Spelunking

Ok, not exactly, but it's a dream I've always had. Beth, the cave explorer! Just before Christmas, we took Julian to Bluff Dweller's cave in Missouri (the state of caves, fyi) just north of my parent's home in NW Arkansas. This is what we uncovered (ok, ok. Let a girl dream!):

These are views looking back from where we walked in, and a bit up so you can see just how big this place is!



This is a spring that I zoomed in on, and it goes back further than I would ever want to go!
Isn't God cool?

Celebrating Family

It was Isaac's weekend to celebrate all of his accomplishments, but it was also time to celebrate family. We live far from Isaac's family, so we squeeze in a lot of special moments in our short time together.

After the graduation festivities, we headed to the Galleria on Saturday for a bit of ice skating and window shopping (because that's all the shopping this gal can do at the Galleria! No one was paying attention when Elia and I busted on the ice (hence no picture, ha!) but I did walk around the 4 story mall with my jeans soaking wet for the rest of the afternoon! We had a great time.

Elia is not sure about this.
You can imagine mom's back was SORE after this day!

This was Claudia's first try on the ice, and she did great!

A Day to Celebrate

This past weekend, Isaac received his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement. His mom, sister, and neice came to celebrate with us! After walking the stage, our family met with beloved friends who have supported Isaac through this journey.

Isaac's neice, Alexa, and his sister, Claudia

Wendi and Richard

Coby and Kelly

Marla and Ross

My mom and dad

It doesn't stop here, and there are more hurdles to jump, but I could not be more proud of him. He's worked full-time, been a dad full-time, and a loving spouse full-time...all while juggling his course work. Congratulations, Isaac...I love you!

Let the festivities begin!

This past weekend I went to an annual cookie swap. It's really a nice start to the month-long Christmas festivities! I was pooped this year, so opted for peppermint bark as my contribution.

But then at the last minute I discovered this incredible mint and toasted almond (crack) candy. WOW! I decided to make it as a hostess gift, but really I just wanted to keep eating it at her house! See, a gift that keeps on giving (to my belly!).

We had a really nice time, and brought home a few brilliant sweets to put under our pillow (I'm not sure what that means, but it was in Steel Magnolia's so I figure it's relevant).

Someone's little hand moved in for a steal just as I was taking this shot! Classic.