Today is the first day of Spring. Our children were so excited to wake up to this snow! We were just wearing shorts and playing outside a couple of days ago and well, it should be 65 degrees tomorrow. What is it they say here in Texas? If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes and it will change.
It was really windy and cold as we were leaving for church. Can you tell? Mom, notice the skirt that Bekah is wearing. It is from Kosrae.
Lydia, Anna, and Madison made a spa. I got to be their guest.
Bekah discovered sun glasses.
The arboretum was beautiful and the weather was great. We are going to go back again soon--before Dallas Blooms is over. 
Lydia has thoroughly enjoyed this year. Sunnyvale has been a great blessing to her. She loves being close to cousins and has a lot of friends at school.
Lydia had a Valentine party at our house. The girls made cookies, ate pizza, and played games.
Lydia has had lots of opportunities to play her violin this year. The first picture is her orchestra for GDYO. She is in the DSE. She is in the front in the green skirt and white sweater. The middle picture is at a rest home where she played at Christmas time. In the last picture Lydia is the very last person on the left in the front row. You have to blow it up to even begin to tell. This was her All Region orchestra. 
Lydia played with the high school band for football games. She played the marimba. Notice the picture on the right. See the cheerleader with the instrument? Well, here at Sunnyvale you can pretty much participate in whatever you want--a blessing of a small school and another reason we like it here so much. This pasty week Lydia got a 1 at solo and ensemble. She played the xylophone. 
Like I said, Lydia loves being closer to her cousins. It is great to always have good friends so close!
This picture was taken when Lydia was about 18-20 months old (about 6 months older than Bekah is now). This is the picture that was taken as she was singing to this video. She is reaching out for the microphone. We had no idea at the time that Lydia was unusually verbal for her age. She loved to sing. Rich would sing her to sleep every night. She loved the primary songs. When I would sing to her I would often mix up the verses and she would correct me. Lydia has always loved music and I believe that her dad has a lot to do with that. Also, look how young her parents look. Wow--we have all changed. Enjoy! 
Richie turned 7 years old on October 28th. He is really looking forward to all that will happen over the next year--getting baptized, joining Cub Scouts, having Grandpa and Grandma Foote come back home, and so much more! Richie enjoyed doughnuts for his birthday breakfast.
For his birthday he went to Medeival Times.
Richie was a Fire Fighter for Halloween. He LOVED it. His only disappointment was that he did not have an air tank to breathe. It was a very serious concern. Luckily, he made it through!
On the 100th day of school this year we tried baby powder in his hair instead of silver hair spray. Result--WAY BETTER. Looked just as good, way less mess, and cheaper too.
Richie has been great about his piano practicing. He practices every morning before school and really enjoys it.
The thumbs up is for Grandpa Foote from the cabin. Richie is counting down the days until you two buds can hang out again and work at the cabin.
The first tooth was also lost this past fall--EXCITING!!
Rachel started violin this past summer. She is taking from Irene Mitchell. Ellie started at the end of the summer and they have had a great time. Rachel has really been improving this last month and has her first recital this weekend. 
What a cute snow bunny!
Rachel has had a great year so far at her new preschool. She has been able to go on several field trips and made some new friends.
We all love Rachel's smile and cuddly personality. I am already missing her and she is still at home with me. I will really miss her next year when she is in kindergarten.
Rachel turned five years old on February 7th. David and Mary happened to be in town on her birthday and joined us for dinner. Rachel had a party at Build-A-Bear with some friends the day before. 
Jacob turned nine years old on November 15th. He played laser tag with friends from church and of course, Zack, from Coppell. It was a great day! Jacob is a joy to us all. We love how quickly he obeys when asked to do something and how helpful he is around the house. Jacob is looking forward to baseball season.
Jacob had fun on Halloween and also at school reading Freckle Juice.
Jacob and Tanner took pictures of the trees that we planted a few years ago at the cabin. 
Jacob has loved Cub Scouts this year. He won 1st place at the Pine Wood Derby--thanks Dad. :-)
When we found out that the Sunnyvale Police department was REALLY small, we asked them to come to us instead of us visiting them. Sherriff McCann came and talked to the boys for 30 minutes and then showed them the ins and outs of a police car. He even announced over the loud speaker that CUB SCOUTS RULE!
Our sweet Rebekah turned one year old on January 2nd. She has been so much fun. She is very easy going--pretty mellow for a Phillips and always happy. She is not walking yet which makes me very happy. She says "Hi!" a lot. She also says, mama, dada, by, and more. 
