I voted.

I voted, and I bought new shoes to wait in line with--because that is what democracy means to me.

The rain on my way home sprinkled on my new suede shoes.  It literally rained on my parade. (election day foreshadowing?)

My short cameo in Zion.

I loved spending time with Ashley and Bobby - enjoyed all of the eating, laughing, shopping, baking, movie-ing, pedicuring (yes, Bobby too) and painting.

Happy Birthday Ash!

What cute babies.

I found this picture today when uploading my camera (and polarioided it).  I just love these kids.  Cant wait for more to come! 

Viva el Peru

Okay mom, you win.  It seems nothing will be posted till we get this Peru bit out of the way!   

Rather than recount the stories you have all heard (multiple times?), here are a few things I learned in Peru...

Incans were tough.  

Terraces on the side of a mountain look very hard to build, but th

ey are everywhere!  It was fascinating to learn how calculated and precise In can building techniques were.  I cannot even cut a straight line...

Andy is tough.

Being in Peru - meeting the people, walking the streets, seeing the sights, and dining where guinea pig is offered - made me appreciate Andy’s missionary experience, and feel swelling pride that he is my brother.  (Incidentally, the same can be said about my time in Italy for Todd.)  I loved Peru instantly because I know how much Andy loves it (and because there were llamas).

I am tough.  (Stop laughing, I am tough.)  

And, I am a good sport.  We did rather hard hikes (sometimes without water) and saw really huge bugs.  On a hike to Lake Sandoval, my nose started bleeding a few kilometers in - it was awful.  But my complaints and meltdowns were minimal, so it all feels like a victory.  (I know this is my opinion, no need to solicit validation from anyone present at the time.)

Everyone has a vice.  

And mine is diet coke, or when international, coca light.  Prior to Peru, I spent a few months soda-free, but getting back on the wagon was like reuniting with an old friend.

I have good friends.

...even if they always lose at hearts.

(Blogger is not my friend.  It will not put any of my pictures where I want them, or upload the ones that I want.  and what is the deal with the fonts?  ugh.)

Free Bag!

Ok so I already posted on mine, but I really want to win and this increases my chances!

Go here to sign up for a free bag!

Heather's Peru Trip Report

Reserved for Heather's commentary and pics on latest travels to Peru! xo

Take me out to the ball game ...

Boy, have I missed this! So happy Haley Mae is on a little ball team as it is great to get out and cheer again! This week was much more successful than last and here are some smiles to show for it!

Haley is the cutest little girl on her team (does it matter she's the only girl?)
Coach Chris
Tanner wants to play too!

Great incentive to get on base because it honks when you jump on it!
Way to scoop, Haley!
(Don't miss the best dressed player on the team w/tucked in pants, red socks and sporty shoes!)

Papa fed Cash a whole bowl of oatmeal and Tanner had his breakfast too as this was an early morn

Cousin hugs ... soon they will be best buddies and criminals in crime together!


Andy's getting a head start on facial hair for MotoAdventure. Steve started a furry face today and I'll bet so did Todd! Utah bound! Woo hoo!

Hickson Island

To the average person this just looks like some trees covered with water all around....OH NO! This is the island beloved by the original 6 Hicksons (cashat)! They set up camp here complete with a hammock between the trees. Now it's covered with water and uncampable from all the rain and runoff this lake has received.

Park Time

We have had unseasonably cool weather in Texas - 80's in September - unheard of! So of course, we seize the day and hit the park!

So many candles, so little cake!

It was a fun start to my birthday ... only Steve and Heather got it right as to when it was - not even me! It made it more fun to have it sneak up and get gifts in the mail and surprise phone calls alerting me to another year expired.

Steve put a great party together having all the kiddos come over and he slaved on preparing a great Italian feast (Amores - perfect!). He knows my favorite is to hang with the fam and chat with the girls on the phone, so it was the best!


During the feast, Steve got the group taking turns in looking back to "roast" some great memories and share a lot of laughs! We truly have had rich years and continues to be a joy having so much family around with great love for each other!

I'm not so sure I'm happy to add another year but the pamper night and gifts were so fun! I really felt the love - thanks y'all!

Steve had another trick up his sleeve and sent me on a treasure hunt. After looking in the longhorn head, drawer and jet ski, the real prize was in the bike trailer ... yep, my very own dirt bike! I was shocked and sure this must be a new bike for Steve under the pretense of my birthday, but no ... it's mine! It came with all the gear ... helmet, bulky riding boots, pants, gloves, the works to protect the bod! What a night!


"Live life in crescendo! ~ Stephen R. Covey ~
The more candles you add, the bigger the cake has to get! But a school lunch pan of homemade german chocolate cake is never too much ... thanks, Chris! xo