It was a great Christmas!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas (or whatever holiday you observe) and that you also have a fantastic year to come.

We had a great Christmas at our house!

As you can see, the kids must have been very good last year, because, as usual, Santa was very good to them.

 This isn't even all of it. We opened the pajamas on Saturday night. Since Dax won't wear his Christmas pajamas when he gets them (and I wrapped his old ones last year so I couldn't get away with it again) I gave him some hot chocolate mix, Christmas music, and a four pack of Christmas movies. That's why we opened the pajamas earlier than Christmas Eve.....so we could watch the movies for family movie night.

My parents arrived on Sunday and Dax's on Monday afternoon. We had lots of time to enjoy each others' company and to eat way too much food.

My Dad got a little too far into the Christmas spirit. Maybe.

And by the time all the gift opening was over (which still happens way too early in the morning) we were all pretty tired.

Actually, there was plenty of sleeping going on at our house, and still is. Unfortunately all three girls are sick. What a yucky way to spend your Christmas break. Hopefully they'll be feeling better before the whole thing is over.

Wordless Wednesday

Should I be concerned?

We have a gate at our drive and it's operated by a battery that is recharged with a solar panel.

As of late it's been getting slower and slower when it opens and closes. Dax wanted to take the battery and have it checked to see if it was time to get a new one. The only problem was that the battery is housed in a metal box that's locked. It's been about five or six years since the last time we replaced it, so finding the key proved to be a bit of an issue.

While I was looking for the key, Abigail grabbed a paper clip and went to see if she could pick the lock.

I'm thinking that I should be a little scared that she's even willing to work so hard at picking locks.

Fortunately I found the key and the battery needed to be recharged but not replaced....yet!

And so it begins....

Well, it seems that the bug has bitten the kids.


They all want to start learning to drive!!


Eeek!!


I think they've all had a turn to drive.


Here's Addison's parking:

A little crooked, but not bad overall.


This should be fun for the next couple of years.....

A little recognition

Earlier this week Dax received an award from the Central Texas Crime Prevention Association for all of the hard work and time that he gives in support of the Hays County Sheriff's Department.

It was a  really nice awards ceremony with good food, good company, and even McGruff the crime stopping dog.

We're very proud of him and like the fact that his efforts are recognized and appreciated.

Good on ya', babe!!

A star is born!

A few months ago Wyatt decided to sign up for theater with his friend Nate. They've had weeks of practice 5 nights a week and last week was performance time.

The play they did was a regional play called A Tuna Christmas and they did a great job. Wyatt played a midget that was standing behind a counter placing an order so we couldn't actually see him. LOL

The kids (junior high and high school) did a great job!

We were really surprised that Wyatt decided to do this because he is usually pretty quiet and keeps to himself around other people.

We are even more surprised that he's loved it and will be doing another play in the Spring.

Looking forward to it.

3 Out of 4

Well, Addison got a full set of braces.

That makes three of them (only Abigail remains unbraced.)

Week Away

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. The family all came to our house and we had a great time and ate too much. As usual!!

On Saturday after Thanksgiving, Dax and I left for our annual trip to Las Vegas for accounting continuing education. I can't say the classes were fun but we did have a good time.

We always make sure to stop at least once (but usually more) for a little of this:

We went to our favorite tacky casino to watch the karaoke and were not disappointed because the infamous Barbara Ann was there.

And when we were walking around we managed to stumble into the filming of a tv show.

We also went to see the newest Cirque du Soleil at Aria called Zarkana. I just love the Cirque shows and am always blown away by the mind blowing talent of the performers.

We really did have a good time and it's always nice to get away together.

Now we're back home and back to the same old grind. Busy as it is!