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Snow Day

Paul finally got his wish on Friday; it was an early dismissal snow day.

 Gertie went out to inspect the snow.

 Yep.  That's snow.

 Can we go in now?

 I'm done.  I'm really done.

 The boys spent most of the day outside.  They went down the street in search of partners in snow-crime.

 I'm a girl.  I really don't understand why you need an ax in the snow, but Paul assures me he does.

 Snow fun

 TJ is maniacal

 Wrestling in the snow

 Snow angel

That was it for me.  It was cold!

TJ's Present

Because when your 8-year-old makes you something, you wear it...

TJ also vacuumed for me because he said I shouldn't have to work on my birthday.

The Amazing 8th Birthday Party

Emery and TJ share a birthday: January 31, 2007.  This year, they decided to share a party.  It would be a laser tag party with the WHOLE CLASS!  

The kids prepare for a laser battle.

 TJ and his cookie cake

 Emery and her amazing Club Penguin cake

 Happy Birthday to Youuu

 Happy Birthday to Youuu

 Happy Birthday, Dear Emery

 Happy Birthday

 To You!

 Why, I think you've got something on your face there.

 Yes, just there.

 The guests brought canned and boxed foods to donate to the Legacy Church of Christ Food Pantry.  They filled a laundry basket and four reusable grocery bags.

Emery and TJ stocked the shelves at the food bank with the donated items.

 Thanks for making our party amazing and for your generous donations!

Picture Re-creation

Uncle David and Aunt 'Nise sent a photograph of Edwina and Coker along with TJ's birthday present.  Coker is about TJ's age in the picture and it is amazing how much TJ favors Coker.  Look closely and notice they're both shirtless; the similarities are more than just in appearance.

 It is such a sweet photograph, I suggested Coker and TJ re-create it.  Here's what they did…

Fort Worth Stock Show

We visited the Fort Worth Stock Show Sunday after church.  The boys whined that they didn't want to go.  Once TJ learned that there would be food, he was happy to go along.  Paul took a little more convincing since it was likely none of his friends would be there.  Verdict: we all had fun!

Paul and TJ went through the Fun House.

 

We saw lots of lovely animals, though we never found the pig barn.  TJ seemed to bond with this cow. He named it Mary.  I didn't take more animal pictures because I have this thing about not taking pictures without a loved one in them.  The animals and landscapes are beautiful and awe-inspiring in person, but when I get home, I wind up tossing the pictures.

Paul and I rode the swings.  Do you see me?  Yes?  Yes, I'm the one wearing boots with my ankles crossed.  Haha!

Waiting for the boys' ride to start, Coker and I took a selfie.  With the sun behind us.  He shaved his beard this morning.  Bye, beard.

It may surprise you to know, but these are the faces of two boys loving this ride.  Coker and I worried that TJ would vomit or refuse to ever ride another ride ever again.  He loved it.  I could not tell by his face.  Paul did too, but to a lesser extent.

We finally thought to get a group picture on the way out.  Yep, there's the ticket booth and the street in the background.  We didn't stay for the rodeo, but maybe we'll make it back.