Twelve

How is it that it's been twelve years since this little boy was born?  Happy Birthday to my little man whom we love so much!

We celebrated by taking some donuts to his classmates so they can share in the celebration.  Then Mark and I went to pick him up to have lunch.

We didn't have a big party like last year.  Instead, Michael invited some neighborhood friends over to have pizza and cake and then stay the night.

We will have a family dinner to celebrate on Saturday.  Very low-key this year.

Happy 12th birthday, Michael.  We love you so much and you bring so much joy to our lives.  You are smart, funny and sometimes very moody, but that's what makes you who you are.  You are my first born and my heart breaks a little each year you get older, but I know there are great things ahead for you.

A Little Piece of CA

I was so excited to learn that we were going to get a Trader Joe's in Southlake like 2 years ago.  Then I waited and waited and waited.  It finally opened in February and I finally made it in yesterday.  Love that store - great organic food without the Central Market mark-ups.  Don't get me wrong, I love CM too, but I hate not being able to get out of that store without spending over $100 (with a few items).

Anyhoo, Mark and I went and got some yummy stuff to make our own pizzas for dinner.  It was a hit.  I love their fresh pizza dough - so convenient.  I also picked up some fresh flowers and spent half of what I would have at CM and it's just as fresh and pretty.  

As my little guy would say, "A big thumbs up!"

Nothing says Spring better than some tulips and daffodils....

 

First Trumpet Competition

Michael had his first trumpet competition yesterday and he did great!  His class ensemble got a #1 ranking which is the highest the judge gives out.

He also competed in a duet with his friend Graham and received a #1 ranking.  I would have liked for him to compete in a solo, but he said that it was too much pressure. Haha... Anyway, so proud of this little boy!  He worked really hard and I'm looking forward to seeing him kick butt at more competitions!

Michael and his duet partner, Graham.

Playing in the class ensemble competition...

All smiles after they received a #1 ranking! How handsome are these boys dressed up?

Playing in the duet competition...

Great job Michael and the rest of the trumpet section!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We are not Irish and we don't generally make a big deal about St. Patrick's Day.  We do wear green and today, we went to our first St. Patrick's Day party.  Thanks so much to Amie for being such a gracious host and letting the little ones run rampant around the house! Mark had so much fun.

What's a party without cupcakes?

We tried for a group picture...like herding cats.

Mark likes to show off his little handprint craft...

Then we went to Central Market for some lunch and to enjoy the beautiful sunshine.  He was showing me his sad face. Love this kid!

Ice and Snow

Last Monday, we had an ice day and the boys were excited to play in the ice.

Mark wanted to make a snow angel in the ice.

The boys spent most of the day outside with their friends and got their shoes an clothes all wet.  Let's just say I am very thankful that we have a dryer.

I love this picture.  The ice coated our driveway so the boys can go down on their sled pretty fast.  Michael help Mark down on the sled.

We were going a little stir crazy so I took Mark to the Gs to see Dylan and Cali.  They were stuck in Dallas for another day because their flight was cancelled until Tuesday morning. Mark loves to look at his photo album with Grandpa.

Then on Friday, we were expecting some snow.  That morning, Mark and I went to the gym. When I was done with my class, it had started to snow, but we decided to meet up with our friends for a playdate anyway.

Mark had so much fun and it was a much needed social time. They took a snack break and then we thought it was probably a good time to leave because the snow was getting heavier.

This was our drive home.  It took us 40 minutes to get home when it normally would have only taken 10 minutes.  But the drive was so pretty!

This is what it looked like from our front door - and the snow was still coming down!

Our house covered in snow - so pretty!

Of course, the boys spent most of the day outside

Mark came in for a hot chocolate break...

And then,we went back outside to do some more playing. 

It was so much fun!  We are suppose to have more ice and sleet tomorrow, but I'm hoping not because we have an early morning flight to CA on Thursday!!!