Beaver Creek 2018

We just returned from our annual ski trip to Beaver Creek.  As always, the Ranelles and Hus were wonderful hosts and we had a great, relaxing time away.  

Cory wasn't sure if he wanted to try adaptive skiing again but Dr. Hu was insistent that he try at least one day and offered to pay for his lesson.  The first day went so well that Cory decided to take a second day of lessons so he could get to the top of the mountain and ski with me and Heath again.  It had been four years since we've skied together and there are no words to describe how happy we all were when we saw him get off the chair lift at the top.  There may or may not have been some happy tears shed that morning!

Cory's instructor was wonderful and taught him a lot in just two short days.  By the end, Cory was controlling all the turns himself.  The instructor was just controlling his speed.

Just like every other year, the food on this trip didn't disappoint.  One night, we took a sleigh ride to Beano's- a restaurant on top of the mountain.

The last night, we went to Dr. Hu's house and had a catered dinner.  There were so many wonderful choices!

We are so grateful for this getaway each winter and look forward to it all year!  Getting Cory back on the mountain was definitely the highlight of this trip and something we will always remember!

January Little Things

2018 is off to a great start and we enjoyed a pretty low key January.  Here are a few of our little things this month:

Sometime last year, we started talking about my mom's fried chicken and realized that Craig had never had it.  Craig has been around for over 4 years which means it has been way to long since we have enjoyed one of our favorite meals.  So for Christmas, one of my mom's gifts to everyone was a fried chicken dinner! January 5th was the first day we were all available and we looked forward to it all week!  Most of the kids didn't remember how good her chicken was but quickly approved after a few bites!

It takes a LOT of chicken to feed our big family!  I completely overate that night and didn't regret one bite!  You never know when she's going to make it again so you have to take advantage when she does!

Meredith is on partial bedrest now so she and Holland stay with my parents during the week and go home on the weekend.  Lily loves to stay after school and play with Holland.  She is such a wonderful helper and Holland can't wait for her to get there every day.

Cory and I enjoyed a night out with his work last weekend.  We ate at The Capital Grille and it was delicious!  We always enjoy his work dinners and visiting with his co-workers.

My sweet friend Ashley had her grand opening for her new massage therapy business so we stopped by to support her.

Parker is a great helper with Holland too!  He's so sweet and patient with her and she adores him!

January flew by and we have a busy February coming up!  I wish time would slow down.  The years seem to get faster the older I get!

January Birthday Celebrations

The girls got to help two of their friends celebrate birthdays this month.  Lily went to a tea party at Elin's house.  They drank "tea" and ate cute finger foods.

Eden helped Grace celebrate her birthday at Buffalo Nickels- a nickel arcade in Burleson.

Parker and Lily went with her to the party and Parker scored big on one of the games!

Happy Birthday Elin and Grace!  We hope you felt very loved on your special day!

Sur la Table

For Christmas, Granna gave all the girls a cooking lesson at Sur la Table.  The lesson was on MLK Day since they were all out of school.  Granna picked them up on Sunday after church and took them shopping.  They all got some new things at Bath and Body Works.

On their way back into town, they stopped to visit Helen-Granna's old next door neighbor who now lives in assisted living.  The girls met and visited several of Helen's friends.

They ate pizza and played games until bedtime and then went to Suzannah's for breakfast before heading to their cooking lesson.

The girls enjoyed their class.  They made vegetable lasagna and ceasar salad.  Eden wouldn't try any of the food they prepared but the others said it was good!

Thanks Granna for such a fun experience!  I know the girls made lots of fun memories with you!

3rd Six Weeks Awards Program

The kids had their 3rd six weeks awards program today.  They all got awards for perfect attendance and A Honor Roll.  Parker also got the Grizzly Greatness Award for his class.  I was proud of him for earning this citizenship award.  I am always proud of my kids for making good grades but I am even more proud when they are recognized for having good behavior and treating others kindly.  Way to go, Parker!

Happy New Year

Happy 2018! 

It hardly seems like New Year since we just celebrated Christmas yesterday with my family.  We had a fun day opening presents and playing games with the cousins and then Eden left for her annual New Year's Eve party at her friend, Sara's, house.  

The girls always have a great time dressing up in fancy dresses and ringing in the new year with a dance party and balloon drop (at 10:00!).

The last few months of 2017 were quite eventful and I'm hoping we have a much calmer start to the new year.  I'm looking forward to another year of memories with our family!

Family Pictures 2017

Back in October, we went to Emily's house and had our annual family pictures made.  Lily wasn't in the best mood but we still managed to get some great pictures.

My favorite picture was one that we recreated from the very first year we ever had pictures made.  It was fun to compare them and see how the kids have grown and changed over the years!

At the very end of the session, we got all the grandkids together for a picture so we could surprise Granna with a canvas for Christmas.  They surprisingly all cooperated and we got a couple of great shots!

I love this wonderful family that I've been blessed with!  I feel so lucky to be able to call the mine!