All Tuckered Out

Decorating for Christmas just wore Milly out. How did she get up there without disturbing the pillows and stuffed animals?

The People (and Dogs) of Thanksgiving

Can you find all five dogs in the picture above?







We had a super visit to Granbury for Thanksgiving. Milly has a new cousin (?) - a puppy name Precious who is a Chaweenie. Preciouse belongs to Trey and his fiance, Maria. Now Abby really wants a Chaweenie for Christmas!

Running the Flags

Jared is in the Interact Club at Longview High School. Club members have some duties at the home football games. These include making lots of noise blowing in zoolies (those things they blew at the World Cup soccer games) along with running the LOBO flags across the field when the Lobo's score a touchdown.

Jared is the second "O" in this video.

Halloween

Abby trick-or-treated in our neighborhood and one nearby. Jared went to a party and once again, I did not get a picture of him.

I Had a Little Turtle

I had a little turtle; he lived in a box.
He swam in the puddles; he climbed upon the rocks.
(Remember this song from preschool? If not, don't worry about it, just keep reading.)

A turtle has been living in our backyard for the past few years, and on Tuesday, Jamey found this little guy upside down on the sidewalk in the backyard. So...I'm thinking they must be related. Does this mean we have had two turtles living in our backyard? Abby has named him Herbie, and he is living in a box in our living room. Please note that his habitat has been improved since these pictures were taken.

A New Year

Jared and Abby had great first days of 10th and 7th grade, respectively.

The Shoot

Yesterday was the big day! Abby wrote an 18 page movie script called The Stolen Heart and then coordinated shooting with a visit from Sarah Lynn - who is a master at video editing! She had 5 friends come to the house from 10-5 and they filmed, had popsicles, filmed, had pizza, and filmed some more. Judging by the sound of the laughter, all participants had fun. I can't wait to see (and will share) what Sarah Lynn comes up with in terms of production. It should be noted that not only did Sarah Lynn do most of the filming, she also had a starring role as one of the jewel thieves. Jared played the other thief.

The View from (almost) 14,000 Feet

Last Thursday, Jamey, Jared, and I hiked up Uncompahgre. We were probably 1/8th of a mile from the peak when the dark clouds moved in. We decided we better turn around and try again next year with an earlier start!



You can see the pointed peak in the background of this picture we took closer to the trailhead where we started.

Chipmunks Like Goldfish - Who Knew?

Moose Siting

One morning we went up to Deer Lakes outside Lake City to look for moose. We had a brief siting early and then stayed to fish,feed the chipmunks, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I'm glad we stayed because we saw a moose! She came down from the woods, waded into the lake and ate for a long time.

Lake City Fourth of July

The Fourth of July in Lake City is always a blast! It starts with a parade and then the fun continues with a day full of competitions for every age from under 5 to 70 and over. It is was extra special this year because Amy, Charles, Sarah, and Brandon were there! We ended the day with a hotdog/smore cookout up on the mountain at the home of some friends of Mom and John and watched the fireworks from there.

Excitement in DC

We had a great trip to DC! More blogs to come with pictures but wanted to share one of the more exciting, unplanned, events that occurred. Neenee got stuck in the hotel elevator and the fire department had to be called to get her out.

Drum Roll, Please!

Jared got his Learner's Permit today!! Once we got into the neighborhood, he drove to our house and we picked up Jamey. Then Jared drove us around the neighborhood and Tealwood a few times.

Abby's Recital

Abby had her dance recital last night. This video is from the dress rehearsal Friday night. The videographer (me) was not too great, but I think you can get the idea.



She did a super job and had many ardent supporters.

Baseball Banquet

We wrapped up Jared's freshman baseball season with the Baseball Banquet. It was fun to see the boys out of uniform and all dressed up.

That Easter Bunny looks suspiciously like Jared....

Jared decided to do an egg hunt for Abby. She had fun finding the eggs but was glad he was there to consult regarding egg location.


And this Easter Bunny even hid some eggs on the roof!

Happy 90th Birthday, Helen!

Okay, so I am behind on my blogging and am trying to catch up. In March, we went to Little Rock to celebrate my Great Aunt Helen's 90th birthday. It was a very special occasion.

Then and Now

Then



And Now - almost 11 years later!



I wouldn't have thought his passion for baseball would have lasted all these years. But as Jared wraps up his freshman baseball season at Longview High School, I can definitely say it has!

It is finished!

Just in time for pretty spring weather, Abby's art studio is finished! Flooring is in, walls are painted, supplies are stocked. She is ready to crank out the masterpieces.

Welcome to the Big Leagues (the biggest so far, anyway)

Jared had his first scrimmages this weekend as a high school freshman. Friday night he played left field and caught two fly balls. Saturday he pitched two scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. He also had a great hit and a sacrifice bunt. He did all this after having had the flu Sunday - Thursday. It was sure fun to watch!

Care to Dance?

Abby went to her first school dance last night. It was the Foster Middle School Winter Formal. She was asked by a boy (via text message!) but opted to go with friends instead.