Built-in Re-Finish

Mary's Painting came back to re-stain our built-in entertainment center last week. We're very happy with the turn-out (as is Polski).

Hayley Hoop and the Escape from Sideshow Bob

Hayley would just like to thank all of her wonderful family members for their generous birthday gifts. She has saved her money to spend it throughout the year on life's little necessities.





Like this mega-light-up hoola hoop.











She is a hula master. These pictures hardly do her unrivaled talent justice.











We've affectionately named this tree "Sideshow Bob" (for obvious reasons).




Or is "Audrey" more appropriate. (FEED ME.)




In a MacGyver-like moment, Hayley instinctively moves to the cartwheel as her go-to getaway move.

Father's Day

The Man of the Hour just after opening his awesome card with #1 Dad stickers in it. Hayley is touting her subsequent sticker: "My dad is my hero."

Here's how this photo session went.

Meghan: Everyone smile!

Meg: Troy, worst Father's Day smile of all time. Try again.

Meg: HAYLEY!!

Meg: Thank you.

Um, do you hear that? What's that noise?

Hayley: The dog's choking on a carrot.

Troy: Somebody grab him!

Meg: YOU grab him!

Troy: UGH. Fine I have him. I think he's ok.

Meg: Alright, look alive. Literally.

First Warm Weekend

Kitchen Progression

Rewind: First Christmas in Arkansas

We just want to thank everyone so much for making our Christmas away from home so special. We can't thank you enough for your generosity and thought that went into filling our tree.

Hay captures a shot of herself to start off the festivities.








Hayley displeased with waiting until pictures are taken before gifts may be opened.





A beautiful, blessed Christmas thanks to all of you.






Hayley, not bashful. Not at all.

Most delicious santa cake recipe from Williams Sonoma! Made it from scratch. Mint and ganache. Num nums.

Just when we thought we'd have our first snowless Christmas, the clouds rolled in, dropped a smattering of Christmas snow and highlighted its wonderous gift with sunshine.

Hayley's Creepy Christmas Elf (Elf on a Shelf -- biggest heart-string-pulling holiday scam of all time)
Opposite him are Grandma's Christmas Cookies, of course.

Shoddy kitchen table for a Christmas feast? Nothing that a tablecloth and some pinecones can't fix. Well, kind of.

Christmas village!

Troy in "The Nutcracker Room"

Rewind: Hayley's 8th Birthday

This was as big a year for us as it was for Hayley. Our first actual birthday celebration with Hay as a family. Big hugs to the Elite Eight Hay. CanNOT believe the little rosy cheeked bundle is actually eight years old.



Hayley's Princess Cookies

Hayley's Princess Cake

Hayley's Party Room

The birthday girl awakens.

Obligatory candle lick.

Cake and Cheese.

Bday cards from the fam. Thank you Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grand Parents, Great Grandparentns and Aunt Boots!!!

Big money, no wammies!

Still wildly excited about the bday explosion / Valentines Package from Grandma!

Valentine's treats from Grandma.

Assessing the potential candy situation. So far, looks good.