Trail Ride

As soon as we arrived in Colorado, the kids were drawn to the horses. Both kids quickly found their favorite horse. We decided to take a trail ride since both kids met the age requirements.
Surprisingly enough, Addison was the eager child for this activity. This was the first time she had ever ridden a horse and been in complete control. She did a great job! Brock, on the other hand, was a bit nervous. Glenn, the wrangler, let Brock ride behind him and kept the lead rope in hand...just in case.


The horses were great. The only issue was trying to keep them from eating the grass along the trail. I think my horse was starving. He started eating the second we left the ranch and he didn't ever stop.

Our view from horseback

As we got deeper into the forest, Glenn noticed a cow elk around the bend of the trail. When we approached, she ran deeper into the trees and we saw that she had just given birth hours before...the proof was still on the ground. The baby was so young, that it couldn't stand very well. It was a neat moment! The momma didn't go very far. As soon as we went away, she came trotting back. Then on our way back through, she was bedded down with it and as we passed she didn't move. She thought we didn't see her.

Here you go, April.

Addison's horse started trying to eat at the end. That girl would give the horse a jerk, a kick, and then they would move on. It was funny to watch our timid daughter man-handle that horse.

Addison now has horse fever.

Brock is sticking to the wild animals.

Vacation in Colorado

Our family was fortunate enough to spend this last week in Colorado on vacation. The day time highs were in the 70's and the lows in the 40's. It was a nice break from the heat wave we are experiencing in Texas. We stayed in a cabin on the Dolores River somewhere between Dolores and Rico. We were truly in the middle of nowhere...it was so nice. Addison posing on the bridge while the boys were fishing.

We didn't have much luck fishing off the bridge, so we ventured down the river a bit. Brock was the first to experience success. He was so proud of his rainbow trout!
Notice the barefoot fishermen...country boys!

I added some scenery pics. Yes, there is still snow on the mountains.

Many more pictures to come!

Saying Goodbye

We had to say goodbye to a very special member of our family this week.

When Michael and I began dating in the summer of 1998, I shared with him how much I loved schnauzers. After four months of dating, Michael took me to Canton and we found this little gray bundle of joy. The moment I picked her up, she laid her head on my chest and we instantly bonded. Michael and I didn't have a clue just how much this dog was going to change our lives. She was the beginning of our family.

We loved this girl more than anything.
When Addison arrived several years later, it was difficult for Allie to understand that she had to share us. This was the first night she acknowledged Addison. I was so happy. She accepted both kids, but didn't really want anything to do with them. Ironically, in the last months of her life, she was drawn to Addison more than anyone else.

Allie loved to be outside with us. Michael would chip golf balls and she would run after them. It was always a battle when she brought them back. She didn't ever want to give up the balls.

When she was a puppy she had a hilarious nighttime routine. About 9:00 she would put her tail between her legs, crouch down and run through the house like a crazy dog for several minutes. We called this her crack-baby act. It was so funny.

Allie Belle was my constant companion in bed. She had to lay in the middle of the bed under my arm. She was often cold and would bury herself under the blanket. We spent many hours snuggled together.

She absolutely hated going to the groomer and vet. Although she was beautiful after her trips to the beauty shop, she would pout for a while after returning.

She was our first baby and was treated like royalty.

Allie did not like the rain or snow. She was the best dog when it came to potty training, but all bets were off when any kind of precipitation came out of the sky. You knew she really had to potty when she went outside in the rain or snow.

We got Dottie when Allie was 9 months old. They quickly became known as "the girls". They have spent every day of their lives together ever since.I wasn't the only one who like to snuggle with Allie Belle.

This past January, Michael accidentally ran over Dottie with his truck. Thankfully, he only grazed her hip. Even though Allie was completely blind and deaf, she immediately went to check on Dottie as soon as she returned from the vet. Allie crawled in bed with Dottie and stayed there with her for the duration of the evening. They were true sisters.

This was our last morning with Allie.

We are so thankful for the many years with had with this sweet baby girl.

Our family is hurting right now. We miss our Allie Belle.

We know she lived a great life and is not suffering anymore, but it doesn't stop the hurting in our hearts. She was part of us....our family will never have another Allie.

Allie Belle

July 19, 1998 - May 17, 2011

Star Struck

Brock became a little star struck on Saturday. After an awesome game, we went to Joe Willy's to have a lunch. When we walked in, a man was standing in line in front of us. Michael and Brock went to the restroom to wash Brock's hands and I noticed all the kids were walking up to this man to get his autograph. When Michael returned, I asked him who he was. He smiled and said Marion Barber, running back for the Dallas Cowboys. Brock, who is in awe of any sports figure, became star struck. As a parent and a fan, I can say this this man was extremely friendly to every kid that approached him. He shook each one of their hands, took time to get their names and pose for pictures, eventhough he was trying to eat his lunch. We took our picture of Brock in line and then got Addison to get in one after we all finished lunch. This Cowboy has won over 4 more fans....he is more than an athlete. He was a Christian (notice the shirt) and he was a positive role model for our aspiring athlete.

Overdue

I am so behind with this blogging thing. Those of you who know me, know and understandy why. I will get caught up.....one day!

Opening Day 2011

Sweetness!

Happy Birthday, Brock!

Today we headed over to Cowboys Stadium to celebrate Brock's 7th birthday. He invited 3 friends and off we went to Arlington or Super Bowl City U.S.A. We started the party with a McDonald's tailgate party, except it was a bit chilly so the kids ate in the back of the car. Brock is holding the awesome cupcake that his mommy made for him. Aunt Mittye couldn't make his cake this year, so he had to settle for me. I think I did a good job, but the best baker in the family is obviously Aunt Mittye.

The Super Bowl transformation is underway.

The Legend

Waiting for the tour to start

Brock and Ethan taking it all in.

So the famous star was NOT on the field. They had the Super Bowl turf down, so we didn't get the full Cowboys experience. But it was still cool to be down on the field. We camped out on the 50 yard line for a while.

Yes, the screen is that big. The screen alone cost more than Texas Stadium in Irving. Seriously?

Inside the Cowboys locker room.

My favorite NFL player, Bradie James.

Chillin' in the luxury suite

Back in the locker room

Little Romo & Witten

Now little Austin joins us

The Cotton Bowl Offices

On the field

Michael enjoyed it just as much as Brock.

Michael tried to kick several field goals.

I'm not sure if he ever succeeded.

Brock's turn

Brock LOVED catching passes on the field.

Somehow I didn't get the cheerleaders on here. I'll have to do another post just for them.

Brockman, we love you and we thank God for you every day.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!