A visit with new cousins!

Well, I suppose they aren't new cousins, but we had never previously met them, and we had a blast with the Tidwells! Can't wait until they come back through Dallas.

Parker and Clay had fun jamming.

We took the kids to Main Event, which was a huge hit!

Neal's band was playing up in Roanoke, so we had a fun time up there. This picture was taken right after Miles, Corban and Parker ate some seriously sour candy.

Neal and his band (Dave, Will and Rich).

Magnolia Market Trip

I had such a fun time on Friday driving down to Waco with some friends to check out the Magnolia Market! I had gone once before, with Neal, but of course it's a whole different thing to go with 18 girlfriends! We left around 9 and arrived around 10:45, shopped the market then ate lunch out on the lawn. The food trucks are amazing and it was absolutely perfect weather for lounging about for a while.

 Then we walked down the street a bit to a cute shop called The Findery. My friend, Lindsey, kept snapping pictures of me I guess she liked my outfit? She is crazy. I was calling her my paparazzi.

Post-shopping, pre-lunch!

We had yummy sandwiches and then some crepes! This is me with Alecia and Sheryl. They are dear friends!

Lastly, we stopped at Harp Design Co, which is also featured on Fixer Upper. This shop was super cool. There were a few things I wanted, but the quantities were limited and my friends snatched them up. Alas!

Seriously, the best weather! We have had the best winter ever.

Waiting to order at the Milo truck. Yum!

Februaryness

Life is crazy busy and full of wonderful things! Sometimes it's good to just dump all the photos! :)

February means Western Day at Florence Elementary!

Miles and his buddies on Western Day (Kel, Benjamin, Cameron, Miles and Michael).

Neal joined a music group with some guys from church. They played at a local taco joint and it was a fun night! He plays the cajon and sings. This picture is funny because since he sits on the cajon, he looks tiny.

Audrey, Julia and Madie before a fireside one evening. These girls have been buds since they were seven!

Miles made it into the spelling bee at school. I think he ended up in seventh place, which was pretty good, since it was out of 30-something kids, most of whom were fourth graders!

Audrey's painting won third place in her age group at a local art contest. Here, she is shaking hands with the dignitary in attendance (a member of the library board). Ha!

My dear friend, Jill, had a sweet little baby boy this month, and Miles never minds when I'm late picking him up from their house after school. Jill snapped this one afternoon.

It's not a good idea to sit in this seat if Trooper is in the car. He claims it regardless.

Audrey and some of her Mia Maid buddies before a stake dance. Cute girls!

People over here still read a lot. Especially through meals . . . 

We had this little green anole living in our front window for months. He was so quiet and peaceful, and we assume he was eating bugs. He was also nearly impossible to catch. Until one day last week. Audrey nabbed him, gave him a smooch and put him in a tree out front. We're pretty sure he'll be better off. But it's kind of hard to know! Life seemed pretty good for him there in the window.

Audrey's Art

Audrey's art teacher is always sure that her students enter their art into as many local and international contests as possible. Her pieces have won some awards here and there, which is always fun! These first few are from 2014/2015.

"I am Thankful For" Eurasian Association of DFW Entry 2014

Fort Worth Stock Yard Art Show Entry 2015

State Fish Art Contest 2015

Space Exploration Contest 2015

Duck Stamp Contest Entry 2015

Fort Worth Stock Yard Art Show entry 2016

First Place winner at "I am Thankful For" Eurasian Association of DFW Contest 2015

Mercy Chefs

We had a few tornados come through the area and Audrey and I had the opportunity to go help with some of the relief. We hooked up with an organization called Mercy Chefs and went out to Garland one evening to see what they needed us to do! Our friend, Jill, came with us. We prepped food in a truck for breakfast the next morning, then went on deliveries in the surrounding neighborhoods with a nice man who had given up a whole week of work to offer his service. It was an amazing experience and we were so glad we were able to help!

December Stuff

Having a birthday at Young Academy is always fun. My friend, Carol made these delicious cupcakes in the shape of a pencil. I mean!

This was at Cane's one night. Who knows why, but it sure looks funny! We were on our way to a concert in Plano, where Uncle Mark and our friend, Madie were singing with the DMCO.

As you can see above, Neal had surgery, actually back in November. It was a bit of a rough road for a week or so, but once he went back to work and got used to the aches and a little additional fatigue, things seemed to get back to normal.

Parker and Tyler made a bunch of little trinkets on their 3D printers to sell to their friends at school. 

I took Miles, Dillon and Matthew, my Bear scouts, on a tour of the Keller Police Station. The officer was so great; we had a lot of fun!

The week after that, we lucked out with a tour of the fire station!

It took us a while, and I had to do all the heavy lifting, but we finally got a Christmas tree! It was our biggest tree yet.

Miles was in charge of lights.

Later in the month, we had a piano recital. Miles was chosen by Ms. Ruby to play the "Premusic." He did a great job and looked so handsome.

I found this beautiful flower crown on Etsy and just had to get it for Audrey's Christmas dress. She looked so lovely.