Sesame Street Live!

This precious outfit is another wonderful handmedown from Erin and Sydney. I loved it because the dress material felt like Elmo and all the colors reminded me of punky brewster!

After Disney Playhouse in December, Nana felt that Ash must not miss out on Sesame Street in February. Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Telly, Count, Cookie, Monster, Oscar, Abbey Cadabbie, Zoe, Big Bird, etc danced and sang their hearts out for an hour and a half to the pleasure of hundreds of preschoolers. The marketing people at these shows really know their audience too. Prior to the show, you could buy t-shirts, stuffed animals, themed food and drink etc. But only at intermission could you buy ELMO balloons. The vendors came out as the lights came on with tons of these Elmo head balloons and all the kids went crazy to have them. $10 for a balloon. Of course I balked but Nana insisted that Ash could not be without this special prize in addition to the themed soccer ball, popcorn, pretzel & drinks that she enjoyed. Overall, Ash loved it and only wanted to watch Sesame Street videos all the way to Dallas this weekend.

Wildfire Roping in Salado, TX

On Valentine's day our little family loaded up in Chris' truck (per Miss A's request as she loves how high it sits and she can see out and tell us how to drive) and drove to Salado to see Justin and to watch our friend Josh Patton rope and try to win the $100,000 grand prize. The entry fee was $1,000 per person per time - which means that if your cow ran out and and you didn't catch it - $1,000 down the drain. Throwing this amount of money down the drain in just a few seconds is similar to Vegas but you are betting on the behavior of 2 animals - your horse and a calf and a piece of twine. However, I must be in the minority on this opinion as there were over 200 people entered to compete. There were so many super rich cowboy people there - I was in awe! Our friend Josh got to the 3rd round and his header missed the calf so he was out. No fun. But we did love hanging out with his sons Peyson & Pecos. They are Ashton's age and already roping on horseback - Amazing!

Miss A absolutely loved Justin and requested that he rope her and tickle her and well - she is just a flirt and was not intimidated by his burly gruff ways! I think he was smitten with her dramatic charm too!

In addition to my beautiful tulips and Miss A's new portable DVD player, it was a fun family valentines day and a fantastic break from the dissertation writing!

Valentines Party

Miss A & her school friends: Jacob, Sam, Colin, Gabrielle, Aubrey, & Aidan

Miss A & her friend Gabrielle

CHEEEEEESEEEEEE!!!!

Miss A & her friend Aubrey

Little Ash had her 1st valentines party at school. She gave out Wonderpets valentines and stated that she loved all of the candy - which she begs for, puts in her mouth and then spits out after about 1 minute and asks for another kind only to do the same process again. Thank you to Taylor & Maddie for the precious valentine handmedowns!

Bart & Francine's Wedding Reception

Sweet Baby Tylee is growing up fast!

Loving having Uncle Ronnie all to herself!

Bart & all of his brothers

Eating up all the time with Kathy & Helen since none of their grandkids were there

Snow angels minus the snow

Camille braided all of Miss A's hair making it even more of a special fro beaufont!

The Happy Precious Couple!

Getting a good (well deserved) spanking from GG!

Bart & Francine ran off and got married without inviting anyone - I mean really - how rude - sure they are consenting adults and didn't want all the drama but Tillie and Ken insisted on at least throwing a fun party to let everyone know how excited we are to have Francine in the family. Oh, my lord - I was so thrilled that her children and grandchildren are so precious and well - normal! I didn't get pics of all of her clan - but I tried. Overall, just wanted to say that we had a great time and Ashton was truly loving having other kiddos to play with in the family ~ adorable Camille, Kieran & Tylee!

Weekend w/ Uncle Tyler

I love love love it when Tyler comes to town and this weekend was so wonderful because the weather was fantastic! We ate too much, watch a few good movies and played at the park. Miss A always acts shy the first few minutes when Tyler gets there and this time he picked her up at school and she was shocked but it took all of 15 minutes to warm up to him and begin the endless "Tyler come see this" "Tyler come back here" "Tyler hold me". She can't wait until we go to Dallas in a few weeks to see the infamous "Blue" dog. Pretty fun Uncle!