It All Started with a Little Skittle...

Reflections of 2017

2017-12-30T20:50:00.001-06:00

Reflecting on this year has made me realize what an intense year it has been. At the end of each hear I am always hearing people complain about their year. I reflect and see that our year was on for the books for sure, but I see it as a year of growth and amazing events. This year has been full of difficult times as well as many blessings.

Gabby turned 7 and she has become such a mature young lady!

Gabby lost her first tooth!

Throughout this year there have been wonderful events and numerous trying events in our lives. Here are a few of the highlights of the year:

Gabby learned to ride her bike with no training wheels!

Beauty & The Beast debuted on Gabby's birthday
and we went to the movie and it was AMAZING!

Gabby completed a reading program and was reading on level so she earned a day at Great Wolf Lodge.

Gabby overcame her fear of swimming underwater and became a swimmer and received a trophy for "Most Improved."

We adopted a crazy kitten, J.J. Watt

Proof that we celebrated birthdays and every other fun time we could as a family.

Our house was on the blue line. We were saved by a ditch from flooding. So grateful.

Mike standing on the road directly behind our home (it kept rising)
during Hurricane Harvey

My sweet Uncle Charles, who was a kid at heart and all of the kids adore, passed away and I was trapped thanks to Harvey and didn't get to say good-bye at the funeral. He will be missed immensely and it still seems unreal.

Mom & Dad moved right down the street from Uncle Charles and we all had a year
of extra time with him which was a blessing.

Two days after Hurricane Harvey rain stopped we decided to go on our cruise as scheduled,
because work was closed and our hearts were heavy.

Gabby held a monkey in Roatan!

Surprise party for Jimmy!

We celebrated Grandma turning 80!

Gabby won a raffle at school and lost a tooth all in the same night!

Gabby says the Fall Festival is the best day of the year

Corbin will have a BROTHER next year and
we are all as excited as he is in this photo.

It snowed in TEXAS! (Gabby's dream come true.)

My sweet girl donated a foot of hair to someone in need. Her heart keeps growing
and her kindness and compassion makes us so proud.

Although wonderful things have happened this year many difficult thing have occurred as well. My mom's best friend was diagnosed with cancer and lost one of her eyes to it. My mom's thyroid has a growth on it again (even though it was removed) which is scary. Then there was Hurricane Harvey which flooded almost my entire city and this type of flooded is believed to only happen once in one thousand years. Our house and business were spared from flooding, though the flood definitely put a damper on our business. I lost my Uncle Charles. Gabby was diagnosed with dyslexia.

The most difficult is Jimmy. He has had serious health issues this entire year. His hip was replaced and he was feeling so much better and then his health began to decline and he's been in out of the hospital since this summer, scary times especially lots of prayers while he went through many surgeries. We try to make the times together enjoyable and to remember to find the good and enjoy each day that is given to us all.

Although this year has given us many things to worry about, we have chosen to celebrate the good. Mom's friend is doing well and enjoying life. My mom's doctors believe her thyroid is nothing to worry about. Our house did not flood. Gabby can get the help she needs to build her confidence in reading. I am going to be an aunt again! Jimmy is still here and we cherish every day with him. This year has taught my family to rejoice in our lives and celebrate our families. We work hard at stopping to enjoy each other and make memories whenever possible.

Before Jimmy's first surgery we all gathered and had a weekend of silly fun which
included attempting to ride an electric scooter (the highlight of the weekend).

2017 was an intense year and my resolution for the next year isn't really a resolution at all: My plan is to keep living life to the fullest. Thanks to Michael and his big heart and free spirit I know we will do well at this. Happy New Year!

Christmas 2018

2017-12-25T09:03:00.000-06:00

Since Michael and my family live so far away from each other, Gabby is blessed with two Christmas celebrations each year. My side of the family came to our house on Christmas Eve (all traveling from different parts of Louisiana. Silsbee, and San Antonio). When my little family arrived home from church family was arriving and warming delicious food for lunch.

The day couldn't have been more fun. We ate a delicious meal and everyone was in great spirits. Then the main event for the two kids began. As gifts were being passed around Gabby and Corbin began opening gifts. They were showered and spoiled with everything they could have wanted and more! Papa wasn't feeling well, but he helped Daddy put together her trampoline so she could play with it the next morning.

The funniest event was after opening gifts. Grandma made two Saran Wrap balls filled with treats for the children and adults. We set a timer and went to town unwrapping the ball as quickly as we possibly could. It was hilarious fun! Gigi was serious about this game, between her and Great Aunt Ellen they stole the show! Seriously I think those two unwrapped faster than anyone and ended up with the most treats. We all agreed this was a new tradition and we will be playing the game again next year.

Papa enjoying his surprises of a droid from Grandma.

Gabby admiring her gift

Grandma and Gabby inspecting her first ever American Girl doll from Grandma and Papa!

Enjoying family time.

Gabby and her doll wearing matching outfits she just opened.

Family snuggles

Saying goodbye

They love their Great Grandma

More kisses and farewells.

Once everyone left, it was time to get ready for bed so Santa could come. Gabby and Corbin both being only children enjoyed getting to have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together. The two of them both put out cookies and milk for Santa before reading "The Night Before Christmas." Due to excitement the two went to bed way too late!

Saying goodbye to her elves until next year (they agreed to give up their magic for a day so she could hug them good-bye).

Santa's gifts!

The morning was full of joy seeing what surprises Santa left. Mommy, Daddy, Nanny, Uncle Patrick, Grandma, Papa, & Great Aunt Ellen enjoyed the shrill excitement of Gabby and Corbin!

After the family all left Christmas Day, Gabby invited her friend over to help her try out her trampoline for the first time!

Christmas Season 2018

2017-12-24T08:47:00.000-06:00

The Christmas season is an overwhelmingly busy yet beautiful time of year. Between Gabby's school events, my personal events, and trying to run our business there was hardly time to breathe. We love our traditions around this time of year and made time for them all. Grandma and Papa treated us to tickets for us and close friends to see the Nutcracker. Afterwards we were blessed to meet Clara! The girls were in awe.

The elves also visited us for one entertaining month. They brought Gabby a gingerbread making kit per our tradition and Gabby had fun. Gabby's gingerbread house was simple and made 100% by herself this year. It's hard to believe that Gabby is such a big girl and able to do intricate activities so well independently.

JJ Watt helping with tree. He loved climbing in it and playing with the ornaments.

Gabby decorated our tree to perfection.

Ready for the Nutcracker

Sweet friends waiting for the performance to begin.

Halloween With Harry Potter & Hermione

2017-10-31T21:34:00.000-05:00

This year was an exciting year. We were lucky enough for Corbin to come down and celebrate Halloween with us! We even checked Gabby out of school an hour and a half early to make the most of such a fun and exciting day. Gabby had chosen to be Hermione from Harry Potter and Corbin was obsessed with both Willy Wonka and Harry Potter so his Mommy bought him both costumes because he kept insisting he was going to be Willy Wonka, but Nanny knew that he would change his mind when he saw Gabby's costume...and she was right! Corbin did decide to be Harry Potter which went perfectly with Gabby's costume, what luck!

Somehow I ended up dressed in Corbin's Willy Wonka costume that fit me like a shirt. I was grateful for the hat since it rained the entire night of trick-or-treating

Papa with his costume and the kids with their shots of "bloody" Jello,

On the morning of Halloween we all (Grandma, Nanny, Corbin, Mommy, Daddy, Papa & Gabby) awoke early to take Gabby to school and watch her school's costume parade. This was the most magical event for Corbin, all of the kids everywhere and all in different costumes, it was magical! Gabby always loves the parade and this year was extra special because her teacher from last year scooped up Corbin's hand as she walked by and he got to BE in the parade as well. The entire event was adorable and quite comical. He held her hand and never stepped out of line. Gabby walked with her class and was one of only two Hermiones in the entire school.

Amazed at all of the kids

Joining in the parade.

Parade Hermione (Her teacher even dressed up).

Devastated when the kids went back into the school.

After school Nanny had really cool treats for the kids. Gabby baked brownies with Nanny and then they decorated them as individual graves. Then as a family affair we ALL worked on the carving of the pumpkins. I just cleaned them out and so did Papa. Then the artists in the family: Nanny, Papa, and Daddy carved them. Nanny free handed the art and then the three of them took turns carving. Gabby loved choosing the designs for her two pumpkins. It was a special day.

Graveyard Brownies

Finally it was time to go trick-or-treating. We decided to start early because the forecast did not look promising. It started to rain after about houses. We all used ponchos and umbrellas. Luckily the kids had chosen costumes that had capes and hoods. The kids never complained and all of us: Grandma, Papa, Nanny, Mommy, Daddy, Corbin and Gabby made the trek to obtain all of the candy we could stand. It may not have been ideal weather, but it was definitely a Halloween we will never forget. So fun having the entire family together for the fun.

Attempted to use the car, but the battery died.

Trick-or-Treating at their first house

The loot! Not as much as usual but she was tired of the rain and asked to go home.

Using her levitation spell to make her cat float

Look carefully. It took an entire day of shopping to get accurate clothing. The same skirt Hermione wears, the correct shirt, the tie, the socks, the cape, the correct wand (we had to repaint it for it to be the correct color), and crazy teased Hermione hair. Details are what it's all about with my girl!

Being Hermione.

JJ Watt

2017-06-26T19:08:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows Gabby knows she is a crazy cat baby and that is no exaggeration. She believes she can speak cat, chooses clothing with cats on them, calls her cat, Lila, her sister, wants to be a cat babysitter when she grows up, and literally has at least 100 toys that are cats. This girl is obsessed and has been since she was two. Any time we ask her what she wants as a gift her answer is always a cat.

Well her dream came true one day recently. I kept dropping not so subtle hints that cats were only $5 at the SPCA. One day Michael said lets go look at kittens. I literally thought he was just thinking Gabby would be in kitty heaven and we were going to look, but when we arrived Michael kept saying things as though we had decided to get a kitten. So after a very long wait we went and looked at hundreds of cats and kittens, but little JJ Watt stole her heart the moment she saw him and that was it we had found our newest family member.

The name JJ Watt was purely Gabby's decision, we tried to change her name; however, she would accept no other name. We think she chose the name because we had just opened The Locker Room" at the Escape Room. Gabby loves her kitten and has built it a home and incorporates him into all of the games she plays with her friends. Now she is working on Lila accepting the newest family member....

Choose J.J. at the shelter

The magical first ride home. He cried so she comforted him.

J.J. Watt in the newly debuted "Locker Room" at Escape Artist.

Happy Father's Day!

2017-06-21T23:28:00.001-05:00

Father's Day was a relaxing day. Michael has been working extremely hard building things at the escape room. We decided to spend the day with his best friend. It was a fun and relaxing day enjoying the kids and cooking burgers. I think these pictures depict our day:

I think Gabby knows that she is so blessed to have such a loving, caring, involved fun Daddy. I know that I am lucky to have such an amazing partner sharing this crazy life of parenting and making memories. We love you Michael and we both feel so blessed for the ways you choose to so your love. You make our lives amazing. Love you.

Becoming a Marlin

2017-06-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

One evening while eating dinner at Texas Roadhouse (our usual on Friday nights so we can see Daddy for an hour while he’s working) Gabby saw Olympic swimmers on the television and said I want to do that. Michael and I have been wanting Gabby to become less fearful of the water and a stronger swimmer so we immediately agreed that becoming a swimmer was a great idea. Two weeks later I had all of the information needed and we were signed up for the neighborhood swim team. Little did I know how intense summer swim team would be!

To be allowed on the team you must be capable of swimming across the entire 25 meter pool, there is no time limit and you are allowed to hold on to the rope as much as you need. Gabby made it across the pool in about 2 minutes, 20 seconds with a lot of encouragement from the coaches and a lot of holding onto the ropes and taking breaks. I must add that the evaluation was in April and it was cold, but she never even mentioned the temperature of the water the entire season. Gabby made it across the pool and officially was named a Marlin!

Swimming is intense. Seriously, it’s a full body workout and it is 6 days a week. Gabby swam after school each day and loved it. I never heard her complain about going to practice the entire 6 weeks. Swim is exhausting as a parent. We have to be to the meets every Saturday by 7:00 a.m. and volunteer (which I think it's great to be involved). Not only do swim meets begin early, they are an all day event as well. The kids love it because they swim about 3 minutes the entire day and play with friends and eat snacks/candy the rest of the time while listening to fun music. Being in swim you are enveloped in the culture and I must admit it's a positive and amazing group of people on Gabby's swim team.

Gabby was nervous each time she swam, but she always gave it 100% and improved her times almost every single time she raced. During her first meet she had to wait a first time on the block before they allowed the girls to get ready and she jumped off of the block and literally swam 1/3 of the way across the pool before we could get her attention to turn around due to a false start. We always worry when they make the little ones way too long because it is inevitable that someone is going to false start. However she swam back and still gave that race her all! I can only imagine the emotions that must have been going through her sweet little head and the exhaustion she must have felt after basically swimming the length of the pool twice.

Improvement Ribbons!

Gabby had a great attitude and tried her best this season and most importantly became a much stronger and confident swimmer with a love of swimming. When the season began she would cry when she had to put her face in the water. We paid for a few private lessons to improve her technique of holding her breath and during the last two weeks she really seemed to become a more confident swimmer. When she was evaluated to tryout for the team she took over two minutes to swim across the pool, but by the last meet she could swim 25 meters in 45 seconds! Her coaches must have noticed her flourish through the season because to our surprise she was named most improved and awarded with a trophy! We are so very proud of our little Marlin and are looking forward to being on the team again next year.

Deep In the Heart of Texas!

2017-06-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Gabby's dance recital theme this year was "Texas." Gabby's tap and jazz class chose "Deep In the Heart of Texas!" Gabby worked extremely hard to learn her dance over the past two months and I must say she did amazing! I loved watching her put on a big smile and shake her hips in her tutu while pumping her heart in the dance. She did very well and seemed so confident while performing on stage (although that wasn't truly the case).

Yesterday at the dress rehearsal Gabby heard people laughing (because her dance is so stinking adorable) and Gabby was very upset that people were laughing at her. I calmed her down after ensuring her everyone loved their dance and were just being interactive because they were enjoying singing along \the song and clapping when while singing. They ran through their dance twice on stage and did amazing the second time, but I think the fact that they ran through their dance twice made Gabby feel like they weren't doing it right. This was the first time Gabby's entire class was there in over a month so it was really important for them to get in practice together.

Finally, recital day was here. Gabby made sure her red lipstick was perfect and although she was embarrassed of her costume I think she knew she looked great. She handled the anxiety of the entire day very well. The best part was watching her shake her hips while pumping her heart. She and one other girl lead the five girls in the dance. When the others were not sure whether they were doing something correctly they would look to Gabby or the other sweet girl. Overall the dance went very well and Gabby did a wonderful job performing. She kept a smile on her face and nailed her dance moves. Michael and I are so proud of her. We opted out of giving her flowers and allowed her to get clothes for her American Girl Doll (which is really from Target). Dancing is definitely one of her favorite things to do. People frequently comment on her freestyle dancing because she has some moves. We adore our free spirited tiny dancer.

Easter

2017-04-16T22:17:00.000-05:00

Easter was a very quiet event this year, just the three of us. We really made the most of our family day since Michael closed the office Sunday in honor of Easter. On Saturday before work we dyed Easter eggs as a family. It was a fun activity that we cherish doing as a family. Gabby loves any sort of crafting.

On the night before Easter Gabby insisted she must sleep in the living room in her tee pee like she did last year. We obliged to this request and got her all tucked in with tons of fluffy blankets. Michael arrived home around midnight and quietly walked to our room as to not wake her or possibly scare off the Easter Bunny. He enjoyed looking at the carrots and whipped cream Gabby left out for the Easter Bunny to enjoy.

Around 2:00 a.m. Gabby came into our room and decided it was more comfortable to sleep with us. So in the morning when she awoke she went directly into the living room and opened her entire Easter Basket without us! She even hunted the eggs the Easter Bunny had hidden around the living room. I swear this all happened in about 5 minutes and I assumed she was just going to the restroom. So after looking at the trail of chocolate the bunny left and checking out her new praying matis egg sack and Orbeez, she came and woke us up. We were bummed that we didn't get to watch the excitement on her face while she discovered all of the fun that was left in her basket, but we enjoyed listening to her tell us all about it.

Next, Gabby and Daddy made yummy homemade bacon and pancakes for us to enjoy as a family. Then it was time to get ready and go to church. We all enjoyed church and then came home and made a small, but traditional Easter lunch.

No Easter would be complete without the hunting of Easter eggs. I hid them in the front yard while Gabby polished up on her two wheeled bike riding skills. She improves more and more every day!

After eating an about an hour or two of rest, we got dressed and ready to meet all of our employees to go and try out a different escape room. We enjoyed time traveling and I think Gabby had a blast although she was scared part of the time. Her favorite event was eating at Taco Bell sitting with the teenagers while Michael and I sat at the table beside them. They made jokes and were so sweet including Gabby in all of the fun.

Finally, we took Gabby home and got her to bed an hour after her bedtime. It was quite a non-traditional Easter, but I think it will be one we reflect back on and smile. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and we missed our family.

A Good Friday!

2017-04-14T22:42:00.000-05:00

There was no school on Good Friday so we made the most of this family day. Since Daddy had to work in the evening we took advantage and woke up early and went to the park. Gabby decided she wanted to try to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. I am excited to say it was a quick success! We started off by having her try on the hard grass and she got the hang of it in no time. The entire time we practiced she only fell twice and they were skilled falls.

Once her confidence built, she wanted to try riding on the concrete because we explained a smooth surface is much easier. She instantly was able to do it, but still needed help with starting off. Before I even finished the sentence of saying that once she could push of on her own we would buy her a new bike, she did it with no encouragement needed! She was so proud so we sat on a bench and cheered her on. It was so exciting seeing her be a natural on a bike. I think it was also a confidence booster, which is always a plus!

Eventually she needed a break so we played basketball. Gabby really tried hard to throw the hard high and with precision. Before she stopped playing she was hitting the rim. We all had a great time.

Once Gabby was tired we went to have a celebratory dinner and then to buy her NEW bike!! We bought her bike and she and Daddy assembled it and then we practiced riding it around a parking lot at the Escape Room. Finally, we were all exhausted so we rested and watched a show at the escape room for about 30 minutes before Michael had to get ready for his late evening of work. This Good Friday was a really good family Friday. We were also sure to make sure she understood the significance of this day. Gabby finished her day off by playing at open gym for 2.5 hours. I honestly do not know where she gets the energy!

Tooth Fairy Time!

2017-03-27T21:11:00.000-05:00

"All it took was a pizza Lunchable!"

Those were the first words Gabby excitedly told Mommy and Daddy when she got off of the bus after school today while proudly showing us her tooth necklace. Gabby finally lost her first tooth today! She has been waiting for about two years for this day. Her adult teeth were actually already halfway through and she was supposed to go to the dentist for help with her teeth.

She is so excited for the tooth fairy to come tonight and take her tooth. Luckily Grandma made her a Tooth Fairy pillow years ago that has been patiently hanging on her closet door handle waiting for the day it would be needed. I only wonder what does a tooth fairy bring these days? I guess only time will tell. Hopefully the other tooth that needs to be pulled will follow suit and fall out soon as well.

An added bonus to wiggly teeth in our home is that Daddy HATES seeing a tooth move or even the mention of a wiggly tooth. Gabby enjoys torturing Daddy with this knowledge (and Mommy may find it quite entertaining as well).

Morning Update: Gabby left the Tooth Fairy a letter asking to keep her first tooth and the Tooth Fairy wrote back complementing how well she takes care of her teeth and leaving her $5 and two half dollars (like the Tooth Fairy used to leave Mommy). Gabby was very excited and as a bonus it was pajama day at school.

100 Days of Reading

2017-03-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

Gabby has been working extremely hard to improve her reading skills this year, which has really been a struggle for her. So we worked extra at least 4 days a week doing reading lessons. She decided she wanted to earn a trip to Great Wolf Lodge for completing the program. We were so excited the morning of our trip because she had finished all of the intensive and challenging reading lessons and was officially able to read at a 2nd grad reading level. However, things didn't go quite as planned. Michael woke up that morning extremely sick to his stomach and was not able to join us to all of our dismay.

We had previously looked into inviting Emma and Brody since they live close by but it was going to double our cost to invite them and they were going to have to miss a day of school so Gabby and I invited Nanny and Corbin to join us. Even though they were in the middle of a move and taking care of Grandma who just had surgery, they literally dropped everything and packed in 10 minutes and headed to meet us!

The trip started off rocky when we arrived, I lost my keys in the car but Michael (over the phone) helped me to calm down and got us all checked in. Then I found my keys and Corbin and Nanny arrived. We immediately went to the room and all dressed in our swim wear and headed to enjoy a few hours of indoor water park fun. Unfortunately Corbin did not really like the water park so I scooped him up and bought him a magic wand. He and his Mommy played with the wand while Gabby and I swam for another hour until she was tired and ready to get her "Harry Potter" wand as well.

We stayed up extra late waving our wands and magical treasure chests and pictures and had lots and lots of fun. Corbin chased Gabby and gave her lots of hugs and kisses. To see them play together is the sweetest thing.

Even the next day Corbin never really warmed up to the water park but he seemed to like the arcade, wolf, story time and especially Gabby time with the magic wand. They left much earlier than us because they had to get back to moving. Gabby and I stayed at the water park for over 5 hours the second day and managed to enjoy every single water attraction they had to offer. We even went down all 5 of the big slides. Gabby is a thrill seeker and I think we both enjoyed it! Gabby said it was the best day ever.

Before heading home we decided to go see Aunt Sharon, Uncle Lee, and Emma and Brody since they only live about 15 minutes from where we were staying. My phone ended up breaking so Gabby played with the kids while I had her phone connected so I could call in emergencies. The trip wasn't what we planned but it was memorable and Gabby seems to really get that hard work pays off.

Gabby slept the entire trip back Monday evening and was ready to return to school the next day to tell of her Spring Break and Great Wolf Lodge adventures!

We are so proud of her diligence and the growth she has made in her confidence, reading skill level, and study skills this school year. Gabby has truly become a "big kid" this year and we couldn't be any prouder of her!

Rock Star Party

2017-03-18T23:23:00.000-05:00

Gabby's party was everything she imagined it. The 22 girls enjoyed getting their hair and make up done. Then they all put on their head set microphone and then headed onto stage and enjoyed performing their favorite songs. The girls seemed to really like the party that Gabby planned. After cake and gifts the girls went back to the stage for an encore (or 5). A few of the moms at the party even attempted to escape from one of our escape rooms. Gabby seemed to love having the run of Escape Artist and showing off the rooms to all of her friends. It is amazing how many people love and care for Gabby. We are so grateful for all of the friends and fun that was had at her party!

No hair style is complete with out a touch of glitter.

Her request for a cake was that it be homemade, chocolate with chocolate, and purple frosting in the center with white cupcakes with pink frosting. They may not be pretty, but I am guessing they were tasty.

Make-up time!

My sassy 7 year old showing off her final style as her friends began to arrive.

Blakeleigh even traveled from Lake Charles and immediately joined in the festivities.

Ready to perform!

We blew out candles twice because apparently Blakeleigh was faster at blowing out the candles causing a few tears that were easily fixed when we re-lit the candles and all cheered when Gabby blew them out.

Roaring like the eye of the tiger.

The one family photo we managed to snap.

The most appropriate shirt for Daddy the protector.

We finished the night with a cousin slumber party. The girls stayed up too late and played hard all day.

Happy 7th St. Gabby's Day!

2017-03-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

On Gabby's actual birthday we had a perfect day celebrating just the three of us. Gabby is officially 7!! Can you believe it? How does time go by so fast? She is such a bright and loving girl. She is kind, compassionate, and passionate in all things dear to her heart. There have never been two parents prouder than us.

Checking out the flamingos who flocked to wish her a Happy Birthday.

Her first look at the flamingos

So to celebrate we woke up early and took her to Cracker Barrel to enjoy her favorite pancakes. I think she liked playing checkers with Daddy and choosing a candy there more than she enjoyed the actual breakfast. Directly after breakfast we allowed her to choose her fun for the day from a bunch of options. Gabby chose bowling by cheering, clapping her hands, and jumping up in down with excitement. We arrived the very moment they opened. And as if we planned it our neighbors arrived at the same time! So we all bowled together which made her celebration like a mini party. The kids endured an hour of bowling (they were all done after one game). Gabby was actually quite good (she had bumpers to help). She literally beat me!

Running back in excitement after getting a strike!

Look where that bowling ball is headed.

After we all finished bowling it was arcade time! The kids played games and then we all played laser tag. We had so much fun shooting the lasers and running around. Our team won both rounds and the kids loved that. We all finished the game wearing big smiles and sweating. Almost immediately after completing laser tag Gabby and Payton walked above everyone on ropes and balance beams for a loooonnng time! Gabby started off with some fear and then quickly looked like a pro. Next were more arcade games and choosing prizes.

Driving a motorcycle at the arcade

Next we went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch and they gave the birthday girl a free gigantic green ice cream cone. We watched her eat it for 20 whole minutes! Directly after eating we went into Toys R Us to choose a bicycle for her, but she wasn't in love with any so we are still on the look out for a Gabby approved bike.

Obviously at this time Mommy and Daddy were exhausted so we went to the Escape Room for a rest before Daddy had to open for the day. We both fell asleep from all of the excitement. Finally after an hour of rest Gabby and I left to go get ready for our evening fun. Mommy made cupcakes and cake for Gabby's party the next day while Gabby played with Abby. Then we rushed and got her dressed in her Belle gown before heading to watch the premiere of "Beauty and the Beast". We were running late and luckily did not miss any of the movie. It was an amazing movie and a perfect way to end her day of fun.

Then we stopped by for one last birthday kiss from Daddy before heading to bed so that she would be well rested for her party the next morning. I don't think any little girl could have asked for a better birthday celebration.

Go Texan Day

2017-03-01T23:37:00.000-06:00

Because there is so much Texas pride we celebrate Go Texan Day. Gabby loves dressing up and so she was all dressed up for school. These are the few photos I got of her before leaving for school. She chose her outfit and hairstyle. She is also extra excited because she's begun to learn her tap recital dance to "Deep in the Heart of Texas"

Dr. Suess Musical

2017-02-28T13:27:00.000-06:00

Gabby was very excited about her musical. Her entire grade practiced for over a month to perform for the parents one evening. Gabby would practice singing at home all of the time, it was precious. So when the night came, we were present front and center. We enjoyed her animation. I swear she has more personality and passion when performing that 99% of her classmates. After her and her classmate's adorable and perfect performance we went congratulated her with a cute toy kitten as her congratulations and then went out for ice cream with her best friend Hadley. It was such a wonderful performance and all of the children were so proud of their accomplishment. The music teach did a great job working with the kids!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2017-02-12T15:37:00.002-06:00

This Friday Gabby and Michael went to Gabby's first dance. The Daddy Daughter Dance was put on by the Girl Scouts. I ran Escape Artist while Michael took Gabby on a "date" and then to the dance. Gabby got all dolled up and Daddy wore a tie because Gabby insisted. They went to Gabby's favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, and then they headed to the dance. They had a lot of fun. Michael said they danced, and ate, and Gabby even led a cha-cha line for a while. Gabby knows how to party and her and Daddy enjoyed the night of fun. The good news is, I managed to keep the business open and it ran smoothly thanks to the employees until I got to hand it back over to Michael a few hours after opening. Gabby is already for next year's dance. I am so glad that she has the chance so young to learn how a lady should be treated. Gabby is so lucky to have an amazing Daddy who lives for her.

Those curls!

Helping Daddy with his tie

Giving preview of how they would dance

100th Day of School

2017-02-12T15:26:00.000-06:00

The 100th Day of School was a fun event this year. Gabby was truly in character. We woke up early and Michael and I truly enjoyed her excitement for this day of fun. I think these photos say it all!

Science Fair

2017-02-12T15:21:00.002-06:00

Anyone who knows Gabby well, knows she has a passion for science. She is constantly coming up with science experiments on her own. She loves to combine things and learn how things work.

Gabby decided this year for her science experiment she wanted to find out if she could make solid soap into liquid soap. So we began by "making" solid soap (melting glycerin and adding scent and pouring into molds). Then came the difficult part, she had to shave the soap and then determine the soap to water ratio. We did not look online to research, she made her own hypothesis and I am excited to say she successfully make liquid soap!

She was so proud to display her experiment, but she did not win. She told a judge that the experiment came from a "kit" therefore I don't think they realized that she truly came up with the experiment independently. She handled losing well and told us she should have worked with electricity instead, because maybe the judges would have found that more interesting...

I love this girl's spirit and am so proud of all of the hard work she put into her activity!

Brody's 6th Birthday!

2017-01-28T18:18:00.000-06:00

Brody turned 6 and invited us to his birthday party. Gabby and I traveled to be part of the celebration. We missed seeing snow by a few hours and had an extra hour of driving due to ice on the roads. Luckily we made it safely to his home. We stayed up late catching up while the kids all played together. The next morning Gabby saw the "snow" that was left and ran out into the 6 degree weather and played on the trampoline for a few minutes before we got ready for the party.

Brody and all of the kids really seemed to enjoy his celebration at the trampoline park. It was great seeing Grandma and Grandpa as well as the rest of the family. The Brody celebration was a whirlwind. Gabby and I were in Dallas for less than 24 hours but felt so lucky to be part of watching Brody turn 6!

Christmas Part Two

2017-01-17T15:45:00.000-06:00

We arrived late in the evening with no significant events on the way to Dallas. All of the kids were still awake and so Gabby immediately began playing. We let them stay up for an hour while we visited with Grandma and Grandpa and then everyone went to bed. The next day was Christmas Eve and a very eventful day. By 10:00 a.m. Aunt Donna, Uncle Kenneth, Leslie and Michael and their kids, and Megan and Zach were all at the house visiting with us. The kids basically all became reacquainted and then they enjoyed pizza. It was a short but nice visit. After that they had to leave for church and it was time for us to get ready for church. We met Aunt Sharon and Uncle Lee at their church and worship the reason for the season, Jesus. Then we ALL headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to enjoy a wonderful family dinner and a time of relaxation.

Before bedtime Reagan read the kids the story of Jesus being born directly from the Bible and she did very well. Finally we put the kids to bed, but Mommy and Daddy forgot to allow Gabby to put milk and cookies out for Santa! So we scooped her up out of bed and had her put out cookies and milk for Santa. The kids went to bed easily because they played hard and were worn out. While waiting for all of the kids to fall asleep to ensure Santa could come, the adults (all except Grandpa) and Catie played Cards Against Humanities. We laughed so hard we spit out drinks and our sides hurt. It was a fun and memorable event. Finally around 1:00 a.m. the adults went to sleep ready to see what Santa would bring.

The next morning the kids awoke at a reasonable hour, around 8:00 a.m. and once we had all of the adults corralled we allowed the kids to go down stairs and begin passing out their gifts. The kids loved opening their gifts. It was an hour of ooohs and ahhhs. Each kid showing their excitement for their special gifts. Once all of the gifts were opened, we all enjoyed breakfast together and then the kids had the day to do as they please. Michael and Uncle Lee were both pretty sick so they just laid around in their pajamas for most of the day. The cold did not stop Michael from a full on Nerf gun war with the girls. There were lots and lots of giggles and squeals. It was quite hilarious. Gabby and I went on a little walk just the two of us. We also made cotton candy with Gabby's cotton candy machine and went for a ride to look at Christmas lights. It was a great Christmas. The only thing more we could have asked for would have been Gabby's wish for snow to come true! We are so blessed to have such a lovely family.

Christmas Part One

2016-12-23T19:00:00.000-06:00

The gingerbread house Gabby made for Christmsas

Gabby and her "sister" posing after decorating the Christmas tree all by themselves

Excited to see Uncle Michael and rough house

Bonding with Aunt Ellen while getting ready for the slumber party

Grandma stealing kisses

Christmas was a whirlwind as always. We worked it out in such a way that we were able to celebrate with both side of the family. We had "Christmas Eve" on Thursday (two days early) with my family at my house so that we were able to have the experience with both sides of the family. Mom, Dad, and Aunt Ellen came in that day and stayed in a hotel. Uncle Jay, Katie, Carly, Lacey, Patrick, and Corbin all stayed at our house so the kids could all be together. We enjoyed gumbo, visiting, and allowing the kids to play late into the night (all while Michael was at work running Escape Artist).

Watching a late night movie on our "Christmas Eve"

BFF's exchanging Christmas gifts

The next morning we all woke up early and got read for our "Christmas". Gigi, Brandy, Aunt Lisa, and Blakeleigh all arrived around 10:30 and to Gigi's surprise Uncle Jay and his kids were there, which made her holiday extra special! We enjoyed a traditional ham dinner and then opened gifts. The kids enjoyed opening gifts while we all watched them. It was a fun day full of laughter, visiting, and squeals of glee from the kids. Below is a summary of our Cajun Christmas in photos. We had a short holiday, everyone was gone by 5:30 so that we could head to Dallas for Christmas with Michael's side of the family.

Finally passed out from all of the excitement from the day of celebrating.

Gabby and Blakeleigh made Build A Bear's together

Field Trip

2016-10-21T23:24:00.000-05:00

This year's field trip was to Old MacDonald's Farm. Gabby insisted that we allowed her to ride the because because of the issues from not riding the bus last year. Since it was much closer than the zoo last year, we allowed her to ride the bus. She also requested that we BOTH attend the field trip and of course since we are both wrapped around her tiny perfect fingers, we obliged to this request. However, Michael and I were both quite sick. After an hour or so Michael went to rest in the car, since I was on the mend and he was feeling terrible. Gabby adored spending the day with Bella and Leah her friends we were assigned to spend the day with. They rode the train, rode the pony twice, fed all of the animals, went down the slides, and the favorite attraction was a huge mound of dirt that they all played in. It was a beautiful day and the kids really seemed to enjoy the field trip. Finally, they gathered with their class, chose a pumpkin, and then we took her home early from school for a bath and some fun at home with our extra time. The finale of the day was Gabby getting a chance to get to know two of the deer. They ate out of her hand and allowed her to pet them. She thought this was a magical moment. It was great having a field trip near by and we felt so blessed that we could both be there to experience the day with Gabby.

First Day of 1st Grade!

2016-08-22T10:44:00.001-05:00

Today is Gabby's first day of school as a first grader! Can you believe it?! How has my baby grown up so quickly and right before my eyes? She was very excited last night, but woke up saying she was "scared". I explained that we are all nervous on the first day of school. She needed lots of hugs this morning, but fell right back into the school routine.

Luckily she is filled with a classroom full of friends and was welcomed by a very kind teacher. Hopefully this is the beginning of a great school year building her confidence and making friends while also learning a little bit. I am also excited about the school year because not that the business is more established I get to work less and go back to being Mommy full-time and worker part-time. Gabby is excited for more one on one time as well.

I have faith that this is going to be a year of fun for Gabby. She has already insisted that she must ride the bus home daily because that's more time with her friends. Welcome back to school Gabby! We know you will continue to do great things. Mommy and Daddy love and adore you more than you will ever comprehend.

"Picnic" End of Year Program

2016-05-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

Gabby performed her first play for all of the parents to celebrate the end of kindergarten. She even had a speaking part and was very excited that it had so many lines. She nailed it too! After Mommy and Daddy enjoyed her performance where all of the kindergartners sang songs (Gabby's favorite: "Be a Lady), we accompanied her for a picnic. It was a precious day. Gabby and her classmates practiced for over a month to perfect their performances and the results were adorable!

Being theatrical and pouring her heart into the song.

Being the 'praying mantis' and nailing her lines in the play

Two weeks and Gabby will officially have completed her first year of "real" school. How does time fly so fast? She has learned to read over 40 words, can do simple addition, she can count by 10's, 5's, and count to 100. She also has a vocabulary that is in the 99th percentile (meaning she has a vocabulary better than 99% of her age matched peers).