Will's 7th Birthday

Will wanted to have a fishing party for his birthday so we invited some of his friends out to Bertram for the day. The weather can always be a big factor during December so we were a little unsure about this plan, but it turned out to be a perfect winter day. Only a few kids came which made it really fun and manageable. Matt and I were BUSY keeping everyone's lines baited and out in the tank. Thankfully Luke Mezger was there to help out as well. Mimi and Grandpa also came and kept an eye on baby Matthew which was really helpful, too.

We caught several beautiful catfish and bass and brought them home for a fish fry that night. Will was in heaven. It was just the type of birthday celebration he wanted.

First stop - fishing bait from a store that is lost in time

At the ranch - this is Tanner, Will's best friend

Luke and Blake Mezger

One of the first catches of the day by John!

Sam Underwood and John - they have a special friendship

The birthday boy!

Yay Blake!

Mimi enjoyed sitting by the fire pit

View of the tank from the porch - the tank has gotten alarmingly low

View of the tank and the house from the other side

That's my girl!

Bailey Mezger loved getting rolled around in this old barrel - so funny!

Josh and Sam Underwood - dear boys that love John

The cake! We had a tough time getting the candles lit because of the wind

Precious 7 year old boy!

Will and Tanner

The boys! (Bailey and Blake had already left)

Me and Grandpa selfie - love the hat, Dad

Deer Season 2015

The boys really love going hunting with Daddy and Grandpa. I can tell this will be a huge part of their lives as they get bigger. I feel so blessed to have properties for them to explore.

Heading out the Bertram for a deer hunt

I LOVE this pic for so many reasons - first of all my Dad's outfit is awesome. And Will looks SO HAPPY and content. He would rather be no where else than with his Grandpa out on the land. They were in Carrizo in this picture.

Alivia's Turns NINE!

Emily clued me in that a birthday party at Skateland was really easy and really fun. Alivia had gone to Avery's party there and really loved it so we decided to have her party there, too. It was so fun! We gave out little plastic watches for party favors that were a huge hit. So funny. Alivia had a blast which is the most important part.

Our beautiful birthday girl!

I love roller skating, too! 

We love cookie cakes - I think almost all the kids have one for their birthday

The kids practiced a LOT after getting roller skates for Christmas - I was amazed how good John became so quickly

Wonderful, fun friends came to celebrate

Merry Christmas from the Risingers!

Beautiful card designed by JillBee Designs. Thank you sweet Jill!

John and his friend Shepard

Precious boys

We are blessed to live by the Knox's - who provide us with plenty of laughs, a lot of great fellowship and have three boys that our kids love to play with. Over the last few months, John has really fostered a special friendship with their oldest son, Shepard. From the moment John wakes up he begs to go over and see his friend Shep and play with him. Thankfully I have a close enough friendship with Erika that I am comfortable letting him run over there several times a day knowing that she will shoo him away when it is not a good time.

Micah, Shep, John and Matt went out to Bertram to go deer hunting one Fall day

Thankful 2014

Will and Alivia both made turkeys with feathers that expressed what they were most thankful for. I thought they were so cute so I thought I would share them. Thanksgiving for me was a blur since I was struck with the flu while Matt and I were with Mimi and Grandpa at the TCU/UT game. Right after halftime I just suddenly felt terrible. . . by the time I got to the car I had terrible rigors and chills. That set the start of a horrible 10-day illness that literally left me bedridden. I am just now getting back into the full swing of life again. . . I am so thankful for my amazing husband who took over the job of Mommy and Daddy while I was so sick.

Alivia's turkey - my family, God, pets, my friends, nature and Jesus

Will's turkey - God, living, holidays, toys, Tanner and Jesus

Aunt Emily and Matthew looking especially cute on Thanksgiving

We all gathered at Mimi and Grandpa's for an amazing spread of food

John had a cute Thanksgiving production at his school earlier that week 

Incredible box seats for the UT/TCU game - it was such a beautiful evening - I am so sad we had to leave early!

Before the flu hit. . . 

Christmas Card Pictures

This year my dear friend, Jill Baumhover, was not available to do our Christmas card pictures. She has moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan! So we used my good friend, Erika Knox. It was so strange to not have Jill do the shots, but I got her to agree to design our Christmas card even though she did not take the pictures. I love getting good shots of our family and the kids every year. Erika even came over and helped coordinate our outfits. I think they turned out great. Thanks Erika!