December

On the last day of December, there are so many sweet memories from the month that I want to hold on to.

We took our first front porch picture at the new house on my birthday before going to my birthday dinner.  It's crazy looking at this picture and seeing how grown our babies are. 

We did one of our very favorite traditions--the gingerbread house competition.

Jack's house.

Sarah's house.

My house.

Bryan's house.

We made the kids' favorite cookies.

On Christmas Eve, we made a huge Italian meal and sat around the table talking and laughing.  It was wonderful.

We also celebrated Jesus' birthday on Christmas Eve.

Bryan and I woke early on Christmas morning as we always do.

Then, the kids woke up and opened their gifts.

To finish our Christmas Day, we took our traditional picture in front of the town Christmas tree, but this year, we did it in our new small town, and it was even more delightful!

UT Ring

On Friday, Sarah got her UT ring!

We drove down to Austin to celebrate her!

So did her boyfriend, Billy.

I swear it was just yesterday that Bryan was holding Sarah as he got his Aggie Ring.

And now, our baby is a year and a half away from graduating college!

We are beyond proud of her!

22 Years!

As of last week, (Tuesday, the 5th), Bryan and I have been together for 22 years!

22 years of love and friendship.

22 years of growing up together.

22 years of being by each other's side.

He's my best friend and my favorite person!  I love him and like him--for the past 22 years and forever!

Back to School

Both kids are now officially back in school!

Jack started 8th grade on August 14th!

 

And when Dad got home, we all went out for a 1st Day of School Treat!

Then, on August 21st, Sarah and her roommate and bestie, Trinity, started their Junior year of college!  And we sent them a gift card to an ice cream shop in Austin so they too could have a 1st Day of School Treat!

We are so proud of both of them, and we love watching them learn and grow!

4th of July

Bryan was off on the 4th of July this past week, so we had a really sweet day all together.

We kept dinner simple, with grilled hot dogs, fresh--and festive--fruit,

and a peach cobbler for dessert that Jack and I made.

Then, once the sun was not so intense, we went to the backyard with our patriotic dog to swim.

Jack could live in the pool.