Easter, cont.

The next pictures capture a few images of our family gathering that took place after Easter surrounding Granny's/Oma's burial. She died in October and her ashes were finally laid to rest with Grandpa George in the Fort Sam Hood Military Cemetary. The ceremony itself was very reverent and family fellowship was just as she would have wanted it.

We spent a beautiful 96 degree day at Zilker Park in Austin (and the kids even took a cool dip!), stuffed ourselves with BBQ at the Salt Lick the night before, joined up with Uncle George, Aunt Barbara, and cousins Dave and Paula for lunch at Tomatillo's in San Antonio, and spent more family time at Grammy & Grandpa's that night. It was nice to see Grandpa George's grave (we hadn't been there since his funeral 10 years ago) and we said goodbye to fabulous grandparents/great-grandparents. We love and miss you deeply.

Snowcones and limestone!
Just below Zilker Dam.
Yes, we were "those parents" who stripped our kids down to beat the heat! It felt so nice to cool off!
Jacob & Nate taking the plunge!

Salt Lick is a Texas Hill Country favorite of everyone's!

Bedtime story with Grammy.

George adores his big cousins Jacob and Nate. He was their little shadow the whole time!

Lunch before the service @ Tomatillo's.

My gorgeous sis-in-law Missy and precious nephew Nate.
George was joyous to see his great-grandpa's name on his headstone. The great-grandchildren decorated Grandpa's marker with flowers also. Grandpa George is little George's namesake...he has big shoes to fill.

The moment of this image took my breath away. Love those boys.

Praise the Risen Lord!

I'm writing from Spring Branch, TX on the edge of Canyon Lake at Grammy & Grandpa's house. We are here to celebrate the risen Lord and also to honor Lorene Mathilda Hitzfeld Janning (aka Granny/ Oma) at the burial of her ashes.

George & Abigail dyed their first Easter Eggs, attended their first Easter sunrise Service, and hunted Easter eggs. We were blessed to place the crown on the cross as a family during the Reiker's lakeside sunrise service...such an honor! Could not have been a more beautiful, peaceful morning, watching the sun peek through the clouds with a cool Hill Country breeze.

We are awaiting the arrival of the rest of the Jankowski and Keller families who will help us to continue the celebration of the two risen Saints. More to come later....

Morning is breaking at the Reiker's house.
This picture WILL resurface at their weddings! ha!

Second Game and beyond....

The second game fell on our multi-family garage sale day, so the dads got to take all the kids to the game. Much success!!! Not having Mama around can be a good thing sometimes...George was ready to get out there and tear it up. He played most of the game and had a blast!

Every game since then, he has been a fabulous team player. He scored one goal which made him beam from ear to ear! He runs the field with the herd of kids chasing the ball and it is the cutest darned thing ever. He loves playing soccer!

He has really built self-confidence lately. Not sure if soccer has anything to do with it or not, but he has been willing to try new things more readily, greet people independently, and has visibly "come out of his shell". He saw his buddy Hudson at last week's game and ran all the way across the soccer field by himself to go say hello...I was so surprised he did that!

Here are a few glimpses into today's game...

Water break after warm-up...like his new summer haircut?
Daddy and Abs on the sidelines

In the pack (look for the red shorts & green shirt)...
He loves running through the tunnel at the end of the game!

George WANTED to have his haircut at the barber shop for the first time. He and Pop got their hair cut and he was still like a statue! He loved getting to have a sucker while he got his new 'do! And he even asked the barber to put gel in his hair to make it spikey...definitely think he's overcoming some sensory issues!

Last night Northhaven Day School had their spring carnival and the twins had a great time! George WANTED to get his face painted (another first!!) as Batman and jumped for what seemed like hours in the bounce house. Sweet Abigail wanted her face painted with rainbows and hearts. G&A absolutely love their teacher Mrs. Abby...she has been so good for both of them! They will certainly be sad to say goodbye in June when they start their new preschool, but they are looking forward to feeding the bunny and dancing at Pumpkin Shell!