Happy 2nd Birthday Bear!

We are not quite sure how time flies so fast that our Prince Baylor Bear is now 2 years old.  So much laughter and joy has been brought by his spunky and inquisitive nature.  Bear enjoys all things outdoors and running.  He would play outside all day if we let him.  He is extremely protective of the kids and will be the first one in between them if they start fighting.  He often does not know his own size and will knock you down if you are not expecting his big "hug".  At night, he will only be found next to me in bed and loves it when Daddy scratches his ears.  He looks forward to his treats every morning and is working hard to leave my decorative pillows alone during the day (despite his other 10 toys).  God blessed us with a creature that is truly happy and is the FIRST to welcome us with a smile (yes, a real smile showing ALL his teeth) every day when we get home.  Happy 2nd Birthday Bear, AKA: "Bubbies"...YOU ARE SO LOVED! 

Goodbye 2018

2018 was a GREAT year of changes and opportunities for our family!  We rang in the new year with a shrimp boil for dinner, family games, fireworks and a toast at midnight.  When I reflect back on 2018 there are so many highlights and changes that we could not have seen even a year ago today.  Below is a list of our 2018 highlights and words just are not enough for all the ways God chose to bless us this year.  Thank you God for the NEW.  NEW opportunities, moments of joy, friends, school, house, and more.

Annual Highlights
1. NEW house: We sold our home after 15 years on Piney Way Drive and moved to Woodtrace in Pinehurst, TX.
2. Birthdays included: Bear turned 2 yrs old, Caelin turned 7 yrs old, and Cade turned 9 years old.
3. NEW clubs: Cade made the Robotics club and Caelin was in 2 soccer leagues.
4. Trips for the year included: Grapeland, Austin, San Antonio, and San Destin, FL.
5. Charles did a 12 day trip to Germany where he served in a baseball camp for the youth.
6. NEW school: Kids started at their new school in 1st and 3rd grade.
7. NEW jobs: Charles started a new job as the Transition teacher for students that have graduated high school and are working to become more independent in daily life and job skill performance.  Stacy started a new job as the district behavior RtI coordinator.
8. We lost Aunt Bubs in October and celebrated her in Lubbock, TX.  She will forever be missed here on Earth, but we are blessed to know she is pain free and dancing with Jesus now.
9. Parks family took a trip to Horseshoe Bay for the week of Thanksgiving.
10. Christmas was a true celebration as we were able to celebrate the true reason for Christmas with both the Hall side and Nana.

Our first shoot out!

For Christmas our family got a bow and arrow set.  So, of course we had to try it out together.  I was so excited that everyone hit the mark at some point tonight.  The highlight for me was when we couldn't find the arrows and Cade suggested we go home and grab Papa's metal detector.  So, we did!  I am sure Daddy was laughing pretty hard when we found all the arrows with it.  Such a great time!

2018 Texas Bowl: Baylor vs Vanderbuilt

2018 Texas Bowl Champions! Great night even if it is WAAAYYYY past our bedtimes. Sic 'em Bears!

Merry Christmas to all!

We knew it would happened, so we prepared for the early rise that Santa excitement would bring.  When the kids ran down stairs around 7am, they were excited to see some of the goodies they asked Santa for.  Caelin got a Yellie (new toy), film for her camera, Lego Friends set, unicorn chapter book, underwear (ha), and candy/gum.  Cade got his Harry Potter Lego Hogwarts Train, Lego Baylor football helmet, Origami book/paper, Last Kids on Earth chapter book, underwear (yep), jalapeno salt, and candy.  The look on their faces was priceless!  After a few cinnamon and coffee to wake us up, we headed over to Gamee and Grampee's for a full day of fun with the entire family.  We had a fabulous brunch with sandwich items, fruit, cinnamon bread, and more.  The cousins even made Jesus a birthday card and sang Happy Birthday before enjoying some cake.  The gifting time was extravagant with Gamee/Grampee spoiling us all WAY too much!  Cade's gifts from family included: Magic book and set (just like Grumps used to have!), coin collector book, Doc and Marty McFly Brickheadz, electronic robot, and Star Wars boxers.  Caelin was excited to get gifts from everyone such as: a matching outfit for her Willow doll, 2 outfits for Willow, nail polish, unicorn neck pillow, unicorn slippers, and a full size Keyboard.  I think the favorite thing that we got as a family was a bow & arrow set.  I cannot wait to try that out together!  The kids enjoyed all the gifts and their eyes seemed to get bigger with each gift.  My favorite part was when we all went outside to watch the kids play, pop fireworks, and just relax.  There is something about being outside in the sunshine without plans except for being together that warms my heart.  Jacob and Andrew kept us entertained with their shirtless boy antics and brotherly play.  Cade practiced learning to ride a bike while Caelin could be found riding as fast as she could dangerously in the street of a tricycle.  She is definitely gonna keep us on our toes.  We finished the day with a steak dinner at our house before heading off to bed.  I am pretty sure we were all yawning by 9pm.  Thank you God for giving us Jesus and the message of hope and love that he provides.  We are so blessed to be able to celebrate such a time as this with family.  My prayer as we wrap up this Christmas season is that we remember why we celebrate.  Happy Birthday to our Savior!