First STAAR Test

This is Lexi's very first week of standardized testing. In Texas, it is called the STAAR Test. Lexi was quite excited about it. Her school did a great job of making them think this was cool. They told her to bring books to read, which she did and spent most of the day reading those. The test was done pretty quickly. She thought it was kind of boring, but was glad not to have to take her backpack or do homework. 

Cheering for Tests

Next week, the kids elementary school has their dreaded standardized testing. This will be Lexi's first year doing it. I told her that I actually like test days, which is true. As a mom, I still love that there isn't any homework.

This is quite silly, but her school had a pep rally today to get the kids excited about the tests. Lexi came up with a cheer and talked a few of her friends into joining her. They tried out and won a spot in the rally, so here it is:

Last Walk with Travis

Grandma & Papa Malcolm are heading back to Montana in a few days. They just got back from Hawaii though, so this was our last walk while taking care of Travis. It was a really sad moment for Lexi and Jordan. They will miss their favorite dog.

Camden's Birthday Party

 

Today, was Camden's birthday party. His family is close friends with us. Camden in the one laying across the kids' laps in the picture above. He is wearing an orange shirt. It was his 10th birthday. 

Easter 2016

While searching for their Easter baskets, the kids happened to look outside and noticed the "You've been Egged" sign. We also had plastic eggs filled with candy throughout the yard. It came from the Second Baptist Church in town, which some of our friends belong too. 

With a little more searching, Lexi and Jordan found their baskets. Lexi's was hidden in the big pantry.

I also gave them a few things like clothes. If you notice the weird patches on the wall, it is because I am painting. The blue/violet color, which was supposed to be a light gray, has gotten a little old for me. It will soon be a nice light yellow. 

Coloring Eggs

Walking Travis

April Fools

This girl wanted to pull a fast one on her classmates today. We wrapped her arm and they completely fell for it. In fact, she had kids helping her with things all day. I think she admitted it to her teacher who just laughed. She continued to milk it all day. She never let the cat out of the bag, but her teacher did at the end of the day.    

Travis Time

Grandma and Papa are in Hawaii right now for the month, so we get to take care of their dog, Travis. Lexi and Jordan already love him, so this is great for them. We have been taking him on several walks a day. 

Silly Faces

Puppy Fun

Some wonderful friends from church have a puppy named Lucy. The mom & kids are out of town this week, so they asked us to check up on her during the day. That way she'll get a potty break in the middle of the day. The dad comes home for the evening, so it is just a little visit. As you can see, Lexi and Jordan loved it.

Friends' Ranch

Our friends invited us to join them at their ranch today. It is called the Cooper Ranch (not their name) and is almost 2 hours west of here. Owning a ranch is the only way Texans can hunt because there is very little public land. We went out to spend the morning with them and took Travis (Grandma & Papa Malcolm's dog).  It was a beautiful day. We walked around the property and even rode their 4-wheelers.

Lexi on the zipline swing

Lexi and Heather in the hammock

Lexi, Heather, Spenser, Justin & Jordan

Travis

Tree Climbing

 Swinging