Texas visit

Last week I traveled with my siblings and mom to visit Grammy and Opa in Texas. It's always so nice (and rare) to get some quality time with them!

Lunch at the airport waiting for our flight.

We arrived in Texas in the evening and still had a bit of a drive to Tyler. We stopped at Buc-ee's on the way - a first for mom and Eric. They were in awe! Sadly, we didn't see the bathrooms (the first thing Grammy and Opa asked separately when they heard we went). Apparently we missed the biggest attraction. Next time!

We did, however, try the brisket sandwiches - which didn't disappoint. 

We made it to Tyler and went straight over to visit Grammy and Opa. It is such a cute place! And it was so, so good to see them. 

They have the cutest, most welcoming place. It was so nice to sit back and visit. We chatted until we couldn't keep our eyes open anymore and went to check into the hotel. 

The next morning we got to see the place in daylight and get more of a tour. 

We spent some time reading memoirs, and spent lots of time doing puzzles. It was heaven. Even when we would visit mom and Dave's in the summer and do a puzzle, I rarely ever got to sit and spend much time on it with kids interrupting. We did 4 puzzles in 2 days and it was wonderful.

We went to China King for lunch which completely lived up to the hype. 

We took walks and thoroughly enjoyed the 60 degree weather after our freezing temperatures in Virginia lately.

We also went to a really good Mexican restaurant one day.

We met so many of their friends and staff, and even attended an ice cream social for Valentine's Day.

Mom fit right in.

Can't wait to see their new gazebo in this spot.

Most of all it was just nice to talk and catch up and spend time together. 

Love this crew with all my heart!

January extras

The cold finally really hit us in January. Besides all the snow days, it meant a lot more time indoors. The kids have got plenty of use out of their Christmas presents already. 

We built our tallest magnatile tower yet.

Bonnie has made lots of crafts.

One night the kids found old pacifiers and pretended to be babies. 

I had an all-day work event, where we also got professional photos done. 

Me and my manager, Megan. 

Our local Williamsburg/Hampton Roads team. 

The Williamsburg/Northern Virginia teams.

Bonnie has started dance back up and is loving getting to wear the clothes again.

The kids have made some really fun forts.

Mom and Dave have officially moved to town! Which means we are able to stop by and visit so much easier, which the kids are loving.

We have had to find all kinds of different things to play with inside. 

I had to return something to the mall, a rare occasion. It was Riser's first time going to a mall and he was enthralled. I think I could have let him run around there all day. 

Our canal out back stayed frozen just about all month.

Bonnie made us all 'hats'. 

Riser and I got to go watch Bonnie's class sing in their chapel service.

Our old neighbors who moved to New Orleans, sent us a king cake in honor of Mardi Gras. It was a hit!

The bedtime battle. Literally dragging them upstairs.

Bonnie just about every morning on the way to school as her little brother is incessantly talking to her. Can't be bothered.

Typically Riser and I stay in town while Bonnie is in school. It has been nice to have Mom and Dave as another option for a place to go hang on these cold days!

We even brought Bonnie back after school for lunch one day.

It was a cold, but good start to the new year. Personally I'm ready for the sun to come back out!