random aug and sept

With the coming of the switch, means the farewell of the Wii. It was a great 9 years. Now, what to do with you?

Alex and I went on date night to the Meyerson Symphony Hall. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra was playing Jurassic Park live, while the movie played on a big screen. The credits were the best part!!

Fantasy Football draft. First time in 6 years I think that Dan was home on Labor Day weekend. But since he is gone M-F every other week, it didn't feel like much of a victory. :)

 #83 Playing some football!

 Or carrying the water bottles.

He plays on special teams. I think he is a happy football player! (At least for one season. In the 7th grade.)

This is my running buddy Stephanie. We run once a week during the school year. She expressed a desire to run the Tour des Fleurs race at the Dallas Arboretum. It was a quarter marathon. I ran this out of love for this lady. Training to run in the summer is no fun. I am a winter runner!

I am not super thrilled with this time, but it was our best. It was hot and muggy. Sunny and poor terrain at points.

This is us post race. Looking hot and sweaty. But accomplished!!

Alex indoor soccer

First Day of School 2018-2019

 Ryan was the first to head to school because he started 7th Grade football at 6:45am!! (Interesting that he picked a 3 yr old hand-me-down to wear on the first day...)

 I didn't want to embarrass him with a picture, but here are all the boys waiting for football practice.

 A drive by photo of the first day practice.

 'I don't have homework. I heard the same lecture 8 times today: behave in class and do your work.' Yes, his mind is probably melting from the electricity overload...

 Macers was the 2nd one off to school, heading into the 4th grade. (Note the flippy sequin shirt. These are all the rage right now.)

 Dad was out of town, so I took this picture for him. He usually takes the desk pictures while I walk Lucy home.

 These are the girls who walk together after school. 1st day of school trip to the Sno Cone Lady in Frisco.

Look at this happy fellow! He was really happy with his schedule. He left at 8:55am and was picked up after band at 7pm. A long first day of school. He now has seminary 7:15-8:15am. This school year is going great for him so far. (Note, the all black Adidas NMD's. Alex bought these jewels with his refereeing money. Wearing what he is working for. Nice!)

Macers turns 9!

 This year Macey didn't ask for too much. We got her all the little things on her list, but the big thing we gave her was a Nintendo Switch. Our whole family has enjoyed playing on it. The above photos are from her actual bday. She had school, as usual, but Dad was in town, which is a rare treat these days.

 She wanted a Narwhal party. I did my best, but it was all sort of hodge podged together!

Her number one request was to have Nothing Bundt Cakes served. She loves red velvet!

 Dad is the coolest. He came up with a few games to play with the guests. This is empty the tissue boxes.

Brothers playing on the switch among the mayhem.

 Cute pinata. Poor construction! But wacking it on the table worked ok.

 Pizza.

 Birthday singing!

Present opening!

summer too

 Dan and Ryan went to Nerdvana for man outing.

 Gaming and good food!

 Uncle Mike's last restaurant meal in the US.

 Macey and Megan (and Moana) performing in theater camp play.

 Meg was the Little Mermaid and MJ was Flounder.

 Alex had a great indoor soccer season. It was short, but his final game he was a scoring machine!

 Dan travels a lot. One perk of this is car selection when we need a rental car. Dan picked us up at Sky Harbor in this jewel. Before returning the car, Dan and Mark took the boys joy riding (driving).

 Sly eyes at the 2nd wedding reception this summer.

 We are twinsies. Some of us are way cuter (Alyssa!) than others of us.

 Donut shop selection.

And a turtle. Why not?

end of summer vacation

 Uncle Mike moved to Thailand this summer. He used our attic for storage. His great idea here was to put the golf clubs up backwards so they would be easier to remove. Hmm, I don't think it was easier going up. Also, I'm pretty sure I'll flip the bag around before bringing it down. I was laughing so hard when the clubs were going everywhere. 'Aren't you going to help me?' 'No, I need to take some pictures.' :)

Adios, Mike. Off to the airport. See you next year. Or sooner. Or later.

 Macey and Meg went to a theater camp for a week this summer. They had a great time! There is still hope she'll use her talents to be in school plays. :)

 For our band member, summer ended on July 24th. We had a last meal at Spring Creek Barbecue, Ryan's favorite place.

 This is some of my summer sewing practice stuff. I can't wait for Amelia to come and snuggle my mermaid pillowcase!!

 A drive by shot of the marching band. It was a HOT summer (of course). Our boy survived, barely!

 Also on July 25, we went to McKinney to get some Christmas in July pies at the Pie Emporium. YUM! Afterwards we enjoyed a stroll around downtown.

 The eagle project that goes on and on and on...

 We never get enough Pringle time in the summer. This was our farewell to summer bash, a day at the bowling/arcade place.

 MJ and Ollie enjoying some Mario Kart.

 Back on a plane. Back to the desert.

 My seat companion is pretty cool.

 Over the summer I decided to train to run a quarter marathon with my running buddy. This consisted of running 3 days a week. Dan and I went out to run one HOT morning in Phoenix. I ran a speedy quick mile and then scurried back to Jason's house. I waited 2 hours too long to go. I was melting. Dan is much more durable in the heat. He had a nice run (that is him on the bridge).

 Laila enjoying the pile of dirty clothes!

 Another wedding day! This is our donut stop on the way up.

 Moo enjoying another of my cancer patient hat.

 Just waiting for the bride and groom. Outside. It was only 101 deg at 11am. We were all sweating up a storm.

 And with that, the last of the Blacks is married off!

 Waiting our turn for pictures.

 I've got a good lookin' set of guys in my life!

 Yay! Lindsey is married!

 Emily's family hosted a luncheon (with swimming) afterwards. Here are 4 generations!

 Here is a man having his ice cream and swimming too.

Macey and Jonah enjoying some balloon hitting over the wall. It was fun to have an extra day with the Porters!

 And then we come home, and what do you know? The eagle project needs more attention...

 Ryan working on a yard job. Not happily. But working, none the less.

 Alex getting to use a chainsaw to remove a stump at Gunstream.

 Nearly done...

 Alex and I went on a dinner date. This is grilled cheese, cheeseburger.

 We enjoyed UNO and some fried pickles. Fun and delicious!

 The Children's Medical City catterpillar means another trip down to see Dr Quan. All is steady and going well enough. Although our girl could use more veggies in her life!

 A crowded front seat. Alex marched and marched.

 Summer band finale to show off their summer progress.

And the conclusion of Alex's project. At least the manual labor part.