But Wait - There's More!

Our home computer has decided to take an extended nap during the Christmas season. In fact, it could be out of commission for good but I really haven't had time to worry about it. I tell you this only because it's a prelude to my finding additional pics from our trip to Grapevine on my computer that didn't upload properly.

So, you know, woo hoo for more pictures!

Clearly my child was D-O-N-E by this point. Wears every single emotion on her face, this one.

You've really got to love the craftsmanship of this exhibit. It really is impressive.

So much fun.

Cold fun.

That makes you either feel like a kid again...

...or an ice sculpture.

Purely subjective.

But, really, what's not to love about this?!?!

It really was cold in there and I actually thought it was colder this year than usual. Needless to say, the girls were in serious need of some hot chocolate (and cake balls) by the time we finished.

I love these new trees. In fact, I would really like to put one in our game room next year. That's the only room in our house not finished and I'm thinking it just may be functional in 12 months. :-)

Seriously one of my favorite trips each year. Hands down.

And I don't hate (at all) that they don't shy away from sharing the true meaning of Christmas. This scene concludes the exhibit each year, regardless of subject matter.

How's that for perspective?

Merry Almost Christmas, friends!

Lorena Christmas Classic

We were up and at 'em very early Saturday morning. Tonto because he had to work but the girl and I also had an engagement - the Lorena Christmas Classic Stock Show. It was really a fun day and the girl had a blast hanging out with her FFA girls.

It's really too bad they're so shy, huh?

This is not Bruiser. But I'm soooo sad we didn't think of it!

This, however, is our boy!

Again with the antics. I'm just thankful none of them harmed any limbs in this process.

We had to wait around a long time, friends, and this boy was basically just D-O-N-E.

He and the girl persevered, though, and actually got pulled for the top ten in Showmanship. We were soooo proud! Of both of them.

The prospect show didn't go quite as well for him as we're just in a different stage than many other exhibitors. We've been working to put some major weight on him due to some erroneous advice we were given in the beginning.

So, other than stretching his legs out, he also needs to put on some muscle. Not a problem - we can definitely exercise the little bud but there's was no way to put both weight and muscle on him at the same time. :-)

That being said, he was 10th in the prospect show as well. And Tonto assures me "we're exactly where we need to be." Because I have no evidence to the contrary, I'm going with that line of reasoning.

No matter what, though, it was a fun way to spend a Saturday. We are very blessed to have met some amazing people through this process. And since our county show isn't until February, we have lots of time to get the boy in tip top shape. ;-)

Shock

Here's something you may not know about mine and Tonto's relationship: we don't exchange gifts. It may sound odd but it's very true. We've actually never exchanged gifts on a regular basis, truth be told.

There are years when I get flowers on Valentine's Day but on most I do not. There are almost always super sweet cards and gifts for the girl, though. And we don't make big deals out of birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day or anniversaries.

Do y'all think we're nuts yet?

Our philosophy is basically that we buy what we want/need during the year so we don't really NEED anything. Of course, we do spoil the girl on any and all holidays but we just usually prefer to save up and go on nice vacations each year. That's our love language.

So you can imagine my surprise when he began referencing Christmas gifts he had purchased for me and the girl last night. I honestly did not believe him. And told him so. Repeatedly. To the point that he told me specifically what he had gotten Taylor. And I still didn't believe him.

Here's another thing you should know about Tonto - he cannot keep secrets. I always do Tay's gift shopping because he'll just give her everything immediately. It's just who he is.

So before last evening was over, he had climbed up into the attic where he produced two Dillard's bags. One for me and one for the girl.

And I found this...

...while the girl got an amazing (and huge) makeup collection, case and brush set.

And I was stunned. As was Taylor. Happily stunned. But still in shock nonetheless. And completely humbled. And almost knocked over to realize - yet again - how incredibly blessed I am.

And here's what I need you to know - it's not about Coach or Elizabeth Arden. Not at all. It's about the fact that he did it all on his own. That he continues to surprise me at every turn. And that he loves us enough to purchase things he knows we want but would never buy for ourselves.

And that, my friends, is priceless.

Girls, Girls, Girls...

After the fantastic ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord last Saturday, we headed over to Cheesecake Factory for what turned out to be one of the most entertaining meals I've had in a long time. You see, my girl is a serious cheesecake connoisseur. She will pick it over any type of dessert. Any day of the week.

But she had never eaten at this particular establishment.

And her sweet friend had never (gasp!) had cheesecake.

So it was momentous.

And delicious, delightful and sinful. We even packed half of our meal just so we would have room for dessert. 

Did I forget to mention my girl is also a purist? Only plain cheesecake will do. Me? I'm a red velvet girl. And sweet Theresa is a chocaholic. Girl after my own heart!

Needless to say, we were soooo full by the time lunch was over. It was a good thing we posed for this super cute pic BEFORE the eating festivities commenced.

We decided to head to Midlothian to watch Midway take on Cedar Hill instead of going straight home. I'm really glad we went but let's just say we did not have the desired outcome. Our guys played well but Cedar Hill was just ginormous. Or at least their offensive players were and, honestly, I had to be impressed with a high school quarterback who was running the read-option. You just don't see that every day.

Unfortunately, the Panthers' football season is over but it was a great run and they did so much better during the inaugural 5A season than I anticipated.

These beauties commemorated the end of the season by posing for "just one more" picture for me. :-)

All in all, it was an amazing (and busy) Saturday. We all crashed when we got home. But not until we devoured Cheesecake Factory leftovers. I mean you have to have priorities, right?

Merry Madagascar

After a wild and crazy week, we decided to get out of town Saturday for our annual trip to Grapevine. There is so much Christmas fun to be had in this town but, honestly, my girl is getting a little old for a lot of it. That doesn't mean we won't continue to go each year, though, at least for the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord. :-)

Her sweet friend, Theresa, joined us and we had a fun and hysterical day. Our first stop was the ice exhibit for Merry Madagascar. Unless I'm totally losing it, which is a possibility, it was actually colder in there than previous years. That being said, it was still awesome. And we were thankful they sold hot chocolate at the exit!

I don't think this series of pics really requires a lot of description so I'll just leave you with a photo essay.

Senior Day!!!

So...last Saturday was the last home game of the season, which means it was Senior Day! Now I'm not generally one to get overly emotional at sporting events (or really in general) but the video my friends over in athletics played after the game was over just about did me in. Judging from all the grown men with tears in their eyes, someone was clearly cutting onions at Floyd Casey. :-)

But backing up a bit, it was an 11 o'clock kickoff so we were at the stadium by 7am. On Saturday. And I'd been awake since 5:45am. That alone, in my opinion, deserved a victory.

Needless to say, we were on point for March of the Bears where I finally got photographic evidence of Tonto and his man, Nick Johnson. Seriously, y'all, Nick is one of the friendliest guys I've ever met. Love him.

Nick Florence was also there with his massive beard, which may have earned its own zip code by this point.

Salubi, Reese...

...Williams, Chadwick...

...Mr. Hair of the Week...

...and Beau were a few additional highlights. We are truly blessed to have players who are awesome both on and off the field. No doubt.

After a delightful breakfast tailgate, we headed inside where Tonto was trolling the sidelines to figure out which recruits were in town. Taylor immediately asked about Kaeron, spotted him and asked Dave to call him over. I think it's obvious what her highlight of the day was...

So fun to see the seniors recognized for literally changing the culture - and expectations - of Baylor football. They were Briles' first recruiting class and, honestly, none of what's been accomplished the past few years would have been possible without their believing in Art and his vision.

Truly remarkable. Some might even say it's unbelievably believable. 

It was at this point that I apparently turned all of my attention to the game at hand. It was so awesome to beat Oklahoma State. And to be in control the entire game. A very fitting way for these guys to end their careers as Bears.

Though all of them will always be known in Baylor history. No doubt. And while we will absolutely continue to cheer for many of them as they enter the NFL, they will always be Bears to us.

One a Bear, always a Bear.