Angus Ranch Part 1

One of the great things about living in Texas is the availability of delicious, local steak. The kids and I had a great opportunity to meet some of these steaks and hamburgers in their living, breathing state! Our friend, AmyClaire owns and operates an Angus Ranch with her husband Joby (what a great Texan name, right?). They are two of the coolest people I have ever met. They really know how to extend Texan Hospitality too!

We finally got to take a trip out to the ranch in February. My stars, it was fun for all! The kids and I had a blast and that was great timing since we had to put our old cat down the night before. To be able to go outdoors and have some fun was a terrific distraction. Duncan had a great time! He made a new boyfriend (having a gay dog is ... different). He chased a baby cow (and traumatized it, poor Runty). The kids and I played and played all day! I took about 200 pictures that I am just now sorting through.

On the front porch.

First, met the ranch dogs.

Duncan, not a ranch dog - but I think he's considering changing professions.

And we met Runty, the baby cow.

They had a swing in the yard.


While Gabriel was swinging, Ethan asked me to take his picture like this. At first, I thought it was silly but whatever, this is digital and I can just delete it. But now I like it. The kid is on to something!

Not to be outdone by his little brother, Gabriel did some posing for me while Ethan was swinging.

Bike Rodeo 2011!

Last year, Gabriel was in his first Bike Rodeo - and this year he improved tremendously!

His first ticket!

Seriously Lazy

Christmas with the Fletcher's

This post isn't quite as late as it sounds!

Brandon's sister and her fam came from Peru right around New Year's to celebrate Christmas. Surprisingly, I got very few photos.

I just can't believe how big he is getting! And its happening so fast!

And my nephew? Kids grow at ridiculous rates.

Brandon took these cool shots with the kids. Nana saved these for them, knowing they would get bored waiting for dinner to be ready. Such a smart Nana!

My crazy BIL.

V Day Post

Happy Belated Valentine's Day (really belated!).

Let's first begin with V Day crafts and treats:

Mobile: each boy decorated two hearts.


Ethan made a cool banner. We hung it across our bookcase.


Magnets.


Gabriel made a necklace for Mamaw.

More magnets! I think its obvious which is Gabriel's and which is Ethan's.


Ok now this one was the worst craft ever! I got the idea from Martha Stewart and it didn't live up to its potential.


All that work for these sad looking sun catchers. Well, now we know to avoid sun catcher crafts!

Zucchini Bread

Ethan and made cupcakes for Gabriel and Daddy. The cupcakes were also from Martha Stewart and they were a tremendous success.

(Ethan's cupcakes)


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My mom and dad sent us a Valentine's Day / Anniversary bouquet.

When we were married we had a rose ceremony. This year we each bought each other a single rose to remember that time.

Brandon bought me an orchid. Oh, I pray I don't kill it!

This year I was so sick from the flu. I don't think I have ever had a flu that bad! So we didn't have a very romantic day. But when I went to urgent care I snuck over to the mall to pick up a present for him. I felt like a zombie and must have looked like one too because people were staring! Ha! That's love for you - it makes you do crazy things. I also went into anaphylactic shock again on V Day. Still no idea why this happening. On V Day I hadn't eaten anything or taken meds for my symptoms. Weird. It was a memorable day anyway.

You might have noticed my kitchen went from green to "amaretto" - Brandon took off so many days from work to take care of the kids while I was in bed with fevers. He got bored and took on the project of repainting the downstairs! It looks terrific. The orange living room is now "covered wagon" and it looks so light and airy. It looks much bigger now too! You'll see in pics on future posts.