HIDING & JUMPING
Here's a bonus video of the boys doing two of their favorite activities: hiding (Cal) and jumping (Griffin). We leave a blow up mattress inflated all the time so there are plenty of jumping opportunities.

NOT OUR FIRST RODEO

But it WAS our first pony ride! We went to the rodeo last year - Griff slept through most of it and Cal was scared to death of the animals in the petting zoo and thought he wanted a pony ride but chickened out when we got close. This year everybody was ready. Cal did great and never panicked, although he did request a small pony instead of a large one. Griffin needed a little more handholding but still did great and really enjoyed kissing the show lambs in their pens. Cal liked the tractors on display and practiced driving a few of them. To complete the experience, everyone enjoyed a corndog. Mom enjoyed her the most. She do love a good corndog. Yum.

THE REAL MERONEYS

Besides Mike's brother, we don't see a lot of Mike's dad side of the family. So it was a really fun opportunity to get all the cousins together in Austin for the last weekend of Spring Break. Uncle David & Aunt Christine came to see us from Little Rock. Mike & David's cousins, Kim & Kelly, brought both of their families to town and we all met up for dinner at a family friendly venue called Freddie's Place that is a favorite of ours. The next day, everyone came to our house for lunch before Kelly, Angie, Maddie and Katie drove back to Fayetteville, Kim, Jeremy, Richard & Charlie got on the road to Houston, and David and Christine headed back to Little Rock via Dallas. It was great to have everyone together and make some new memories for our new generation of Meroney cousins. Cal & Charlie were the big gossip - they are 4 months apart and look like twins. Mike & Kim look more like brother & sister than cousins so I guess we shouldn't be surprised. You be the judge...

NANNY KRISTIN, BABY JACK & GRIFF

I'm the first to admit that I am not 100% on my game when all 13 of the states I manage are in session at the same time. But I am truly pathetic for taking so long to post some photos of our current nanny, Kristin. She has been a godsend since she joined us in January. Mike & I are starting to meet ourselves coming and going these days as work is getting busier and it is not likely to slow down until the session ends June 1. Kristin is keeping the wheels on at home, making sure Griff's life stays happy and and on schedule, picking up Cal when neither of us can get home on time, handling them both at night when we need it and, in her free time, doing dishes, laundry and did we mention baby Jack? She is a superwoman and we are so lucky to have her. Here are some fun photos of Griff & Jack with their favorite person.

BATHTIME FUN

You know you love those bathtime photos. No? Who cares. I love them and that's all that matters. Enjoy. Or not. The legislature is in session and I am cranky.

COWBOY BREAKFAST

Well, there are good ideas and there are bad ideas. I'm not gonna say which one this was but.... We got everybody up early on a day when Mike was out of town (should have been my first sign of a BAD IDEA) and drove downtown to meet Gramma & Bippy for the Cowboy Breakfast which is the kick-off of the Austin Rodeo. They do a free breakfast on Auditorium Shores with lasso demonstrations, a saddled Longhorn, live music and lots of other fun stuff. Sounds great, right? WRONG. Cal has been especially clingy for some reason and I don't think he said anything other than "Hold Me, Momma" the entire time. Griffin might have said something but it was hard to make it out between high pitched squeals, crying, and growl of the chain saw carving demonstratio (no joke - who thought this was a good idea for kids?). Anyway, we did enjoy the generator-powered lights and view of the Town Lake. No one was willing to sit on the saddled Bevo long enough for a photo. Tough morning. Better luck next year....