The Start of a New Tradition

Ever since we drove through Fredericksburg on the way to Thanksgiving at the Roost, I've been dying to stop there. So my mom, sisters, and I planned a trip for mom's birthday weekend. It was pretty much perfect. We all agreed to make it an annual tradition.


Hitting the jam & condiments store

We spent a relaxing night at the Roost, just an hour away from town.



Our first lunch stop was at the Peach Tree Tea Room.

Relaxation was almost palpable here...

getting our shop on

One of many stunning window boxes

good times amongst the antique toys

one of many amazing antiques we saw...this is a French prayer clock.

sisters shot

Baby V's Portraits

Finally getting V's birthday portraits up... Matt took these at the Museum of the Southwest the day after V turned two.


The stinker...







She's getting a little bit excited!







Look at that pretty baby...

Celebrating Viola Marie

Baby V turned two last week on Friday. None of us can believe that two years have come and gone. Even the kids were saying, "We can't let Baby V turn 2!"

On Friday morning, we woke her up singing "happy birthday". Then we had french toast and let V open her gifts. That evening, Memaw and Pepaw arrived from Abilene to eat dinner and cupcakes. Baby V loves "cuh-cakes" so she was very pleased with her little party.

Merry Christmas (Again) and Happy New Year!

We just got back last night from our final gathering of the holiday season. This one was a combination retirement/Christmas/New Year's celebration. On Friday, we had dad's retirement lunch. That night we opened gifts. On New Year's Eve we had a smorgasbord of treats and watched a couple of movies before banging pots & pans to ring in the new year at midnight. The kids stayed up for the first movie, but they aren't quite ready to make it all the way.

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful Christmas as always!









Baby V got new "cozies".





Emma with her prized "make your own tiara" kit.

The kids enjoying their New Year's Eve treats.

With the great-grands

Dad's Retirement

After 26 years at TABC, my dad retired on Friday. There was a nice lunch for him that day with his family and coworkers past and present. It wasn't an official event, but sort of just happened as word leaked out that he was retiring. My dad had a great reputation everywhere he worked– Ft. Worth, Austin, and Abilene– and a several people shared their appreciation of him either publicly or privately to the family.



I think it goes without saying that Bob is "from the old school".

My Dad giving his speech.

An old friend from dad's rookie years in Ft. Worth.