Aby's Elmo Party

On Friday, March 16th, we had an Elmo birthday party for Aby. Joshua was so excited to see all of their little friends and Aby just didn't have any clue it was all for her. They both had so much fun!

I made an Elmo cake for Aby, and after MUCH trial and error we had a pink Elmo cake. Aby still loved it, even if I though it looked awful. It was a great party...the kids had so much fun playing on the fort and playing Pin the Nose on Elmo. Aby's 2nd birthday was a success.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! These past two years have been such a blessing. We love you!!

Aby's Birthday

Here are some pictures from Aby's birthday. We just did cupcakes because she was having her birthday party the next day.

Aby's First Haircut

On March 12th, Aby's sweet, long locks of hair were trimmed off. She had her very first haircut. We took her to a very girly kids salon called Sweet & Sassy. She wasn't really sure what was going on, but when it was over and her sweet hair was cut, all she could do was smile at herself in the mirror.

Driving, More Driving, and UFC 68 The Uprising

On March 3rd we went to Columbus, Ohio with Ryan to see UFC 68. What a family outing, huh? But, thankfully, Jill’s mom watched the kiddos while Jill and I got away for a short weekend to Louisville and Columbus. It was an amazing time to spend with my bride, just the two of us reconnecting as just Jill and Brandon.

Friday and Sunday we spent most of the day in the car, but Saturday was the main event! UFC 68 with Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, and Randy Couture!! The experience was great from our little perch high up in the arena, and I think that we all had a good time watching the fights.

What made the trip all the more memorable was the time right before the fight and the drive home to Louisville. The fight started at 8:15, doors opened at 7:30, but in my infinite wisdom, we arrived to get good parking 3 hours before the doors opened. Ah, the bliss of preparation!! The area around the arena has several restaurants and places to hang out, but all had about a 2 ½ hour wait, so what did we do? Instead of hanging out in the blistering cold of Columbus, we sat in our car for 3 hours…3 long hours!! But, we passed the time playing the ABC Movie game and other “inventive” games.

Then, after the fight ended (1 am EST), we drove 3 ½ hours back to Louisville. Oh, did I mention that it was snowing and the freeway was covered in ice going through Cincinnati? Yep, that was our drive…middle of the night, all very sleepy, and with some really bad weather conditions. But, thanks to my selfless, beautiful bride, we got home safely. (I know, such gallant and gentlemanly guys my brother and I are to make Jill drive. I shall repent.)

All in all, it was a great weekend. The fight was good, yes. And, Jill and I really enjoyed spending time with Ryan driving to the fight catching up, and the time we got with Kelli as well. But, what I will remember most of all is the driving time alone with my wife, having great talks and reconnecting in a way that I miss from our days in Austin. I love her so much, and continue to fall more in love with her as time goes on.

Time waiting in the car

About to go inside

UFC

Matt Hughes vs. Chris Lytle

Rich Franklin vs. Jason MacDonald

Tim Sylvia vs. Randy Couture

A Day at Crockett Park

This was a very cold Saturday a couple of weeks ago. Brandon, the kids, and I were having cabin fever, so we all decided that the park would be a good idea and a great photo op.

Joshua Getting Down

Joshua and Luke like to boogie!

Joshua's Valentine's Program

I have been looking forward to this day since Joshua started his first day of school. Today was his very first school program. It was so precious...Joshua was adorable singing Jesus Loves the Little Children, Jesus Loves Me, Two Hands, I Can Be a Friend, Havin' a Good Time, Love Somebody, and Skinnamarink.

Joshua has this little nervous habit where he sticks out his tongue when he is nervous or concentrating really hard. So while he was singing his little tongue would stick out. It was so cute.
It was really hard to get good pictures, so here are some that turned out decently.