A New Year and a New Job!

Matt has been thinking about this for a long time, and he has finally made it happen. January 1st, he officially started his own law firm, Compton PLLC.  He's got his office all set up and is excited to see what the next year brings.

Go Dad!

Christmas

Christmas is always wonderful, and this year was no different.

We continued our traditions of gingerbread houses,

stockings,

gift giving,

and lots of loot!

But really, the best thing of all is just being together with all of our family.  We are so blessed to have such a loving family. It makes my heart happy just seeing all these pictures and thinking of all you wonderful people.

Thanksgiving and Snow! in Houston!

Thanksgiving was extra special this year because my entire family got to be together for a few days.

One day, we had a lovely picnic and walk through Spring Creek Park.

Another day, the girls stayed at Nana's for our semi-annual Tea Party

while the boys went out bowling. Fun Times!

Another day, we all went to the zoo together.

We so wish everyone lived closer so we could do things like this more often!


Early in December, we woke up to a super surprise. Snow!!!!

Now, it has snowed a few little sprinkles in the nine years we've lived in Houston, but nothing like this!

We did our best to scramble around and find mittens, hats and warm socks so we could enjoy the snow before it melted by lunchtime.

The kids had so much fun playing in it, but they did get pretty frozen. We made several pilgrimages outside, intermingled with trips back inside (complete with cocoa) to warm up cold fingers. 

  (The poor kids in public school still had to go to school, but Ha! Our kids got to enjoy the full extent of the event. Way to go Homeschooling!)

We took off lots of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas just to enjoy the nice weather this time of year. We spent lots of time outside exploring different parks.

 Pundt Park is a new favorite because we discovered, just off the trail...

 a huge beach perfect for playing on....We just have to stay away from the water and any alligators that may be swimming around. It's probably the perfect place for them to sun themselves.

Our friends, the Mohontys, introduced us to anther great park, Kleb Woods. We had lots of fun exploring the nature center, historic farm, nature trails, and swamp.

Also in November, we mourned the passing of yet another of Matt's birthdays with sackcloth and ashes.  At lease, he pretends to mourn while all the rest of us are celebrating. We love this man!