Leakey Retreat...

Our family was able to take a little retreat with some of our best friends this past week. We went to the Texas Hillcountry, to my former bosses retreat home in Leakey. It was absolutely wonderful to just get away and be refreshed. Our cell phones did not get service and we did not even bring our computer. It was so nice just to spend time as a family and get to catch up with Lindsay and Landon. They brought their 4 month old, Hannah, and she was an absolute joy. She is such an easy going baby. At first Zoee got a little jealous when I would hold Hannah but after a while she loved to be a big helper and give Hannah her paci and make her smile. Overall the kids slept well and were full of joy. They loved going exploring and throwing rocks in the pond. We had great food and sweet fellowship. We tried to go to Garner State park to take the kids on kayaks or paddle boats, but the boat rental place was not open. The kids still had a blast at Garner looking at the rapids and climbing on the rocks. It was a great opportunity for me to continue "letting go." I was so tempted to be fearful and stifle their adventurous spirits but I held my tongue and everything turned out great. I am so thankful for Steve and Susan (the owners of the home in Leakey) for letting us get some nice time away.

Sonny spent some time hitting golf balls and the kids loved chasing the balls once he was finished...

The kids loved going exploring!

Landon brought a hammock and it was a hit! The kids (and the men) loved it...

Zoee loved getting all her gear on so she could be ready for loud noises!

We loved getting to spend time with our life-long friends! We have known Landon and Linds since the beginning of highschool and they were our maid of honor and best man in our wedding. We love time with them- they refresh us so much!

Making smores...

Visiting Garner State Park...

Sitting on the paddle boats- they were still tied up but we tried to make it fun anyway...

Love my little girl!

Little Hannah was so full of joy!

Love these kiddos!

What mom? More pictures!!

Hugs!!

Somethings was so funny!

Hannah Joy with Mommy!

Helping with Hannah...

More outside fun!

Throwing rocks...

New Lens and More in March...

I am so thankful for my husband who always supports and encourages me in my hobbies and my jobs. He loves to make sure that I have the best available equipment to do whatever I am doing. I think I sometimes take this for granted. Just recently he has been researching new lenses for my photography business. He purchased a new one for me about 2 weeks ago and I have had a blast learning to use it. Here are some fun March pictures of just some regular days in the Howard family =).

Enjoying Daddy time...

Going on a safari in the back yard...

Running in the front yard. I try to soak in these precious moments...

Bubbles!!

Front yard fun!

Chalk fun in the driveway...

March Happenings Take 2...

A few weeks ago, our sweet friend Kaitlyn let the kids come and ride her horse, Tripod, for the second time. The kids absolutely LOVE riding him and he is such a good sport. I even got a chance to ride and it really was fun. I love being a Texan and I love that we live in an area that is close to city life and also has some great outdoor adventure!

Ya-ya (Kaitlyn) leading the way!

Kinley and Kristen on Tripod...

Me and my girl!!

Brooks on Tripod...

Great friends!! They have been friends pretty much since they were born!

Zoee and Tripod...

This was honestly a candid picture. There is no way that I could actually ask for him to pose like this AND get a picture!!

So, in Texas the weather can change in about an hour from freezing cold to blazing hot or vice-versa. This is about a week after the pictures of the kids riding Tripod. We were in shorts and enjoying the warm weather. I love when they wear hats but it sure does make them look older. Just can't seem to keep them small!!