Hannah and Andrew

Hannah and Andrew just started officially dating this week, now that tour is over.

They have known each other for almost two years, but the rules of the Thorn group state that there is no dating for the first year of tour.

They agreed to let me take their picture on the "dating couch". Don't ask, but because we don't have a front porch swing,  I dubbed the living room as the front porch substitute and the couch will double as the swing!

Easter

We made delicious deviled eggs, which we then forgot to bring with us!

Abby made some gluten free desserts for us to take. We also brought cheese casserole, scalloped potatoes and corn.

The group this year was smaller, due to the three oldest "kids" away at various places. However, we had another one of the neighbors join us, a sweet Christian lady from South Korea.  She played a word game with us (that the host family had) - I thought we should try it next year in Korean, to get a sense of how difficult it must have been for her to play!  She did an amazing job, all things considered! 

My Enthusiastic Equestrian

Hope has been taking lessons at a new place closer to us. The horses are younger (aka not so old and tired!), there are more kids in the arena (to learn from), and she has these new spiffy pants that make her look official. And the new helmet is extra comfy, per Hope. 

The Return of Winter

Just when you thought it was safe to start bringing out the Spring clothes...

Winter laughs and sends a blizzard that shuts down the whole city. 

Pictures of Mom

Since I just scanned these for Dan, I thought I'd post a few of them here, for me.

Pictures from The Thorn (first show on Friday Night)

Getting ready for "The Thorn"

Abby was playing with Jacob's hairstyle today.

Apparently he needs a pretty freaky style for his role in the play.

I thought he kind of looked like Kevin Bacon.

Probably not the look Abby was going for...

Birthday Weekend

Gifts!

Chocolate Cheesecake!

A trip to Breckenridge!

Pizza and Starbucks!

Sledding and a trip to the dog park (in Breckenridge).

Feels Like Spring

Time to start in again with the dog jumping. Hope is also starting to help a neighbor who works with rescue animals. Today she is walking the other dogs around. She is hoping to get in some horse riding time, too.

And, Abby's letter writing to a certain young gentleman continues...

Around the House

The dog is a little too trusting sometimes.

Working on the curtains. The drapery weights have been ordered since these bad boys will definitely  need them. Also, I ordered some sample fabrics because I am thinking of adding a decorative strip down the sides. The curtains seem too plain, even though that was what I was going for.  Hopefully in the next two weeks or so, these will be finished. Whew!

A Dog's Life

Pip hanging out on the couch. Sometimes he is hard to find among the white blankets. Unfortunately, he has been sat on before...

The Big Thaw

We have a creek again this week due to the warm temperatures- in the 60's! It feels strange to see the fields again after the grass being completely covered since mid-November. We had a light dusting of snow tonight, but that should be gone tomorrow. Spring is on its way.

We Have No Hope This Weekend

Hope is gone this weekend on her first overnight trip with the high school youth group.  As we pulled into the parking lot, there were a lot of people there getting ready for the "Night To Shine" event.  I watched all kinds of people walking by in fancy, sequined dresses... I felt quite underdressed for that parking lot!  From texts and a late night phone call, it is clear that she is having a great time, although the food is terrible. We will enjoy hearing about her adventures tomorrow!