-04-26T11:04:00.000-04:002014-08-14T11:07:17.278-04:00Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Sunday after we returned from Disney was Easter. That Monday prior (the day after we all got back to Houston), Jes left on a 10 day business trip to Georgia. So, since Easter is my favorite holiday and I didn't want to spend it alone, the kids and I packed up and headed to Dallas to spend the weekend with my parents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Early Spring in North Texas means one thing: bluebonnets! We stumbled across this huge field full of these pretty flowers (well they are really weeds), and had to stop for photos! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNib9DCqFAtsxHaxvgnnrvLiDLRQqhzXtGo8BYRJbe0wcmp-2tr5YEoLjQ7tTO7sjj4gAYBQTatPrwMTj1A9NU6cCcsLDxg0Z7cg3HiiZs1mrdoahq8UN7uMjQC6qmZ08tJHZ/s1600/IMG_5690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNib9DCqFAtsxHaxvgnnrvLiDLRQqhzXtGo8BYRJbe0wcmp-2tr5YEoLjQ7tTO7sjj4gAYBQTatPrwMTj1A9NU6cCcsLDxg0Z7cg3HiiZs1mrdoahq8UN7uMjQC6qmZ08tJHZ/s1600/IMG_5690.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Piper posing. This seems to be a new things these days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJcVQ7Zukb4MONldEciDI2QPdhxQyQ5lpJbgWfKty07vr5TxWN3NxytHbsPX4LN-rlKF23fV3AOWHPxhayedqXd8z81VsaKdmVl6CAYSpyrytX1e3eghDk9TnFkOMCHwXRQlW/s1600/IMG_5695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJcVQ7Zukb4MONldEciDI2QPdhxQyQ5lpJbgWfKty07vr5TxWN3NxytHbsPX4LN-rlKF23fV3AOWHPxhayedqXd8z81VsaKdmVl6CAYSpyrytX1e3eghDk9TnFkOMCHwXRQlW/s1600/IMG_5695.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Part of the field, with two cute kids in the foreground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsEgOsge2l5dVRonWqsrbSWJiuMnAE1Owvg_YJyoplFUqW5n_QjCGotCgKOsrwvrBJvczFXR41Je1Ln6WW9PNELtGJeqaW0sv8CgYtuB4PS9jKsJpdMzgjB4o4TrF0NVGap9j/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsEgOsge2l5dVRonWqsrbSWJiuMnAE1Owvg_YJyoplFUqW5n_QjCGotCgKOsrwvrBJvczFXR41Je1Ln6WW9PNELtGJeqaW0sv8CgYtuB4PS9jKsJpdMzgjB4o4TrF0NVGap9j/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caleb having fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3otH67NFYUokwE8laqXm8NMV_8Fr1BmA28xFm5qUBCVT6sUTAJ5dWXEe5BIQLZ0s33NVc7rXZhk1SRrv-r0I5mbAmdiq_CB98nYTnSxcVCBjMzDu7j-QL3AahtKkpsP2rIdrK/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3otH67NFYUokwE8laqXm8NMV_8Fr1BmA28xFm5qUBCVT6sUTAJ5dWXEe5BIQLZ0s33NVc7rXZhk1SRrv-r0I5mbAmdiq_CB98nYTnSxcVCBjMzDu7j-QL3AahtKkpsP2rIdrK/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That night the Easter Bunny visited and left some fun things for the kiddos. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9vhLOX6kOnO_8jlnf_Z4RQDbuEVaTujgewGFO6tTD0Q4Rps9YfXtx8sa2d3meENkkvGVUFYrrpvRwqzIsz3aBHmmZnp2_jGJnfTp73Lo_OM6PZXRNZfClKt39mVHFH1M-UAJ/s1600/IMG_5717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9vhLOX6kOnO_8jlnf_Z4RQDbuEVaTujgewGFO6tTD0Q4Rps9YfXtx8sa2d3meENkkvGVUFYrrpvRwqzIsz3aBHmmZnp2_jGJnfTp73Lo_OM6PZXRNZfClKt39mVHFH1M-UAJ/s1600/IMG_5717.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to church with my parents and my mom photo bombed my picture!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aQXqHbmV3JS9gBte517-MJAy3hFsff7BUV7HK7GwYbBQh6-0_Vqe7OpKamFEXD-OLtRKov7tmnS8t1KV1ed4JDB9_jHiBOMFz9Uj8-jV6uTCO7oDmnxkAYpeQyXM3lZpNzqK/s1600/IMG_5720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aQXqHbmV3JS9gBte517-MJAy3hFsff7BUV7HK7GwYbBQh6-0_Vqe7OpKamFEXD-OLtRKov7tmnS8t1KV1ed4JDB9_jHiBOMFz9Uj8-jV6uTCO7oDmnxkAYpeQyXM3lZpNzqK/s1600/IMG_5720.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My kiddos in their Easter get up. Not much different than they look on any given Sunday, but since it was Easter, I needed a picture by a big tree! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiwD0D84I9J8JyGBi3qrotlwDYoD2MyKBstuDG7BA72kcGgTmuUMbjHuBUgZxoZhwgAoClc02wq5CqX1DA_9hFm-H3ey6Qzka6FTOSijGxJjXRP1VadUY7nbzGTrZeYuDAEvV/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiwD0D84I9J8JyGBi3qrotlwDYoD2MyKBstuDG7BA72kcGgTmuUMbjHuBUgZxoZhwgAoClc02wq5CqX1DA_9hFm-H3ey6Qzka6FTOSijGxJjXRP1VadUY7nbzGTrZeYuDAEvV/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It occurred to me that I neglected to mention that my parents moved to a new house a few months ago. The house that they were living in was about 1600 square feet, but that part of town was turning into a not so good part of town. So, they finished getting the house all ready for sale, put it on the market right before Christmas and it was sold with in 2 days. They moved to a 2700 square foot house about 10 to 15 miles further east that really fits their lifestyle and needs. This house has an amazing front yard that is home to many butterflies, so P had a great time chasing them over the weekend too! <br />
<br />
<br />Mathis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753642655993931092noreply@blogger.com0