It Was A Huge Success

What a night - it was a success. Brody stayed on for all of 6 seconds and scored an 84. That was enough for 3rd place. We are so proud of him. After he fell off, he did start crying but I think he just did not know what to expect. He was so excited he has not stopped talking about it yet. He won a belt buckle and a little trophy and he is so proud of them. I am attaching a couple of pictures that I have before the ride. I will post the video as soon as I figure out how to do it.

Mutton Bustin

Tomorrow night is the big night. Brody will attempt to ride a sheep for 6 seconds. We should all get a good laugh. He so excited and ready.

For those of you interested, the rodeo starts at 7:00 p.m. and we will be sitting in Section 130. Hope to see you there.

Happy 4th Birthday Brody!!!

Today my baby turned 4 years old. I cannot believe that it has been 4 years since Brody came into this world and blessed our family. He is the sweetest, most thoughtful and loving little boy. Yes, he does have a temper and at times I believe he is still going through the terrible twos but he is the best little boy I could have ever asked for.

We did not have an "official" birthday party. We have had so much going on the least two weeks we just could not get the time. But do not fret, we have been celebrating this entire week. Last Saturday we enjoyed birthday cookie at Grandmas with the family. Nana and papaw came over last Sunday and we all put together Brody's birthday present from all four of us - a swing set. He loves it. Then on Friday, we had cookie at school for Brody and Bryan (his best friend - they share a birthday). Friday night we had a camp out with the Butler's, the Lane's and the Moon's. We had a weenie roast, played hide-n-seek, ate birthday cookie again and Brody was able to open up presents. Saturday night we enjoyed an evening at the rodeo with Nana and Papaw.

Sunday was the big day, not only was it his "real" birthday day but he participated in the stick horse grand entry at the rodeo and won a new pair of boots. He met the clowns and the cowboys and was able to get their autographs. He was the cutest cowboy in the entire arena. We topped the night off with dinner of rice and beans - his favorite. Nana, papaw and Uncle Wayne helped us celebrate.

I know Brody had the best birthday he could have ever wished for except a special Aunt Vonda and Uncle Edgar was not able to be here but hopefully next year.

I think back on the day Brody was born and I am so thankful for everyone that helped bring him into the world. I could not have asked for a more perfect experience, with Bill, my parents and sister by my side the entire time. I just hope Vonda is not scarred for life. Thank you all for everything.

Happy birthday punkin, you are the best. Mommy and daddy love you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mutton Bustin 2008

The time has finally arrived. Brody will be participating in his first Mutton Bustin this year at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo. He will make his grand ride on Friday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. We are trying to prepare him for his ride but I think that is something he just has to experience for himself. It should be a great show. Bill has been trying to get some practice in on Buck but he just sits there.

On his 4th birthday - Sunday, October 5th, he will be participating in the stick horse grand entry at 4:00 p.m.

Brody would love to see and hear all of his fans in the stands cheering him on. Give us a call if you are going to be there so we can all sit together!

Reflection on our vacation

Now that we are back at home and in to the swing of things at work again I am enjoying looking back and reflecting on what a wonderful first vacation we had. Bill made sure we had a great trip. Brody has said he enjoyed everything but Shamu was his favorite. I believe I enjoyed watching Brody and Bill interacting and having a great time. Just seeing Bill relaxed and the smile on Brody's face was worth it all.

I look back on all the wonderful vacations we had as a family growing up and I hope Brody has memories like I do. Vacations as a parent are completely different. Sometimes I would wonder why we just could not have that toy or that t-shirt, now I now, that stuff gets expensive. Just like the boat ride - $7.50 a person. That is crazy. Vonda and I never wanted for anything on our vacations and I hope Brody always knows that we try to give him a great vacation!!

We are already looking forward to our next vacation - wherever that may take us.

Day 4 & 5

Monday was our last day in San Antonio and we completed it with a walk through the rest of the market. Again, not a great place for Brody. We did not find any bargains so we thought we were going to make it out this time without a purchase - wrong - he saw the swords and just had to have one. They were only $1.50 so it did not break us. I think he had it bent in half before we were out of the city limits.

We spent the next couple of days in Austin just relaxing. We enjoyed swimming at the hotel and dinner over looking the hill country. We had dinner at the County Line and it was really good. (I do have to say I prefer Bills BBQ though). Hope you enjoy the pictures Vonda and Edgar, we were thinking of you. Brody helped take the pictures for you.

What a wonderful vacation!!!

Day 3 - SEA WORLD

Today started with Brody telling us again he wanted the green game. We told him we were on our way to a very fun day and we were sure he would find something just as wonderful as the green game.

We were off to Sea World for a day of fun. We were all very excited and ready to get the day started. Sea World is not exactly how I remembered it. Of course, it has been about 17 years since I was there. Since we went after Labor Day, several of the shows were out of season. I think we walked around like little lost puppies for awhile until we finally found our groove.

Brody wanted to get in the water park so bad so we put his swim trunks on and off he went. However, he did not want to get wet. He finally started getting in the water, turned around to look at us and hit his head on a metal bar. I could not get to him fast enough. The water park was over. We put his shirt and shoes on and kept walking. He kept crying because he did not want his swim trunks on. He did not want to be wet. We found a restroom, took them off and put his shorts back on and off we went.

We finally started getting to the shows at the right time. He enjoyed most of the shows but his favorite was the penguins. Our final show was Shamu and then we surprised him with dining with Shamu. That was a wonderful experience. We had a wonderful dinner and we were able to see the whales up close and personal. They were about 3 feet from us. Brody was a little nervous but he really enjoyed it.

Brody had a great day. We loved seeing the smile on his face and his pure excitement. I was not able to get very many pictures because he told me again that we did not have time for pictures. I am sure he has heard that somewhere. I was able to snap a couple of pictures along the way.

We headed back to our hotel and Brody fell fast asleep. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, he woke up and informed us we needed to go and get the green game. Off to the market we went again. I told him if he could find it, he could have it. He said "momma, it is in the white building." He went right to the green game. A wrestling ring with the men. He loves it, plays with it all the time. He played with it all the way home.