And let the dancing begin

I knew the day would come, and it did.  Caelin asked to take dance classes.  I was thinking she would ask for gymnastics first, but she chose dance.  After a trial class, tonight she started her first official dance class.  It is a weekly class on Monday nights for Ballet and Tap.  I was impressed that she actually payed attention for the most part.  I was fully expecting her to talk to the other girls and run around like she owned the joint.  Ha!  I learned very quickly that this dance thing is quite the commitment.  Between leotards, hose, tap shoes, ballet shoes, recital fees, monthly fees, and let's not forget the recital costume which we have already been fitted for.  Whew.  Anyway, it will be a great experience and Caelin appears to love it.  So, mark your calendars for her first recital on June 13th!

Date Night with Gamee & Grampee

The kids were blessed to have date nights with Gamee and Grampee last night.  They were so excited to get dressed and have a special night!  Cade started his adventure with Grampee giving him tickets to Monster Jam that night.  He was so excited to also get a Lego monster truck that he could put together on the way downtown.  I can tell by the pictures they had a great time and Cade could not stop talking on the way home from church today.  Cade loved getting the truck "Grave Digger" at the Monster Jam and it reins as the lead truck for all others in his room.  Ha!  He also still drinks out of his monster jam cup almost daily, so I would say he had a blast!!

Caelin started her night with a gift of Ponytail holders for her upcoming dance classes and M&M's.  Caelin kept asking when her "girl date" with Gamee would start, so she had no hesitation leaving us and getting in that car!  Of course, she was spoiled as usual with her first trip ever to Build a Bear>  I can only imagine her eyes as she created each little piece.  It was not shocking that she chose a "Frozen" themed bear and named it Elsa.  Elsa even sings, has a gorgeous dress, and matching slippers!  Caelin has not stopped talking about (or playing the song) Elsa since.  I would say the kids had successful dates and are pretty loved!

We have a new cousin coming!!

Yep, you read that right...baby Andrew is going to be a big brother!  I guess we have to drop the "baby" on Andrew's name now.  We found out on December 10th about the great news while playing in the leaves in front of Gamee and Grampee's house with all the family.  Today the rest of the world got the great news from Uncle Christopher and Aunt Heather.  We cannot wait to spoil this baby and watch our family grow.  Hurry up Baby Hall, see you in July!!

Grampee's 20th Marathon

Every year I say it, but Grampee just amazes me.  Few people can actually say they have run a marathon in their life.  Even fewer have done it more than once.  Only a hero can do it 20 times in a row at the famous Houston Marathon.  Well folks, our Grampee is a HERO and did just that yesterday.  I am amazed at the level of commitment, endurance, and strength it takes.  We celebrated Saturday in preparation by having a surprise lunch that Gamee organized.  We enjoyed some good pasta and ate marathon themed cookies Gamee had ordered.  After lunch, the grandkids helped him warm up by running the side walk.  Finally, we gave our hugs and wished him well as he headed downtown to the Hilton for a good night sleep and the big day.  On Sunday, the whole family gathered again to cheer him on near the finish line.  I must say, of all the years, I think this year looked like his strongest year.  I had to laugh at the picture of him just smiling and waving as he finished 26.2 miles.  We are so proud of you Grampee and your time of 4 hr 58 mins!  You have the biggest fan club EVER and we love you!

BABY Aughinbaugh is on its way!!

Many people are blessed to have a sister to share life with.  I am blessed to not only have a sister, but a best friend who has been like a sister to me for almost 28 years!  On New Year's Eve this past year we were able to visit David and Elizabeth (Lizzy) in Dallas and ring in the new year.  While I had suspicions, my dreams came true and we found out that we had a sweet baby on its way!  I was over joyed and am already trying to contain myself from buying everything I see.  "Baby Auggie" as we call it is due around August 3rd.  Of course we had to wait to share the news until they could tell some others and send out announcement cards, so you can imagine the squeals when it finally arrived in the mail.  I CAN ANNOUNCE IT NOW!!!!  YAHHHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!  Here are a few pictures from New Years's Eve when we found out the news.  I also loved watching Cade and Caelin dance around when the invitation came (I think they were thinking I was crazy, so they joined in as always!).  So, the last picture is a pic of them holding the back of the card with the announcement.  We love you so much already Baby Auggie!

Caught on camera