Queen Anne and Baby Abby

Cousin Landon's 2nd Birthday

2012-02-20T10:35:00.004-06:00

This past weekend we went to Frisco to celebrate cousin Landon's 2nd Birthday.

Landon is the girls only male cousin . . . so far and they love him!

Friday after school we met Uncle Mark (Scott's Brother), Aunt Ashley, and Landon at Chili's in Frisco for a little birthday dinner and cupcakes.

After a stop at the mall we bedded down at Uncle Mark and Aunt Ashley's house. We needed to get our rest so we would be ready to PAAAARTAAY at Chuck E. Cheese in the morning.

After Chuck E. Cheese we came back to the house to play, play, play, until it was time for the family party. Ashley's sister Reagan whipped up some SUPER yummy enchiladas for dinner.
Ashley's parents and two sister's, and Gran joined us for the fun.

That's Gran in the blue shirt teaching Abs and Landon how to play with legos!

Saturday was Anne's dream come true. Chuck E. Cheese in the morning, then a movie, and finally lots of time spent playing video games on Kylie's (Ashley's little sister) iPhone.

Landon's dinosaur cake! WOW!

The Birthday Boy!

Daddy's smiling face as he drove us home.

He was not driving when I took the picture.
He always keeps his eyes on the rode!

We were in the drive-thru line at the DQ.

Valentine's Day

2012-02-17T11:01:00.003-06:00

I started off the Valentine marathon at Abby's school. She and her buddy Maggie wore the same dress. These two are so funny. They are the only two girls in their class.

Anne's school Valentine Day party went great. I did pretty much the same thing I did for the Christmas/Winter Party just with a Valentine theme. There were three boys in her class that had birthday's that day, too.

This is the Valentine craft the kids made.

Papa made Gra'ma a crown and new purse.

The day wouldn't have been complete without a little dress-up.

New Camera

2012-02-10T08:37:00.003-06:00

I dropped my camera a couple of weeks ago and it would no longer focus.

I bought a new camera.

Happy 3rd Birthday Abby!

2012-01-31T08:41:00.008-06:00

Abby celebrated her 3rd birthday with friends and family last Saturday.
She went with a Mickey Mouse theme
even though Anne work very hard to persuade Abby that she really wanted
a Scooby Doo party.

Saw these on Pinterest

Great Granny, Great Grandma, Cousin Landon, and Aunt Ashley

Landon as his pj's on for the ride back to Frisco.

Thanks Granny for my beautiful Barbie doll!

Plasma Car! Thanks Gran!

I've been having fun riding it too (it has a 200lb weight limit)!
I don't weigh 200lbs.

Landon testing out Abby's Barbie bike.

My Little Pony

2012-01-25T09:40:00.001-06:00

Anne was invited to Josephine's birthday last Sunday.
There were My Little Ponies everywhere.
Mindi did a great job and even made the girls their own pony costumes.

There was lots of pony food: Oats (granola), carrot sticks, and apples with dip.

Mindi even made Star Wars style pony costumes for the boys.

They were impressed but chose not to wear them at the party.

Abby's Winterfest 2012

2012-01-23T08:48:00.005-06:00

Abby had fun at her very first Winterfest. The decorations were very cute this year. Gra'ma and I came early and met Abby in her classroom and then walked to the gym for all the fun. When we came in Abby immediately became very shy, but by the end of all the activities she was running and playing. As we were enjoying all these cold weather activities it g 74 degrees outside.

Abby dressed the snowman.

Enjoying a snow cone.

Enjoying a roasted marshmallow

Ice fishing

Things Around Here

2012-01-07T10:10:00.002-06:00

We have been taking things easy this first week of the New Year.

Abby helping with the dishes.

Anne listening to her "new" cassette tapes, that's right I typed cassette tapes. Gran brought Daddy's (Scott) old cassette tapes and books for the girls to enjoy. It worked out great because I had just bought a cassette player on clearance at Target so the girls could listen to my old Adventures in Odyssey tapes. It is great because the cassette player is easy to work so the girls are able to play with it on their own and I don't have to worry about the tapes getting scratched!

Panera Bread

2012-01-05T09:47:00.002-06:00

Last week my mom and I ate lunch with some of our FAVORITE people, Rachel and Cindy (Ms. Watson) at Panera Bread.

I think Rachel is the most photogenic person I know!

Rachel works in Washington D.C for National Geographic as an associate producer so I don't get to see her as often as I like. I keep suggesting different options for documentaries she could do here in Tyler, but she hasn't seemed to keen on any of my ideas.

(If you look closely you can see Abby's pig tail in this pic)

Anyways, since I don't get to see her very much I had prayed that the Lord would provide a pleasant time to visit and He did. The girls were well behaved, entertained themselves, and Anne even passed out on one of the chairs.
I can't believe she can sleep like that!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T09:03:00.010-06:00

We had another wonderful Christmas. We left around 10am on Christmas Eve and met Great Grandma at the Pizza Inn in Pittsburg for lunch and then headed on to Daingerfield to Great Granny's house.

We unloaded all the presents and then took a little rest before dinner and church.

My usual self portrait.

Anne realizes Santa is coming tonight!

Anne and her stilts.

Thank you Sofia and Emily for my very own Baby Moby!

Mom on her new bike.
Anne offered to let her borrow her helmet.

Uncle Jay sent Abby a Baby Alive.

She was excited!

Anne's Tangled wig

Great Granny breaking into her presents

The Mystery Crew

Anne's first painting on real canvas.

We headed home Christmas evening to meet Gran at our house for a little more fun!

We ended the day with a family movie night (How to Train a Dragon.)

It was a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Cookies with the Johnsonss

2011-12-25T09:31:00.003-06:00

Ashley invited the girls over to make Christmas cookies.

THEY HAD A BALL!

Anne could have made cookies all day long and she has decided to open her own bakery.

I got to have some one on one time with baby Lauren.

Thank You Ashley!

Winter in the Park 2011

2011-12-24T09:22:00.001-06:00

We made it to another Winter in the Park.

The girls had a fun time this year. Abby still isn't quite tall enough to go down the snow slide, but she did get to ride the ponies.

Getting ready for a snowball fight.

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Anne's Christmas Palooza

2011-12-23T09:06:00.001-06:00

I am the

ROOM MOM

for Anne's class.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Actually it hasn't been to bad. Once I figured out what to do for her class Christmas party it was pretty smooth sailing thanks to the help from my mom and my former second grade teacher. Quite a few parents came and helped and the kids had a blast. Here are a few pics from the festivities.

We had lots of Christmas goodies thanks to our generous parents.

The Craft

The Dream Team

Merry Christmas!

Abby's Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-22T08:57:00.004-06:00

The Christmas party at Abby's school is pretty low key compared to their Thanksgiving Feast. I dropped in to take a few picks before I had to be at Anne's Christmas Palooza. It was lots of fun to watch the kids interact.

Notice the choke hold Christian has on Van. He is supposed to be hugging him and cheering him up. Abby is giving him a nice pat on the back. She loves Van.

Guess who?

2011-12-16T10:20:00.003-06:00

This is Anne's rendition of a popular president from the past. She has never actually seen a picture of him, but after listening to some Adventure's in Odyssey episodes this is what she produced.

Who do you think it is?

Sylvania Family Chirstmas

2011-12-13T08:46:00.002-06:00

This year was the first time Anne was old enough to participate in the children's Christmas choir at our church and boy did she love it!

Here are a few clips from her big performance.

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Thanksgving 2011

2011-12-02T10:18:00.001-06:00

We started off our Thanksgiving holiday with a little Gran time.

We had our big meal at Great Grandma's house.

Anne caught two fish!

We ate turkey not fish.

I didn't really cut the turkey, just posed.

Anne Abby loved petting Semi.

Anne is carrying on the olive finger tradition Cousin Allison!

A little tryptophan nap.

KK Thansgiving Feast 2011

2011-12-01T10:06:00.003-06:00

Abby was an Indian at her first KK Thanksgiving Feast. I was worried that she might repeat her sister's nose picking performance from previous years, but she took care of that before the music started.

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Abby and Maggie

They are the only two girls in their class.

Drip Drop Drip Drop

2011-11-17T10:18:00.005-06:00

It rained on Tuesday and the girls took advantage of it. They marched out with their boots and umbrellas to have a little fun. The tiny stream in our backyard turned into a rushing river and I was anxious that the girls would fall in, but they didn't SHOOF!

Anne demonstrating how to stay dry without an umbrella.

It didn't work.

Abby employing the same technique.

They wanted to take a bath when they were done playing. Thankfully I ran in to check on them after awhile because the water was literally an inch from overflowing!

Sight Words

2011-11-08T10:51:00.001-06:00

A Rough Time in Aggieland

2011-11-05T10:36:00.001-05:00

Anne was so excited to learn Scooby and Shaggy are Aggies.

Abby and Anne spent several quarters coloring.

Mom keeps a close eye on the Aggies.

This is the last time Scott smiled that day.

Kinder Acadmy

2011-11-03T10:20:00.002-05:00

Anne's school occasionally puts on a Kinder Academy. Instead of going on a field trip the field trip comes to the school. The children have been studying about community helpers so the police and sheriff department, Ambulance drivers, Meals on Wheels, Meta Copter, bus drivers, garbage men, and firemen all sent a representative and coordinating vehicle for the children to see and learn about. Well to make a long story short. The local news covered the event and interviewed Anne. I was so excited and called the fam to let them know they should watch the news to see Anne's interview.

The news people cut her interview.
There were tears.
So I did the interview myself.
Please pardon my super annoying new caster voice.

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Halloween Bonanza

2011-11-01T09:06:00.012-05:00

We started our celebrations off with a trip to the library.

Anyone who showed up in a costume received a free book.

Poodle tongue.

Gra'ma and Abby before the Costume Parade at KK.

The Parade

Abby sucked her thumb the whole time, but she didn't cry!

Abby admiring her cookie.

The Party

Pumpkin Painting

Abby took a Jackson Pollock approach to her pumpkin.

Anne adds the final touches to her Gonzo style pumpkin.

We got "booed" this year and in our bag of goodies was a box of Halloween cupcake mix and icing with sprinkles. We had so much fun "booing" our neighbors.
Anne carried the Boo Bag ie. a bag full of Halloween goodies, to the front porch of our neighbors and then ran back to where Abby and I were waiting in the shadows. Then Daddy rang the doorbell and we all ran like bats out of the hot place.
Anne sprinkles.

Abby sprinkles.

Anne designed the face and I did the carving.

She wanted to make it extra spooky.

I can never get them to look at the camera at the same time.

Halloween Night

Let the fun begin!

Last year we made it to five or six houses total. I was expecting about the same results this year. Boy was I wrong! We spent two hours collecting candy, visiting every house in the neighborhood, and I think Abby would still be at it if we hadn't made her come home. Anne had so much candy that her bag nearly burst!

Tricker Treating is thirsty work

counting the booty

Orange Leaf Happy Hour

2011-10-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

Orange leaf yogurt is 25% off btween 3 and 5pm.

YUMMY!

We can all get our own tubs for 4 bucks!

Toddler Fair 2011

2011-10-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

We went to Toddler Fair at Abby's preschool last Thursday.

It's one of my favorite events.

They have lots of sweet activities and a picnic lunch afterward.

This was actually the bean bag toss.

Ms. Karen, Abby's teacher.

Livestock Show

Aiden and Abby

Look familiar?

A visit to Great Granny's

2011-10-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

Last Monday we went to Great Granny's for a visit. We hadn't been for quite sometime so the girls were very excited! We ate lunch at Kissing Kousins. The food was yummy and they had Anne's favorite, chicken dinosaurs.

Kissing Kousins,
the hot spot in Daingerfield

Somebody was overly excited about getting their chicken fried steak and drove right into the restaurant.

After lunch we went to the Funeral Home to visit Roy Jurdan, my mom's first cousin, and show them where Great Granny lived growing up. Yes she grew up, well from age sixteen, upstairs at the Funeral Home.

This is the chapel where Great Granny got married.

My mom has lots of sweet memories playing with her Ma'ma (Great Granny's mom) at the Funeral Home.

We finished the day at Great Granny's house playing on her neighbors playground and getting thoroughly dirty.
We had a ball!

Bergfeld Park

2011-10-18T09:33:00.001-05:00

Driving the bus.

Anne raised up and down this hill so many times I thought I would pass out.

Leaving the park

SEC, SEC, SEC

2011-10-17T09:21:00.002-05:00

A&M 55 baylor 28

The Perfect Costume

2011-10-13T10:18:00.004-05:00

We did not buy these costumes,

but we had a lot of fun trying them on.

Anne settled on a giraffe costume and we "tricked" Abby into choosing the pink PRINCESS poodle costume.
Warning:
If you ask Abby what she is going to be for Halloween she says, "Cinderella."
Please don't encourage this fantasy.

East Texas State Fair 2011

2011-09-30T09:08:00.012-05:00

Abby LOVED the cows! She wanted to go see them again on our way out.

Pony rides.

Before eating fair food

After eating fair food

Agriculture Building:
Abby looking at the fish

There was a Wizard of Oz theme this year.

I think this Dorthy was a former member of a African neck stretching tribe.

We met up with the Dancy's for a quick photo op.

Then it was time for dinner! Yummy!

Anne was dying to get her face painted especially since we made her wash of the glitter crown from the previous weekend.
Abby wasn't old enough to qualify for face painting.
Thankfully she didn't get to upset.

After face painting it was time to ride the rides.

THE PIG RACES!

Swifty the swimming pig.
She'll be going for the Genius Book of World Records fastest swimming pig
next week in South Dakota.

There were two sets of police and EMT workers at the show.

I guess there have been a lot injuries and rioting at the previous races.

Anne making her signature pig face.

Waiting for the races to begin.

Cotton Candy

Finally, a visit to the firefighters booth.
See you next year!

A HOT Day in Aggieland

2011-09-27T09:39:00.007-05:00

We ate a super yummy lunch at

Wings-N-More

and then played in the grass outside

Daddy and Abby watch Anne play at the

Aggie Fun Zone.

Abby got a football painted on her face.

Anne chose a classy glitter crown on her thigh.

Daddy was in charge of Anne.
I was in charge of Abby.

Just sayin . . .

Getting ready for the game.

Keeping hydrated.

This became Abby's Water Bottle because she always leaves a little behind.
I think its her drinking technique.

An avid fan!

We lost by one point, but on the way in to church Mr Larry asked the girls,
"Did the Aggies win?"
they both replied "Yep"

Backpack

2011-09-24T09:13:00.004-05:00

5x7 Folded Card

2011-09-23T09:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Sign Blue Birthday Card

Find unique birthday and Valentine's cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Abby's Pet Fair 2011

2011-09-22T09:01:00.006-05:00

Abby had a great time at Pet Fair this year. The first time she came to Peat Fair, when Anne was at KK, she was a baby and some of the kids pet her.

Now she's doing the petting.

The bunny was a big hit.

Stopped for a quick hug from Aiden.

Break Time

2011-09-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

After a hard hour of work at Papa's Abby needed a break.

Abby's First Day of Preschool

2011-08-30T10:28:00.004-05:00

Abby went to school today.

She met her teacher,Ms. Karen, at orientation last week. She had fun playing, but when we left she said in her very Abby voice, "I no like Ms. Kanun!" I can't imagine why. I like Ms. Karen and Abby didn't get in trouble. In fact she behaves like an angel at school, VBS, and church. It's at home that we have a few problems. I'm sure it has nothing to do with me.

Abby is excited about her new lunchbox.

She has to take Anne's old backpack, but she didn't seem to mind.

She wanted to break into her lunchbox early and eat a snack.
I assured her they had snacks at school.

See you this afternoon!

First Day of Kindergarten 2011

2011-08-23T08:49:00.005-05:00

Anne did great and so did I if I do say so myself. My major worry washer not eating her lunch fast enough and having to throw it away, but she ate the WHOLE thing! I asked her what her favorite part of school was and she said lunch and snack. I walked her into her class and then picked her up in the drive-thru line. So far so good.

Ready for School

Thank you Great Granny for my outfit!

Abby cheering Anne on!

Ready for lift off

No tears yet

Jack Elementary School

She did sleep later than normal this morning and I'm worried not taking a nap is going to catch up with her before the week is finished. I miss her lots and shed a few tears this morning when I dropped her off. I'm thankful things have gone well so far.

Great Grandma's and RAIN!

2011-08-22T09:14:00.005-05:00

Last weekend Grandma invited us up for an indoor picnic. The girls were excited right down to their toes. They had been begging to go fishing all summer. As we drove up it began to rain, something we haven't seen in a long time. The girls went fishing in the rain, Abby and I went for a walk with the dogs, and we all had a delicious lunch! Thank you Great Grandma!

I used to wear these same hats to go fishing and play a Grandma's house.

Nothings biting!

Abby is about to drop her pole in the water.
It runs in the family.

My fisher woman.

Learning from an expert.

Taking a play break.

Abby on a walk with Princess and Salt.

Last but not least, part of a wild hog the dogs dragged up to the house and Anne discovered.

Friends

2011-08-09T10:39:00.004-05:00

Garreds, Luhrs, DuToits, Johnsons

Abby and VBS

2011-08-09T10:20:00.003-05:00

Abby went with Gra'ma to Vacation Bible School. The theme was A Faith Expedition and Abby loved. She was the youngest in her class and was only able to come because Gra'ma was a worker at VBS. Abby's teacher said she sat still, listened well, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Abby the explorer.

Abby enjoyed the ice cream social to celebrate the end of VBS.

She performed well at the closing ceremonies until she spotted Anne with a bag of Cheetos and started to get weepy eyed. Abby cam off stage and Anne gave her a cheeto, cheered her up, and Abby returned to the performance.

Mommy's Happy Birthday

2011-08-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

I realized that I no longer refer to myself by my own name even when I'm talking to myself.

I had a wonderful birthday.

Scott and I went to Dallas with the adult Garreds the weekend before my birthday for a little eating and shopping.

Friday we went to Bernard's with some of our friends for a yummy dinner and then back to the Garred's house for cookie cake.
I topped it all off with my family party on Saturday.
We ate at Bruno's and then came back to Mom and Dad's for cake and PRESENTS!
I had a wonderful birthday!

Bernard's

Our husbands were on the other side of the table.

Church Picnic

2011-08-02T09:40:00.003-05:00

We endured the heat this year at the Church picnic.

Anne and Abby had a blast.
I hardly ever saw them.

Scott played basketball, I chatted with my friends, and sweat.

Abby running off with a pair of men's flip flops. This was the third pair she had absconded with so I bought her a pair later that week to prevent any future theft.

The lake was VERY low, but the girls enjoyed playing in the mud/sand.

Daddy after playing basketball in 104 degree heat.

Nate Boy's Birthday

2011-07-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

The girls were invited to Nathan's birthday at Faulkner Spray Grounds.

Nathan is in Abby's Sunday School class.

They rule the roost together in the land of Ms. Sheri.

"Nate Boy" is Anne's affectionate nick name for Nathan.

Anne mastered the spider web in her Crocs.

Donut birthday cake!

Hair Cut

2011-07-21T09:30:00.004-05:00

I'm hoping this is a one time event.

I thought if we got it cut once by a professional Papa can follow the pattern to maintain her new doo.

Before

After

Abby is following in Cousin Jessica's footsteps.

The stylist gave Abby a head of hair to fix.

She loved the thing and kept hugging and kissing it. She called it her dolly dolly.
All I could think about was the poor Eastern European woman who had to give up her hair for it and the fact that my friend told me they have to delouse all the heads when they arrive at beauty school before they can practice on them.

Scott's Birthday

2011-07-20T09:30:00.001-05:00

Scott turned 31 this past Monday and we celebrated with wings and ice cream cake! Yummee!

We got him a ping pong table.
(I don't know who's garage this is, but they need to get control of it)

Getting ready for wings at Wing Stop.

Slip-N-Slide

2011-07-18T09:20:00.003-05:00

Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sandie got Anne a 3-D slip-n-slide for her birthday.
She was to afraid to wear the 3-D goggles.
She and Abby had a ball and I got the house clean.

Thanks Chuck and Sandie!

Out to Eat

2011-07-11T09:17:00.005-05:00

Here's a few shots from dinner last week.

Anne's Family Party

2011-07-10T10:36:00.001-05:00

Anne celebrated her fifth birthday with her family July 2nd. We had the usual crowd. Uncle Mark, Aunt Ashley, and Landon came over and Jessica and Josh joined us as well. It was lots of fun and thankfully Papa and Scott got the air conditioner up and running again before the festivities.

Thanks Great Granny!

Abby dressed for the occasion.

Landon enjoyed his cupcake!

Anne's Actual Birthday

2011-07-09T10:31:00.001-05:00

Anne's birthday fell on Sunday.

She had donutholes for breakfast, opened her cards, and lived it up.

She picked Double Dave's, her favorite, for lunch and the Johnson's came with us to celebrate.

Anne's Friend Birthday!

2011-07-07T10:03:00.004-05:00

Anne celebrated her birthday with her friends.
She chose a Scooby Doo theme.

CAUTION THE FOLLOWING IMAGE COULD BE DISTURBING:

Anne and Leo the longhorn.
Leo gives Anne make-up.
Anne loves Leo.

4th of July Parade 2011

2011-07-05T09:33:00.007-05:00

We attended the neighborhood Independence Day Parade again this year.

Anne started out on her scooter, but after 15ft
she was ready to climb in the wagon.

The Chariot

Anne commandeered a little kids souped up power wheel for a while.

She told the little boy that she knew how to drive before she was born.

His eyes got real big.

He was impressed
.

Getting ready to start the parade.

Papa pulled the girls.

There was ice cream and lemonade for all.

The girls were able to explore the fire engines after the parade.

Zoo Picnic

2011-06-22T10:05:00.001-05:00

We picked up Taco Bueno for dinner and ate early at the picnic tables near the parking lot so we would be ready to see all the special events when the zoo opened at 6pm. We fed the elephants, watched the otters be fed, saw the bears playing, and watched the zookeepers feed chicken and sausage to the alligators. It was very interesting and entertaining!

Gra'ma's Birthday

2011-06-20T10:03:00.001-05:00

We went to Chuy's for dinner and then home for cake, ice cream, and presents.

Anne helped Gra'ma blow out her candles.

Berry Picking

2011-06-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

Gran came for a visit after we returned from vacation.

We had a ball and did a little berry picking, too.

After a little manual labor we met Scott for lunch and then head home for naps.
It was a great day!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-16T10:05:00.001-05:00

The Johnson Family had us over for hamburgers, hot dogs, and homemade ice cream. The girls had a ball playing with their friends on the slip-n-slide. Thanks Ashley, Kevin, and Lauren!

These two girls were born hours apart.

MadiJane

Lauren and Abby

Abby trying out the Bumbo seat

The Guys playing Bocce Ball

The Beach 2011

2011-06-14T09:20:00.002-05:00

We went to the beach early this year since Anne will be starting pre-school in the Fall. We had a wonderful time with Papa, Gra'ma, Great Granny, and Great Grandma. Dave, Alicia, and Chaz made the trip this time, too!

Abby applied her own sunscreen.

Watching for Dolphins, Sharks, and Helicopters

Abby and Daddy share a morning coffee on the balcony.

Abby, Chaz, and Anne

The Luhrs and Kisers minus Abby.

When Anne wasn't swimming or playing on the beach she was coloring.

We rented bikes this year!

Seaside

Eating at Pickles

Coloring

2011-06-12T09:17:00.001-05:00

Gra'ma entertains Abby while I cook dinner.

Last Day of Preschool (Splash Day)

2011-06-10T09:08:00.006-05:00

Anne had her last day of Preschool before we went to the beach. It all went by so quickly. I felt like I had just dropped her off at Ms. Teresa's class and now she's ready for Kindergarten, if I can manage to get her registered.

Ms. Shelley and Anne

The Girls

Ms. Shelley's Pre-K Class 2010-2011

Notice Abby joined in all the activities, too.

Blonde Cousins

2011-05-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

Chad, Katie, Sofia and Emily came to visit last week. The girls had a ball and it was nice to see our family. Anne talks about Sofia all the time! Abby vacillated from loving Emily to being jealous of her.

There was lots of dress-up

Lots and lots of

of dress-up.

We went to the zoo.

The Chariot

We ate at Sonic

and Bruno's.

Saturday evening our friend Tanya came over and took a few pics of the family.

Budding Artist

2011-05-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

Anne's interpretation of a dragon.

Texas Day 2011

2011-05-11T09:33:00.003-05:00

Anne celebrated her third and last Texas Day at KK last week. She did a great job singing her songs. She had been practicing for weeks. The weather was wonderful and we all had a fine time.

Anne doing the laundry. This was her favorite station.

Riding Pistol

Watering Hole

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Kindergarten Round-Up

2011-05-09T21:20:00.003-05:00

Anne and I went to Kindergarten Round up last Thursday.

I hated it.

I hate kindergarten.

I spent 83 dollars on school supplies.
(don't tell Scott)

Free Haircut

2011-05-02T11:09:00.004-05:00

Abby won a free haircut at work today!

Bella donated her services for the morning and Abby has a new and easy short doo!

A nice layered look.

The outdoor salon

KK Egg Hunt

2011-04-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

We went to KK for the annual egg hunt.

I thought Abby would have a hard time letting the other kids hunt the eggs, but she didn't.
She amused her self with the sand table and was fascinated by all the kids.
Anne was finally able to get her entire allotment of ten eggs.

On your marks, get set, go!

Egg Dying

2011-04-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday we engaged in the annual egg dying tradition. I recruited Gra'ma to come over and help since Abby was going to be involved. We did this last year during her nap time. After the eggs were turned into master pieces and dropped several times to soften them up we headed out side to hide and hunt.

Oh Anneee!

The Blue Bird Festival 2011

2011-04-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

We met Granny and Donna again this year in Wills Point for the Blue Bird Festival. We had fun last time and this year was even better.

The Blue Bird Train.

They had real WRASLIN this year.
Anne was mesmerized.
Abby was scared out of her wits.

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Abby enjoyed the ride once the ponies started moving.

Anne on Peanut.

Carnival Games
Look at the nice man in the Aggie shirt.

The Snake Man was back again.

Abby did not care for the snakes.

We can't wait until next year!

Playground

2011-04-18T09:12:00.000-05:00

Around Christmas time this past year my sweet friend Lisa gave us their wooden playground. They were going to get something new and she asked if we would like to have there old one. I said yes! After three weekends of hard work Scott and Papa finished putting it back together. It proved to be a much more difficult job than we anticipated, but the girls love it and have been playing on it everyday.

Weekend #1

This is the Garreds leaving after a morning of manual labor. Notice they are still smiling. Josh helped with the playground while Krystal and I worked on the garden.

Weekend #2

Grandma and Abby watching the hard workers.

Her royal highness watching the progress on her castle.

Here is the finished product. The girls have been having a ball!

Garden

2011-04-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

This year I planted a garden.

I have always thought of myself as an agriculturist, connected to the land, getting my fingers dirty in the black earth. We'll see how things go.

I coerced my friend Krystal to come over and help me build the raised bed box. She thought she was coming over to relax, but instead I forced her to do some manual labor.

Do you see my bulging tri-ceps. Yeah, I thought so.

Krystal has equally large muscles. We've been working out.

Here's how things are going so far.

La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa

2011-04-06T16:38:00.008-05:00

We went to visit Gran and Grandpa in Conroe a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful time. They live next to a beautiful resort, Del Torretta, and have access to all the amenities. The guys played golf, I shopped, the girls played with Gran, we swam, and even saw a real Indian wedding.

Anne and Abby playing outside at the spa.

The girls tried out the kid weight lifting machines and then played a little racket ball with Gran and Daddy.

Family pic in front of the infinity pool.

Scott at the top of the big kid's slide.

Abby relaxing.

Grandpa and Abby

Daddy and his girls

This is what Anne refers to as water world. She had a blast.

The bride and bridesmaids at the Indian wedding.

The groom riding in on a horse to meet his bride.

Gran and Grandpa with the wedding party in the background.

Dirt Dirt Dirt

2011-03-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

This is what Anne and Abby did last Friday at work.

They made a dirt chair.

Mondays with Nathan

2011-03-12T09:03:00.003-06:00

It had been two weeks since our last date with "baby" Nathan. This time we went to The Discovery Science Place, the park, and Chick fil A.

Abby shopping with head protection. You never know when a fire could break out at the grocery store.

Fire People

Abby rocking the babies

I forgot to get the camera out at the park and I didn't even consider getting it out at dinner. We had a ball with Nathan and he always does an excellent job of preparing the girls for a good night sleep.

. . . King of the Wild Frontier

2011-03-10T10:41:00.001-06:00

My mom and dad went down to San Antonio to see the reenactment of the battle of the Alamo. It was the 175th anniversary. They brought Abby and Anne coon skin caps just like Davy Crockett. Apparently he was all over the place down there. They even saw Elvis.We are proud of our Texas heritage. I'm a sixth generation Texan and the girls are seventh. Scott makes fun of me because I am always trying to fit that into conversation, but there is rarely a natural opportunity to share about our Texas heritage so I usually just blurt it out. Remember the Alamo. Oh, by the way, March 2 is Texas Independence Day not Dr. Suess' birthday.

Landon's B-day

2011-03-01T10:34:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago we drove up to Frisco to celebrate cousin Landon's 1st birthday.

Aunt Ashley and Landon opening gifts.

The cousins

Landon's Birthday Cake

Anne enjoying some goodies from Gran.

Dr. Abby and Gran

The Birthday Boy!

Thanks Uncle Mark and Aunt Ashley! We had a blast and can't wait to see you again!

Co-Sleeping

2011-03-01T10:23:00.002-06:00

Abby believes in co-sleeping/the family bed.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-17T10:20:00.007-06:00

My mom and I took the girls to the zoo. We brought along Nathan to be their Valentine. He's the son of a sweet friend of ours who just had a baby. He and Abby are in the same Sunday School class at church.

Testing Out the Water Fountain

The Queen of Sheba

The kids had a ball running through the zoo, riding in the wagon, and seeing all the animals.

After the zoo we made a quick stop at Hobby Lobby
and then on to Smash Burger
for a romantic dinner on the patio.

After we dropped Nathan off we made one more stop to do a
little shopping.

Eli and Abby

2011-02-13T09:27:00.002-06:00

Abby loves Eli.
Here they are sharing a meal at Discovery Science Place.

She shows her love by yelling his name every time we pass his street, throwing Nerf balls at his face, and stealing his food at Chick-Fil-A.

Daddy's Vacation

2011-02-11T09:20:00.003-06:00

Scott had so many vacation days that he couldn't accumulate any more so he vacationed at home with us for a WEEK!

He played Candyland

Painted the fireplace, master bathroom, the girl's bathroom, put up bead board, and took down an old fence.

Built a snowman, made snowballs, and drank hot chocolate.
He should be nice and rested.

Hiding

2011-02-10T09:33:00.001-06:00

Winterfest 2011

2011-02-09T09:05:00.002-06:00

Another Winterfest at KK. I dutifully wore my pj's. Let's just say I had been threatened by a friend. It turned out lots of parents dawned there nocturnal duds this year. It was my first time to wear pj's to Winterfest. I have always declined in years past.

Anne had a blast at all the stations, but I think she enjoyed mitten washing the most.

Ms. Shelley's Pre-K Class

French Fries

2011-02-08T09:30:00.000-06:00

Abby Love's French Fries

Abby Turn's Two

2011-02-07T08:48:00.006-06:00

Abby celebrated her second birthday last Saturday. These two years have gone by quickly. We did a farm theme this year. Ab's loves animals, especially cows. So made a cow cake, not a puppy dog or bear cake, a cow cake. I tried to copy the one on her invitation. It was harder than I thought. Abby and Anne loved it.

Abs loved opening presents. She got lots of tips from Anne. We had lots of fun celebrating with family and friends!

Thank you Jessica

That's Anne and Abby's new friend Bella. She comes to work at Papa's too.

It snowed!

2011-01-22T10:27:00.002-06:00

It snowed. We didn't build a snowman and I will not feel guilty.

Great Grandma's

2011-01-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a few pics from our trip to Great Grandma's before Christmas. Anne is becoming a real pro at fishing.

Bear Bisuits

2011-01-19T10:10:00.001-06:00

Anne's preschool teacher sent home a recipe for bear biscuits. It was easy and fun! We made them together Saturday morning and shared them with Abby and Daddy. Abby was willing to lift her self imposed ban on carbohydrates and gobbled these guys up.

Making our bears.

Abby was the official observer.

Golden Brown Bears

Yummy!

Puke on my Ice Cream Sundae (Cotton Bowl)

2011-01-17T09:55:00.005-06:00

The Aggies finished out the season with win after win so when we received our bid to the Cotton Bowl we purchased tickets right away.

Then we went to the Cotton Bowl. It was like having this huge and delicious ice cream sundae (our awesome regular season) and then puking all over it (the Cotton Bowl). No one wants to eat ice cream with puke on it. It was a major let down, but wait until next year.

Thanks to Uncle Mark and Aunt Ashley for keeping the girls and letting us sleep at their house!

This was the lone LSU fan in our section. He stood/danced the enitre first two quarters until he mysteriously vanished after halftime.

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Christmas 2010

2011-01-05T10:06:00.001-06:00

We celebrated Christmas as usual with Granny and Grandma in Pittsburg and Daingerfield. This year my cousins were able to make the celebration. It was wonderful to see them! I didn't get to many pics because my camera battery died :)

Four of Grandma Lou's Great Grands: Tyler, Anne, Calvin, and Abby.

Abby digs her sock monkey from cousin Jessica

Jim and Calvin opening presents

(Jim is my cousin Allison's husband)

Mom and I

Abby and Cal

Abby opening her gift from Pop Pop

Santa has come and Abby's belly button

Me avoiding doing the dishes

Getting ready for Santa to come

Christmas Eve

2011-01-04T09:39:00.003-06:00

We celebrated with Gran and Grandpa on Christmas Eve. They came up on Wednesday and watched the girls while Scott and i went to dinner with the Garred's. Scott and Gary did a few projects on Thursday and you will be glad to know that if you come and visit us in the summer there will be air conditioning available in the guest room. Thank you Gary! Gran played and entertained the girls while I finished up some last minute Christmas stuff.

Abby feeding her baby

Anne's personalized Aggie pillow

Lilly's very own house shoe

Fairy Barbie

These are fabric "paper dolls" that have Velcro clothes. hey came with their own carrying case and will be great for a little entertainment at restaurants or long car rides.

Thank You Miss Jessica!

2011-01-03T09:35:00.003-06:00

Miss Jessica gave Anne a herb garden kit for Christmas. Anne has always been interested in planting seeds and watching things grow. We have planted rock trees, marble trees, and even golf ball trees. Nothing has sprouted yet even with constant watering. We'll see how the herbs do.

Snowballs

2010-12-21T09:43:00.003-06:00

We went to holiday int he park again this year. The girls had a blast. Anne zoomed down the snow slide on her inner tube and Abby enjoyed the snowballs.

Home Depot

2010-12-05T21:44:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago we took advantage of Home Depot's free project day. It was wonderful. The girls each got their own kit and apron. Daddy helped Anne and I helped Abby. We finished first,not that it was a competition. Anne made a tool box like Papa's and Abby made a spice rack that we turned into a book holder.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

2010-12-03T21:07:00.005-06:00

Our first visit to see Santa this season.

Baba

2010-11-11T20:38:00.003-06:00

"Baba" is how Abs pronounces baby.

Abby loves babies, specifically baby dolls. She hugs, rocks, feeds, and loves them. It gives me a rare glimpse of her gentle side. She's normally rambunctious, vocal, and just plain wild.

Sisters

2010-11-08T22:03:00.000-06:00

The Many Faces of

2010-11-06T21:51:00.004-05:00

ANNE

2010-11-04T21:44:00.004-05:00

ICE

SCREAM!

(its popular round here)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Almost all of us enjoyed Halloween this year. Scott had to go to work so Papa and Gra'ma helped me take the girls around the neighborhood. Anne couldn't wait to carve her pumpkin and go trick-or-treating. Abby seemed enthusiastic until we got going. She wanted to stop and eat her candy after each house.
We didn't do that.
She threw many loud fits.
I didn't pack Mr. Sad Spoon.

You could hear us coming.

Anne was not phased by any of this and had a great time. When she was complimented on her fairy wings Anne replied, "My mom got them at the Goodwill." No secrets with kids.

My sweet Anne!
(Papa cut her hair)

Enjoying the fruits of her labor. I let her eat it until bath time was finished. I had to pry it out of her still sticky hands and she of course screamed bloody murder.

San Fran 2010

2010-10-31T20:41:00.009-05:00

We went to visit Grammy and Grandpa in San Fransisco in mid October and as a bonus we got to see Uncle Andy, Aunt Kayla, Aidan and Jonah. We had a wonderful time as usual and can't wait to go back, Margo/Grammy spoiled us rotten! Here is what we did in no particular order.

Alcatraz in the background

Anne was wounded at the sourdough bread store

Bread Bear

We rode the trolley from Union Square to Fishermen's Wharf. I LOVE riding the trolley!

Abby catching some zzzz's with Grandpa.

Aidan and Anne enjoying their burgers

Waiting for the train to San Fran

Ice Cream!

Playing in the backyard

Cousins and Grandpa

Seeing the Sea Lions
They smell terrible!

East Texas State Fair 2010

2010-09-30T10:24:00.009-05:00

We had a great time at the fair this year. This year the girls were old enough to enjoy the rides and different exhibits. We had a blast!

Dinner and a Show
We ate hamburgers, hot dogs, and cheetos while watching the sea lions perform.

The Racing Pig Trailer

Piggy #1

Piggy #2
She is a very serious pig racing fan.

Piggy #3

Anne the Astronaut

Junior Firefighters

Jack Hanna

2010-09-24T10:21:00.004-05:00

We went to hear Jack Hanna speak at the Caldwell Zoo last week. The entire event was free to zoo members and we even caught a glimpse of the baby cheetahs! Jack didn't bring all his animals, but he had some great stories. I could have listened to him for hours. It was fasinating for my mom and I. Did you know that there are only four privately owned credited zoos in the nation and Caldwell is one of them?

The kids got a little fidgety, but over all enjoyed the experience. The Garred's came, much to Anne and Abby's delight.

A&M vs. SFA

2010-09-24T10:05:00.004-05:00

We missed the first game this season because we were at the beach. So the SFA game was our first. We left Tyler around eleven with every expectation that this game wouldn't be hot. I mean the game was at six o'clock. Surely it would be cool by then and our seats our the first ones to be in the shade when the sun sets. Boy were we wrong. At 9pm the sweat was dripping from our bodies. Abby insisted I hold her while she held her blanket. This cozy position was not very comfortable for a super hot four hour game. It would have been bearable if Abby had been semi-content that way, but the squirmed, whined, and wiggled the enitre time. This was Abby's first and last game this season. Babysitters are already lined up for future games. She will still come to College Station on Game Day she'll just go with a sitter during the game.

Notice our red faces

Abby and Anne's hair was wet with sweat!

Snow Cone