A trip to NASA for Gigi's birthday

February 21st is Gigi's birthday and this year, we took her on a trip to NASA.  Kate had a project studying a "famous American" coming up and her famous American was Neil Armstrong, so what better way to learn more about him than to visit NASA.  We spent the night at Blackjack and got up bright and early to spend our day driving to Houston, learning a bunch and then driving back home.  Happy Birthday Gigi!

Watching the International Space Station fly over Blackjack.

NASA with UJ.

The Eagle has landed!

Coolest astronaut souvenir sippers.

Tram tour around Johnson Space Center

Pouty Luke

Ready to surprise Gigi!

Happy birthday Gigi!  64!

We also discovered the fun that is jumping hay bales at the River Bottom.

Fun with friends for Valentine's Day

Just before Valentine's Day we hosted a Mom/Daughter yoga class at the studio.  We had about 18 friends join us and had so much fun!

On Valentine's Day, we had the Reibers come out to Blackjack for their very first time and had so much fun!

Kate makes the news!

Shortly after Kate's birthday and her big donation to the Austin Animal Center, we got a call from KEYE news and they wanted to do a story on her for the 10:00 news.  Here she is doing her interview in the cat room at the shelter.  The story was about "Paying it Forward" and just made us so very proud of this girl.

Happy 8th birthday Kate.

Eight years ago, on the day you were born, I don't think there is any way I could have known how amazing you would be.  We knew you would be great, but you surprise us every day.  You love school and really work hard in your classes (GT still seems to be your favorite).  You love working with Ruby Jane on your voice and violin every Tuesday and you have fun with gymnastics on Thursdays.  You have more empathy than many grown ups and really have a gift for loving others.  For your birthday this year, you wanted to have a pool party, and God smiled down on your special day by giving you an 84 degree day in January.  The theme this year was "WARRIORS"because you are obsessed with the Warriors book series currently, having read at least half of the 30 book series.  Instead of gifts from your friends, you requested donations for the cats at the Austin Animal Center.  We went to the Center the next day to donate the items and visit animals.  I promised we would spend $100 however you chose as a reward for your altruism.  You picked a few toys and then learned that the shelter is currently raising funds to build a new room where the cats can get out of their cages to stretch and play.  You decided to donate the remainder of your birthday money to the shelter and I couldn't have been prouder of you at that moment.  You are the most beautiful, kind, loving, giving eight year old we know and Dad and I couldn't be happier that God chose you to be ours.  We love you sweet girl!

Birthday morning!

Birthday pedicure with Mom and Gigi to get ready for the party.

Beautiful January day!

Pizza picnic