We're expecting!

Ha, ha. Just kidding, but Bristol looks like he is! He is definitely back in fine form and seems to be over all of his sickness. On Sunday night, Bristol ate a cereal bar, a banana, about 50 grapes, and two pieces of pepperoni pizza. He was still going for more when we decided to call it quits. I thought his tummy was going to pop!

Star of Texas Rodeo 2007

On Friday, March 16th, Jeff and I took Madalyn and Beck to the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo at the Hertitage Center in Austin. We really had a great time - especially me at the Josh Turner concert that followed the rodeo. Madalyn loved the barrel racers and Beck cracked up up in the calf roping. The cowboy jumped off his horse and tied up the calf who laid very still and Beck asked loudly, "Is it dead?" Everyone around us was entertained.
We got to play on tractors, take pictures with the mascot, Jeff loved the carousel (the kids are on there with him), and then the kids on one of the rides.

Halfway BirthRAY Partay date confirmed

If you haven't heard us talking about it yet, get your calendars out. If you care enough about us to read our blog, then you are deninitely invited to the pool party. It will be held on Saturday, July 21st from 7:30 to 10:30 at the Kyle Pool.

Jeff, the marketing mastermind, coined the name of the festivities- Since their birthdays are in January and February - so close to Christmas and usually bad weather we were running out of party ideas. So we're taking a non-traditional approach to celebrate Madalyn turning 7 1/2, Beck being 3 1/2 and Bristol being 1 1/2. And it's a not a birthday party since its for all of the Raymond kids - ergo BirthRAY, and then partay because it has to rhyme. ;)

Don't miss it!

New pregnancies!

Not only are we going to have new cousin in the fall, but two of my best friends are also due about the same time in the fall! Marjorie and Rodney were married last May, so they've made a pretty quick turnaround to parenthood. But not to be out done Nicole and Jimmy were married last September and are now expecting. Babies are so wonderful, and I'm excited there will be more little ones around soon. Congratulations to the Randolph's and the Reeves'!!

Rough weeks at the Raymond Ranch

In addition to Madalyn having the flu, Jeff having strep throat, all of the boys having the stomach bug last week, and Bristol being diagnosed with pneumonia this week - I hurt my knee in a basketball game on Wednesday night. We're slowly recovering and hopefully will be back to 100% next week. Maddy took this lovely picture of me- you can't see the big knee brace but its there. =(

Beck relaxing

Bristol got a rocking horse for his first birthday from MiMi Pat. It's still a little too big for him to play on by himself, but Beck loves it. He surfs on it, jumps off of it, and rides it all over the house. Apparently it also doubles as a recliner.

Casey's Wedding continued

Casey and Ryan's Wedding

On March 3rd, we went back to Burleson and dropped the kids off with the Burly Bunch for some tag team babysitting. Jeff's 'little sister' Casey got married in Dallas to a really nice guy, Ryan Barker. It was a beautiful wedding and so wonderful to get to be there on such a special occasion. Casey's dad, Calvin, was really good friends with Jeff's mom, Brenda. Chris and Calvin were great to Jeff when he was growing up and he's so thankful for the special part they played in his life. Pics are of the best groom's cake ever, Jeff with Casey, Casey and Ryan, Jeff with Calvin, us with Chase, and Jeff with Chris.

Last Besketball Games

After a great basketball season, I was sad (and glad) that the season was over. It will be nice to have three days back to ourselves, but so sad to give up coaching the kids. It's so much fun, and such a rewarding experience. The pics are of Beck in his favorite spot on the court - directly under the basket. It was his goal to be the first one under the basket, on offense or defense. He was such a hoot and I think shot the ball twice all season. He was always good for laughs though. The others are of Madalyn and Beck with their trophies, and me giving out the trophies to the Mystics.

Implosion of the Intel Building

During the weekend while Jeff was gone to Burleson, I took the kids to my office downtown to watch the implosion of the Intel building. The building was started in 2000 and then abondoned by Intel in 2001 when the tech bubble burst. They imploded the frame that was left over to make room for the new federal courthouse. We really enjoyed something that won't happen in Austin again anytime soon!

Madalyn the Artist

Madalyn was chosen by her Art Teacher, Mr. Ramirez, to particpate in a city-wide art display. Madalyn's 'concentric circles' piece was on display with all of the other local schools and professional artists. We were super proud of her and the beautiful piece of art she created. Definitely refridgerator worthy. =)

Bristol's Burly Birthday

The Raymond's had a 'divide and conquer' weekend at the end of February. Jeff took Bristol to Burleson for his first birthday party, while Madalyn, Beck and I stayed at home to handle the basketball games. Lea took these great pics of Bristol going after his cake, and of him with his godmother Gay Lynn.