2016 Janna's birthday

No birthday is complete without Rachel.  They only time they were apart was the year we lived in NV and it was super hard for both girls.  Janna and Rachel decided to go back to iFly and do the indoor skydiving again.  We had dinner at Chili's and went to the Cheesecake Factory for desert.

My pretty Janna

Janna's view of the world

2015 iFly birthday (Katy, TX)

Each year I give the girls the option, they can either do a party, or do something unique that costs a bit more.  This started when Janna was little as she doesn't like big crowds.  Over the years Janna has done some inventive things, always joined by best friend Rachel.  This year they wanted to try indoor sky diving. Jenny and Rachel joined us and we had a blast doing it.  Kennedy wasn't as impressed, she tried it but let her big sister take her extra turn.  Once was enough.  Courtney was a little pro, although the tiny thing doesn't weigh much so she had to work harder to not get blown away by the wind.  

The package I bought included 2 - two minute flights, videos and t-shirts.  We upgraded when we got there and I added a High Flyer.  This is where the instructor takes you up to the very top of the dome you are flying in and does some really cool dives with you.  While everyone (except Kennedy) enjoyed this - Courtney got to do special tricks.  The instructor said he couldn't help it as she is just so tiny and didn't weigh anything.  She LOVED it.

When you book a party and get to the back they offer you additional tickets that never expire.  So we bought them for another time.  Although I'm sure Rachel will be joining us.

2016 First day of school

Janna is starting 8th grade at Schindlewolf Jr High, Courtney and Kennedy are starting 3rd grade at Lemm Elementary.

Flower girl Janna

Courtney and Kennedy

Courtney - If it's good enough for big sister.....

Bridal Show 2018

How cool is this cake?!?!?!

Jenny, Christina, Sammie and I went to a bridal show on Saturday.  I didn't know what to expect but I went ready to support my ladies and have fun.  There were a ton of vendors selling everything imaginable.  We had a good time playing in the photo booths and looking around

Christina, Sammie, Jenny and Christina

She said yes to the dress :)

Does this come with the venue?

I do

What in the world is this doing at a wedding venue?

I loved the Harry Potter table

Astros love!

Always

Missing you

This summer Janna chose to stay home while her sisters went to their fathers.  Any chance I get to see the twins I take it and Janna has gone with me.  Today I was able to take the girls to dinner.  Janna called Kennedy beforehand to let her know she was going to dress up (her version) and to ask what wig she would like her to wear.

Once we got to the restaurant Janna wouldn't let Courtney walk.  She said, come here midget and carried her the whole time.  They sat together while Kennedy sat with me.  Courtney updated us on her concert she attended; she was wearing her new Niall Horan sweatshirt.  We went to China Bear, which we haven't been too since the girls were little.  The food was awful!  But I had my girls with me so I was in heaven.

Janna trying a new "look" for her sisters

Janna told her, "hey midget let me carry you!"  Needless to say Courtney was thrilled

Sweet Kennedy

Don't be fooled - she's not just kissing me, she's got ice cream on her nose that she is getting on me.

In her new Naill Horan concert sweatshirt

My sweet girls

My girls

I'm going to meet my dad!!!

Isn't that a crazy sentence?  I repeat; I'm going to meet my dad!!!

What emotion does it evoke?  No seriously, I'm asking because I feel like I have every emotion possible running through my mind.  When the tickets were booked last night I couldn't stop crying.  I was completely overwhelmed.  I'm so happy and excited, yet a little scared.  In fact yesterday I couldn't stop crying.

This morning I woke and as soon as I started thinking about it I started crying again and couldn't stop.  My boss made the mistake of being a little rude to me and I about bit his head off.  He was surprised as normally I'm more easy going.  He walked into my office to ask if I was OK? I told him not today, don't mess with me today because I'm not in the mood for anyone being petty.

It dawned on me there was only one person who could make me feel better about this - my dad.  So I messaged him and asked him to call me.  Once I heard his voice I stopped crying and could calm down.  Listening to him made everything all right.  He sounds just as excited as I am, and he wants me there.

I don't know why I let fear get in the way.  Perhaps it's that part of me that worries how he feels about all this.  I can't imagine how this must be for him, or even his sweet wife.  I get scared I'm interrupting their life.  Which is crazy because he has been nothing but supportive and kind with me.

But that worry is gone.  Banished by my dad.  So I'll say it again:

I'm going to meet my dad!!

2015 Christmas

Our first Christmas back in Texas.  Brian was home visiting from Japan so he and I got all of our girls together and went to the Festival of Lights.  This was the first time all of the girls had met and it was instantly a good thing.  In fact Alicia liked to do the peace sign when she posed.  Kennedy thought this was super cool and for the next six months she posed for pictures while flashing the peace sign.

At one point Alicia, Janna and Courtney were on the Zipper, Kennedy and I were on a ride and Taryn was walking around with Brian.  They came back with stuffed Panda bears for all of us.  Taryn had heard they were Courtney's favorite so she asked Brian to get them for us.  Of course they got me the largest one which I thought was precious.  That bear is still on top of my dresser.  

Christina and Janna taking a selfie

Kennedy, Christina and Courtney on top of the ferris wheel

Courtney showing off her new purse on Christmas morning

Kennedy and her new doll - showing the sign Alicia taught her