Jeff in San Francisco

Jeff took some really nice pcitures while he was in San Francisco for the Direct Marketing Conference. Yes, there's actually a conference where they try to figure out how to send you more stuff in the mail. They did get to hit fisherman's wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard street, and a few other fun spots.

Halloween for me and Jeff

Jeff and I went to a Halloween party at my friend Kels' house the weekend before. We took a picture of the old Hays High crew that was there, pay attention to Mike as a blue man and Nick and Courtney as 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' and his woman. Great costumes!

Fall Carnival at Tobias Elementary

Let the fun begin - a few weeks ago we took the kids to the Fall Carnival at Madalyn's school. It was too much fun, and we all really enjoyed it. Just think - confetti eggs, face painting, moon walk, a maze out of cardboard boxes and a haunted house. =) Here are a few pics of Madalyn with her friends Willow and Abbie, and then Madalyn and Willow in jail.

Tee Pee Maze Craze

I was at Costco last week and had to buy this thing called the Tee Pee Maze Craze. It's got two tunnels to crawl through, a tent, and of course a tee pee. The kids have had so much fun with it, even Bristol. =)

Ella's First Birthday

My precious goddaughter Ella turned 1 last Sunday. It's amazing that it's already been a year and it was a great end to the weekend. We celebrated at the children's park in San Marcos and the kids really enjoyed it. The party was filled with all of the usual birthday party things, including a t.v. with the Cowboys game and NASCAR race. =) (Note that Ella is wearing her Kasey Kahne outfit to represent.) This is Ella in front of her present tree, Beck helping open presents, and Ella giving Bristol kisses.

Nicole & Jimmy's Wedding

You think I might have a picture of them, but alas somehow I missed that one. Nicole and Jimmy got married Saturday, September 30th at St. Anthony's in Kyle then we headed over to Texas Old Town for the reception. My brother Cody and I were both in the wedding (second time that's happened) which was fun - even though he kept trying to make me laugh in the ceremony. A good time was had by all and we are so happy for the two of them! Pics are of me and Maddy, her wedding coordinator, Cody and Julie, and Zach (Jeff's nephew) with Nicole.

Jimmy & Nicole's Bears

Nicole and Jimmy got married last weekend, and she got him these really cool bears made with chainsaws by Doug Moorland, the famous Texas singer. Really cool gift- and they are really heavy! I was the official bear-keeper, so the night of the rehearsal dinner Cody, Jessie, Kim, Julie and myself took them all over Buda for a night on the town. We presented the pictures to them during our speech. These are pics of them playing in the cart at WalMart, site seeing at Cabella's and dressed in t-shirts and tiaras on Main Street.

Bristol the Pin-Up

I took this picture of Bristol, and it cracks me up. He looks like one of the pin-up girls from the 50's. Check out those gams!

Jeff's Graduation

Whoo hoo! Jeff's graduation from UTSA has been set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th.

Bristol - 7 months

Well, seven months and two teeth later Bristol is trying his best to crawl. He can get everywhere he wants - including in my purse, that was fun - but does this funky worm like crawling thing. He gets up on all fours and pushes himself forward, then up on all fours again. (I know y'all remember doing the 'worm' and I think we may remember Jeff doing it as part of his dance at Jessie's wedding. Good times!! =)
It's either that or he's starting baby yoga without any instruction or trying to become a back up dancer for Fergie's London Bridge hit. Either way, he's too much entertainment - much like the rest of us...

Goodbye to Ernst & Young.....Hello Maxwell, Locke & Ritter

Not sure where this should go in the blog, but after 5 years I've left Ernst & Young. This a picture from our masquerade themed holiday party two years ago at Green Pastures. The funny thing is, only 3 of the people in the picture still work there.
I was very burned out, and needed a change. I joined a local audit firm that's also in the Frost Bank Tower. I've been there for a week and a half, and I'm loving it. I'm going to be able to focus on nonprofit audits and have more time for my family. Win/win for sure! My new work email is hraymond@mlrpc.com if anyone's looking for me! =)

Nicole's Bridal Shower

As many of you know one of my best friends is getting married next month. We celebrated the occasion with a shower for her last weekend. We had fun playing the 20 questions game and are glad to know them both a bit better. (He wears boxers if youre curious =). This is Nicole with her mom Pat (left) and almost mom-in-law Karen. The kids also had a good time mugging for the camera - it's Maddy, Brenah, and Nicole's niece Kayla.

Goodbye Suns!

Madalyn's last basketball game was a lot of fun. You can see how much Jeff and Beck were enjoying their front row seats. We had a really good season and all of the girls enjoyed getting a trophy. Can't wait for next season!!

Bristol - 6 months old

Bristol is 6 months old now and getting so big. At his checkup he was 28 inches and 17 pounds. So he's still super long and skinny for his age. He's almost crawling - he can get up on his hands and knees, but can't seem to get anywhere from there. He just rocks back and forth until he loses his balance and falls.
He is precious and we just enjoy his smiles everyday.

First Day of First Grade

Madalyn started school last week. She is in Mrs. Bosquez's first grade class and is enjoying being with her friends again. It was a great summer, but she likes being back in the dual language program. She's changed and matured so much in a year it's breathtaking.
She won Bingo twice this week, and is looking forward to taking her basketball trophy to show and tell tomorrow.
Ah, memories....

Bristol and the Biter Biscuit

Bristol had his first go at a Biter Biscuit tonight. These things are super messy- kinda cookie consistency, but they dissolve quickly. He really enjoyed it even though he had a hard time hanging on to it. We all just liked watching him go at it. =)

Madalyn's Basketball Game in San Antonio

I only got to stay for one night of the Bachelorette party because Maddy's little league team was playing at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. They did a really good job and are showing some great improvement. They played a round robin style, so didn't keep score but all of the girls thought it was cool to play where the Spurs do.
Madalyn, Bristol, and I even stayed for the Silver Star's WNBA game that night where Maddy got to take a picture with the Fox. Way too much, we're hoping to go back and see another game soon.

Nicole's Bachelorette Party

Whoo hoo Nicole! Nicole has been one of my best friends since 7th grade. She's Beck's godmother and affectionately called 'NiNi' by the kids, and if you've been around me long, you've heard a story about her. We officially hit that point in our lives when we've known each other longer than we hadn't. Kinda crazy, but cool. We went to Port Aransas for the party and had a lot of fun, unfortunately I had to come home early, but still got to see the beach!! The ladies are Dianne, (Nicole's sister) Jessie, Nicole, Kim and me. The rest of the ladies found us later at Sharkey's.

Granny Smith's Visit

We all really enjoyed Granny coming to visit for three weeks. The time flew by, and we hope that she can come back soon. She's 86 and as fun as ever I hope that I can still have her love of life when I'm her age!
My favorite part of trip was our shopping spree at the Outlet Mall in San Marcos. I know where my shopping gene came from.

Beck's New Bathtub

Beck and Madalyn were helping my mom wash her car when Beck decided to strip down and jump in the soapy water. If this picture doesn't help my redneck street cred - nothing will. Maybe Dawn will sponsor him....