Anna is 13!!!

This morning, I write about my Anna. OUR Anna. :)  She is our precious girl. Anna has grown so much since the little girl we met just over 8 years ago.  Anna is so sweet.  She has a tender heart, and has turned into quite a beautiful young lady.  She loves EVERYTHING Cowboy and Texas!
She is our biggest reader and has gone through more books in her short life than I have in my long one!

I love it that she loves cats and dogs so much.  When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said, "I already have my birthday present." Maizy!  (the dog) :)

 Today, she has requested that we visit our old church and I think that is a grand idea! We haven't visited in a few months.
Time to go and wake the birthday girl. :)
Let the celebration begin!

After opening a few gifts, we headed to our old church.  After church she chose On The Border for lunch.

 We surprised her with a birthday sundae. :)

I think she liked it! :)

And tonight, we are having Pumpkin Pie.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. :) You are an incredible blessing to us! We LOVE YOU!

BTW- the pumpkin pie was GREAT! :)
The movie for tonight.... Percy Jackson the Lightening Thief.

Decorating Firsts

I love decorating the tree. :)  It is so full of memories. Some ornaments date back 30 years.
Some are new.  Alli was filled with awe and wonder today as we carefully unwrapped each one. She ooed and ahhed all morning. LOL  Every ornament was a new excitement.

What a blessing to have her this year. :)  What a blessing to have each of my girls. :)  But this year is Alli's first ......
And her ornament of choice????

A horse. :)
Here she is putting it on the tree....

She is so proud of it. And there will be many more to come over the years.

Slap Jack, Reading and Mr. Hal

Oh the giggles!

 While the other girls are playing slap jack, Anna is deep into a new book.  She announced proudly,  is on page 183. :)

Another BIG surprise.... Mr. Hal stopped by on his way out of town! What a treat!
We had pulled pork smothered in green peppers and onions,  served in hot tortillas, and some wonderful tamales from NM with red chili sauce. :) YUM! (thanks Chuck and Jodie for the amazing treat!)

Hal was sharing pictures from His Thanksgiving in Waco Texas with Mike and Bob. He had a nice time visiting his sons and grand son. He stopped by for lunch and is on his way back to the east coast.

More Thanksgiving 2011

Oh My Goodness!

I have missed my Kids and grand girls so much!!!! They arrived early this a.m. after driving all night from NM!
I couldn't wait to hug them. :)
Here are a few highlights of our day:

 They were hugging so fast I couldn't get a good picture. :)  Together again.

 Erika knitted a scarf for Katie

 Tea Party Time

 Everybody made Chocolate covered Rasberries. YUM

 I think Lilly wears chocolate quite nicely. :)

 Uncle Bob is here! YEA!

My sweeties!
We've only just begun.... Tomorrow, the others are coming! :)