Texas Style Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Texas has been very different for us for a few reasons.  1.  No family nearby  2.  Warm weather and 3.  A whole week off of school instead of a few days. 

 So... we do things a little bit different... like awesome friends instead of family.  (Don't worry.... Football is the same anywhere in America... I suspect)

 My cute friend Alisha.

 Andrew was so excited to spend Thanksgiving with his best buddy Roman.

 Since it's different anyway we decided to do it all the way different.  We did not have turkey.  Instead Aaron pulled out his smoker and spent that day smokin' up some ribs and sausage.   I think that may be a tradition that sticks.

Our gratitude tree.

 Chelsea and her baby Avery

Oh... and pie.  Couldn't change that up... it's perfect just the way it is.  :)

And then there's the question of what to do with the other 4 days of vacation.  I think we found the perfect solution.  Shamu was by far my favorite, but everything was awesome.

 We were amazed to find that we could actually pet the dolphins for only $6 (the price of the little fishies to feed them.)

I didn't get a picture of this, but I wanted to remember that Lizzy shocked us all by deciding to ride the big  roller coaster with Aaron (Electric Eel I think).  Only the day before she said no way... no how... she'd rather die first.  The next morning she woke up in the hotel room and said... I'm going to ride the roller coaster today... and she did.  It was awesome.  And she loved it.

Ordinary Days (Fall Version)

 Trying to use my vast supply of pumpkin that I canned last year.  Yummy.

 I love the kids Thanksgiving production at school.  Lizzy did it in 1st grade and Andrew got to this year.  If that kid isn't adorable.... I don't know what is.  His favorite part was in this line when they say, "Praise the Lord!"

 Great fall weather means lots of outdoor time.  This "boat" was entertainment for a few afternoons.  Aaron later told me that I should have inspected those old boards they found behind the shed for rusty nails, but luckily no injuries occurred from this creation of theirs.

A few weeks after I got my new camera I dragged the kids to the park for an impromptu photo session.  Okay... I still have much to learn, but I'm loving this camera and I have cute kids.... so that helps.

Who needs toys.  Seriously.  We love boxes around here.

Soccer Season

One of the many great joys of Mom-hood is watching your kids get better and better at something they work at.  You can almost see their confidence grow as they practice and then.... have small successes.  That was soccer season this year for Andrew.  He improved so much and got to where he really understood the game and loved it. 

 One thing I love about Andrew is his desire to learn... all the time.  He developed a wonderful habit this soccer season.  After each game... we'd all pile into the van and he'd say... "okay Dad, what do I need to work on?"  And he really wanted to know... and then he worked on it. I love that humility and quest to improve.  Go Andrew.

 Lizzy and Sam got to enjoy these sunny Saturday  mornings as well.  Lizzy usually had a book and Sam usually got in trouble several times each game for trying to join the soccer game.  Just a few more years buddy.  :)

Andrew and his medal with Coach Troy.  They did happen to have an undefeated season by the way. :)

Happy Birthday to Me

So we only have one picture from my birthday and this is it.  I wish it'd been better.  I would like to better show the cake that Aaron came home early from work to make me... from scratch.  Yes.  I know.  I'm a lucky gal.  The table runner in the picture was a b-day gift from my Mamma too.  So we only took one picture and the battery died.  Aaron tossed aside the camera in frustration which I didn't really understand at the time.  After a fun family dinner I found out why he showed such disdain for our camera.  Aaron has been doing some extra editing work on the side the past few months.  He made some good money and I've asked him a few times what he intended to do with it.  He refused to tell me.  But for my birthday I received something we have both been wanting for a long time and I found out where that money went.  An awesome... real life fancy schmancy SLR camera.    It's so nice and I am excited and totally intimidated all at once.  This blog might have to be victim to picture overload now.  Well.. after I figure out how to use it.  What fun.  Thanks to my awesome family and friends who made the day so special.

Fire Station

Sam had already decided to be a fireman for Halloween when this opportunity came to visit the firestation.  Our friend Tiffany set it up and our little preschool group went a few days before Halloween.   Sam wore his costume and was in awe all day. 

Aaron is a Beast

This summer Aaron up and decided that he was going to do the Livestrong Centennial Ride (100 miles) in Austin this fall.  He had only a few months to get ready and he worked his tail off.  His committment was so impressive.  Numerous people  who rode and trained with him have since commented to me that "Aaron is a beast".  I've learned that this is a good thing.  For bikers atleast.  He's tough.  I already knew that, but I'm glad that everyone else can know too.  We are so proud of him. 

 Aaron and Todd getting ready early that morning.



Halloween

We had such a spooktacular Halloween this year.  I loved every  minute of it.  Here are a few pics from our fun this year.