A Step Back

We took a step back Monday night after the strong winds knocked out our power. It was about 6:30 pm, we had just finished homework, put supper in the oven and a load of clothes in the washer when everthing went quite.

We waited patiently while the last little bit of sun went down. After an hour and looking outside in all directions and seeing complete darkness we began to realize it may not be a quick fix. We went to plan b for supper...Frito Pie. We popped a can of chilli open, warmed it up on our GAS cooktop and opened a bag of Fritos in the pantry. Ryan started a fire with our GAS starter for warmth and light and we all 4 sat around the table to eat supper with a single flashlight. After supper we curled up on the couch by the fire, grabbed a stack of books and began reading with our flashlights as a family. 

It certainly made us take a step back and evaluate our nightly routines. Yes it may have been windy, but I think God had a message for us. It was actually a FABULOUS evening that honestly we don't make enough time for. We all have our normal routines but to be forced to take a step back and re-evaluate is something we should all do now and again!

Heart Day

So maybe Valentine's is a little overrated, those cardboard box Valentines are a little lame, but the sparkle in those eyes is the love in my heart!

We don't necessarily celebrate Valentine's in the traditional sense. No flowers, candy or dinner out for us. **We share our love for each other daily...why just one day a year?** Instead the kids enjoy sharing their goods with their fellow classmates. The cute creative little Valentine's are no longer an option as both now are old enough to voice their opinion. Mallory - Minnie Mouse and Dalton - well anything with sports. So I have learned to settle for the quick run to good ole Wal-Mart. After fixing and eating tacos on V-day we surprised the kids with some yummy ice cream treats instead of the traditional sugar rush of candy. Good thing because they certainly came home with plenty to share. Don't forget to share your love continuously with the ones you cherish most!!

Spring Training Camp

No little slugger can start the season without spring training camp can they? Dalton participated in the City of Brenham/Blinn College Spring Baseball Training Camp. The Blinn Buccaneers hosted the camp and taught the boys correct baseball fundamentals. We are now ready for some Little League play.

This past Monday was draft day. Dalton was drafted by the Minnesota Twins for his Pee Wee season. Practice begins in little over a week. Play ball...here's to a great season!

Birthday - Round 2

After the boys all went their seperate ways we loaded up and headed to the Downtown Aquarium - Dalton's second request. This was his time to spend with both sets of grandparents. We ended the day eating dinner in the Aquarium restaurant, another special treat for the day.

Dalton's 7th Birthday

I'm only 2 weeks behind in posting this. For Dalton's 7th Birthday we decided to let him have a sleepover party. He got to invite 6 of his buds for an evening of fun at his house. Many people thought we lost our minds. I'll admit I questioned myself at least once but had confidence we could do this. The overall party was simple and easy. I made his cake as requested, we picked up pizza, popped LOTS of popcorn and devoured donuts the next morning. Overall it was a SUCCESS!! No one was ready to leave the next morning which left a good feeling in my stomach - they all must have had fun.

Dalton and Barrett

The boys that made the evening so much fun...Colby, William, Dalton, Barrett & Austin

Colby, Barrett, Austin & William

Nerf war/guns were the #1 activity. William, Austin, Barrett, Colby & Dalton

Barrett, Colby, Dalton, Austin & William singing Happy Birthday.

Dalton blowing out all 7 candles.

Barrett and Colby

Dalton and Austin

Enjoying a few good laughs. They certainly could tell some stories. Colby, Dalton, Austin, Barrett, & William.

Dalton and Colby

Ripping into his presents.

Dalton and Austin

Dalton and William

I can't even remember how much popcorn I popped that night but I did not realize just how much they could consume that was for sure.

We got them settled about 10:00 pm with their 1st movie of the night, Ice Age - Continental Drift.

After a second movie and some serious persuasion for a couple, they were all asleep by 1:30 am.

They were up bright and early the next morning. We heard them stirring, talking and playing contently by 6:30 am. Austin and William enjoying donuts and OJ for breakfast.

The last group photo before they started parting ways. William, Barrett, Dalton, Austin & Colby.

This is where the parents had to prior them out of to leave.

After everyone left Dalton got to open his present from mom, dad and Mallory. Look at that face. I do believe he was excited. Actually we have not seen him so excited about anything like that to this day.