Here we go again

Here we go again, yep there will be another bright eyed chatterer added to the mix this summer. I had grand plans of posting a picture of the ultrasound or the t-shirts we gifted the girls on Christmas morning - Biggest Sister, Bigger Sister, but as you can see that simply didn't happen. What has been happening instead is life.

Ellery and Alan took a trip to Beaver Creek to see Uncle Bryan and get in some skiing. Ellery skied, skated, tubed and had a great time -- except she desperately missed me and Vaughan. I guess I was expecting her to miss me but I had no idea she would miss her little sister so much. I knew things were amiss when Alan called me and said that she started sobbing out of the blue. Sobbing that she missed Vaughanie. I could tell that it got to Alan. What was he going to do? He was miles and miles from home. It hadn't occurred to us that Ellery has no memory of life without Vaughan and she has NEVER been anywhere without her.

On the other side of the country, Vaughan woke every morning looking for Ellery. She would look, then ask, then look, then ask. She knew Ellery was on a trip with Daddy but she didn't seem to understand that the trip was going to be more than a few hours.

I was anxious to have Ellery and Alan back home and I think they were anxious to be back home. Ellery proclaimed on the phone that she liked it better when the whole family was together -- and in the end, I agree with her. So, next year we plan on taking a ski trip (maybe back to Beaver Creek) but this time we will all be there together - with baby McKnight #3 in tow.

Do you think she liked it?

My neighbor just sent this video of the kids sledding last Friday. Sweet Vaughan had no fear and couldn't wait to get back to the top of the hill for another turn. I watched it again and again -- giggling each time. Hope you get a chuckle too!

I'm Back

I promise I have an excuse for my absence....you see I have been without my computer. It's not broken or stolen - it was simply being borrowed by my loving husband. You see, he started a new job/a new company and their corporate computers had not yet arrived.

This is very exciting news for us. While Alan was certainly doing well at SunTrust, he has always had a desire to do something "on his own." The right opportunity presented itself and the rest just fell into place. Their corporate website isn't up yet - but on the 15th check it out here: Balentine!

In other news, as most of you probably have experienced yourself, we have had COLD COLD weather and some snow too! Ellery is completely convinced it snowed because she flushed ice cubes down the toilet. What, you didn't know that worked? Try it next time you want to go sledding!

OK - so now that I have my computer back I can post all of the fabulous pictures I have from the past month or so. All in due time, my friends, all in due time.

Post Christmas Blues

We are still recovering from Christmas....wow it is taking a long time this year. We have lots to share and lots to show. But in the meantime - Happy New Year!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

Our Christmas cards are sitting on our dining room table. They are resting comfortably and have been for a few weeks now. And, while I have the best intentions of getting these things in the mail - it hasn't happened yet and I am starting to think it might not happen for a while.

In the meantime, I thought you all might enjoy a few outtakes from my photo session with the girls. As you can see from the picture above, both girls started off as willing participants.

But, things quickly took a turn for the worse. They were cold and tired of smiling. In all honestly, I thought about sending this picture out as our Christmas card. I love the crossed arms - we see that a lot in our house, from both children!

The good thing about these kids, at least right now, is that they are easily bribed (aren't I a good parent?) The promise of a Hershey's Kiss (or Hershey's Lips as Vaughan calls them) and all is well in the world.

We are counting down the days until Christmas.....

Incoming From Fredonia

Your brother shot a wild pig!

Love - Alan

Yes, clearly from the photo above, he did. I am happy to report that The Hunt was a success and all men are safely back home....some with more meat than others. I have more photos but I thought I would spare you at this early hour.

Outgoing to Fredonia

Outgoing to Fredonia:

I hope that everyone arrived safely at the annual hunt. I cannot imagine what a full house of guys hanging out in Fredonia in December is like. The girls and I miss you but we are managing just fine. We made the weekly Friday night trip to La Parilla last night to get our Mexican fix. Vaughan decided to forgo her quesadilla and make a meal out of the chips and queso instead.

This morning as I was trying to imagine what you men folk were up to...I decided to see when sunrise and sunset were (so I could really imagine you sitting in the blinds waiting to spot a deer.)

I googled "sunrise Fredonia TX" and this is what came up: http://www.datehookup.com/User-235534103.htm

Please check out the link....it is worth the effort!

Missing you.....