The Donaho's

2018-06-28T07:02:00.001-05:00

State Fair of Texas 2017

2017-10-12T10:43:00.000-05:00

State Fair of Texas Fun. Glad the Daugherty's could go with us!

Spring Break 2017

2017-03-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

The last day of school before spring break meant the school Fun Run!

Then we busted out of there for 10 days!

No sleeping in for this guy.

We had a baseball game on Saturday, and Papa came to watch it.

A practice crawfish run with the Keevers...

Spring Break 2017 kicked off with time with our friends. We did pajamas, pancakes and painting with Miss Dee. We turned our garage into her studio.

Sleepover with our buddy, Cayden!

The Rauh's hosted a St. Patrick's Day craft....

Then we were Off for a little spring break adventure....

First stop was New Zico Missionary Baptist Church BBQ for lunch (in Huntsville).

Then a stop to see Sam...

our excited faces!

Greta seeing the ocean for the first time!!

Greta touching the wet sand for the first time was not as fun for her.

Day 2

Her 1st bikini....

kites!

Miller lite!

Then we got all gussied up for the Strand (not really).

Fun on the strand....

We finished up the night was a little spa treatment

Day 3

We were supposed to go home today, BUT.....

Rainforest Cafe & their new ride....

The big kids and the guys went back to the house, so Mindy & I took the babies for a seawall cruise.

watching the last sunrise of the vacation....

My birthday.

2017-03-09T12:12:00.000-06:00

After BSF, Zane, Greta & i did a little shopping in Dallas for my birthday. It was fun.

President's Day 2017

2017-02-21T14:36:00.000-06:00

We decided to check out the Dallas World Aquarium on our day off. Greta is loving fish and birds, and the boys haven't been there is quite a while. I am missing the days when we all got to do something together like this. We even had a turkey visitor at lunch that kept Greta entertained.

Cousin date at Sesame Street Live

2017-02-20T14:21:00.000-06:00

Before we left for Sesame Street, Greta & I had some spectating to do at the boys' basketball games.

Garrett and his buddy, Carter, played against each other!

all ready to go!

We had so much fun with Hazel. The girls were so cute and loved the show.

Garrett's field trip to UTA

2017-02-10T13:59:00.000-06:00

Garrett's first field trip of the year was at UTA for a Lady Macs game. It was very fun, packed with other field trips and full of super heroes.

Greta had a sleepover with Nana so she had curls in her hair when she came home. She also had a new toy waiting for her. she has been loving little slides.

Gus is 6!

2017-02-07T13:21:00.000-06:00

Gus had his 6th birthday party at the local ninja place. He was so excited to invite his kindergarten class and some kinder buddies. He picked out his cake from sam's. Of course, Aunt Mimi and the kids were there to help him celebrate. They had a great time. the party then continued at Nana's & Papa's the next night.

Gus's birthday at Nana's house

Waking up to a 6 year old! Donuts and orange soda for breakfast!

When it's your birthday AND the 100th day of school!

We had dinner at Main Event to close out his 6th birthday. We hope it's a great year for Gussers!

New Year, New Stuff

2017-01-31T10:50:00.000-06:00

January is slower than most months, but we still managed to stay busy.

Sock

All ready for BSF.

Money in the mail from Aunt Tete

movie day on MLK Jr. Day.

A fun night at the Cox's having steaks and wine.

Rudy loves carpool days.

Greta & Cade at Kindermusik

So much pink in my backseat. Greta after a busy morning at BSF.

Greta trying to read like Gus.

Upward basketball keeps us busy in January. It's such a great organization.

fun playdate at the Gohl's

Zane & the boys have been going to the deer lease.

Dinner at the club after a frigid morning at church.

Greta & Weldon at Hazel's birthday.

Our 1 and only snow for the winter of 2017.

We had a beautiful day of for Martin Luther King. We had a picnic at the park and saw SING.

Ft. Worth Stockshow & Rodeo 2017

2017-01-29T12:52:00.000-06:00

One Sunday we decided it was time to for the boys to get their annual rodeo shine.

We even snagged some rodeo tickets.

Fun with Greta

2017-01-27T11:35:00.000-06:00

TRE Sock Hop 2017

2017-01-21T12:15:00.000-06:00

This first school-wide dance that TRE has done is a Sock Hop. Greta had to have a poodle skirt for it. I busted out the sewing machine, which has not been used (beside burlap wreaths) in a long time. It was far from perfect, but it worked for the event.

Gus was excited about the school Sock Hop. He came home from school and immediately put on this "50's clothes". Garrett was not as excited and said he'd only go if I bought him Chick-fil-A (which was school was selling there for a fundraiser). easy enough.

Great music and decorations. The kids had a blast.

Christmas 2017

2017-01-16T08:27:00.001-06:00

The main reason the boys needed to go stay with Nana & Papa before Christmas was so we could go pick up this little nugget. Lucky for us, Greta is still good at keeping secrets.

Greta, meet Rudolf akak "Rudy":

We brought him home and stayed up very late wrapping gifts and watching Christmas movies.

He was so snuggly and just wanted to be on a lap.

Christmas Eve @ Robson Ranch

The Woodhouse's stopped by to visit:

Then off to church:

Candles & Greta didn't really mix. I'm lucky i didn't catch my hair on fire. We will try Silent Night again next year:)

We told the boys they could unwrap 1 gift after church.

Gus asked "is that a weenie dog?"

Gus asked just as I snapped the picture "uh-oh...I think i just touched his balls". oh, gus.

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Tom & Jerry's.

Trying to capture out first family picture with Rudy.

This is as good as it gets...

The Bittings had a great one.

After Nana & Papa gave G & G Kindle Fires. They were thrilled!

We headed home so the boys could put out their reindeer food....

We set out cookies and milk.

We read Happy Birthday, Jesus & the Night Before Christmas.

All ready for Santa. All 4 of them.

Then this guy showed up. Luckily our security camera caught him.

I was wide awake at 6 am, just waiting for everyone to wake up. I was sitting on the couch having coffee, enjoying the tree, when Garrett finally came stumbling out of his room in amazement.

They open a present, play with it a while, then go play with Rudy. So it took us awhile to plow through everything.

Drones! It was a windy day, so after flying them for a little bit, the wind took it over the house. Hound dog to the rescue.

I just happened to see Greta finishing off what cookies Santa left behind.

Electric scooters were their big gift. Rudy would chase the boys.

Everyone got to the house around noon. Welly & Greta loved playing together. It's such a fun age.

Giving Greta kisses

Locked OUT of the playroom together

More gift-madness

Crab legs and Oryx tenderloin for dinner.

I put my fruit caddy in the pantry so i'd have more room on the counter, and these 2 broke into it.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

We ended the day with some Pie Face Showdown.

Merry Christmas, from the Donaho's

Rudolf

2017-01-15T22:50:00.002-06:00

Rudy is fitting in well with our family. He is a very quiet dog, rarely barks. He loves his kennel. We are still working on house-breaking him. He loves following the boys around and licking up Greta's crumbs. He loves to lay in the sun or curl up on a lap. The boys have taken him to the deer lease 2 times, and they practice with him on trailing.

watching White Fang and staying cozy by the fire.

his ears are blowing in the wind.

He loves going in the carpool....

going for walk...

He and Greta spend a lot of time like this:

our first trip to the pet store....

New Years 2016-17

2017-01-02T23:34:00.000-06:00

We had a low-key New Years, staying in the neighborhood. We wouldn't want to spend the new year with anyone else, after-all!

We are so grateful for another year. We spent New Year's day taking down decorations and preparing for the real world of school, work, activities and responsibilities.

Christmas Break!

2016-12-22T22:13:00.000-06:00

It's finally here!

We are ready for no homework, no lunches to pack and no alarm clocks!

Gus's Class

Gus & Aden

Garrett's class

Poor Zane got volunteered to be part of the reindeer games.

Greta is one of the most well-known girls at Tarver Rendon:)

As I was walking outside with Garrett's class to see the reindeer, he held my hand.

We had a low-key night with some Monopoly.

their 1st official morning of Christmas break with NO alarm clocks:

WHY are they awake so early?

Happy 1st birthday, Emily!

Greta loves Julieta.

Saturday night we went to the Fuller's Christmas party.

The next morning we left early to go to New Braunfels to meet up with the Homann's. On the way we stopped at Morgan's house and saw several deer in his neighborhood. Greta was excited to see the deer.

short, but sweet cousin time with Atlee, Emery and Sutton.

Then we headed to the Hoppers.

The next morning the big kids left for Stella's birthday at Fancy Nancy.

After Stella's party we headed north to Mansfield. We got into the neighborhood just as our annual neighborhood progressive dinner was bringing. We love this tradition.

Cheryl teaching her peek-a-boo

Tuesday night we met Nana, Papa, Mimi and the kids at Campo Verde. It was sooo packed. It was tough with the kids, but we finally got seated and got our food. Note to self: don't ever go to Campo Verde at dinner time less than a week before Christmas.

We looked at some Christmas lights in the area on the way home.

Greta & I had so much fun at Decorators Warehouse that we decided to take her brothers there, too. We were looking for a few last minute decorations for our playgroup party that evening.

the next morning:

We had one last night out before Christmas. We went to Casa Mañana to see Santa Claus, a new musical. it was so, so good. Great music.

We got the cheap seats way over on the side, but they were right up front. Total good deal.

Greta watched the entire show in awe.

the cutest characters were the little deer.

The next morning the kids were off to Nana & Papa's so Santa workshop could get underway.

Enjoying December

2016-12-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

Our first "Christmas-y" activities was a playdate at Cake Bliss. We are fortunate to have a mom in our playgroup that owns Cake bliss, so she invited us over for a decorating class.

They made the cutest cupcakes...a Christmas tree, a snowman and a reindeer.

Running errands with mom is exhausting.

She loves to tear up my cabinets. It keeps her busy.

It wouldn't be Christmas with out matchy-shirts.

Kindermusik...such a cute group of babies.

Bell Schnickel showed up again this year!

He brought the boys a new train for around the tree; he and Belle were up to their same old antics.

Some friends from school hosted a Hot Chocolate party & book exchange; and the boys were super excited to attend (especially since we dropped them off for a few hours).

Our friend, Erica, is in our playgroup and hosted her annual Hanukah playdate. The kids really enjoyed making edible dreidels then playing the actual game.

Greta & I had matching Christmas shirts:)

Candyland with Gussers

Greta's fan club watching a movie with her.

She spend a lot of time looking out this door.

She loves bath time in the sink, thanks to Nana.

Giving brother kisses through the window.

She is the best little shopping buddy. I hope this phase lasts!

But, ooh she climbs and gets into trouble.

The country club hosted their Santa brunch. We went with a group of friends which made for some chaotic fun. Greta was highly entertained by the boys and Santa.

one of my favorite Santa pictures

Then we stopped by the Laudermills for Izzie's 1st birthday!

Greta loved this rocking chair. She climbs up and rocks for long periods of time. She hadn't quite figure out how to get down yet.

felt Christmas tree fun:

Oh, Gus....

I escaped one night for dinner and an annual ornament exchange with Elizabeth, Marissa, Lisa and Czarina (we even had a yummy dinner courtesy of Lisa!).

The train was a big hit with all 3 kids.

Some fun parties! First up was Monique's Favorite Things party with the ladies. I helped her host it this year. Always a blast!

The following week we attended the couples ugly sweater-favorite things party hosted by our friends Staci & Lisa. We always look forward to it - especially when Nana & Papa keep the kids for the night!

Zane's favorite things was a knife; mine was shaving cream for ladies.

love these girls!

We picked up the kids the next day and headed to Dallas for some fun stuff. Nana did Greta's hair.

no comment....

We stopped to see the train exhibit at North Park. They also have a gingerbread display each year, too.

We dropped the kids off at the Bitting's and headed to the Kessler with them for the annual Kelly Willis/ Bruce Robison concert.

Reindeer games with this three-some

Dinner with our friends at Primo's then off to see the Grand Prairie Lights.

Someone came home from school missing something. Gus said he ate a cookie and his tooth popped out. His sweet teachers sent it home in a little treasure box.

He was pretty excited to go to sleep to see what the tooth fairy left (a gold $5 bill!).

Journey to Bethlehem in Waxahachie was an awesome experience, and we will go back every year to visit it.

Each part was very interactive with the spectators.

Greta loved the baby goats that were in the "marketplace"

My friend, Melissa, arrange for some of us to take our moms to Decorators Warehouse and Tearoom. It was a really fun outing.

Greta wasn't feeling 100%, even though Nana broughter her anothering singing/dancing toy:)

I gave her some Motrin and she perked up in time for lunch.

in the middle of the madness, our tree totally died. Luckily the place where we bought it refunded me and we got a new one (not an ideal way to spend my time, but it worked out)

We heard Mansfield Community Bank had their Santa and reindeer out, so I rushed the kids down there so Greta could see a deer face to face. She is pretty obsessed with deer. She sees them everyone and makes the sign.

So many fun activities! We were fortunate for good weather this year, and flexible schedules that allowed us to do so much, as well as fun friends that invited us and hosted us.

Thanksgiving 2016 and then onto Christmas

2016-11-25T17:54:00.000-06:00

November was pretty crazy with our New York trip, then Thanksgiving the week later. It seemed like we just had fun most of the month since the kids had a whole week off for Thanksgiving.

Gus's sweet Kinder class. I love this tradition of a Thanksgiving program right before the break. It's a great send-off and perfect way to end the unofficial first break since Kinder began.

Greta had a great view.

Afterwards the class had a finger foods feast in their room.

the girls had a shopping day at the Glitzmas market in Dallas that afternoon.

i tried to take a nap.

When we got back from New York, Zane surprised us by having the lights on the house up and lit.

We had a fun little cold streak. Greta was digging it.

Off to Keever's for a weenie roast.

Our first official fire of the season.

The Ft. Worth Christmas Light Parade.

Greta wore her new hat from the Self's and loved allllll the lighted floats.

Nana and Greta

Last year during the parade, Greta was a newborn and Hazel was about Greta's size.

Monday we had a work day at Arlington Mission. The kids were a big help and accomplished lots of sorting of foods.

The Arlington tree about to go up....

Organizing wine supplies and corks.

Her latest dramatics. She cries and then falls face first onto the floor. It's pretty cute, for now.

Friends-giving playdate at our house.

we made pinecone turkeys

Greta was wondering when the boys go back to school. She is ready for some quiet.

She loves pencils.

Thanksgiving at Nana's house!

I am thankful....

more dramatics....

signing "airplane"

Hazel & Greta

Zane, the ladies man.

We face-times with the Hoppers.

Then the next day.....we are in full decorating, Christmas mode.

We had some lunch before getting our tree. This Mexican food place had "mexican hotdogs" on the menu. When the waitree told Gus that he said "well....can I just get an American hot dog?". it was pretty cute (& clever).

I present to you....The Donaho Family Christmas tree (that will soon die and need to be replaced, by that's another story).

Main Stay Farm Fun....

Garrett was a whiz kid fixing lights. He untangled, straightened and fixed cord after cord with the little light gun.

Our traditional Christmas-decorating dinner of gnoochi (I think this is Greta's 1st time to have gnoochi)

She crawled in her closet and was sitting in this baby seat:)

I ended the thanksgiving break with a day at the Dry Bar with the girls for Monique's birthday. It was so fun.

Greta loved playing with this little nativity scene...

Garrett was back at fixing lights....

We made a run to Nebraska Furniture Mart...

We are so excited for all the Christmas festvities that will soon be here!

The Donaho's & the Big Apple

2016-11-16T17:25:00.000-06:00

Am I really taking this gang to NYC without Zane???

Good thing I brought reinforcements:

We got there late, but we had to check out Times Square.

Gus wasn't too impressed. He wanted his warm bed:)

We stayed on the Upper East Side. We had an apartment that we rented through Air B&B. It was 2500 square feet, 3 levels, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and in a really cool neighborhood.

We had real front steps and a mini-porch. Just like Sesame Street:)

We spent quite a bit of time out here, letting the kids run around and waiting for Uber:)

the M&M store was a hit with the kids.

We did a tour for most of the days we were there. It was so nice to be able to hop on and off.

Empire State Building!

We visited this really pretty park that was close to the Flatiron building.

Greta loved the birds

Garrett was really looking forward to seeing the Flatiron Building in person.

We got roped into watching this show; and of course they pulled Garrett out of the audience to participate (it's basically a scam to get money).

Mom & Dad wanted to stop at this park because of the statue here. They have a painting of it in their house.

The boys trying to hail a cab...

Then we surprised the kids with a dinner at Ninja New York. It was a lot of fun...the Ninjas would jump out and scare us.

and the bathrooms had a bidet! Gus loved it and was a little surprised by it:)

the market next door had the prettiest flowers that we enjoyed while waiting for our Uber.

Up bright and early the next day:

Bagels for breakfast!

On the step of the Met while we wait for our bus...

Nana entertained Greta

On to Libery Island....

The kids took a scavenger hunt around Liberty Island to earn their Junior Ranger badge.

the most realxing and prettiest indoor carousel ever. we were at Battery Park.

Catching some zzzz's on the cab ride back to the apartment.

Carmine's for dinner....

Then on to Rockefellar Center for the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular

This was Nana's bucket list....we had awesome, awesome seats and everyone was amazed by the performance. Especially the beautiful Nativity at the end.

Greta loved the performance!

Times Square, of course, we crazy busy. You never knew what kind of character you'd run into as you walked through.

We were all ready for a little stroll so we walked down 5th Avenue and saw Trump Towers. Despite what the media was reporting, it was quite uneventful there. There was lots of crowd control fencing, along with a few reporters and protesters, but that was it.

The next morning it was rainy, so it worked out that we had planned on going to The Met.

Greta slept for 2 hours while we looked around, so it was nice to just focus on the boys.

We've been reading a book, and in it some kids run away to live in the Met. They spend the night in Marie Antoinette's bed. So the boys wanted to see this bed in person.

Finally Greta was awake.

Heading to Chinatown...

China-town baby

Live fish and eels!

After Chinatown, Nana & Papa took Greta and went exploring. We headed to Times Square to eat and go see Aladdin. We took the subway there. Not sure we will do that again!

We were exhausted, frustrated with the subway system and a little frightened.

But we made it to Aladdin!

It was such a great show. We all really enjoyed it. Then afterwards one of the monitors told us to go out the side doors and wait for the actors to come out for autographs and photos.

We decided to make a stop at Serendipity on the way home.

It was hard work, and we were on the go non-stop, but Mindy and I had a great time.

Thank goodness for our parents!!

Our final morning...the weather was glorious.

Papa and his minions:

This was the best service ever. They picked up our bags. stored them for the day and met us at the airport when it was time for us to check-in.

my bucket list for the trip was strolling through Central Park. It was such a beautiful day.

Playgrounds everywhere.

The Alice in Wonderland Sculpture

Balto and Garrett:)

our horse and carriage that took us through Central Park

Bethesda Fountain

Greta was a regular bird lady. She loved all the pigeons.

Trying to catch a cab....this sums up our trip:) Lots of coffee, but an awesome memorable trip!

Election Day 2016

2016-11-09T17:10:00.000-06:00

What a crazy day! The boys went with us early that morning to vote, and they both had "votes" in their classrooms. It was a late night watching the results. We are hopeful for the future.

October Fun 2016

2016-11-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

What a busy and fun month. We are ready for cooler weather, but it seems like we say that every October.

Zane was off to work in Florida. We had a dinner out at the boys' favorite restaurant before he left for 2 weeks.

While Zane was away, we made a trip to Canton for some shopping fun.

Greta's 1st time in a big cart. Gus was her co-pilot.

Kindermusik fun. Greta loves it so much.

We are getting decorated for fall!

Main Stay's playgroup/homeschool day is always fun. I took the boys out of school for the fun.

What a crew!

Stella stayed at our house for a week to give Mindy some rest.

Upward football is so fun to watch.

Happy Oktoberfest!

Canton fun

Garrett had his 2nd grade program. it was cute!

Garrett had to interview a grandparent:)

Their first night to go to BSF.

Hall Johnson Pumpkin Patch

Tarver Rendon Fall Fun Fest

making some "witches brew"

someone found my candy stash for tonight's trick or treat.

time for trick or treating:

That's a wrap, October!! It was fun!

Big week at TRE: Gus's 1st field trip, The Ugly Pumpkin, Lunch with a Loved One

2016-10-27T21:09:00.000-05:00

So much going on at school for the boys. Gus is loving Kindergarten. Miss Wimberley is wonderful. She does so many fun activities, celebrates the months with seasonal themes all over her classroom, and really keeps the kids engaged.

Gus's 1st lunch with a loved one:

Of course there was a book fair.

School tires him out! Most nights he falls asleep before the lights are out. (around 8 pm ---earlier if we can).

playing with Greta's birthday goodies....

Gus's 1st frield trip was a big deal. He was very excited especially for the bus ride to Country Critters.

His class:

the weather was so nice!

He is a leader....he was organizing whose turn it was and telling the kids how to do it. (not the typical personality of Gus since Garrett is usually "the boss")

His buddies Sami and Adan.

Nolan, David & Gus

Bryan & Gus

My little piggy and a little piggy.

Sunny & Gus

getting of the bus at the school! it was a long day, but a fun day.

Greta trying to get pumpkins into her car.

He was exhausted from his field trip!

listening to Thriller on the way to school.

Look at that handsome Clifford! (Zane was the volunteer that day)

Zane even stopped by our kindermusik class one day

Garrett's class did the Ugly Pumpkin play in the outdoor classroom.

Nana & Papa came to see it. Garrett was a farmer. It was really cute.

October is such a fun month, but always busy!! Now if the weather would just a little cooler so it would feel like fall!

Greta & Weldon's birthday train ride

2016-10-24T23:44:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Weldon's & Greta's birthday by meeting in Palestine for a Pumpkin Patch train ride. It was a fun day

last sleep before she is 1!

Happy Birthday, Greta!

Greta's Birthday Pumpkin Patch

2016-10-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

We can't believe our little girl is 1. We had a great time celebrating her all weekend long.

We loved getting all the babies together.

All ready for her party:

State Fair of Texas 2016

2016-10-19T21:11:00.000-05:00

Greta's 1st State FAir of Texas!

She didn't know what to think of Big Tex, but that is the usual reaction from kids.

Fletcher's corn dogs!

This is possibly my favorite picture from the day. She loved riding!

Gus & I went in to a haunted house. It wasn't even scary.

Then we all went on a nother haunted ride.....it was pretty lame.

See ya next year, fair!!