Buddy is back

Last year, we started a new family tradition – Elf on the Shelf.  Our elf’s name is Buddy and he returned this year when Meg and I got home from San Antonio.  He was waiting for Megan in her bedroom.  She was so happy to see him. 

He is hiding in very interesting places this year – I’m taking pictures of him daily and will post all of his special spots from this year. 

A beautiful day with Nawnaw

While the boys are away, the girls will play.  When Jarrad and Boompaw go to the canyon, Meg and I always plan something fun with Nawnaw.  Last year, we saw 101 Dalmatians at DSM,  we had brunch with Santa at the club, and we went to the Big 12 championship game between Texas & Nebraska. 

This year wasn’t any different.  Meg and I spent the entire weekend at Nawnaw’s this year.  Friday after I got off from work, I picked Megan up and we headed over to Nawnaw’s house.  Friday night, we went to dinner at Chic-Fil-A and then hung out at the house.  Meg was exhausted from our first week with a new schedule, so I wasn’t surprised when she fell asleep in Boompaw’s chair. 

Saturday morning, Nawnaw had something she had to do, so Meg and I rant a few errands, then met her in Irving at the car wash.  From the car wash, we headed out to the Dallas Arboretum. 

Of course, I was happy when Nawnaw asked us to go out there.  I needed to get my Christmas card picture taken.  Meg was a trooper and never complained once when I asked her to sit still for a picture.  Here are a few shots that I was able to capture – unedited. 

After we spent the afternoon at the Arboretum, we headed to dinner at On The Border to celebrate Nawnaw’s birthday (it was Saturday).   After dinner, we headed back to Nawnaw’s to hang out for the rest of the night.

Sunday morning, we got up and had breakfast.  After breakfast, we took Max and Maddie for a walk at the park.  Sunday afternoon, we had tickets to see Rudolph at Casa Manana. 

After a wonderful weekend with Nawnaw, it was time to say goodbye and get ready for the boys to return from the Canyon.   

When he’s out…

Jarrad left back out for the canyon on Wednesday…yes, he left me in my first week of a new job and Meg’s first week in a new before and after school program. 

Anytime Jarrad is out of town, Meg always spends the night in bed with me.  I think I love it more than she does.  We always head to bed around her bedtime and I let her stay up a little past her bedtime so we can snuggle up and watch some TV or read a book. 

 

***our first night***

 

***Meg having a snack before bed on the second night***

 

***my sleeping angel***

Big changes

Monday after Thanksgiving, I started a new job.  After almost 3 months of job searching I found the perfect job.  The week before Thanksgiving, I was out shopping when I got a call from Scott – he asked me if I was still looking for a job.  And since I was, he put me in touch with a headhunter that had an EA for the CIO opportunity at an oil and gas company. 

My first interview was on Wednesday at 9:00.  I left the interview at 10:30 and heard from my headhunter at 10:50.  The CIO wanted to see me again the following morning to meet with two VPs.  I went in the next morning and was offered the position that afternoon.  I was thrilled when I received the offer and was very excited at how quickly they moved on a decision. 

Meg, Jarrad and I had to quickly make a few adjustments.  At my previous job, I worked from home, so I was able to take Meg to school and pick her up.  A new job in an office would require Megan to have before and after school care.  Thankfully, we have all adjusted well! 

***me after my third day of my new job***

Christmas Card Photo Attempt

As was attempted last year, we attempted to get a shot of Meme and Poppy with the grandkids for their Christmas card.  While Meme and Poppy were getting ready, I had the chance to get a few pictures of Luke and Megan. 

I love this picture of Luke.  I was able to snap it at just the right time and think it turned out great. 

Megan was being a goof ball.  She wouldn’t sit in front of the pond, so I snapped a few pictures while she was acting like a monkey and swinging around on Meme and Poppy’s swing by the washer pit. 

I wasn’t able to get a picture of Megan and Luke both looking at me.  Luke is looking at Ruth who was jumping around behind me trying to force a smile from Luke. 

This isn’t the best picture, but it’s my favorite!  I love the way Luke is looking at Megan. 

Wanna ride?

Poppy always makes sure to have the Hummer charged up for Meg when we go to San Antonio.  This time wasn’t any different.  Luke loved riding around in the car with Megan and she loved driving him around.  The faces that Luke was making while riding in the car were priceless. 

We only allowed Megan to drive in the slow gear, but by the looks on Luke’s face, you’d think they were speeding down the driveway.  I’m not sure who was having more fun, Meg or Luke. 

I was able to get them to stop for a quick photo – I’m so glad it turned out so cute.  It’s quite the challenge to get Luke & Meg looking in the same direction at the same time. 

Sweet moments

While we were in San Antonio for Thanksmas, I snapped a few sweet moments.  I didn’t really know how to blog about them individually, but after looking at the pictures over and over again, I realized I didn’t want to keep these pictures to myself.  These moments are too sweet not to share with everyone.  I hope everyone enjoys them.

***Meme & Luke***

***Poppy, Megan & Gunner***

 

***Megan reading to Luke***

 

***Megan and Jarrad – she was so happy he finally got to SA***

 

***Dylan having his 1-year cake – he didn’t like it***

 

***Luke wondering why Dylan was so upset***

 

***A post about sweet moments wouldn’t be complete without Dixie***