Thank you, Santa!

Santa was very good to the kids this year. Brock was able to get his DSi and Addison got her hot pink ipod. They also received a letter from Mr. C that told them to open their new luggage that he had left for them. When they opened their suitcases, Brock had Goofy waiting for him and Addison had Daisy. Each stuffed animal had a note attached telling the kids that we would be flying out for Disney World in # days.

They are thrilled!



After a wonderful, relaxing day of playing with all of our new things,
the kids went to bed and began dreaming of Disney.

Let the countdown begin!

Christmas Eve Tradition

Our Christmas Eve tradition is quickly becoming a trip to the ICE presentation at The Gaylord Texan. We love that place! It seemed more crowded this year, but we all still had a good time. Waiting in the 1st line.
Waiting in the 2nd line.
I left the pic of the 3rd line out!

Here we go....10 degrees.

Brock found someone who loves Blankey Dankey as much as he does.

Michael is in the doghouse!

The ice nativity is our favorite.

Until next year....Merry Christmas!

From Our House To Yours...

Merry Christmas

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

I would love to have an ipod for Christmas.

I also want Tangled.

Please tell Dancer he is my favorite reindeer.

Love, Addison

P.S. Please write back. Bye!

Dear Santa,

I want a DSI for Christmas.

How are your reindeer?

How is Mrs. Clause?

I really like Rudolph.

Love, Brock

P.S. Please send me a letter back.

Back to School

School started last Monday for us. Both kids got the teachers we had been praying for all summer. Brock is in Ms. Gilbreath's class (she was also Addison's kindergarten teacher). He loves her mostly because he KNOWS she loves him. He has some good friends in there too, so it is going to be a great year for B. Addison is in Mrs. Pine's class. Michael and I are a little worried that Mrs. P is going to kidnap our girl. They are two peas in a pod! Foo-foo, Bling-bling, etc. Addison is in heaven :)

We couldn't be happier for our kiddos! Brock with Ms. Gilbreath....the most precious 1st grade teacher.

Addison with Mrs. Pine.....the best 3rd grade teacher in the world!

We had a little storm blow through that afternoon. Thankfully Michael was home and was able to get the dogs inside before the winds hit. This is the result of some nice straight-line winds. Yes, we just bought that trampoline in June!

Can you spot the trampoline in this picture?

The nice green circle where the trampoline use to be.

The trampoline didn't go down without a fight.

It took the swingset with it.

Time for a backyard makeover!

Fun on the Lake

Some of our friends bought a boat a few weeks ago. They invited us out with them last weekend to go tubing. This was a first for our kids. Brock had no fear. Addison had to have some convincing that she would have fun. Our sweet girls, Jenna & Addison

Precious little Conner

My favorite little man

Addison's first time on the tube was hard, but she soon loosened up and had a great time.

Tyler and Addison having a turn and lovin' it!

Conner and Brock

I think their faces said it all.

When they got too hot, all the kids (big and small) jumped in the lake.

MMMMMM......Lake Water :)

Last but not least, the big boys joined the fun.

Addison and Michael getting ready to take off.

Here they go....

Michael had just as much fun as the kids.

Thank you, Mark and Jennifer, we all had a great time!

Hotel Pool

The olympics were held in the metroplex this year, but we stayed at a hotel anyway so Michael wouldn't have to commute for four days. I enjoyed not having to cook, clean or do laundry. The kids loved being able to hang out at the pool. Here is the calm before the storm.

Another fireman family joined us shortly afterwards.

Addison was too scared to get in the pool after the commotion erupted.


She started posing instead of swimming.


If I were that cute, I would pose too!

Firefighter Olympics

Michael competed in the firefighter olympics last week. He played softball one day and shot archery for two days. The kids and I were able to be with him during softball, but archery is not much of a spectator sport. So we enjoyed some lazy days at home while Michael hung out in the heat. Michael was the only pitcher on the team.

He did a great job, but that is not his best position on the field.

He does his best work in the outfield.

He swung the bat very well.

Brock liked watching Daddy play the sport he loves so much!

Addison just tried to stay cool!



Michael won gold, silver and bronze medals in archery.

He improved from last year. Next year we expect a gold medal sweep!