The A Team

Bienvenido a Miami

2010-09-25T23:01:00.003-05:00

Who is that hottie? That's right...that is my husband Aaron. Is it wierd that he had his friend take this pic? Love him.

So You Think You Can Dance Tour

2010-09-21T22:36:00.000-05:00

Sara McFaul and I joined Mandy Schoolar and some of her friends at the So You Think You Can Dance Tour. LOVED IT! They are so living out my dream....anyways...we had a great time. Love our mom's night out!

Ashton's First Soccer Game

2010-09-18T22:23:00.000-05:00

Ashton started playing soccer this year. Aaron is one of the coaches for his team. There was one mud hole in the entire field. I guess I should not be surprised that Ashton is the one who fell into it!

Grammy's Visit

2010-09-17T22:19:00.000-05:00

Trina came to visit for the week. She joined us for the boys karate classes and Ashton's swim class. She also went to read to Ashton's class at school. Mostly, she got to spend time with the sweetest girl that ever lived (Abigail).

Aiden's First Award at School

2010-09-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

Aiden was the first one in his class to finish 10 work jobs. He was able to take a trip to the treasure chest and he also got a sticker award. He was so excited. Here are a few pictures of him showing off his stuff.

Aiden's First Karate Class

2010-09-15T22:40:00.000-05:00

Aiden started karate at Meyerland Martial Arts. He tested into the 6-8 year old class. He did a great job during his first class. He was engaged and of course, followed all the instructions.

2010-09-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

Our friends, Dominic and Patricia, got married over the weekend. It was a three day event that started at the beautiful Dos Brisas in Chapell Hill and finished at Fung's Kitchen in Houston. Aaron was one of Dominic's groomsmen. We had a great time. It was a beautiful event and we were thrilled to be a part of it.

Labor Day: Visit to the Zoo

2010-09-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

It is Labor Day...no school, no work, just play! We wanted to show Nataly around Houston a little. We decided to take her to the Houston Zoo. We had a great time looking at the animals, riding the train, and going through the dinosaur exhibit.

Random September Pics

2010-09-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

We brought Nataly to the Galleria (I won't mention that it was her 2nd day here I thought we lost her to retail!) and as we were shopping, I realized that Aaron and the boys were matching. How adorable are they?!

My sissy! I love this sweet girl. She was telling me how much she enjoyed the mall that day.

Ashton loves to play with my iphone. He REALLY loves the new camera where you can switch the picture to show yourself. He took this picture and I found it a few days late.

First Aggie Game & the Ranch

2010-09-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

Today we went to LaLa and PopPop's house to eat lunch and visit. Dad made burgers and hot dogs. Then after lunchtime, the guys headed to the first home Aggie football game of the season. Aiden and Ashton joined them and were really excited about the game. The girls stayed behind, took a nap, then headed to Bryan to watch mom practice riding her horse for the horse show. Nataly went with us. She experienced a true Texas welcome when we brought her to the horse barn. She came home with a few Aggie shirts.

Lala and Moof met us at the gate when we arrived in the new golf cart.

Bubba (in the golf cart) and Ashton (in his power wheels Gator) driving around the pasture.

Welcome Nataly!

2010-09-03T15:34:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the family Nataly! Our au pair from Guadalajara arrived today at 8:00am. Her name is Natalia Ramirez Salerno. She is 18 years old. She brought the kids gifts like a guitar, a puppet (Noa), and some other "Mexican" toys. She brought Aaron and I some Mexican candy, shot glasses...and the tequila is on its way. She seems really happy to be here so far. She made the most adorable comment as we were driving to our house. She saw a sign that said "Welcome to Bellaire." She asked "Is this where the prince of rap lives?"...talking about the Fresh Prince of Bellaire. Ha! I told her to "look at her kindom, she was finally there, to sit on her throne as the princess of Bellaire..." (from the theme song of the TV show).

This is Noa. The boys LOVE this puppet! It is really cool. I love it too!

Saturday at Home

2010-08-28T23:28:00.003-05:00

We decided to swing outside since it was so cool (86 degrees). HA! It was Abigail's first time to swing. She loved it, as did her brothers.

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-23T23:16:00.005-05:00

School Starts for the year! Aiden and Ashton were excited to get up for their first day of Pre-K 4 (Aiden) and Pre-K 3 (Ashton). Both boys woke up with smiles on their faces. Mommy was smiling too! Aiden came home and was so excited about the centers in his class... especially the listening center. Ashton's favorite part of the day was playing with cars. That boy LOVES cars!

Ashton shaking hands with the new Head Master. What a big boy!

Ashton finds a spot in the circle and starts reading a book.

Aiden and his wonderful teacher, Ms. Jackson.

2010-2011 Butterfly Class

Up and At 'em for the 2nd day of school. Ashton and Aiden eating breakfast.

Piggy and Lil lil eating their breakfast too!

Aiden's 5th Birthday Party

2010-08-16T08:04:00.006-05:00

Aiden had a fun birthday party with his friends at the house. They made visors with their names on them, swam, did the slip and slide and water slide and had a good time.

Aiden and his BFF Trey

Ashton making his visor.

The A Hall Kiddos

Ashton getting into party food...before the party.

Aiden and the lifeguards...you will love this picture in a few years buddy!

Noah's Ark Pool with Aiden's St Mark's friends

2010-08-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

Gearing up for the new school year at a pool party with our St. Mark's friends. Here is the gang.

Bayou Wildlife Center

2010-08-13T07:35:00.011-05:00

My best friend, Sara, and I took the kids to the Bayou Wildlife Center in Alvin. What fun! I cannot believe that I have never taken the kids before. As soon as we drive in, we are greeted by an Ostrich. Sara hand feeds him and just about loses a finger. After we got on the tram we were instructed not to do this. To let the animals eat of the bucket if you want to keep your fingers. Ha! There were Emu, Buffalo, Rhinos, Deer, Alligators, Ducks, Pigs, Goats, Giraffes, Zebras, and many other "exotic" animals that I don't remember their names. The kids got a kick out of the face to face experience with the animals! It was SO HOT and HUMID outside but we had a good time. We finished off the trip with a visit to Red Cap. I will always love eating there!

Should we be concerned about Madeline in the back with the camel??

I love you Mr. Camel...

Here I come...

Give me that bucket of food!

Thank you!

Ashton and Madeline. He told me that he loves her. Hello it is way too early for that!

Henry and Ashton

It was only 108 degrees outside...

The gang

Goodbye Rhino!

More Summer fun with Carlee

2010-08-11T07:23:00.002-05:00

Carlee, our 10 year old cousin, came to stay with us for a few days. We had lots of fun. She helped me with the kids while watching Aaron do his triathlon and getting them up at 5:15am. We took the golf cart to Marble Slab and went to the Bellaire Aquatic Center and had sno cones after swimming. Abigail was such a trooper in all that we did. She never cried once. We did karaoke at home and danced a lot. She told me that we are nothing like her family. She said her family is quiet. Hopefully we aren't scaring her too much. About that same time, I told her that I didn't feel like dancing but my bottom sure did...and then did a booty shake. She laughed so much. In the first picture, Aaron put the cymbals from the boys instrument set inside Aiden's shirt to look like....you know what. What am I going to do with these boys...especially Aaron!?!

Bridgeland Triathlon

2010-08-08T19:58:00.002-05:00

What a morning! The kids, Carlee and I left the house at 5:30am. We were in Aaron's truck because he took the Range Rover with the new bike rack. We had NO gas at all. We get to the first gas station and the pump is turned off. Then head to another. The kids are hungry so we go through McDonald's. Carlee realizes that she forgot to put shoes on so we head back to the house to get those. The try starts at 6:43am and I really wanted to be there for the start of it. We drive to Cypress and Aaron left me a VIP parking pass to park up front. His training coach is the host of the Triathlon. So I have Carlee move a cone for me and I start to drive in. A guy on a bike, looking all distressed, hurries over to me to tell me that the race is about to begin (not kidding...right then I hear the start...yes it is 6:43am) and I am on the course. He makes me turn around and directs me to another spot by telling me to head down the street and turn left. Then park close when I can see the tents. Ya right! We were in the car for 30 minutes circling a neighborhood that we became trapped in. I wasn't in my car so I couldn't use the navigation to see anything. Finally, I rolled down my window and listened. I heard the announcer so I just parked. We had a double stroller and the single stroller. Carlee and I ran through the grass, through the trees, down a dirt road towards the direction of the announcer's voice. I get in touch with my parents and Megan and finally meet up with them where we will see the guys run out. We already missed the swim and transition to bike. BOO! I was so upset. The kids were melting as it was only a few degrees over 100 and full on humidity. I wanted to cry! Anyhow, first we saw Bubba go by. We rang out cow bells and cheered him on. Then Aaron came along and we did the same. I knew as soon as I saw them that it was worth it. We then headed over to the finish line where we were able to watch them again. What a day. I couldn't have done it without Carlee's help! Poor girl...she had to listen to my frustration of being lost and late, and then RUN a good mile while pushing a stroller to get to where we were going. I told her that I owed her a HUGE ice cream! I had shirts made that said TriathaDAD support crew for the kids. My shirt said I Love my Triathlete. All of our shirts said Team A-Hall on the back. Good stuff! Aaron had a finishing time of 1:30:37. He did a great job!

Abigail was an angel. It was so hot outside and she just smiled.

Ashton was ready to go home before long before Aaron crossed the finish line.

Sweet AA

Bike out that I missed. Thank you Mom and Megan for the pics!

Run out. So excited to see him!

Bubba after his finish.

Aaron crossing the finish line.

Athletes and their support crew.

End of Summer Party at Nena and PawPaw's House

2010-08-07T07:14:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time at Nena and PawPaw's annual End of Summer Party. We enjoyed visiting, swimming, and of course...eating. I had to take a picture of the grasshopper below. We don't see them this size in the city! And as I was taking the picture of Ashton going potty, a few of us were giggling. He turned around and said "not funny." Ashton is so much fun. He keeps me on my toes. I never know what he is going to say or do. And notice that Aiden is getting good use out of his new Batman towel!

Aiden's Birthday Morning

2010-08-07T07:07:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that my AA is 5 years old. I remember holding him in my arms on this day in 2005. He is such a kind hearted, loving boy. He loves his brother and sister and looks out for him. He is a special gift from God!

Aiden gets to open gifts from family this morning. He is so excited to get a DS. He has been asking for one for months. He also loves his Toy Story legos from Justin and Jackson and his cool Batman towel from Grammy!

August Play dates

2010-08-05T06:57:00.000-05:00

We had several fun play dates in the beginning of August. Ashton's friends from school came over for a splash party. The Ramages and Schoolars joined us for a swim play date. And Aiden's best friend Trey has been over too. Fun times! You can see how tired the boys are after a play date in the last picture.

Jenna's Stay

2010-08-01T08:16:00.002-05:00

Jenna stayed with us for a week. She is such a delightful child. I keep thinking we are closer to the same age as her maturity is amazing. She is helping me a lot with the boys and with Abigail. She is teaching the boys a word of the day. Yesterday it was obey. She made sure that they had their Bibles for church too. She even gave them a bath and let them ride the "airplane" to get pajamas on. I saw that she had a scarf on for church and of course I had to wear one too. Aidentold me that he wanted to give money to the church. So Aaron gave him a lesson on tithing. It was so cute. After church, they headed to Target to get Aiden his first wallet. After church, she taught Aiden how to do chores. He took out the trash with her. We went swimming and hung around the house yesterday. Then, after dinner we rode the golf cart to Marble Slab. Sundays do not get any better than that! Abigail also went swimming for the first time. She loved every second of being in the pool!

Visit with the Peterson's

2010-07-31T08:06:00.001-05:00

Our dear friends, Jeremy, Julie, Jenna, and Jaden came to visit us this weekend. The boys played baseball and went swimming. We had a great visit with them. Love the picture of Jeremy, Julie, Jaden and Ashton on the couch on their iphones/ipads. They were not even posing for that picture!

Lala's Visit

2010-07-27T07:58:00.000-05:00

LaLa came to visit for the week. We had a lot of fun. Abigail was tired after full days of shopping and going to see Despicable Me.

Here we go to Church

2010-07-25T07:55:00.000-05:00

The boys and Abigail are ready for church. Ashton is making sure that Abigail's hair looks okay. They love their sister.

Abigail with Grammy and Aaron

2010-07-19T07:49:00.001-05:00

Grammy bought Abigail a new outfit while she was visiting. She wanted to try the hat on as soon as we got it home. Abigail has also decided to be a bonafide thumb sucker. Here she is having a play date with Daddy. Like father like daughter.

Abigail and Tere

2010-07-10T07:38:00.000-05:00

Abigail with Tere, our nanny, and her girls Fernanda and Allison. Tere has been with us since Ashton was born. We LOVE her!

Chinatown-Houston

2010-07-09T22:39:00.003-05:00

My sweet friend and neighbor friend from Lula Street, Emily, invited me to get a massage with her today. Let me give you some background on the situation. Her mom bought her 2 massages for Christmas for she and Tyler to enjoy. The gift cards are in Chinese and Tyler, like Aaron would have done, wanted no part in it. So lucky me! Emily asked if I wanted to go with her. Heck ya! I will take a free massage any day. So, Erin Butler comes over to watch Abigail and I tell her that I am going to take a picture of the building that we go to....just in case we end up missing. I was joking but when we showed up to the apartment building, that's right, the massage place located in an apartment with bars on the windows in Chinatown, I thought it may just be a good idea. Anyhow, we take pictures and find out that the business has been moved to another location. Notice the lovely appliance in the background as well. So we head off less than a mile down the road and show up to a brand new retail center. All of the signs and writing...everything...is in Chinese. A really interesting field trip if you live in Houston and have not been. The massage place was really nice and cheap! You could actually get a 30 minute back massage and a 30 minute foot massage BOTH for $35. What a steal! After 30 minutes and much difficulty communicating with the receptionist, we finally were able to get it across that we were there for a massage. Emily and I each had a 1 hour body massage and enjoyed them. We contemplated eating lunch in Chinatown but were ready to get back to our comfort zone. We went to Cafe Rabelais in the Village to finish off an enjoyable and fun day. My favorite part was when Emily told a man as we walked in that we wanted a table for two....he was on his way out the door because he was a customer as well. Ha! Thank you Emily for including me. I had a blast!

Abigail's New Toy

2010-07-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

Someone got a new toy this week. Abigail was loving the excersaucer. She is still a bit small for it so I have to put pillows around her but she is all smiles.

Thumb sucker?

2010-07-05T00:17:00.001-05:00

So Abigail has been spitting our her binkie in attempt to get her thumb in her mouth. She has been successful a few times. Tere was able to catch her doing it.

4th of July Celebration

2010-07-04T21:46:00.004-05:00

What a fun, relaxing day! We had family over for good food and good fun. Somehow, I didn't get many pictures. Bubba helped Aiden and Ashton decorate their playhouse, we ate lunch, Dad made homemade ice-cream, and Aaron gave Mom and I swim lessons.

Little Miss Firecracker

Mom and Abigail

Carlee and Aiden

Paw-Paw and Allyson

Bubba and Moof

Pop-Pop churning to make homemade ice cream and Ashton is helping by sitting on the lid....a family tradition.

Nena and Ashton

Abigail

2010-06-29T00:13:00.003-05:00

My little sunshine. She will not be spoiled at all.

Headed to Church

2010-06-27T00:04:00.004-05:00

One of our favorite times of the weekend is the stop at the donut shop on the way to church. I remember my Dad getting donuts for us on the weekends. We (mom, dad, bubba and I) would all eat 3 chocolate filled donuts each. I now have a hard time eating two! Anyhow, we would squeeze the donuts and allow chocolate to ooze out....whoever had the most was envied. Here we are getting sugared up before heading to Ecclesia. Aiden better be careful before he loses his donut...or his hand!

Abigail wants a donut too!

Bird houses & Craft shows

2010-06-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

We introduced Abigail to the world of craft shows today. Going to craft shows is a family tradition with the girls in our family. Abigail and I drove to the Rosenberg fairgrounds to go to the Country Peddler Show with Mom, Megan, and Nena. It was a fun day. Nena took care of Abigail all day while I spent Aaron's money. I got some goodies! We then went to Gringo's to eat lunch. When I asked Aaron what he and the boys were going to do, he told me "build a bird house." Well, when Abigail and I got home, there was a custom built and painted bird house hanging in the tree. The Hall boys went to Lowe's together to get supplies and spent the day perfecting it. They each got to pick a color to paint as well. Aiden picked red and Ashton picked green. Aaron is such a good Dad. I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father to my kids.

Jessica Smith's Wedding

2010-06-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

Summer fun with friends

2010-06-22T00:21:00.000-05:00

Ashton's friend Henry and his sister Madeline came over for a play date. We celebrated Henry's birthday since we missed his party. Ashton is imprinting (for all you Twilight fans) on Madeline. One day I am sure that Henry will put a stop to it. Seeing Ashton and Madeline in the mustang is already giving me a glimpse into the future. We are going to have to keep a close eye on that boy! We also went to a splash party at Ashton's friend Jack's House. Jack's family is building a house across the street. It will be fun to watch the boys grow up together. Plus, they go to St. Marks as well. Hello carpool!

St. John- US Virgin Islands

2010-06-21T16:20:00.018-05:00

So I left all 3 kids with Aaron for the first time while I attending a bible study with girlfriends...oddly enough called "What husbands need from their wives." He texted me while I was there telling me it was the crappiest night ever. I guess my husbands just needs me to be home! The next day he came home from work with a surprise trip to St. John, US Virgin Islands for the weekend. My girlfriends now say I am the poster child for the bible study. Haha. Anyhow, we left all three kids with my parents and headed to the Caribbean. We stayed at Caneel Bay. It is where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed for their honeymoon and now I know why. It is such a secluded resort. It is simply beautiful and quiet...which is what we were going for. There are no televisions or phones in the rooms. We were 10 steps from a private beach. Aaron had planned a private dinner lighted by tiki torches on the beach for us. We made it through the first three courses before a rain storm came in. Our waiter then moved our table under a roof where we enjoyed the remaining three courses. We went snorkeling in Trunk Bay, which is known as one of the world's 10 most beautiful beaches. We saw coral, many beautiful fish, a sting ray, and huge sea turtles. We also shopped in town, read/slept on the beach, and relaxed. Aaron also had massages planned for us that were amazing. There is nothing like having a massage in a cabana while the ocean breezes blow over you. There were wild donkey all around the property. Aaron even had a tarantula on his back at one point...freaked us both out. The driver smacked him with a broom and that took care of that! We enjoyed our trip, but were excited about getting home to our family as well. Sounds like the kids kept my parents BUSY all day and ALL NIGHT! Thanks Mom & Dad for helping make this trip possible. Now they need a trip to decompress!

Boat ride over to resort.

Sunset the first night.

Champagne and Strawberries...gift from a friend

Caneel Bay

Can you believe that is the ocean and not a swimming pool?

My honey.

Tribute to my brother...

Hello GQ...

Random rooster on beach in Cruz Bay in town.

Crabs outside our room.

Private 6 course dinner on beach.

Sugar mill ruins.

Deer at resort.

Coconut tree.

Trunk Bay

Tarantula hours after being killed by driver...now eaten by ants.

Mollusk that we found while snorkeling. We planned to come home with the shell, so we used the resort sewing kit and tied the shell to a chair. The mollusk would not give in. We tried EVERYTHING....which I will not go into detail about!

Score: Aaron 0, Mollusk 1

Aaron returning the shell and mollusk to its home.

Goodbye Paradise!

Boys Swim lessons

2010-06-14T23:17:00.002-05:00

Aiden and Ashton started swim lessons today. They are both doing really well. Of course they are not scared of the water at all, which is the main reason for the lessons! Aiden can swim under water and float on his back on his own. Ashton spends most of the lesson trying to kiss Ms. Kathy on the cheek. Not sure what made him start doing that but it goes on each lesson...along with him having to get out and pee in the yard during his lesson.

Oklahoma

2010-06-13T17:45:00.001-05:00

So we left our house and headed to Oklahoma with Aunt Stacey, Justin and Jackson. That's right. We drove from Houston to Oklahoma with 5 kids. It went unbelievably smooth and took only a little over 8 hours. The kids were great. Trina joined us too. We went to Cliff's amusement park, played at Aunt Stacey's house and visited a lot of Aaron's extended family. We had dinner at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Roanne's house with Trina and Randy, Stacey and Jason, Uncle Bob, Grandma and Grandpa Benny too. It was also Grandma Hall and Granddad's 70th wedding anniversary as well. We celebrated with them at their house. Grandma Hall held Abigail the entire time we were at her house. She would not put her down for anything. She even held her while she ate. There are 9 great grand kids and she is the first girl.

Are we there yet?

Cliff's Amusement Park

Aiden and Jackson

Justin

Ashton

Abigail

Boys on roller coaster

Notice all the "collectibles" and breakables in the background. Notice Ashton exploring them!

Granddad loved horsing around with the boys. He would say "come here, let me scob your knob boy." And Ashton loved to do the same to him. He was so worn out after playing with the boys, he feel asleep in his chair.

Grammy and Abby

Grammy, Grandpa, the boys & finally a GIRL!

Me & my girl

Pics we had taken for Grammy. I guess you get what you pay for...we only paid $9.95 for them.

Aunt Debbie and Abigail

Randy, Aunt Viv, Sandy, MH, Grandma Hall & Granddad

MH tickling Ashton.

Abigail's first time to fly.

Visit with Cousins

2010-06-06T21:03:00.011-05:00

Aunt Stacey, Justin and Jackson came to visit us in Houston and to meet Abigail. Friday we went to the zoo and to the dinosaur exhibit. We had all 5 kids dress, fed, lunches packed, and ready to go at 8:30am. The first time Stacey and I took Aiden and Justin to the mall...it was a disaster. Then the first time we took all 4 boys to the beach, it took us 3 hours to leave the house. We now consider ourselves pros. Ashton was not too sure of the dinosaurs at first but warmed up to them. Justin is an expert on dinosaurs and told us what the name of each one was and its characteristics. Aiden and Jack just keep saying "ROAR." We then walked around the zoo to look at other animals and made our way to Herman Park for a picnic. We found a nice place by the fountain and put out our blanket. Next thing we know a squirrel decided to join us. He was not scared of us at all and would not leave us alone. Finally, Jack threw him the crust of his sandwich and the squirrel nibbled on it the entire time we were there. If we new it would have kept him busy, we would have fed him sooner. We thought he would continuously come back for more. After our picnic, we rode the train to the splash park. The kids LOVED it. We hoped back on the train and headed home. We were there for 5 hours and no mishaps. Like I said, Stacey and I consider ourselves pros!

This was the last dinosaur in the exhibit. We were admiring it and then it spit water at us! The kids got a kick out of that.

Jack loves taking pictures.

Aiden and Justin eating 3 packets of oatmeal each. These boys were hungry!

Ashton's 3rd Birthday

2010-03-20T23:12:00.000-05:00

Ashton wanted to have his party at the Little Gym. It was the same day as my baby shower. It was a BUSY day. He had a great time with his friends but was TIRED that night!

Monster truck cake

Henry and Ashton

Daddy and Ashton

Aiden, Brooke, Ashton Mia

Aiden and Daddy

Baby Shower

2010-03-20T22:44:00.001-05:00

My sweet friend, Shelley Smith, hosted a baby shower for me. We had a great time. Shower was complete with frozen pink lemonade and frozen cosmopolitans for those not expecting!

Shelly and I

Mom, Me, Trina, Aiden and Ashton

Mom, me, Nena and Ashton

Cousins: Me, Erin, Madison, Shannon, Morgan

Aiden and I showing off the beautiful blanket Grammy made for Abigail.

Abigail's first Louis Vuitton

Overall tutu from Nena

Haley, Aunt Susie, Aunt Carolyn

Aunt Wanda, Gail, Morgan

Erin and Shannon

LaLa and Aiden

Michelle, Sara, Antonetta and me

Patricia, Antonetta, and I

All due within a month...Rebecca (with twin girls), me, and Melissa (with boy/girl twins)

Megan and I

Cousins: Tina, Kathy and Gail, Aunt Dede, and Missy

Carrie, Cooper and I

Food by Shelley Smith :)

Ashton loving on Nena

Spring Break at the Ranch

2010-03-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

We went to spend part of Spring Break at the Ranch. Aiden and Ashton loved feeding the cows range cubes and using their Gator to pick up sticks.

Ashton and Pop Pop working on the pool.

Taking Mommy for a ride. Only a few more days until Abigail is born.

Uncle Bubba even stopped by to play!

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

2010-03-17T22:01:00.008-05:00

Aiden showed at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in the Lead Line Paint Horse Show with his Lala. He rode Money and loved every minute of it. He had quite an entourage come to watch him as well. He did a great job and placed 4th! We are so proud of him.

Trey came to watch Aiden too.

Grammy was in town to come as well.

Aaron and Lala getting Money ready.

Fourth Place for Aiden, Money and Lala

Aiden's entourage: PawPaw, Nena, Grammy, Lala, Allyson, me, Aaron, Pop Pop, Ashton and Carlee

Rides at the carnival...

Rodeo Time!

2010-02-28T21:55:00.004-06:00

Aiden begins practicing for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Aiden is riding Money and being led by Lala.

Carlee leading Ashton around the pasture.

Aiden and Ashton celebrated the upcoming rodeo by having Rodeo Roundup at school. Aiden's teacher told him that he looked like a real cowboy. He thought that was cool.

My little buckaroos.

Great Wolf Lodge

2010-02-28T17:57:00.005-06:00

We went to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine and met Uncle Jason, Aunt Stacey, Justin and Jackson there. The kids LOVED it. It was freezing cold outside but the water park was indoors and warm.

Ashton, Mommy (7 months pregnant) and Aiden

Uncle Jason and Aunt Stacey

Justin

Ashton loved the waterslides. As soon as he got off, he swam to the side to do it again. It probably went down the slide 50 times over the weekend!

Aiden Plays T-Ball

2010-02-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

Aiden started playing t-ball this year. He is playing on the rookie league. He wasn't too fond of it the first practice but ended up liking it after practicing with Dad at home.

Valentine's Day at home and St. Marks Episcopal School

2010-02-26T21:21:00.000-06:00

Coloring kids and cards from Grammy.

Pop Pop & LaLa's Ranch

2010-02-25T22:19:00.001-06:00

Pop Pop and LaLa bought the boys a gator to ride around in at the ranch. They do all sorts of work like picking up sticks and bringing range cubes to the cows.

Aaron and Forrest, my brother, about to go on a 20 mile bike ride. They are starting to train for the half iron man that they are doing in October of this year.

Pop Pop and Ashton at Purcell's.

Fun Times at Home

2010-02-25T21:32:00.003-06:00

Aiden's best friend Trey. He lived next door from us for two years. Aiden and Trey were born one week apart. They also went to preschool together. Aiden loves when Trey comes over to play.

um...hello driveby?

Trey came over to play with Aiden and Ashton. They had a great time. I looked out the window and this is what I saw!

Aiden was waiting for my mom, his LaLa, to come pick him up for the weekend. He could hardly wait!

I have the best housekeeper ever! She likes to do different animals each week for us. I LOVE Lupita!

Aaron always puts the boys pajamas on his head and tells them it is his pretty hair. Well...the apples don't fall far from the tree!

8 foot Jesus

2010-02-24T21:51:00.000-06:00

We started attending Ecclesia in August. This painting was hanging on the wall and meant a lot to Aaron. Next thing you know, it is in our house. Welcome 8 foot Jesus!

Gymnastics

2010-02-20T22:28:00.000-06:00

Aiden at Home

2010-01-30T17:54:00.003-06:00

Aiden getting ready for Abigail and practicing diaper changes on ducky.

Housewarming Party

2010-01-30T16:34:00.012-06:00

A friend of mine inspired me to start blogging again. So here goes! Going to play catch up....Aaron organized and threw a house warming party at Pine Street. We had a great time!

Dad, Mom, Me (Pregnant with Abigail), and Aaron

Aiden saw the chef preparing food in the garage and decided to get his apron and chef hat out as well to help.

Ashton showing off his Mustang at the party.

Aaron cleaning up after someone dropped their glass...He decided to dance with the sweeper.

Bubba and Megan having a good time.

Karen Moore, Me, Melissa Dennard, Patina Sehorn, and Anjannette Whittener...my peeps

Wyn, Trey and Shelley Smith with Aaron and I.

H'orderves from Cordua Catering.

David and I getting a close-up.

H'orderves from Cordua catering.

Ashton and Pop Pop

March 2009

2009-04-02T23:59:00.009-05:00

What a fun month we have had! Aaron's new car was finally delivered, Lala showed her horse in the Houston Rodeo, Ashton turned 2 years old, we headed back to the beach house, and I went to San Diego with Megan. Good times!
Ashton cruising on his new plasma car.
This is the pic that Aaron sent to my phone while I was at a concert....
Aiden and Ashton cruising the neighborhood.
Megan and I at the Ivy in LA.
Ashty building a sand castle.
Aiden and LaLa sharing kisses...
Aaron's new car finally delivered.
Aaron surfing with his new board.

2009-04-02T23:57:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Gustov

2008-09-02T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well...we evacuated to Galveston to welcome Hurricane Gustov. It brought in killer waves. Aaron taught Aiden to say Cowabunga... We had a great time...almost blew away a few times....but managed to stay on the ground. We also took the boys to play putt-putt for the first time.

Aiden

Aaron

Me & the boys

Family Pics

2008-08-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Uncle Bubba and Ashty kicking it at Nena's.

The last 2 Samurai...don't you just love playing with your blankets!

Down you go Daddy Samurai!

Paybacks little Samurai...

Happy 3rd Birthday Aiden!

2008-08-15T18:40:00.000-05:00

Aiden and Trey

Aiden and LaLa making a treasure chest.

Time to eat!

Aiden and Catherine

Happy 3rd Birthday Aiden!

2008-08-15T18:37:00.000-05:00

Aiden and Trey with their pirate swords

Present Time!

Pirate Cupcakes!

Yummy!

Ecuador July 2008

2008-08-05T10:24:00.001-05:00

Jeremy ordered an Ecuadorian delicacy....Guinea Pig! It still had eyes, teeth, and its inner parts!

Here is the Happy Feet Team from West University Baptist and Crosspoint.

Picture of the landscape out of the airplane as we were headed home.

Ecuador July 2008

2008-08-05T10:17:00.002-05:00

Just got back from Ecuador working with Happy Feet International. We went to remote villages in the mountains, washed the kids feet, and gave them a pair of shoes. It was unbelievable to see that some of the world lives in such poverty. It was an amazing and growing experience for me. It will make you count your many blessings for sure! We had over 1000 people kneel and give their life to Jesus during the week. I shared the gospel and cried with "Mis nuevos hermanos y hermanas en Christo" (My brothers and sisters in Christ).

This little girl was 2 years old.

This little girl is 9 years old and cares for her 2 year old brother and a newborn (she is wearing the newborn on her back in the sheet) while her mother works all day to feed her family...hunting and gathering...It was hard to see and think that this little girl has as much responsibility as I do with two children.

Here I am standing on the ecuator. Two hemispheres at once....crazy!

Erin and I hugging over the ecuator.

Kentucky Derby

2008-07-20T21:56:00.003-05:00

Looks like I have done this before.....Went to a Kentucky Derby party with David and Becca. What fun!

July 2008

2008-07-15T10:39:00.001-05:00

As you can see, we have spent most of the summer at the beach house. The kids love flying kites, playing on headquarters, being buried in the sand, and "surfing." Aiden, Ashton, and Taylor also love a visit from the ice cream man.....who comes EVERYDAY!!

2008-07-15T10:37:00.000-05:00

2008-07-15T10:36:00.000-05:00

2008-07-15T10:35:00.000-05:00

2008-07-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Visit with Aunt Stacey, Justin and Jackson

2008-06-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

Aunt Stacey reading books with Ashton, Justin, Jackson, and Aiden.
The boys cruising on the beach buggy in Galveston. Jack looks so happy to be here.
Aiden with his new water gun.

Beach House Baby!

2008-06-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

Aaron and David playing the WII.....
Monkey see, Monkey do.....Aiden and Justin playing the WII.

Beach House Baby!

2008-06-23T08:20:00.000-05:00

Ashton kicking it on the golf cart.

Aaron taking Jackson "boogie boarding." Note David and Justin catching waves in the background.

Stacey and I took the boys to the Aquarium at Moody Gardens.

Here is Justin and Aiden "surfing" and Ashton is just copying whatever they do!

Beach house Baby!

2008-06-23T08:14:00.000-05:00

Here are the boys enjoying the beach at the beach house. They love the sand and actually, Ashton loves eating the sand!

EuroTrip

2008-06-23T08:11:00.000-05:00

Me sitting on a bench....reading directions....on Ave Des Champs-Elysees. This is cool because we had an artist paint this street for us...not knowing what it was....and now we found it and it has some meaning....
This is Dachau. A concentration camp that Hitler set up. I cannot even describe how heart wrenching and facinating this expereince was. The gate reads "Work Brings Freedom." I say Hitler...you are a crock!
Aaron and Rafeal, his german friend that he met in Virgina, at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. Ladies he is rich and single!!!
Jennifer and I (my cousin). She is studying in Venice this summer. Crazy thing is...we did not know that until we got there. Fun!

EuroTrip

2008-06-23T07:59:00.000-05:00

Aaron and I after visiting the Beer Garden. Notice the German flags painted on our faces. Germany was playing for the soccer Euro Cup and somehow we got mixed up with the locals!
Neuschwanstein in Germany. King Louis II built this place. Walt Disney world used it as their icon...

My Stud Muffin in Venice.
This is me in the garden at Versailles. Louis XIV built this in the 1600's. It was just breath taking!

EuroTrip

2008-06-23T07:53:00.000-05:00

A ride on a gondola in Venice.
Aaron in Munich in front of the Neues Rathaus.
Awe! How sweet. Aaron will die when he sees that I posted this pic!
Aaron and I at a Beer Garden in Munich