Checking in on The LITTLES

UT vs. Kansas with the Fam!

2009-11-25T19:43:00.008-06:00

UT vs. Kansas with the whole Fam! Pre-game band.

Pre-game TX Flag.

My Girls ~ ~ ~ Go Horns!

Sunday, we stopped by Austin's Park for Go-Carts, bumber boats, and a Day o' Fun!

Family Vacation...2009

2009-07-15T21:35:00.029-05:00

Once again, we spent the 4th of July week in Breckenridge, CO. We welcomed the break from 100+degree days in Dallas for the mid-60's in Breck.

Walking distance to town, lots of shopping and eating.

...our 'sassy girl'

...early in the week, we were challenged with the weather with several rounds of showers each day. But, it lended some beautiful views and spectacular rainbows.

My close friend, Jim Hawley, joined us. The kids had a new playmate which was relatively easy, since Jim is just a 46 yr. old kid! We learned a new card game that became the nightly activity for the entire family.

Breckenridge has a great Fun Park with Alpine Slide, puttputt, bungee trampoline, spin cycle, AND some exploring on snow fields.

...he's not having any FUN at all.

YES, this is the same slide that I broke my rt. femur on about 8 yrs ago. Let's just say Dad took it easy this year.

This is during our prep for the rafting trip in Brown's Canyon. As you can tell below, we all had a blast. Lauren decided that she'd had enough at the lunch takeout. She and I caught a shuddle while the others finished up the ride.

Unfortunately, Jeff wasn't able to make the MAN hike this year. He and Dedra both were challenged with some mid-week illness/allergies/altitude. SO rather than Mt. Holy Cross, Jim and I chose a shorter hike but still a 14er - 14,036. It was quick so we bagged Mt. Gemini next door at 13,950ft.

This is the old mining road near the beginning of the morning.

...the diabetic on the trail.

Jim and I on Mt. Sherman.

we dumped our packs and bagged Mt. Gemini in short order.

Our last day was the "Family Hike" to McCullough Gulch. A great 3-mile hike up to a glacier lake complete with a snow ball fight in July!

Me and My Honey!

So, for the trip down, we converted my pack into a nice "nap sack" for Hayden. Why didn't Jim offer to carry me down from Mt. Sherman?????

...another fun time on our way down...we picked out a nice snow field and the kids glissaded down.

We all had a great time!

...completed!

2009-06-06T20:17:00.002-05:00

with doc appt's putting me out of commission for some time, days upon days of rain, travel, travel, travel...it tool a bit longer than anticipated, but here is the finished product.

Home Projects

2009-05-09T13:06:00.012-05:00

Lauren loves to help dear ol' dad with home projects. Note the new fence I built a few weeks ago. Now, it's time for the stone path.

Guys Weekend!

2009-03-23T15:59:00.000-05:00

Ryan and I spent this last weekend in Llano, TX. A little R&R at the deer lease, 4-wheelers, target practice, hiking, gaming, and sleep!

Ryan's role as the gate opener/closer as we entered the deer lease.

Ryan and I had a nice hike one morning, 'til we ran into this guy below. We escaped unharmed and let him live to rattle another day.

...and here is Ryan "roughing it" at the camphouse with Halo3.

2009 Destination

2009-02-26T19:29:00.000-06:00

I have presented Jeff with our goal for Summer 2009. On our trip last year to Breckenridge, we took 1 day for a MAN hike - one that only the guys go on so we can fully experience oxygen deprivation and altitude sickness... so we can feel like absolute crap the entire day/evening. ...And worth it! Fortunately, the women are supportive of this knowing they have the kids for the day. Wives, we thank you.

Mt. of Holy Cross, 14,005 ft....should be approximately 11-12 miles round trip and 10-11 hours, depending on which literature you happen to acquire and the true potential for losing the trail with my navigation skills AND of course, weather. Online blogs vary from "hardest 14er I've ever done" to "great day hike with my family" so it seems to be a bit unpredictable. Standard route UP with a glissade down Angelica Couloir on the decent may be the plan. Jeff loves the snow.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!!!

2009-02-10T21:23:00.000-06:00

Ryan's 11th...YES...11th. birthday. And this below is Jenn's Manga Masterpiece on the birthday cake. He had a wonderful day, lots of comments from friends at school, phone calls from family, b-day cards in the mail, and MONEY. He was truly appreciative and that makes mom and dad proud. He's looking forward to investing into some additional art supplies to support his Manga habit.

Money!!!

The Texas shuffle

2009-01-01T19:34:00.000-06:00

Our Texas trip started as we headed out around 1p.m., Christmas day, to my brother's (Tim's) house in Burkeville - deep east Texas...Roughly 5 hours. He lives on some acreage with his wife Meredith and their two kids, Michael and Jo. His in-laws have a house about 1 mile away and between the two, they have a nice 1-room guest cabin where we stayed the night. It was perfect...and a nice getaway atmosphere for us. Not sure why we didn't get any pics. The kids really enjoyed it.

We had dinner upon arrival at Tim's house and exchanged gifts for the kids.

Here is Nanny, my grandmother at age 92. We gave her a digital photo frame with about 150 pre-loaded pics.

Of course Ryan loved gaming with Michael - who btw is 14 and 6-4". Lauren and Jo had a blast playing together for hours.

For those that don't recognize this one, this is my Dad with Darlene.
It was good to see my Dad, Darlene, and especially my brother and his family. We don't see them very often.

Next day, we drove to Lufkin to visit with Nanny some more, dinner with my Dad, Aunt, cousin, etc. Ryan and Lauren thoroughly enjoyed Nanny's new puppy.

Next day, we were off to Houston. Here is the 4th generation with Lauren, Jen, and Granny at 101 years.

Seldom do we get one with all four of us!

Christmas Eve, Christmas Morn

2009-01-01T19:13:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve, Santa prep...

An Ipod Shuffle for Lauren.

pre-present snack.

I'm not sure where she learns these looks.

Today she stated that Ryan was antagonizing her.

Ryan and ROCK BAND!!!

Performers below...

A new smile!

2008-10-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

Rock Band!

2008-10-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

A little Rock Band Mania, they are focused!

Lauren's Birthday Bash

2008-10-10T12:36:00.000-05:00

... joined by the Craymers. Thanks for coming!!! Always good to see you.

Ryan and Lauren, 1st Day of School

2008-10-10T12:28:00.001-05:00

Playing a little catchup with some photos! Sad I know!

First day of school.

First Day of 1st Grade..

Ryan 4Wheelin'

2008-08-16T20:22:00.001-05:00

....just a great photo of our boy!!!!

Hiking in Breckenridge

2008-07-11T21:59:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I made three 14'ers in one day (that's three 14,000 ft peaks in one day for all us flatlanders that don't have the Mtn lingo down).

6a.m. at the trailhead.

First saddle around 7a.m.
Democrat Peak at 8:15a.m.

...on our way to Cameron.

#3, Lincoln, 14,286 ft above sea level. I'm not actually praying...I have my thumbs tucked in my chest straps.

the Amazing View

it's always faster down than up

The Kids in Breckenridge

2008-07-11T20:32:00.001-05:00

We went to Breckenridge for the week and enjoyed the Independence Day celebrations. It was truly fantastic. The kids had a blast. 1 day family hike, 1 day adventure park with the bungee tramp, 1 day rafting, 1 day for the Parade and fireworks, 1 day up to Glenwood Springs for their Adventure Park complete with cliff swing and rollercoaster.

Enjoy the photos.

Breckenridge RiverWalk running the length of Main St.

Ryan on the bungee trampoline.

Lauren waiting in line for her turn, over and over and over....and over. She wore it out and was a daredevil.

Parade Day with Dad.

Ryan scored a hat from a Parade GIRL!!!!

Ryan LOVED the Parade.

Any spare moment at the Townhome was in the hot tub.

Then came the trip to Brown's Canyon for a 1/2 day of rafting.

Note the splash jackets and everyone had wet suits.......this was not the 90 degree hot springs pool that followed two days later. Water temp that day was approximately 42 degrees......chilly.

We took a day trip to Glenwood Springs - Adventure Park and Hot Springs Pool.

"Go FASTER Mommy!!!!" Lauren just wanted to go faster and faster.

Cool Cat!

Lauren on the cliff swing...

Lauren during the afternoon rain, post cliff swing.

Lauren and Hannah in the 90 degree Hot Springs pool. No good shots of the water slides but the kids loved them.

Starbucks window....at 9,600 ft above sea level.

Just could not leave this one out....Hayden enjoying a tasty Starbucks treat. The Blended Lemonaide was a huge hit almost daily.

Ryan's Soccer Party

2008-06-02T19:54:00.000-05:00

A player's dad volunteered his really cool backyard complete with pool, grill, vaulted ceiling porch, stone fireplace, and 50in outdoor LCD TV for football season. WOW. OH, the kids a good time as well.

Kindergarten Ceremony

2008-06-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

...And our little girl will officially be in 1st Grade!!! She refused to wear the "requested" Blue, Walker Elementary T-shirt because that simply was NOT sassy enough.

Lauren's Dance Recital

2008-05-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

Lauren has a another dance recital today. We finally got a few post-recital pics late this evening. Hope you enjoy them.....along with a few with Bijou.

Preparation!!!!

Roses - PINK of course.

Next came her photo session at home with Dad.

...and a few with Bijou...

2008 Crusaders

2008-05-04T21:23:00.001-05:00

Ryan's 2008 Crusader soccer season is going very well. For those that haven't heard the rumor...yes...I am coaching this season!!!! Enjoy the pics.

Ryan gettin down and dirty!

Proud Dad/Coach WAY on FAR sidelines...

Tiny Teacher

2008-04-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

Comments from Lauren's teacher...."I wish you could have seen her today. I have never seen a child so excited about writing! She had so much to say. She started out as my "Tiny Teacher" and we ran out of time for her to finish. She asked if she could finish it and then asked me several times if it was time yet. She was very anxious. Finally I let her finish during literacy centers."

A little Snow in McKinney

2008-03-08T10:31:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not, it snowed twice in one week here in McKinney, TX. We recieve abou 4 inches Monday night, melted by mid-day on Tues...then another 3-4 inches on Thursday. I happened to be in San Diego and missed all the fun with the kids. Bummer!

Bath Time, in PINK

2008-03-01T19:43:00.000-06:00

Ryan's 10th Birthday Bash

2008-03-01T19:11:00.000-06:00

For his 10th Birthday, Ryan has some friends stay overnight...after 3 hours of unlimited laser tag. Next day was Guitar Hero and RIPSTIK....we love the RipStik.