March Madness, etc.

I'm not even going to bother with the excuses.  On to the recap of the past, um, three weeks of our lives!

We'll start with the NCAA tournament, since we just got back from dinner at Huey's, which Walt got to pick because he won the Spickler family pool.  He picked Duke (little rat!) and came from behind to best both Mommy and Daddy -- Uncle Stephen is proud, I'm sure.

 

But before he picked Duke, he and I (Ginger) picked Murray State to win their first round game against Daddy's childhood favorite, Vanderbilt.  Walt donned both his MSU shirt and sweatband (thanks, Aunt Harriet!) for the occasion until he decided Patrick needed some gear too.

 

For the first time in HISTORY, Walt actually cheered for the same team throughout the game -- despite the occasional lead change.  I'm sure the fact that he actually got to see the Racers in action twice when we were in Murray not long ago helped solidify his allegiances, but still . . . it was nice to watch a game with him where he wasn't constantly switching sides.  And his loyalty paid off . . . they won!!!  And thanks to a little side bet, Daddy had to make an unexpected appointment with a razor for his face, which had not been shaved in two weeks.  (Not pictured.  Thankfully.)

No, I did not capture this incredible moment live.  It was a replay, but we were all still VERY excited.  Even Patrick.

 

Okay, maybe not.  Moving on!

Next up . . . the annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt.  Our tiny little church has put this on for four years running.  Josh drew the short straw and had to wear the bunny costume a couple of years ago, but now we've got new blood and so Josh just had to wear the baby.  Who was understandably perplexed by the whole thing.

 

Also perplexing was Walt's choice of an egg basket.

 

And for posterity, five members of this fall's Peabody Elementary School kindergarten class -- Walt, Adam, Maddox, Meredith and Charlotte.  This will be awesome for their senior slide show, no?

 

And since it's been so long since we last posted, spring happened!  So the Spickler family took advantage of a lovely, warm Friday afternoon to visit Memphis Botanic Garden, and more specifically, their new "My Big Backyard".

 

 

 

 

And, hey, if it's spring, it must be time for the Shell!  The first concert of the year took place on Easter eve and was completely lovely.  Right up until both children absolutely lost their minds from exhaustion and ended up crying until they were tucked in bed.  Sigh.  Oh well.  A scene from happier times!

 

Patrick also discovered water this spring:

And, finally, just because I love his freckles and little heart-shaped birthmark next to his right eye . . .