Turkey Day

This is how big our table is for Thanksgiving, there was talk of having to move a group of diners into the living room to form a "T" or maybe a "L" I guess next year we'll have to see who is all coming. There were a few people missing and Charity is having a baby, so there will be at least a few more chairs needed.


After we ate dinner the kids were all excited and for somereason Penny thought I was a great idea to decorate cookies. Of course the kids loved it and had a blast, so it was not too bad, just a little messy. I even think that some of the cookies made it into a tray for later. Now that right there is a huge acomplishment.

I really want to put in more pictures but blogger is not being nice to my computer, maybe later.

Thanksgiving

The kids readying for Cops and Robbers.

The kids had so much fun playing with the cousins for a whole week. I sure do wish we all lived just a little closer, they all play so well together and have such a great time.

Mason, Noah and Jeremiah check out the competition.

Morgan organized the little kids in all sorts of games, which of course they all loved. I think that these kids all think that Morgan is one of the best big cousin's ever.

I know I'm a big kid, I know I'm a big kid.

And of course we had lots of food to eat, projects to complete and games to be played. Here are just a few pictures of the wildness that went on with those crazy kids.

Who wants to run under next, wait you're laying on the parachute.

So close

It's time to go pick kids up from school, so I am going around and getting the little boys ready to leave, I have Geno changed and in the car. Now to go get Cooper, I open his door and look towards his bed. Not there, so I look over to the empty of a matterss crib, not there either. I turn towards his dresser, there he is asleep on the pillow. I could not believe that he managed to sleep there the entire time and not fall off, so of course I had to run back down stairs and get the camera. He was pretty much out of it since he hardly even moved when I came back up to snap this picture. Sorry it does not show the dresser well but I had a shorter lens and was in a time crunch, after all he could fall off at any moment. You can see a picture of the dresser here. Too crazy!

This all was after Bear scared me to death this morning. I went to the restroom and since it was around 5:45am I decided I would crawl back into bed until it was a little later. Now I did not turn on any lights and must have been thinking very loudly, because I did not hear him come down. I put my hand on the bed and there is something there, so I think don't panick, but then it reaches out and touches me. I scream, and Bear is like, Mom, Mom it's just me. Once my heart calmed back down we had a little snuggle and then started our day.

3-day Walk

Nothing can replace the feelings, thoughts and emotions a person experiences on the 3-Day walk. I was struck on Day 1 how everybody walking has a different story, and a different reason for why they chose this journey. No two stories are alike, some walkers were survivors the others are those who are also affected but not always noticed. Granted breast cancer affects more women than men, there are mew who can contract the disease as well. I'm sure the majority of the men walking were affected by this disease because their wife, mother, sister or aunt had breast cancer. That should not diminish the importance of their why. I just think it is great to see men out on the course walking among all the women. You can read my why here if you missed it before.


I was so excited about my 3-day journey, having walking eight (8) years ago, I was ready for this adventure to begin. I had met my fundraising goal and was ready to walk. The first day we started out North of Dallas and walked a little over 19 miles to camp, located in Farmers Branch. Those last three miles on day one seemed to go on forever. After arriving at camp we regrouped, took showers and ate dinner, which I had two helpings of. So yummy!


Day 2 was even longer. We did over 21 miles all around the Metroplex. By the time we got back to camp my feet hurt, I'm pretty sure I did not drink enough in the afternoon and I was of course hungry. The best thing though was the fact that my family was at camp right when we walked onto the grounds. It was great to see all their faces. The kids, Ben and my parents. It made me want to cry, but my feet hurt too much for me to do that. Once we were rested and had blown up and placed our new air mattress in the tent we made our way to dinner. Tonight we had stuffed protabello mushrooms, they were so good, I really wanted more, but abstained tonight. After drinking two more 20 oz containers of Gatorade and water I was still not up to top form but I figured a good nights rest would help. Except that I had to pee in the middle of the night, it was much better than the first. I wish I had thought of an air mattress to begin with.


Day 3 was great! The final stretch, just 15 miles today, since they bused us to the start of the day. We were off and saw great cheering crowds all along the way. The show of support from friends and family of all the walkers was just great. Each of our families made an appearance at one point or another along the route. It was pretty cool because we walked along some of Dallas's favored locations. We jetted through the last pit stop, picked up food, drinks and peed, all very important. Then we were off for the last two miles to the Cotton Bowl. As we wound our way through downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum each step made us feel one step closer to the end.


We walked every single mile of this year's 3-Day and it felt great. I thought for a moment that I would need to take a sweep van on day 2 but managed to make it in, all the way. With over 2,400 walkers our 3-day raised over 7 million dollars, in the fight against breast cancer. I can hardly wait to do it all over again next year, maybe as crew or a walker again. Who wants to join me?

Happy Halloween

Our Halloween Crew, or at least part of them.

Cooper going for the candy.

A very scary Cat.

I want to suck your blood.

I think this pirate is still sleepy.

The World Series

The Texas Rangers have finally made it to the world series, for the frist time ever in franchise history. Ben was so excited, I'm sure if we could have made it possible, he would have liked to have flown out to Cali for the frist two games. Instead he went to games 3 and 4 at home and then graciously gave up his seat for Isabelle to go to game 5. Game three he said was amazing the Rangers played well and gave it their best for thier first game with home field advantage. The fans would not even leave the stadium afterwards they were all so excited. Then on Halloween night he abandoned us once more to go to the game where they lost. Monday rolls around and Isabelle gets her chance to go to a post season game, where she had so much fun, even though the Rangers lost. She apparently cried all the way to the car, she was so upset with the turn out of the events. I think it will defiently be an experiece she will never forget. Who knows maybe next year they will do it again.

5K Run

Bernie, Ben's Dad, just completed his first 5K race this past weekend and I think he did a great job. He has been training for six months and has lost over 75 pounds since a year ago. What a great achievement! Today he really wanted to run in this 5K that we usually just do the family fun run, that is one mile. This year we all ran the race together. He was able to get across the finish line in 35 minutes, way to go Bernie. I did manage to take a picture but since I was running it is not very good.


Even the kids ran, and did a great job, Isabelle would have finished with us but she kept going back and forth between Bernie and I and Ben, and then she fell down. She made it in with Bear, Penny and the dogs.

Bear says come on Isabelle.

First Sleepover

Isabelle did not get to attend the baseball game and was very, very upset. So I asked her if she wanted to have a mommy date and invite a friend, or go to Friday Night Lights. FNL, is a soccer "practice" that she just loves. She actually chose to have a sleepover with her friend Emma. We went out to dinner then came home to watch a movie, and we were going to bake cupcakes but I did not have any eggs so that was scrached. In the morning we did make pancakes and the girls had so much fun together. I'm glad that the first non-cousin sleep over went well, because that is what she wants to do for her birthday. Should be fun!

Game 6 of the ALCS Yankees vs. Rangers

Ben's sister Penny has season tickets to the Rangers, and therefore, has access to Playoff tickets as well. She has shared her tickets with Ben, Bernie and other family members and friends. Well today Ben and Bear were able to go to game six, the decider game in the ALCS games. Ben was so excited to share this day with Bear. Too bad he fell asleep for the last out that won the game. Believe me he woke up pretty quick once those fireworks went off. They had a great time at the game and Bear is having stories told about him all over Texas. He was such a good little fan and really got into the game with the those sitting around them. It was such a good day for both of them to share together.

Holiday Mini-Sessions at the Gaylord Texan

Just announced the Holiday Mini-Sessions on November 13, 2010 will be held at the Gaylord Texan. Please see the previous post for more details. This is a great way to freshen up family photos while also getting those Holiday cards custom made. Call me 214-455-5736, e-mail me at allison@sevenarchesphotography.com or post a comment to schedule your session.

Holiday Mini Sessions - November 13, 2010

The Holiday Season is now upon us, this is the perfect time to consider your holiday portraits and cards! Mini sessions are, 30 minute sessions specifically designed to capture a few wonderful images for your holiday cards and walls. This will be an on location session. You will have approximately 8-10 images to choose from, shown on-line in a private gallery.

There are 2 types of cards to choose from and therefore 2 different package groups. The first packages are for 5x7 cards. The second group of packages are for Luxe Die-Cut Cards.

Time slots will fill up quickly so call 214-455-5736 or e-mail me to see what times I have available. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot and will go toward your package purchase.


Package Details (5x7 Cards)

Santa’s Helper ($135)
(25) 5x7 Custom Holiday Cards

$50 Print Credit

10% discount for additional Prints

Yuletide Joy ($210)
(50) 5x7 Custom Holiday Cards

$75 Print Credit

10% discount for additional Prints

Holiday Cheer ($285)
(50) 5x7 Custom Holiday Cards

$150 Print Credit

10% discount for additional prints.

Cards: These holiday cards will be one of a kind, photo cards printed on stock paper with a finish of your choice! They will be 5x7 printed front and back.

Additional cards are available for $50 / set of 25.


Package Details (Luxe Die-Cut Cards)

North Pole ($160)
(25) Luxe Die-Cut Holiday Cards

$50 Print Credit

10% discount for additional Prints

Home for the Holidays ($235)
(50) Luxe Die-Cut Holiday Cards

$75 Print Credit

10% discount for additional Prints

Joy to the World ($300)
(50) Luxe Die-Cut Holiday Cards

$150 Print Credit

10% discount for additional prints.

Additional Luxe Cards are available for $60 / set of 25

If you do not wish to have holiday cards or want to use these photos for your own cards; just contact me and we will set up pricing to meet your needs.

TMA Fall Festival

Barrett's school recently had a fall festival, and it was so much fun. We paid for our tickets and off he went to play, ride and sing. Yes that's right he sang a song in front of a small crowd. More on that in a moment.

Barrett started out on the bounce houses first and met up with one of his new friends Jeffery. He even said that Jeffery was his new best friend, it was pretty cute since both his parents and I did not know they were best friends. Too cute what kids will say.


After racing around the bounce houses and playing his little heart out he made his way over to the pony rides and petting zoo. He of course had a great time riding the horse and checking out all the animals. So of the birds were very friendly and let him pet them.


After playing a few games and having his face painted he sang a little song. He went right up to the lady and asked if he could sing in the talent show and then he busted out a song or two. It was so precious!


After playing and singing for a while Bear and I made our way home after a very fun filled day.

More to come, scroll down

I know, I know I have not posted in a long while. At least a long while for me. So here is the plan I am going to post several items at or around the days in which they happened, that way I can keep track of my photos better. So don't just stop at this message, scroll down until you get to the thank you message.

Country Critters

I took the little boys out to Country Critters one day with my mom's group MECPTA. They had so much fun. I really wish we did more stuff like that on MWF, that way they can experience those things like Isabelle and Barrett did at their age. The only thing that is hard is that they go down to rest so early, so we can be ready for afteroon school pickup. Now that I have gotten fully off track let me start over.


Country Critters is so much fun for the boys. They got to play games, see all sorts of animals, attempt a "train" ride, pick out pumpkins and take a "hay" ride. They of course sign dog for every animal but we are working hard on the actually signs. Cooper did sign chicken which was great, made me so happy. They both get so excited around the animals you would think that is all there was in the world. It is so cute!


They really enjoyed being big kids and chosing a pumpkin. They are just growing up too fast. I'm sure that is not part of the deal but hey I guess I will have to take it or leave it.

Pumpkins everywhere

Today we went to a pumpkin patch in Grapevine for a Baylor event. You read that right a Baylor event, I joined this Alumni group and they got together to host and event or playdate whatever at a pumpkin patch. Pretty exciting right? Well the kids had lots of fun but I forgot to bring some cash so we were unable to get any pumpkins. How silly am I. They did have different things for the kids to do other than just look at pumpkins, which is always nice. Plus it helps to make the experience go a little longer.


They all really liked the old truck, Cooper especially. He wanted to be right in the mix with the big kids, playing around and acting all grown up. I think Bear really enjoyed the big tractor.
I figured if he had just a few more minutes on the thing he probably could have figured out how to make it work. Not sure if it would have gone any where but he would have it all down. Might be a good thing we don't live on a farm.


Isabelle I think just had fun being a kid and running around. She played on the playground, in the hay jail and on the tractor "bikes," which were much harder to move than you would have thought. The littler kids were having a hard time getting those bad boys to move.


Either way it was a lot of fun. I can't say that I saw anyone I remember from college but I did see another mom I had meet from a moms group close to where we live. Strange how I did not even know she had gone to Baylor. I guess we are sort of past "So where did you go to college?" Maybe the next event will hold more people I might remember from college. Maybe I should have gotten a yearbook, nah.

Fall

Fall is in full swing in Utah, which is more than I can say for Texas. The turning leave were beautiful, and the weather was cool when we went up the mountain to check things out. The creek we drove past was flowing with water and the air was a little misty from a clouds above. It was great to be out in nature and all the fresh air. I really wish we could of had more time but we had to leave so we could not enjoy the outdoors as much.


I really would have liked to have gone up to Park City but time did not permit. Plus some of Ben's former co-workers only wanted certain people at the events so he had to make two appearances. Oh well, that just means that we will have to go back soon. Either way it was great and I got a chance to take some pictures, after all that seems to be what it is all about.

UTAH

OMG I was so excited to be back in Utah. It was great to see the friends that we were able to see and we really wanted to stay longer. Somehow that did not work out because we have small children to take care of and Ben has a job. But we did get to come for a short while and had a chance to catch up with friends and see what had changed since we moved back to Texas.


I even got a chance to take some pictures while I was in Utah some of one of my oldest friends and others of one of the canyons. It was great. On our first night in Utah, we had a little Girls Night Out, while Ben went to visit some of his YRC guys.


We had a lot of fun catching up and starting off where we left off. Sometimes it is nice to go back to visit, and it is almost like stepping right back in time. I really enjoyed visiting with Anjie and Holly, but wished that so many more friends could have come for a visit.