Christmas

Christmas Eve
We all volunteered for the 3:00 service. Roy greeted, I worked at the information counter, and Brett entertained Farmer Fry's animals.

Mom and Dad joined us for the 4:30 service.

Christmas Morning

I think Brett likes his new iPod iTouch!

Lauren, Kelly, and Myra

Christmas Afternoon

We spent the afternoon at Mark and Gay's house in Dripping Springs.
Brett and his Colt .45 from Uncle Mark and Aunt Gay


Mom with her new jacket

Gay and her brother Clay

Brett likes Uncle Mark's famous ribs! I had to get a picture of this!

Dad really likes his dessert and insists on ample portions.
There were two pies and a cake. Dad had a slice of each.

Oops! We lost a pot but admired how pretty it looked in the bubbles.

Mark and Gay have a new outdoor kitchen.

Holiday Happenings

Brett's First Band Concert
He played Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Up On the House Top.

After school let out for the holiday, we decided to make our first gingerbread house. We gathered lots of materials for building.

And here's the finished product!

We did a pretty good job for the first time, but we can't wait for next year!

Cotillion

Here are some photos from two recent Cotillions.

Practicing proper door entry. . .
I don't know if Brett knows
the blond he is escorting, but I think he'd like to!
(The girl in the black is playing the part of a door)

Brett is dancing with Jenni.
They've been in school together for several years.
The director's comment on this one:
"We added the cross-over step to the cha cha and worked on the wrap-around step to the shag."

Adding the promenade to the fox trot . . .
Brett's partner is Corinne.
They've been going to school together since they were three years old.
The Cotillion classes are held at Hope Presbyterian where they were in preschool.

Here are a couple of shots from the Cotillion a few weeks ago. Brett is dancing with Linda, the sister of his good friend Joe. They have a little flirty, teasing relationship. Brett really eggs her on. He's been known to tell tell her things like, "You're in Heaven, aren't you?" when they get paired-up. Here's a short video of Linda and Brett. Notice the expressions on each of their faces when they turn to look at the camera. I also like the quick jerk at the end. I'm told Brett was reaching to give her a hug, but she resisted.

Giving Thanks

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17

September Birthdays

Brett requested a cookie cake for his birthday sleepover.

Brett's actual birthday was on a Tuesday.
He had his traditional waffle with ice cream breakfast.

After school, we surprised Brett by taking him to pick out a new bike.
Then we met Mimi and Grandfather for a birthday dinner.

Dad's birthday was Sunday.

His birthday present included Mom's belated birthday gift as well as Dad's gift.
They both received new clocks.

Happy Birthday Boys!

The Jacksons are Back

Well actually just Rodney and Courtney came this time. They flew in for the game and invited Brett and Roy to join them. After church Sunday, we had lunch with our friends Cindy and Chris.

Nancy, Cindy, Rodney, Chris, and me.

Hmmm. I'm confused. Which one is the Big Fat You Know What?

The Kiddos


Courtney goes for a spin with Roy.

Off to the pool. . .

We all agreed that it's time for a visit to San Diego. Get ready Jacksons!

Hapy Birthday, Mom!

We had a fun day celebrating Mom's birthday Saturday.
After lunch at Fish City Grill, we went to see Mamma Mia!
and then did a little shopping.

Dolphins at Play

How cool is this?

The First Day of Middle School

Just before leaving for the bus stop,
Brett and his friends reluctantly paused for a picture.

Brett (6th), Nick (7th), David (6th), Kenny (7th)

One more picture? No, Mom!
And they're off . . . .

Lauren and Myra: We Miss You!

Muffins from a box aren't nearly as good as Lauren's homemade muffins.
I attempted Lauren's recipe recently,
but the reviews from the picky little brother were not so great.
We have reverted back to the box.
And then there's Myra. The pictures say it all.
As does the lonely yellow ball still sitting by the stairs.

I hope she is just as comfortable in her new home.
Sigh . . . . .

The Jacksons are Here!

Rodney, Leah, Courtney, and Caleb made their annual pilgrimage to Texas.
We were thrilled that they decided to spend some time in Austin with us.

We spent the afternoon at the pool and celebrated Rodney's birthday.Happy Birthday Rodney!!!

The Water Slide
with Brett

and Courtney

and Caleb
Ready for a Ride


Volente Beach Water Park
on
Lake Travis





Rodney and Courtney on the Sidewinder
Brett and Courtney took several turns on the Sidewinder.

Come back soon!!!!