dog gone fun birthday

For her 10th birthday, back in June, she wanted it all about dogs. Nike brought her breakfast in bed - a favorite birthday tradition at our house.

She planned a dog themed party for her friends - they made dog tags for a dog collar, decorated water bottles, saw the movie Marmaduke (about a dog of course), and ate a dog paw print cake out of dog bowls. She had a blast!

She received all kinds of nice gifts...

Happy Birthday sweetie! You are one special daughter and we love you!

dragons tackle football
Spring 2010

All those years of flag and it was time to give tackle a try before going into Middle School with no experience. And boy, it was a good thing we did. Tanner showed his usual great quarterbacking skills, but there was a definite learning curve as far as hearing footsteps of some bigger dudes coming at you, full speed, wanting to stop you in your tracks. I think Tanner shed some tears the first four games, but then he started to get a feel for it. He made great improvements and enjoyed having his dad and Jeff coach him one last time.

Taking control in the huddle.

Look at that form!

Favorite receiver, Connor #11, caught that ball.

Love these two!

And it isn't football unless you have a few elbows like these. Great job Tanner! So proud that you pulled through to keep your dream of playing in the NFL alive!

5k

I tried. I really tried. Chelon and I practiced running for months and this was what we thought might be the thing to make us "runners," a fun run for a cause (the cause was for the Georgetown High School Volleyball team which really meant nothing to us, but it was the right price and on a good day for us). People said it would be addicting. I was skeptical. It was one super tough run for me. I ran 3.1 miles of it. It took me 35 something minutes. Clearly my "run" is more like a fast walk. Woo hoo! I had done it. I felt I did the best I could do. Goal accomplished!

But never again. Not addicting. Not fun. My lame attempt at jumping in the air was meerly that I'd never have to do it again. It was fun with the ladies and they definitely kept me going. Thanks ladies, but next time, I'm walking!

first tooth

My baby grows up... aaaaah. So excited and proud of herself to pull it out!

love visitors

Huy's cousin, Nate, and his wife, Meri, came for a visit over Memorial Day weekend from Dallas. It was great to spend some time with them and give them a small tour of Austin's finest stops...



...the capital



...barton springs

...and lake austin and the 360 bridge.

It was a beautiful day and fun to hop out at these places to say we had been there. (Lived here 7 years and never actually toured the capital. How sad is that?) It was great having them. Come again guys. It is about time again!

how do you do that?

For Kaylie's bestest friend's birthday party, her mom invited the mothers along to observe how to do a super cute hair-do on the girls. They were so patient waiting for each other before going to the Big Top Candy Shop in Austin. It was a lot of fun!

what do you see?


Taylin rocked her Forza soccer team this season. She was the most improved player for sure... voted by me. We are so proud of her hard work, not complaining when it was time for practice, and selling lots of candybars at her brother's football games, but mostly to her grandparents (and trust me, I ate my share and then some)!

Way to go Taylin! You are an awesome soccer player. We love you.

daylight savings

got up earlier than expected this morning. thought i would use the time to catch-up and blog a bit. one thing led to another and i found myself reading everyone else's blog (which i haven't done for a long time) instead of working on my own. feelings of inadequacies came over me - everyone is so awesome, doing wonderful things for themselves and their families, sharing their amazing talents, you know what i'm talking about, right? but then... my little one crawls out of her bed, finds me in front of the computer, snuggles up on my lap, puts her arms around me, and of course i reciprocate and love her yumminess in my arms, and she whispers, like she was just letting out her thoughts, "i love you." her sweet little voice melts my heart and all those feelings of inadequacies vanish. i am a good mom too i assure myself.

may madness
(yes, i know it is october and yes, the title is correct. i did mean may. i will get caught up. i will.)

it was a very busy month as you will see...



Kaylie performed at her kindergarten musical, not just singing either. Her part was...

"Exactly! And one sunny summer day, Toad baked some cookies to share with his friend Frog after dinner."

She was terrifical. (love that word from Ramona Quimby.)

Taylin's dad made a deal with her that if she cut her hair, she could choose a $100 or a cell phone. Excited for a cell phone, but sad to cut 8 inches off, she was able to donate it to Pantene.

(She received a return letter thanking her. It was actually very cool and she was pretty excited.)

Tanner took a field trip with the entire 6th grade (about 400 students) to the Reunion Ranch where they could play and eat until their little hearts were content. He played basketball, football, minature golf, ran obstacles courses, ate food, played on playgrounds, rode paddle boats, etc. etc. etc. I chaperoned, but wasn't really much help so I left.

And then Taylin's field trip was at a fun place too (the Cedar Park YMCA). I wasn't able to attend it with her, darn, but she said she had a good time. (At least I think that is what she told me some 5 months ago! : )

Where's Taylin?

Oh, there she is. See her big muscles?! Girls ruled the tug-of-war.

After being toted to these Wellness Days for several years, Kaylie was happy to be a participant for the first time.

They had a great time - but what kid wouldn't, right?

Someone graduated from Kindergarten! My big girl with those painted nails. What a cutie!

Kaylie had a super cute group of girl friends in her class. They got along very well and were buds all year long.



We are so proud of you Kaylie! You had a great year and learned so much and worked so hard. You are a cutie-pa-tootie and we love you!

Hip hop dancer and ballerina girl. Their dance recital was enjoyable as always. They both did a wonderful job. We were so proud! I sometimes think Kaylie does it just to get the flowers in the end!

Big man on campus receives some awards for A Honor Roll and Outstanding student in World Cultures. He juggles a busy schedule and does well in school. We are so proud! Way to go Tanner!

Almost done. Just a little bit more!

Last day of school, Kaylie enjoyed a luau party full of games and sweets. Her teacher, Mrs. Gustafson was awesome! We loved her. Thanks Mrs. G!

Taylin was a smartie all year long. She loved her teachers Mrs. O'Hara and Mrs. Scott and enjoyed learning. She has beautiful penmanship and loves to write. She is one good student! Love you sweetie. Great job on a great year!

phew! the end!