Marathon Mama!

Chris did it! She ran the entire Cowtown Marathon in 4:07 hours - wow! Especially because she thought it would take 5 hours! We were all moved to tears!
They are on the right side - Chris in a blue jacket and Launa has #92 on. Andy and I just happened upon them in our search for a different location! Serendipities all day!

Andy and I were in charge of the kiddos - hence the yanked-out-of-bed look. They were absolute troopers getting in and out of the truck/stroller to be the Official Traveling Motivators.

The Finish Line Greeters! We are all so proud of Chris! xo

Dancing with the Stars

I don't know how to rotate a video, so you'll have to turn your head sideways ... but it's worthy of a krinked neck!

We had an early birthday date to see Elmo Grows Up at the Nokia Center. It was true joy to laugh to the point of tears watching Haley Mae enjoy herself. Lucky we had this little trench in front of us because she was moved out of her seat to dance. Our neighbors around assured us she has a future in dance!

What's a field trip without pink cotton candy? We were thinking of you Ashley! xo

By a series of mishaps, we had front row seats and Haley was quite a celebrity with the cast! She got several high fives, winks, waves and pats on the head! I think they all knew it was her birthday soon!


All good days end in ice-cream!

Ginger Bell is growing!

She's so lanky and all paws! Daisy and Roxy are already yielding to the young one! She's a sweet puppy and just wants to be friends in a gregarious way!

February Park Days

Happy the sun shines in Texas and we get to enjoy some lazy park days!


Cash was perfectly content to chill in the swing while the world spun around him. He is like the rest of the boys - loves to be outside!

Daddy's Office Helper

Tanner is such a good office assistant to dad.

He is always there to make sure things are where they need to be.

Progress Report... A+

Todd and I wanted to give everyone a photographed progress report on how Tanner has done this past week...



This picture was taken the morning of his surgery. He woke up EXTREMELY happy, which confirmed the fact that he was being entertained by angels that day. The nurses kept commenting on what a good boy he was.



This picture was taken the day after surgery. He looks pretty beat up and sore, but he kept showing off his swollen smile... especially to Daddy.



We took this picture on Friday. His lip has looked better each day and by this time his swelling had gone down. He also got fairly used to his arm braces. When we take them off for play time he doesn't try to put toys or hands in his mouth.



This was from this morning... Again, he woke up so happy and we had fun being the paparazzi taking pictures of him. His clothing attire is provided - an oversize T-shirt that says "Cooks Childrens Hospital" on the front and fluffy white socks. The anesthesiologist threated to take Tanner because he was being so cute. And Dr Schuster stated he was ready for Hollywood.



Ah, back at home. His lip is a little red and probably will be for a few months according to the Dr. But we are so happy to have the stitches out, especially Tanner because you could tell they were itchy! He has a few dissolvable stitches left in his lip that will be gone shortly.

ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS OF CUP FEEDING & ARM BRACES. HALLELUJAH!

Thank you for your prayers for our little buddy. We have felt Heavenly Father's arms wrapped around Tanner this past week.

Paper chain countdown continues ...

I'll play!

4 days until my 34th Vday with my sweetheart! xo

13 days until Chris runs the FW Marathon. She's been vigilant!

In 14 days Tanner and Abby will be yelling ... F*R*E*E*D*O*M ... no more restrictions and can define a new normal life! xo

Boy bdays coming up ...

Justin - 20 days

Ryan - 26 days

Todd - 38 days

34 days until Todd and Chris participate in the Keller Triathlon. Todd is thinking of bringing on the luck-o-the-irish by sporting a green speedo in honor of St Patty's Day.

40 days until Heather comes home and Haley Mae turns 3!

paper chain countdowns have evolved.

7 days till this...

8 days till i meet rome...

11 days till florence and i hang out...

15 days till i fall in love with vienna...

47 days till washington welcomes this...

anyone else want to get a spot on the counting?

Ginger Bell is growing!

Ginger can no longer squeeze through the BEAUTIFUL doggy gate Andy made! She is getting bigger and soon will be able to give Roxy a run. Now, Roxy gives her an attitude, but her "Small Dog Syndrome" is about to be challenged in real time!

Tanner is getting ready for Hollywood!

Tanner has been a fabulous patient and even gets to come home tonight! His doctor said he is getting him ready for Hollywood! His lips are so luscious and kissable! Botox baby!

BTW, Todd and Abby get the Beary Brave Award too, as this has been a long journey to pedal, but we are at the top of the hill ready to coast down! All is well and thanks for all the prayers and hungry bellies! xo

Superbowl Party!

This is the way the Hickson's partied for the Superbowl - white shirts, ties and fasting! We couldn't understand why no one wanted to come party with us!

The Tan Man is now a cup baby!

Most babies at five months are either nursing or bottle babies. Tanner is a cup boy! Not a sippy cup ... a real cup! ... and very proficient at it! In fact, he could gulp down 4 ounces in a few short minutes if you let him. It's incredible to witness and a comfort to see what a great job Todd and Abby have done to prepare for the next few weeks. Blessings, blessings! xo