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.  

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.  

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!

Saying Goodbye to One

As I was getting Ridley ready for bed tonight, I am full of mixed emotions.  I can't believe my sweet sunshine will be two tomorrow.  I will kiss those adorable cheeks one more time, and tomorrow I will begin the terrific twos!  I love you, Ridley Claire!

Last Evening

It is hard to believe our time in paradise is over for this year.  We enjoyed relaxing and playing in beautiful Anguilla.  Making memories that will last a lifetime.  

We will be back next year!

Starfish

Right off Meads Bay there are underwater treasures.  This is one of those moments that will be a  lifelong memory and story.  Several starfish were spotted while snorkeling, and John Chris brought one up for us to take a closer look.  We all were amazed.  

Snowman Plate

It is finally ready!  After the first one broke while being fired, we had to start over.  I am very pleased with this year's plate.  So sentimental!

So Sad

I was so disappointed to get this picture.  Every year I have the kids make a hand or foot print plate.  This is my treat to myself for Christmas.  I was really looking forward to getting the plate, but it broke in the firing process.  The artist was nice enough to offer to make a replacement, but it will be after Christmas.  I do love how the snowman design turned out.  I can't wait to remake it.  Cross your fingers!

Another Day in Paradise

We could just stay here.  Everyone is having a great time, and I love being disconnected from technology.  Sitting in the shade of the beach umbrella with Ridley, I watch as my boys play and have a blast.  I am in paradise.

After a full day of playing and swimming, we all dressed up a little bit to go out for dinner.  I jumped at the chance to take a few pictures of my family looking so handsome and pretty.

We enjoyed out last dinner at Viceroy, which is absolutely gorgeous!  Reed didn't make it very long tonight.  He fell asleep with the first bite of food.  John Chris had to wake him to make sure he chewed.

Ryland and I sat in these cool chairs and gazed out at the night view of Meads Bay.  

Another Great Day

We brought Ridley a little pool to keep cool in under the umbrella.  It was perfect for her and myself or her and two brothers.

I love all the smiles.

We stopped in at the post office to mail a few postcards to our friends and family back home in the states. 

Ryland was the photographer during our grocery stop.  Who needs heads?

Where is Reed?  He is camouflaged and very happy.  

Ridley sat in a highchair for the first time tonight at Oliver's.  We had their amazing stingray and had a beautiful view of the ocean below. 

Father's Day at Fossil Rim

We spent the day in Glen Rose to celebrate Father's Day, and it was so much fun.  We drove down about mid morning and had lunch at a local bar-b-que restaurant.  The boys were intrigued by the rustic decor and the picnic table set up.  We then headed to Fossil Rim about 3 miles away. 

We all were amazed at our few hours driving through Fossil Rim.  It is about 1400 acres of wildlife refuge just a few miles southwest of Ft. Worth.  There are several different species to see and learn about.  We drove the meandering road through while we fed the amazing animals, all the while reading our brochure to learn more about them.  By the end of the trip, animals were eating out of our hands and even a giraffe was fed through the sunroof. 

Everyone LOVED today!  Even Miss Ridley who missed all the awesome animals while she napped in the floorboard of the truck.  Happy Father's Day to the best dad ever.  John Chris, we love you so much and appreciate the wonderful life with you.

Camping Out

Ryland & Reed wanted to camp out in their tent, and their awesome dad agreed.  They set up everything in the backyard and then caught some zzzzs.  John Chris, on the other hand, realized how hard the ground is and how an aching body feels the next day.  

Making memories with the boys!

Christmas plate 2012

The Christmas plate that we ordered in November came in, and I was so very pleased!  I absolutely love it!  I couldn't wait to get it home to display it in the kitchen. 

 

Great Friday

Today was the last day of early voting, so we headed to Town Square to cast our votes.  The boys were a huge hit, and everyone had to talk to them and give them stickers.  Even Brown Bear got a sticker for voting.

 

 

Reed loved the stickers and put them on each cheek.

 

Later that evening, we decided it would be fun to camp out in the backyard.  It was the first time the boys have slept in a tent outside, so we weren't sure how it would go.  They had a blast setting everything up, and Brown Bear was there to help out too.

We played Go Fish, Memory, and told stories until we started getting tired.  All the boys went to sleep and slept through the night.  I, however, didn't sleep. Oh well, it was worth the wonderful memories of fun.