Darren's First Turkey

Darren has a new love of hunting.  My dad has always loved hunting and I'm glad to see Darren enjoy it too.  It started two years ago when he killed his first buck.  He shot a great buck this year too but never found it.  Either his shot wasn't great or the deer found a very secluded place to die.  He and some friends tracked its blood trail for hours that evening and even the next day.  He shot it the last day of deer season, talk about disappointing.

Thankfully, he was more successful during turkey season. :)

My dad loved being there for Darren's first turkey!  He loves that Darren enjoys hunting.  Darren was thankful my dad was there to help him clean the breast.  We had turkey fingers for dinner a few nights later.  Darren cooked them and they were delicious.  

Jen Hatmaker

A church in our area hosted a women's conference in April.  I will admit that I attended for one reason: Jen Hatmaker.  I love her heart for Jesus, the lost, orphans, adoption, and many other things.  I left the conference a little early Friday night and noticed that only three people were in line to meet Jen (it got super long quickly afterward).  I hopped in line and picked up her book, Interrupted.  We had a great conversation about open adoption.  I'm so thankful I left early so I could chat with Jen for a couple of minutes. 

A few weeks later I finally had time to read Interrupted.  It's a must read in my opinion.  It's about Jen's (and family) journey from being at a mega church and doing many "good" things for believers to starting a church and being very focused on the lost and loving people in hard places/difficult circumstances.  It is so good and was much needed encouragement for me.

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend started with the church egg hunt.

Easter Sunday morning, Darren and Nate got up super early to go the Sunrise service.  It was a little too chilly for Cora so she and I stayed home.

After sunrise service, it was Easter basket time.  This boy loves his sister. :)

Nate got his first "real" Bible for Easter.  Notice his insulated underwear.  I mentioned it was chilly that morning.  He'd already taken off one layer.

This girl was excited about her basket too.

We have no idea what she was upset about.  I love the look on Darren's face.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our risen Savior with our church family.  Afterward we had lunch and an egg hunt with Darren's family.

Nate and Karmen were very competitive. 

We had a little excitement when the guys found a snake in Granna's water garden.  Of course the snake had to be eliminated. :)

We happened to have some baby bunnies - perfect Easter timing. :)

That afternoon we had a meal with my family...and we took lots of pictures!

This picture cracks me up!  I love the look on Cora's face.

These two love each other so much, which makes my heart so happy.

Spring Break

We had a great spring break!  We just did fun things close to home.  The first day, Nate and Darren went to Desoto Caverns.  

Cora and I stayed home so Nate and Darren could have a "boys day." 

One day we visited the Birmingham Zoo.  This is one of my favorite photos from the day.  

Nate made sure we were headed in the right direction.

After the zoo, we went to Vulcan.  

Nate is doing his best Vulcan impression.  How do you like his Powerade mustache?

Cora loves to pull Nate's hair.

Nate's next adventure was crappie fishing with Pops.  

I love this picture of my daddy because of his crazy boat hair.  My daddy is very particular about his hair and almost always has a comb in his pocket.  It's rare to see him like this.

Nate loved driving the boat.

Cora needed some Pops time too.

This sweet photo of Cora was taken spring break week.  She was finally starting to get a little chunky.