January Pictures

Just playing around with a new thing I figured out how to do with the blog....let me know what you think?

Mow Mow Man

Children's Museum with friends

Randi spent the night at her friend Caroline's house last night, and instead of wearing the jeans and t-shirt I sent for her to wear in the morning, she showed back up in this adorable sweater dress that Katherine (Caroline's mom) made! It's a little big for Caroline, so, lucky us, we get to borrow it for a few months. I'm sooo happy because I find it darn near impossible to find cute, warm dresses for Randi that are long enough for her long legs. So, if you have any sweaters in your closet that you don't want anymore, you know where to send them!

We took the kids to the Children's Museum to burn off a little more energy.

Randi is almost 4' tall!

Yes, that is my son...holding a girls' hand!
Oh my, I'm getting out my tissue...I'm not ready for him to be dating just yet!

Randi making me a card.

Checking out the little alligators.

Bat Boy!

Ryan with his friends Caroline and Jacqueline

I just adore Jacqueline's eyes!
They mesmerize me every time I see them!
And look at those curls....oh my!

Painting Party for Kylie's 6th Birthday

We helped celebrate Kylie's 6th Birthday by having a
little painting party at the Bisque Bistro.
The kids had lots of fun and made some cool stuff!
We can't wait to see what it all looks like after it's fired.

Kylie painted a Princess Tiara piggy bank

Ryan painted a Pig piggy bank

Randi painted a unicorn

And Hunter painted a frog

Happy Birthday Kylie!!!

Remember the Alamo

We had the pleasure of entertaining a sweet young girl named Silja who was here in the states picking up an Australian Shepherd from our friend Russ. Silja and her family herd reindeer in Sweden, so it was fascinating to get to learn about her life and culture. In return, Ryan and I shared a little bit of our culture with her and took her to the Alamo and had a great Mexican lunch on the Riverwalk....now how much more Texan can you get than that!!! We had a great time with her and already miss her bubbly spirit and infectious smile!

My little Daniel Boone!

Schlitterbahn Christmas

We finally made it over to Schlitterbahn...thanks to passes from Cousin Courtney....thank you!
The kids loved seeing Rudolph and getting to touch his red nose.

Randi was a crab on the carousel, but Ryan loved it!

Story time with Mrs. Claus

Getting ready to hit the ice! He has no idea what's in store for him!

Thank goodness Dad is there to help keep his feet from going everywhere!

I don't know if ice skating is in Ryan's future!

At least he was game and never complained!

And then he finally started getting the hang of it.

This was Randi's second time on the ice, so she was an old pro at it.

Unfortunately for Michael, he did take one really good spill.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't have the camera out when he did it.
Fortunately for Ryan, Michael lifted him in the air when he fell back on his bottom, so Ryan never knew what happened and stayed on his feet the whole time...
bravo Daddy!

"The Ranch"

Right after Christmas we took the kids down to Papa's ranch for their very first "hunting" experience. Of course, I wouldn't let them go out with the group that was really hunting! Instead, we took out our own vehicle and kept things relatively tame.

For those of you who haven't been to the ranch, this is how they hunt in South Texas. And yes, you drive from up top.

Ryan watching some animals

Randi was a pro at spotting game

Ryan was itching to "shoot something" so Michael pulled over and let him shoot a cactus.

He was thrilled!

Don't be gettin' any ideas boy!!!

Of course Sis had to get in on the action too.

Ryan driving the high rack all by himself...watch out everyone!

See I did it mama and didn't even run off the road!

Randi & Cousin Cami

Now that's what I call a tractor!

I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever be able to get Ryan to leave this place!

Greg, the ranch manager and Ryan's new best friend!

Thanks Papa & Mimi for letting us come play with you.
We had a great time!