Rockin' 60th Birthday Party

Over the past couple of months my cousins, sister and I have been planning a surprise 60th birthday party for our parents. We originally had wanted to surprise all four of them, but decided it was much easier to get our dads involved and make sure we could pull it off AND get our moms to the right place at the right time. Our dads just didn't know the party was for them, too. It was so much fun to prepare and plan. We had quite an invite list and it was a success...we had a huge response and a great combination of family and friends. It was definitely hard to compile a list considering 4 different honorees, but it worked!!! Luckily, our moms and my dad all grew up in Llano, graduated together and live there now.

We had a few "close calls" right before the big event, but my mom and aunt did not seem to notice. Because Llano is a small town it was a little more difficult keeping the secret...many events seemed to pop up and my aunt and mom seem to be a part of mostly everything going on. But in the end, our dads came through, convinced them to "go along" with the plan and it all just came together (a BIG thanks to Dad and Uncle Gary, that was no small feat)!!!

So, onto the party. We had been in Llano for a few days of Spring Break, but left Saturday early to head back home (haha). We all met in town and got the decorating going. Guests then arrived at 4 pm. We had decided to do a themed party...a 50's style party in honor of their birth year. It was a BLAST!!! The four of us decided to dress up and actually many of our guests did too. Even my grandparents were decked out, what a treat!!! We had individual cakes made, coke floats and munchies. We turned the church annex into a regular 50's hang-out and had a "memories" table with some of their letter jackets and lots of old photos on display.

The honorees arrived around 4:30. My mom was the first to walk in. We flipped on the lights and it took her a minute then she just stopped. She was surprised for sure!!! The rest of the clan walked in and the surprise was revealed. It was priceless to see the looks on ALL their faces. Happy Birthday you four, you have blessed my life AND so many others by just being you...we hope you felt honored for all that you mean to us!!!

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Cambry and her To-To

Cambry has become a talker and most of the time our little social butterfly. She usually says hi and bye-bye to just about anyone. It's mostly whenever someone is passing by, she likes to be the first one for sure!!! Just this morning we walked outside at the same time as our neighbor and Cambry was the first to say "Hi"!!! Our neighbor said it just made their day.

To-To (if you're wondering) is Cambry's name for Colten. It's great!!! She uses it ALL THE TIME now and it cracks me up almost every time she says it. We're actually ALL using it, even Colten himself. You can ask her, "where's your brother?" and she'll say "To-To go?" And "say good night to Colten"..."night-night To-To". Cambry, do you love Colten...nodding her head "luv To-To" and "my To-To" and "no-no To-To." Of course we (especially Caleb, go figure) like to use it ALOT. Colten will say, "that's not my name you guys". And then the next minute, he's playing with her and calling himself To-To. It's something I always want to remember, and maybe have it stick around for just a little while.

She's saying so much now and really putting 2 and 3 words together, it's so much fun. She can almost express anything she wants or needs. Life has become much easier, minus the almost-two tantrums and MOOD SWINGS!!! The girl's attitude can turn on a dime that's for sure. We're having fun though!!!

Not much else, Colten's great, we had a good Spring Break (a few days at the ranch) but he was anxious to get back to school. He's into bugs, especially rolly-pollies and has a collection under a tree in the front yard. We have to check on them several times a day naturally!!! Can't beat them as a pet!!!

We had a fabulous 60th surprise party over the weekend for my mom, dad, aunt and uncle. That will require a separate post...STAY TUNED!!!

opening the gate at the ranch

throwing rocks and walking in the water

going on a gator ride

soaking up the sun at home

two of her favorites...heels and purses

March...really?!

Ok ok, so February came and went and I seemed to have overlooked many posts!!! We had a great month with Valentine's, Rodeo week and celebrating family's birthdays. We are all doing GREAT and movin' and groovin' as the year continues to pass quickly. We have been extra busy contemplating actually building on our lot we purchased about 2 years ago. At this point, we've met with a realtor who has given us some tips on getting our current house ready to sell AND we have house plans in the works to start getting them priced out. It's a little overwhelming, but we are excited to see what's in store for our family!!! Alright...here are he last few weeks in pictures...

Cambry was really proud of her outfit one Sunday morning (it was mighty cute!!)

one of her many WILD ways to sleep

Cousins Jade, Chance and Dax spent an afternoon with us while they were in SA. The babes hugging on one another...

best of buds...Chance and Colten

Colten LOVED rodeo week this year...he definitely got into it everyday!!!

Rodeo week and Valentines were combined this year at school...decorating cookies (still in FULL cowboy attire of course)

opening Valentines

We spent part of Valentine's Day weekend in Llano celebrating my mom and aunt's birthday...the BIG 6-0 (and still looking like they're in their 30s)!!! The kids with Valentines goodies....

Cambry got one COOL pair of shades from Kristi and Kyndel (she's still loving them by the way!!!)

The twins at their birthday lunch!!!

With it being soooo cold we've had to come up with new forms of entertainment. This one tops the list for them both!!!

It did actually snow for a few minutes in SA, so we ran out to play, too bad it stuck everywhere BUT here!!! Colten was dying to make a snowman...

Caleb went on a "guys" ski trip this past weekend, so the kids and I packed up and headed to Llano for a few days. Colten LOVES his mini-play pistol!!! Thanks Oni...

It was a gorgeous day Saturday, my mom had bought Colten some new rubber boots, which he wore non-stop. We walked EVERYWHERE in them...especially through all the water!!!

He was Granden's #1 helper all weekend. He ate it up and was worn out!!!

Love this one...

Well...that about wraps February up. I think we were all sick somewhere in there, but thankfully it passed quickly for us. Onto March, hurry up Spring, we're ready to see AND feel the SUN for awhile!!!