Show me the $

Vic and I attended our first WGES fundraiser.
This year's theme was Dragons in the City.
Who can argue with a little taste of the Big Apple
here in Southlake?
We had a really fun night out
with a bunch of neighbors and friends,
supporting our wonderful elementary school.

Hoop Dreams

We just finished up another Upward Basketball season.
Lexi was on Team Sky along with a few of her soccer buddies,
and Vic was (somewhat begrudgingly) the assistant coach.

Even though basketball's not really his thing,
he ensured these girls had a total blast.
And, they even secured a nearly perfect record,
losing just one game the whole season.

This is my favorite pic 

I love how everyone is just frozen watching your jump shot

(it went in)

Lexi, you brought back a ton of great memories for your mama.
This was the year that things really clicked for you.
Your dribbling has improved a hundred times over since last year.
Your are one determined and pesky little defender.
You absolutely loved stealing the ball
and breaking away for a jump shot.
And you were a scoring machine more games than not.
For real, sweet girl!

We had so much fun watching you
and cheering for your and your teammates.
Here are a few little videos of you in action,
and one of your favorite basketball "trick"

Father-Daughter Dance

Sometimes time seems to stand still for just the tiniest bit,

allowing you to realize how special the moment is - 

even while it's occurring.

You realize that it's a memory in the making.

It doesn't have to be a big, dramatic, life changing event…

sometimes it's as simple as a proud daddy picking up his 

daughter for their very first dance.

These pictures tell a sweet story.
Because of how candid they are,
and how happy they are,
because all at once it makes Alexis seem both very grown up,
and also very much still our little girl.
These are the moments that life's all about.
A dad ringing the doorbell to pick up his date.
One last glance in the mirror.
The smile that stretched from ear to ear
(on both of their faces).
The sheer excitement that a very first corsage brought.
The sweet kiss by her Valentine before the Valentine's Dance.

And before they could make their way to the Indian Princess event,
you better believe that little sister wanted in on the action.
She had to have her turn with the flowers
and her moment taking a picture with her dad
(mismatched socks, barbie clothes stuck on her skirt, and all).
She begged and pleaded to go also,
even though she's not old enough yet.
No way will she allow herself to be left out -
which I absolutely love about her.

And, just like that,
a simple, sweet, special moment for our little family,
gave way to poses and pictures with dear friends.
Then, they were off.
And the dance was every bit as awesome as you would hope.
Filled with father-daughter pictures,
and girls twirling and giggling and whispering with their friends.
Complete with a slow dance to "You Are So Beautiful",
followed by ice cream sundaes and photo booth fun.
I asked how it was when they arrived home later that evening.
They just smiled and said, "even better than we expected."

Happy Heart Day

When it comes to Valentine's Day,

this family is all in.

The cute little cards, conversation hearts,

chocolate, red, pink, glitter, hearts,

flowers and spreading a little love -

what's not to enjoy?

It's especially fun when the class parties fall on a Friday.

Both girls took great care in selecting their Valentine's,

then addressing them to all their classmates, 

family members and a few favorite neighbors 

and friends around town. 

Ryleigh decided to take control of her "party outfit"

and ended up in what has become her daily uniform.

It's just not worth the battle

trying to get her out of her tutus - 

especially when they make her smile like this.

I was able to join Lexi's class party,

and you better believe these kiddos were loving life - 

they celebrated with ice cream sundaes, 

candy heart stacking competitions,

creating little hershey's kiss love bugs 

and playing a heated game of hot potato. 

It was so super sweet, 

and then carnations were delivered from their 

family and friends to top off the day. 

We hope your day was filled with love 

and was happy from start to finish!