Dutch Mountain

We took a little break near Llano, Texas for a little relaxing, hiking, shooting, fishing, and biking. The lodge we stayed at was on around 1600 acres of gorgeous Hill Country. We found a cave that was a little spooky ... we went in and found a pile of bones and two fresh paw prints about the size of Caleb's hand. Needless to say, we vacated that cave quickly. We searched for arrowheads in the creek and saw many deer. Truly, it was beautiful and fun. Kind of a "guys" trip but Kate and I enjoyed it, too!!

to my sweet boys even if they do like to shoot a gun ...

Snow Much Fun

It's not often you get to play in the snow in Texas.

It is really not often that you get to play in the kind of snow that is perfect for snowman-building, snowball-throwing, and snowangel-making in Texas.

We are having a blast! Last night the neighborhood our kids loved having the entire block to run and play and build forts and throw snowballs until many hours past bedtime! No cars, just laughter. In the dark! A kid's dream. Then, to wake up to 6-7 more inches! We have had "wars" with several neighbors ... one drove by in a truck and a load of kids popped up when they reached our house to ambush! Payback was great fun on that one. One neighbor has the endless huge pot of hot chocolate going for kids and adults right in her garage! I feel like a kid in a candy shop watching my kids play for hours and hours laughing, running, throwing, sliding, building, yelling, etc. Snow much fun!!!

Let it snow! Let it Snow!! Let it snow!!!

2010 is Here!

We are loving basketball season. Both boys are playing and having fun and making some points! Snapping a good shot has eluded me so here is my attempt ...

Caleb (in blue) plays awesome defense!

Josh hustles!!

Kate's new best friend/sister is a life-sized Barbie. Here names are "Kelly", "Tia", and "Calia". It depends upon the day. She eats with us, wears Kate's clothes, buckles into the car and often scares someone when they walk into a room and she is sitting there. I fully expect her to be in next year's Christmas card. A new member of the family. I just realized she is showing her undergarments in this pic. We are just thankful she has permanent undergarments!

to 2010 ...

December Fun

Cookies for Santa

Christmas Eve with cousins

Josh's school performance

Kate's class party

Caleb sang at a local nursing home

Christmas was fast and furious and fun! We celebrated Jesus's birth and enjoyed time with our families and friends. t0 2010 ...

Christmas Show and Tell at Dance

Kate loves dance! I love dance! Monday was her "show and tell". We got to sit inside the class and see eevrything they learned this semester.

Kate and her new friend, Olivia, got Perfect Attendance awards.

They had no idea what that meant!!

Daddy came from work to watch ... and she kept looking back to see him there!

And she kept talking to him during their performances.

And she kept smiling at him!

He is her favorite person on this earth ... mine, too!

Mrs. Lynn and Mrs. Jeanne are the most precious teachers!! We adore them!

to ballet, tap and tutus ...

Catchin' Up

Caleb was a carpenter from the 1700s in his living history project at school. He loved sharing with all of the classes about his trade.

We enjoyed a wonderful week away before Thanksgiving. We went to Austin for a few days, took Kate to her first Aggie game in College Station and enjoyed seeing family.

view from Mt. Bonnell in Austin

swimming at the hotel

room service for dinner - one of the kids favorite parts of the week

the State Capitol

Kate's first Aggie game with her cousins

our seats were above the birds - literally

Kate was in a Thanksgiving program - too cute! She kept pointing and winking at Chris - and mouthing "Hi Daddy! You're here!!" Yes, I was there also but ... well ... Dad rules in our house right now!

on to the holidays ...