S.A. Zoo

Abagail's Girl Scout troop attended a special event at the S.A. zoo. Since we had a family pass I decided to take the rest of the kids - then pick up Abagail after her event.


We go to the zoo quite often. Every time our FIRST stop is at the reptile house. You may think that since we go there and see every display often the kids would zip through and move on. Not a chance. We spend FOREVER in there. They have to look at and discuss each display. Sometimes they even have to go around a second time. The older kids are absolutely great about helping the younger kids see into the higher displays.


Kids in front of the huge fish. This is another "can't miss" spot in the zoo. They sit and watch and watch and watch...


The zoo has been busy building a new Africa Live exhibit during the past few years. Phase two was completed and open. We had a good time going through and checking out the hippos, crocodiles, okapi, and other animals in the new exhibit. The highlight was the giant, life-sized termite mound. Alas, the pictures from in there were too dark and didn't turn out. Pretty cool though.

I threw in a photo of the anteater. Abagail just completed a report for school about giant anteaters. She read that they can be very aggressive and not to go near them. Hmmm....the zookeeper must be a special friend. Abagail was not with us yet at this point so I thought she would enjoy seeing this elusive animal at least in a photo.


We finally met up with the Girl Scout troop and toured a bit of the zoo with them. Abagail always likes the Rhinos - even thought they win the prize for the foulest smelling habitat EVERY time we go.

Picnic in the Park

In March we met up with our Coleman cousins for a picnic dinner at Landa Park. It was a beautiful evening - and the kids had a great time running all over the place together. (Gabriel had to miss due to a scout function.)


Amelia & Simon take a turn driving the Fire Truck while Abagail and Oliver check out the new bouncy-springy-throw you on your rear toys.


Cousins Tomas, Simon, Ryan and Oliver.


Just hangin' out.


Cousins Katrina, Manissa, Abagail, and Karoleena

Dress-up Sisters

These are some photos Katrina took after dressing Amelia up. The girls often do this to Amelia. She is a willing "living-doll" - what could be more fun than that?


Katrina & Amelia


With a kitty.


Katrina with her own scarf on her head.


All dolled up.

Oliver's Cowboy Day

The Kindergarten at Oliver's school hosted a Cowboy Day in March. Parents volunteer and have the kids do activities related to cowboys, sometimes very loosely related - but the kids absolutely love it so it works.


Oliver checking out the horse. It's size intimidated him a bit but he walked away after having pet the nose with a HUGE smile.


Getting the lasso from a "real cowgirl" parent.


He swings...


He scores a steer!

Oliver "milking a cow". Actually tempra paint and water. Paint. No kids, you can't drink it - some did want to try it.

Another station was where the kids shook cream until it became butter. Then the teachers would take like a tablespoon or more of butter and smear it on a saltine so the kids could taste it. Not the healthiest snack but I don't think they were going for healthy - just the experience. Most kids didn't care for the taste. Oliver was the exception. He wanted more.

Abagail Sings of Texas

In March Abagail and the 5th grade choir were invited to sing patriotic songs at the Texas Independence Day celebration in Seguin.


Abagail is in the front row, in the blue bandanna.


She practiced for months before school to learn the songs. Abagail really enjoys choir. She volunteers for opportunities to sing whenever she gets the chance. She sang with the Primary choir for Stake Conference and with a few other Primary children for a Stake training meeting. Although she enjoys singing she is still always a bit nervous to actually get up in front of people and have them LOOK at her.


Amelia and I went to listen to the program and feel a bit of Texas patriotism.

Snow Day!

This year in Feb. we had actual snow in Seguin, Texas. You may have to look real close at these pictures to see it. :)



For the kids it was a big deal. The teachers all let them go out and "play" in the snow. One teacher even remarked something about the flakes being just like the ones she remembered from Minnesota. That made me smile. I've not been to Minnesota but somehow I think their snowfall is a bit more impressive than ours was.



The snow didn't stick yet the kids came home with tales of gathering up snowballs and throwing them at other people. Hmmm...could there have been more snow four miles from my house? Maybe they were referring to the hail that fell before and after.

Either way, we had actual snow falling for about an hour. A highlight for us - it has been many years since snow fell in our neck of the woods.

Our Little People House

A neighbor gave Amelia this little house when her daughter got too old to play with it. (Her daughter is a year younger than Abagail)

I love the child-like innocence of my children. The older kids get just as much of a kick out of playing in the house as Amelia does. They play restaurant. They set up the little picnic table by the back window. Someone goes through the "drive through" window on one side and places an order, then they go around and pay on the other side. They pick up their food at the back and eat snack on the picnic table.
Sometimes they use their real snack, other times they use grass, rocks and other various yard items.

Funny thing is that we almost NEVER go to a drive through so it was fun to see them come up with the idea. (Maybe they are giving subtle hints to mom)


This photo is minus Gabriel. He sometimes goes out and joins in the fun. Then this poor little house is literally bursting at the seams.

Visit from Grandma & Keith

We love it when Grandma Bergstrom and Uncle Keith come to visit. Here are a few pics from their visit in Feb. for Simon's baptism.


Uncle Keith always inspires the BEST faces in our house!!!


Amelia getting Grandma loves. Grandma brought this bear for Amelia's early birthday present. The bear used to belong to me and Grandma fancied it up with a tinker-bell outfit, complete with shoes! - Shoes are a big hit with Amelia. Amelia would hug, love and give lots of kisses to her new "baby".


Uncle Keith preparing for his nap. The kids loved his pink hat with ears that he slept with each night. Yes, it was Feb. but it was FAR from cold in our house. Even still, Keith insisted on sleeping with two blankets, a fader, and a hat on his head. Sweet dreams Keith....

Simon's Baptism Day

I'm a bit behind on blogging....but it's never too late to try to start again.

So - my first post will be our celebration of Simon's baptism.

Grandma Bergstrom, Uncle Keith, Grandma and Grandpa Coleman came to Texas for the occasion. We also had our wonderful Texas Aunts, Uncles and Cousins come spend the day with us - we are so blessed to have them live so nearby!


Simon posing with a few of the special people in his life. He felt his baptism jumpsuit was a bit too immodest (low cut) so he kept scrunching it up to his neck or hunching his shoulders. That's one sweet thing I love about him.


Grandma B. brought some fabulous baptism activity books for all the kids to work on during down time. They loved them. It worked great as Simon's baptism was Saturday and his cousin, Manissa, was baptised on Sunday. The books kept all the little hands busy both days.


Simon with his Texas cousins.

After the baptism the family came over to our house for lunch, games, and to spend the day. I don't know how I managed to not get ANY further pictures. Guess I was too busy enjoying the company. We had a great day and were so grateful that everyone was able to share it with us!

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of Manissa's baptism the next day. Amelia got sick that night and she and I were forced to stay home so we wouldn't share germs. It was a special weekend for the Coleman family though, being able to celebrate both baptisms.