One sunny day

We finally got some nice weather. It seemed like it had been forever since we had seen the sun. So when it finally came out we were thrilled. We havent lived here in Texas that long, but long enough to know that the weather here can be completely different day to day. So we decided to take advantage of this beautiful day and spend it outside. We grabbed some lunch at Firehouse Subs and then headed for the park. Sawyer was so excited to try out his new T-ball set. We thoroughly enjoyed our 1 sunny day, and we are looking forward to some more beautiful days in the very near future. Here are some pics of our day. Enjoy!

Chapel Angel

Sawyer was the chapel angel last week at school. The chapel teachers pick a different child each week to pray at the end of chapel. Sawyer said they pick the kids who have been sitting and listening the best during chapel (we are so proud). His teacher said that he did a great job, he wasn't nervous and had no problem praying into the microphone. He prayed for his family and for health. What a sweet boy we have. We love you Sawyer and we are proud of you!!!


Hers is our chapel angel



This is his certificate.

They make an angel out of lolipops, coffee filters, pipe cleaners and ribbon.

Star of the week.

Sawyer was the star of the week at school. He was so excited to have a turn. The Star of the week gets to bring in pictures of their families and special things they like to do, and a special toy for "show and tell" He loved getting to talk about his pictures and share one of his favorite toys with his friends at school. Here are a couple pics of Sawyer with his special certificate.

Champa and Grammy come to visit

Paul's parents came to visit us last weekend. We had so much fun having them here with us. We miss our families so much, its so fun when they come to visit us. Of course, when they come it's never long enough so we try and cram as much stuff as we can into the little time we have. They got in on Thursday and surprised Sawyer at school. He knew they were coming but didnt know they would be here in time to get him from school, he was soooo excited to see them. We then came to the house and let them get unpacked and settled in. Then we were off and running, we met Paul for dinner at Texas Roadhouse, now a tradition when they come to visit. After dinner Val and I went to Barnes and Noble to pick up our new favorite game. Maybe you've heard of it Settlers of Catan. We had played for the first time the previous weekend and were hooked, since the Balcombes are big game players we knew they would like it. We played that night and surprise surprise Paul won...but thats ok because we proceeded to play every night they were here and I had a victory as well, it was not a great game weekend for the in-laws. None the less we had fun playing games together again. Friday we had breakfast at home courtsey of my wonderful mother in-law, she made apple pancakes (my favorite) and they were amazing as usual. After everyone was ready to start the day the boys headed out for a round of golf and the girls(and Sawyer) went off to shop. We hit the mall, Target and of course Costco. Sawyer had so much fun shopping with Grammy, he kept hearing the word "yes" when normally its No Sawyer, maybe for your birthday. Grammy spoiled him. His favorite thing of the day his new light up spiderman shoes. He was so excited about them, he wouldn't take them off, the kid wore them to bed that night he loved them so much. After shopping and glofing we met for dinner at another of our favorite places La Hacienda, it was delicious as always. After dinner it was back home for more Settlers and some olympics. Saturday was so fun too, we had tickets to see Phantom of the Opera down in Fair Park. The show was great and it was fun to go with Pauls parents. A big thank you to the Ball family for watching Sawyer for us, we really appreciate it. After the show we picked up Sawyer and went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner( are you starting to see a trend here) again, dinner was great. We headed for home for another game of settlers and more olympics. Church on Sunday was great, it was fun to show Pauls parents our new building. After church it was Fuddruckers for lunch and more games. I had to head out Sunday night to register Sawyer for school, so i'm not sure what everyone did Sunday night. They got up Monday morning and headed out. We miss them already and wish we would have had more time together. We did have a blast while they were here and can't wait to see them again. Thanks for the fun dad and mom we love you!


Grammy and Sawyer making cinnamon toast, Sawyers favorite treat that Grammy makes.

My favorite treat that Grammy makes. Mmmmmm apple pancakes.

Sawyer and Champa playing memory.

Sawyer's new shoes

They even look good with pj's.

At La hacienda

Grammy and Sawyer reading together.

One of our many Settlers of Catan games.

Happy Valentines Day

We had a week of Valentines celebrations this year. We did a playdate with some friends from school, had Sawyers Valentines party at school, Paul and I went out Saturday night, and then we celebrated as family on Sunday the 14th. Valentines Day was on a Sunday this year so we got up a little earlier than normal and exchanged our gifts before church. It was fun to watch Sawyer open his presents and tell us how much he loved them, and us. Holidays are so fun with kids! We went to church and then out to lunch. We spent the evening playing games and having pizza with our friends the Shipleys. Hope everyone had a Happy Valentines Day! Here are some pics Sawyer opening his gifts.

Sawyer and his presents.

Our heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's

Snow Fun part 2

Snow day part 2 was so special. Paul was given the day off becuase of the weather so he was able to enjoy this fun day with us. It was even more special because it was Sawyers Valentines party day at school, so Paul surprised Sawyer by coming to his party. Sawyer loved having daddy at school with him. After school we went home and played in the snow. We built Sawyers first snowman, made snow angels and had a couple snowball fights. Not only was it a fun snow day but one for the record books( for Texas). The Dallas area got a Whoppin' 12.5" of snow, the most ever. We had so much fun being a part of Texas history :) There are so many pictures to look at, I probably could have made 3 posts, but you will just have to endure. Good luck and enjoy!



Walking to the car after school

Daddy and Sawyer

Puttin' our gloves on

Gathering snow

Rolling our snow for our snowman

Stacking our snowballs

Quick break for a snowball fight with daddy

Back to our snowman

Lego eyes, carrot nose, leaf mouth, spankin' spoon arms and a SD Padres hat to complete the look.

Sawyer and our snowman

All finished

Sawyer making a snow angel

My snow angel

Snowball fight with daddy