The Ranch

Grand Pop was in town visiting, so we took him out to the ranch to do a little hunting.   I really should say a little shooting, because there was absolutely no danger to the wildlife.  We put out lots of stinky pig treats and rode around the property on the mule.  Ryland loves it out here, and I could see him living out in the country when he gets older.  This is definitely his element.

While we were riding around on the mule, we came across several wild hogs.  John Chris and Grand Pop jumped off the mule and took aim.  A few shots later it was clear that the hogs were lucky and escaped without harm.  I am not sure about these shooters or their guns.  A little more target practice may be needed.  

I sat on the porch with my boy, Ryland, and we talked about life, hunting, and sports.  I am reminded how fast he is growing up.  

Monster Jam 2017

We continued the monster truck tradition, but this year we watched from a suite.  It was a fancy change from previous years, but it was still a great time.  The children had a blast playing with one another and pigging out!  The freestyle competition was a little lack luster, but we will be back next year.

Medieval Times

Instead of gifts for Christmas this year, we decided to start doing fun family experiences with the Brashears given to each other.  This year we picked Medieval Times for an awesome night of fun.  We had fantastic seats on the front row in the center.  Ryland, Reed, and Benton loved cheering for black and white knight.  It was awesome seeing them get into it!

Emory cheered on our knight, and he stopped to throw her a beautiful carnation.  This made Ridley extremely jealous, and she started pouting.

The knight came back around two more times and did not throw Ridley a flower, so she was upset.  The knight then presented a ribbon to one lucky lady in the crowd, and he selected Ridley.  By this point, she was so pissed.  She wouldn't slide the ribbon off the joust stick.  I slid it off, and she traded it for Emory's carnation.  Hahaha!  Girls! 

We had a wonderful night, and we all agree this was better than purchasing gifts for one another's children.  What will we do next year?

Ridley's 3rd Birthday

 Ridley celebrated her 3rd birthday on a beautiful afternoon at Bicentennial Park.  We lucked out and had gorgeous weather, so we just had to move the party.  She had lots of family and friends join the celebration.  

Ridley is a fun, silly, and active chicka.  She keeps her brothers in line and doesn't take any crap.  We love her no-nonsense way of dealing with them.  She is also very girly and loves dolls and make up.  She enjoys dancing, coloring, and being outdoors. 

Ridley could swing for hours.  

Ridley and her friend from school, Brooklyn, loved it!

Sleeper Sofa Drama

We have been getting ready to celebrate Ridley's birthday, so we had a few extra things to do around the house.  John Chris was out of town, so we had to get creative.

I want everyone to be comfortable and have a space to sleep, so I purchased a sleeper sofa.  I was thrilled that it came in time.  The only issue is how to get it home and upstairs, ready to use.  I rented a truck at Home Depot, which really upset Ridley.  She did not like the work truck. 

I drove to the store, helped load the sofa, and then drove home.  I was racing the rain that was starting to fall as I unloaded the heavy sofa and pushed it in the garage.  I then had to take the truck back and pick our truck up.

If all that wasn't enough.  I had to figure out a way to get the sofa upstairs to the loft.  I had two strong boys help me carry it up, all while being on the edge of throwing my back out.  Good news, we made it.  The sofa is comfortable and ready for someone to get a goodnight's sleep.  

Christmas Fun Continues

We are enjoying our family time together and playing with every new toy.  Today, we are making homemade cotton candy.  It was pretty interesting to learn how cotton candy is made and watch the hard candy turn into thin strings.  It was very easy to find a few cute taste testers.

The bickering brothers discovered a new "punishment" today.  Hug it out timeout!  Ha!

Ridley wore herself out playing with all her new dolls.  Tonight she chose to sleep with Elena.  Such a sweet cuddler.

Christmas Eve

We enjoyed an amazing Christmas Eve service at White's Chapel.  The message of joy, love, and peace spoke to our hearts, and the children really liked the parachute candy and the snow machines at the end of service.

Before we could go to bed, we sprinkled the reindeer food across the front yard.  Hopefully they like glitter and oatmeal.  

Santa knew just what to bring the kiddos.  Bikes, dollhouse, foosball table, Shopkins, and lots of Under Armour!

Six Flags

It was warm today, so we made a quick trip to Six Flags with the Nesters.  It is awesome with short lines and so few people.  Everyone had a blast!

Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is up and decorated.  The kiddos had fun helping with the ornaments and reminiscing with each ornament.  This is such a special time for our family, and our house if full of joy.

Thanksgiving in Bossier

Our next visit was in Bossier with Lizee & Pops.  We stayed with Aunt Emily & Uncle Jeffery, so we were able to visit and play with Ellison.  The children loved playing games with Lizee while Pops rests.

Pops and his grand girls

Cabo

We had an amazing family vacation in Cabo!  The house was great and had an awesome view from the patio and infinity pool.  It was very relaxing to gaze out to the ocean from high on the hill.

The boys loved to fish from the shore.  One evening after dinner, we all headed down to the beach to catch some fish.

Ridley and I got bored quickly, so we started playing photoshoot.

I love this picture!  No filter and such a surprise when I glanced back through the camera roll.  

My boys loved to run from the waves and cheer on their Dad.

The boys spent one afternoon at the kids camp, and they had a great time.  They made pinatas and did face painting.

The crew!

The boys were in a silly mood.  The girls were over it.

Before bed, the kids all piled up in the downstairs den to watch a movie before bed.

The boys went out fishing, so the girls took a tour around the property.  The view from the top of the mountain overlooking the beach was gorgeous.

We blinked, and we were headed back home.  The vacation went by very quickly and was tons of fun.  Everyone is worn out!

Dragon Night at the Rangers Game

The Rangers were cheered on by lots of Dragon fans tonight.  It was Southlake Carroll ISD's night at the ballpark.  It was an awesome game, and we all had so much fun.  We stayed for the entire game and enjoyed the firework show afterwards.   

Easter Sunday

He is Risen!

Nature Trail

We spent a few days in Austin at the Barton Creek Resort.  I had heard wonderful things about the resort and how perfect it is for families. We explored the outdoors and went for a hike.  It was a beautiful day with my precious family.

Mermaid Party