Christmas Break Highlights

This Christmas break was wonderful. The weather has been beautiful most of the time. And we did not travel anywhere so it was really relaxing. We hung around the house a lot which was great. 

Matt chopping wood in the backyard

Crazy neighborhood boys having fun

Guess who was Santa and the Elves and the Risinger and Co. Christmas party?

Alivia and Will (I mean Santa's Elves) helped pass out gifts to all the kids there

Avery was in the Nutcracker - her second year!

Matthew was a shephard in his preschool play

Brunch at Austin Country Club 

Joey Puterbaugh got a puppy named River and came over to introduce us to him

Cookie decorating at Mimi's house

Gumbo at the Kendall's house on Christmas Eve

Gag gift given out to all the kids - fake teeth!

One of Matthew's favorite gifts - a karaoke machine!

Total hit of Christmas - electric dirt bikes!

I could hardly make Will stand still enough to take this shot!

Walking around Town Lake on a beautiful day before school re-started

Visiting the Capitol!

We found Great Uncle James Taylor's pic in the basement, He served three terms as a State Senator for Texas. Very cool.

Other Carrizo Highlights

Matt took the kids (by himself!) to Carrizo one weekend. The time alone at the house was wonderful and lonely all at the same time. Here are some shots from the weekend.

My beautiful cowgirl

Will shot a turkey! Very exciting for everyone

On your 9th birthday.

Will you are a leader who likes to be heard and direct others. You have professed your faith and I know that God will call you to do great things with your job and family. I can't wait to see! We often struggle in homeschool with diligence and handwriting, but you have grown so much over these past years and this year homeschooling you has been such a joy (most of the time). You got braces this year. You have shot several deer and love hunting with Grandpa. You would spend every weekend hunting if we let you. You have no interest in sports because it may conflict with hunting. I can see you becoming an avid hunter in the future with great interest in conservation and safe hunting practices. I hope you broaden your love of hunting to include other game as well besides deer. You have a wonderful sense of humor and once you start laughing, it is hard to get you to stop. You love your brother John so much. And Matthew is becoming more of a friend as well as he gets older. I am beyond thrilled to watch your friendship grow with them.

I love you so very much son. I am proud to be your Mom!

Will's Deer!

Will has shot three deer this year! He has become quite a hunter. He loves it so much.

First deer in Bertram

Second deer in Carrizo with Grandpa - Will did not want a party - he wanted to go hunting with Grandpa in Carrizo instead

Another shot of the beautiful second deer

Last deer of the season - a BEAUTY. Scored 156. We all think it is the largest that has been shot in Carrizo. Might win the contest at Los Cazadores. Will was beyond thrilled.