Thanksgiving

Our friend, Cecelia came over, so we had a good excuse to break out the china!

We made the typical foods.

Behind the scenes, the girls had fun dissecting the turkey parts!

On to the Tomball holiday parade

and festival of trees.

We put 5 raffle tickets here as the girls are obsessed with all the cute cow things.

Mr & Mrs Claus were there!

Ring the bells!

McKinney Falls State Park

The kids had a 4 day weekend, so we took a quick 2 nights camping near Austin. It was great to have family friends join us in the same loop!

Emily & Seth created this amazing video from our time:

This “swinging tree” had a vine growing with it, perfect for playing.

Lydia led us hiking from our campsite to the upper and lower falls.

 

Happy Halloween

And just like that, it’s another Halloween 

Kangaroo & Dark Fairy

Mummies

Ben led a F3 workout that took the group to a figurative pumpkin patch. The dogs hung out front while we sat by the fire in the driveway. The girls trick or treated with friends.

Pumpkin decorating at church and

Lydia’s won the vote!

First Day of School

 

8th grader and 6th grader!!

It’s starting to feel like they’re growing up fast.

Ready for the best experiences ahead at Spillane!

“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

Grayton Beach State Park

We did a stopover in New Orleans. Walked and stayed in the French Quarter,

got powdered up with beignets and 'cafe au lait,' (coffee, chicory & milk)

and moseyed down to the Mississippi River, filling up on Po Boys down the street from Jackson Square 

 

walkway to our state park 'cabin'

2 BR/1BR, full kitchen, AC and a screened in porch

Sisters being sisters

We had this section of Grayton Beach to ourselves! (and the 11 other cabins)

Water so turquoise and clear, great for snorkeling

comfortable with her gear

We took a tour with Dive30A. They towed us out to the artificial reef and pointed out all the cool finds!

Both the girls held the sea urchin. It was a great first snorkeling experience for them. 

Bonus: just as we were ready to get towed back to shore, a pod of dolphins put on a show for us

Abby loved touching the cone jellies (and we steered clear of moon jellies)

Sea Oats

"Never go too long without watching a sunset."

Small crabs, big crabs, skittish crabs, hermit crabs.
Also, 2 sting ray sightings (yellow & purple flags were up)

Sand so irresistibly white and soft (oddly squeaky too!)

Beach Girl

Seaside, FL

We saw all the sites from The Truman Show and shopped.

Blue Mountain Beach Creamery

All this girl needs is waves

All this girl needs is toes in the sand

Camp Lonestar-ABIDE

A look inside camp for Lydia & Abby at Lonestar-LaGrange, TX

July 23-28, week 8

Junior Staff and Abby

Omega

Check-In

Abby & Jaqueline

Coracle

The kids had so much fun at Camp Lonestar, even more than last year, they say!