Hillcountry Day Trip

The thing about living in Texas is, it's not a big deal to hop in the car and drive a couple of hours to go get some really good BBQ. So we went on a tasting tour to decide who had the best. While we were in Lockhart, we couldn't pass up a photo opportunity by a big fish.

Once you have driven a couple of hours, what's another hour and a half to go to the wildlife preserve to feed some animals? It was fun!

He had his feet up on my window waiting for me to give him some food!

Daddy and his baby longhorn who was just starting to grow his own horns.

Big buffalo, these guys make me nervous.

Beautiful buck with velvet on his antlers.

Hanging out the sun roof to get the best view.

Petting the goats. This one kept trying to eat Braeden's pants.

I love it when we take these impromptu day trips as a family. It is so nice when Daddy can be home for a couple of weeks like he was. We love having him home, and we love him so much!

Austin's birthday

Austin turned 6 this year. He is changing when I look at him. Not such a little boy any more, just a boy (minus the little). He is such a sweet boy, constantly helping others, and shows so much compassion. He LOVES legos, and is amazing at building them. He is reading so fluently, and we even read chapter books together at night. His teacher and classmates love him, and he loves school. He is a little sponge, and has a memory better than an elephant. One of my favorite things about Austin is that when he is concentrating on doing something (play or work), he is always humming a "theme" song to what he is doing. I can't wait to see what he becomes when he grows up to see if this love of building or music is part of what he does.

We love you so much sunshine!

When you have a birthday in Texas in December it's best to have it indoors. Austin had his at the Mudpie Co. where he and his friends could paint pottery.

It was a great party, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Most of all, Austin had the best time being the center of attention surrounded with his buddies.

Thanksgiving

Braeden, Colton, and I were able to visit Austin at his school for Thanksgiving feast.

My little pilgrim and indian.

My little turkey the day of his Thanksgiving Feast.

How!

Colton's fingerprint family. Sooooo cute!

On Thanksgiving Day, we went to Grandma's house and she had some ornaments we were able to decorate. It was fun!

Aunt Lisa with some of her friends.

Jamie and Claire

Colton wearing Daddy's hat.

Here you go Daddy, you can have it back.

Evelyn plugged in and Pilgrim Austin.

After Thanksgiving lunch at Grandma's we headed over to the Woodlands to be with Hope and Hardt.

Silly kids!

Colton helping Hope play the piano.

All 5 cousins at the end of a very long day.

Austin's first visit from the tooth fairy

Austin lost his first tooth. He was wiggling it for a while, and one of Braeden's teachers actually pulled it out easily at school. She just asked if she could wiggle it, and it came right out! His face was awesome when it happened, and he didn't know whether to cry or be excited. He immediately gave in to excitement when he realized it meant the tooth fairy would come that night.

Well, she came and she left him a note with $5, which is the going rate for first teeth nowadays.

He has another loose tooth now, right next to the first one, but this time he says he just wants to let it fall out. :) Here is what the letter said.

Dear Austin,

What a wonderful tooth to add to my collection. Your first tooth lost is a big deal! Today, on November 15, 2011, you left me the shiniest and whitest tooth. I am going to put it in my hall of perfect teeth. I can tell that you have been doing your best at brushing and flossing. Be sure to get into all those tiny places and get out the “sugar bugs.” Also be sure to tell your dentist next time you see him that I said, “Hi!” We are good friends.

You look so handsome with that missing tooth. I know it may feel strange, or sound strange when you talk, but your new tooth will grow in before you know it.

I have to go now to pick up teeth from all over the world, but I’ll be back to get another one of your teeth one night.

Love,

The Tooth Fairy

Turkey Trot

Austin's school had the Turkey Trot, and Braeden, Colton, and I were able to be there. It was great to watch these kids run around and around the track. Each class earned a point for each lap made by the students in their class and their family members. Austin's class got something like 385 points, which was great, but was not the most points per class. It really does depend on how many family members came for the classes. It was a good lesson on doing your best, and having fun. Winning isn't the most important thing. This is something I am constantly having to explain to my competitive boys who make even getting out of the car a competition!

After running...he's such a charmer!

Zoo

While this summer was hot and dry, the winter hasn't been that bad. We have used these sunny dry days to as much outdoors as we can. We have enjoyed a couple of visits to the zoo, knowing the animals would be out and not hidden away in the shade while the weather is so nice.

I am pretty sure that somewhere there is a picture of me taking a drink from this same water fountain as a kid. Our boys are hilarious though!!

I love these kids!

My little monkeys, watching the monkeys!

What a fantastic big brother, and a priceless camera shot.

HA HA!!

Aggie Game

We left Colton with the Grandparents and took the boys to an Aggie Game. It was so fun, and they loved the band. The Ags were winning pretty significantly by the end of the 3rd quarter, so we left to walk around the campus. Sadly, when we got back to the car, the Ags had lost. Those second halves really seemed to get them this year.

Outside the MSC.

Maybe we can take a picture of them like this grown up one day. I would love it if they went to ATM, but as long as they go to college, I will be happy.

By the clock tower...

And crossing the tracks to west campus.

Of course before we left, we saw this beautiful butterfly who followed us for a bit. I had to snag a picture.

Halloween

Star Wars was the theme this year, and the boys loved their costumes. Braeden was Jango Fett (Bobo Fett's clone/father), Colton was R2D2, and Austin was Captain Rex.

I took them to Lindsay again for a mini session with a good cause. It was a canned food drive and mini session. They were super cute, and I love the way she captured them in this shot!

Just before going to school for Halloween parties, I took my own little photo sessions. They are the cutest Star Wars characters I ever saw!

Austin had a blast at his costume parade.

Austin's kindergarten class

Our family of pumpkins