Texas Christmas 2016

In anticipation of being in Alaska for Christmas break, we decided to celebrate with my in-laws and the kids before leaving so we wouldn't have to bring presents for them to open to Alaska.


We set up the tree and a few Christmas decorations to enjoy for the few weeks before heading out.

Notice that the tree got lights, but I never got around to putting any other decorations on it knowing it wouldn't be up for long.

Starting Christmas off right with a visit to Bass Pro Shops!

"Christmas Eve"

Excited and ready to go downstairs!

My exciting haul.
Note: Compression socks recommended by my eye Dr. to help prevent future blood clots while flying to AK.
Not pictured: the chalk board eraser that made all my Christmas wishes come true. Thanks, Zach! <3

Lucy with her spoils.

Clara's loot.

Henry's bounty.

Also not shown: All the winter clothes and gear purchased for our Alaska trip.

 Apparently I never took a picture of Zach, Kay, or Greg's gifts. Oh well.


Merry Fake Christmas!

Water Table Time!

Zach promised Lucy that as soon as the temperature hit 60 degrees that he would fill up the water table for her. This day it hit 81 degrees! A nice heat wave for these water babies to enjoy before it got cold again.

January 20, 2015
Heat wave!

Sweetie sisters. <3

Family Pictures Spring 2014

After the success of the sister photo shoot our friend did with Lucy and Clara, I immediately tried to schedule a time to take family pictures with all of us. Just after squaring all the details away, our talented photographer found out that she was moving! She graciously agreed to still take them, but with the disclaimer that it might take awhile to get the final product.

I did not mind one bit! I was just so grateful that she was willing, and able, to take them at all!

Here they are! They were so worth the wait!

The only way this could be any better is if there was a little Peter-boy right in the middle of this love-fest.

So in love. 

Sweethearts for life.

Sister love.

I can't say thank you enough, Kimberly!

I can't wait to print and hang some of these amazing photographs in our new home. It feels amazing to have another goal for the year almost accomplished!

Bluebonnets 2014

When we first moved to our new home I started asking around for a good photographer for family pictures. I was quickly recommended to a lovely lady from our new church congregation. I made it a point to meet her and we briefly discussed my desire to have her take pictures for us, but since it was the busy winter holiday season, I let her know that I wasn't in a hurry, and would gladly wait until the spring or whenever she had more time.

Fast forward to April of this year when I saw her post some adorable pictures of her daughter frolicking in a field of bluebonnets. I had to jump on that! She graciously agreed to take pictures of our girls with the flowers before they disappeared.

Here are the glorious results!

Sister Love.

The light was gorgeous.

Sharing a sniff of a flower.

Loving that bead necklace.

A behind the scenes shot.

Oh, I just love that toothy smile.

So, so lovely.

I was beyond happy with how lovely they turned out. A mother's dream! I only wish I could hire her every spring for bluebonnet pictures. Thank you a million times over, Kimberly!

Food, Food, Glorious Food!

Whenever Boyd comes to visit we can count on three things:

1. Lots of lounging around/relaxing while watching movies

2. Lots of game playing

3. Lots of good food!



It's time for cooking, baking, and eating!

Boyd's favorite: Apple Dumplings.

Shakshuka, or poached eggs in tomatoes and onion. Courtesy of Andrew.

So yummy! Serve with warm pita bread.

Roasted parsnips, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms with some pink Himalayan salt.

Roast lamb. Via Andrew.

Testing out the  cookbook we got Andrew for Christmas.

Gougère : Cheese puffs

Andrew treated us to crab legs!

Cheese party!

I'm drooling just looking at these pictures again. 

So yummy! These are actually served in hollowed out fruit! Find at a Costco near you. Perfect for a spa night. 

Boyd: the baby food whisperer

Homemade pizza with Great Harvest bread dough for crust. Yum!

Cinnamon rolls

Boyd and Andrew, come back soon! I'm hungry!