30109 St. Andrews

My mom and her husband have officially moved to Fort Worth. It's so great having them nearby, but it was a sad farewell to our home of over 20 years. These are some of the photos of our last weekend in Berry Creek. I will forever be a Berry Creek kid!

The beautiful backyard was so great and a work of art that took several years. The lady that bought the house just bought a really awesome backyard.

"The Last Supper"

My mom's cat, Winston, stayed behind and is now living with the neighbors. Maddie wanted to make sure that Winnie had a little bit of food before we left.

Hanging with her Cousins

Back in March, Maddie and I took a trip to Fort Worth to see her 2nd cousins in a cheerleading competition. This photo is from lunch afterward. I nearly had a breakdown watching my daughter watch a sport that I was so involved with many years ago. Awww, tear.

Looks like the tables might tilt back in my favor as upon our last visit to see the 2nd cousins at their house, Maddie immediately began mimicking the girls doing their gymnastics/cheer routines. Yessssssssss......

And then, my Aunt told me that there are now squads for moms that compete. Can you believe it? Pleated mini-skirt here I come!

aLoft Site Visits

Sorry Maddie followers. I am still in need of a place to post videos for my work stuff. These are videos of the host hotel for our upcoming Summit.

Winter Blast - January 2011

Man it's cold. I think, in fact, it's only 18 degrees F. A storm blew in this week that is absolutely crazy. Rolling black-outs throughout the metroplex, icy roads and for sure closed schools. Today was day 2 of schools being closed and I think we might just finish the week without any school. With no school, means parents don't go to work either. What a way to start a new school.....only one day in.

We've had lots of good bonding time, but we are all going stir crazy. And that plus the fact that my work is piling up, I am getting a sitter tomorrow to help us out. Phew!

Not quite a snow bunny, but a great shot of the snow in the neighbors yard.

Not our handy work, but some solid work done by a few of our neighbors.

Well this is just the cutest darn thing! We couldn't stay in any longer yesterday and so we took a family trip to the grocery store. After being inside all day, it was the best adventure ever.

And then I got a cleaning bug. I decided it was time to go through Madison's drawers and pull out things that don't fit because the drawers were hardly shutting anymore. Random articles ended up on Madison. Note: socks on her hands as gloves, bloomers on her head as a hat!

Clearly, the bloomer queen is upset here. Could have been the fact that Reese wouldn't move and get off her little couch, but something sure had her ticking. I can see a glimpse of the terrible 2's coming. She's starting the temper tantrum thing. Full out flexing her back stiff so I can't grab her, rolling on the ground, fussing. Wow!

Just a shot of the drawers I was working on.

And lastly, Madison with more randomness on. I sure wish she would keep headbands on more. I couldn't get a good front shot with it on, but boy does she look so cute with them on. And yes, that is Yo Gabba Gabba playing in the background. FYI - we don't encourage watching TV from this angle. :)

New School - Premier in Westlake - 1/31/11

In light of several different reasons, we have moved Madison to a new school. While it isn't in the neighborhood it is only 3 miles away and by next January, there will be one in the neighborhood!

The new school provides her with a wonderful advancement to learning. Premier is a Christian based school that teaches from the A Beka Book. We're so excited for her new opportunities that from what I hear from other mom's is a better preparation for Kindergarten (stronger reading skills, more adapted to a classroom/curriculum structured atmosphere, etc.).

When she turns 2, she will be asked to wear a uniform. Can't wait to share those photos. Until then, please enjoy a few shots from her first day.

The minute she got out of the car she was all smiles, but naturally I had the camera set to video.

Her patience wore a little more thin and a smile wasn't happening.

And finally, she said 'NO MORE' photos and pick me up please.

When we got into the school, I was very impressed that the Principal was there to greet us and to get Maddie acquainted with her new space....meeting the teachers, putting her things up in her cubby hole, etc. I was even more thrilled when I got a call from the Principal herself mid-morning to give me a status check on Maddie.

My darling dear was such a champ about the whole thing. We walked into the new room and the minute the teacher's said 'Hi Maddie', she jumped out of my arms and into theirs. Consider this to be a very successful switch!

Playing with Cousin Henry

Having my sister's son, Henry, close by is so fun because they get to play and grow up together. While none of the below quite capture their hilarious relationship, let me assure you it's a blast to watch.

Henry: Loves Maddie to death and is always squeezing and loving on her.
Maddie: While she loves Henry, wants nothing to do with him when he is hugging all over her.

I mean, really? Look at this angel!

Christmas with the DuBois

Christmas 2010 was spent in San Antonio and Georgetown. The following are pictures from our time in Garden Ridge with Max's family.

While not a masterpiece, this is us by the Christmas tree.

Gorgeous Aunt Niki.

Max's Nanny made the most delicious chicken spaghetti that re-surfaced at several meals. Maddie loved it.

Santa came!

"Excuse me, Uncle Alex, while I re-boot your system"

Maddie and Nanny.

Time to open presents. She was particularly good at it this year which was so fun to watch.

Now, some packages were harder to open than others (thus the struggled face above)....

But overall a successful Christmas!

The rest are some fun videos. First one of her and her 2nd cousin, Kirby, playing with the present that Santa brought. The second video is of Maddie doing her 'what, what' for her dad.

Frank Sinatra's House

Hi Friends-

I recently visited Frank Sinatra's first Palm Springs house as part of a site visit for a future event I'm helping host for work. The videos were too big for emailing, so I'm loading them here so our crew can see what we're working with. Feel free to look because the house is awesome!

-ad

Frank Sinatra's House

Front Yard/Service Entrance

Frank Sinatra's House

Frank's Room

Frank Sinatra's House

Bus Drop Off/entrance

Frank Sinatra's House

Back yard/pool

Frank Sinatra's House

Back bedrooms - Frank Jr./Nancy