Texas, Texas, Yee Haw!

We had a great time at the annual Kinder Rodeo!

Only in Central Texas would it seem perfectly appropriate to have all the townsfolk bring their livestock to a kindergarten setting.

There were bandannas, chaps, spurs, and cowboy hats as far as the eye could see, and if you were really quiet you could almost hear the single syllable words breaking as they were stretched into multiple syllables.

Here she is all ready to go to school. I thought she did a great job with her ensemble. Country yet tasteful.

Here we are staged before the "Grand March" into the rodeo. Each class entered the arena with both a Texas and an American flag after singing the National Anthem. The allergies were so bad in there I started to tear up, but really it was just the allergies...

Partying with the girls just before the festivities began.

Among the many activities...Roping, Snake Throwin', Barrel Racin', and Pannin' for Gold...was this Tire Pull Race. The kids loved it! My challenge to you this week is try selling this as a team building exercise at your next team meeting.

My little cowgirl ridding a pony while always maintaining her beauty pageant sensibilities.

The hay ride... Also known as the greatest source of anxiety for her mother. This trailer filled with 20 precious kids and 1 precious kindergarten teacher was pulled by an ancient tractor I was convinced would turn over each time he maneuvered over a bump, but all was well. Gotta remember these folks are expert tractor drivers. No doubt this is his primary vehicle. Can't believe I ever doubted him.

Abbie riding Oreo the GIANT longhorn.

Abbie and her bff before getting their brand tattoos and seeing the pigs, goats, and baby cows.

Feeding the world's most obese goat...

My exhausted cowgirl and her future husband chatting after a long day at the rodeo.

Just another day havin' a great time ya'll and Being Billingsley...

I love a trampoline.

The only thing I love more than playing a solid game of "Crack the Egg" on the thing myself is watching my kids play on it. It is hilarious.

They fall down a lot. They both think they are jumping "so high," but the truth is despite the greatest of efforts their feet don't really leave the surface. It's great.

They both think I'm some sort of super hero because I have this magical ability to get my feet to rise up above the surface of the trampoline tarp when I jump.

But, by far, the best thing about trampoline time is Lila's sweet hair when we are done...


Keep it crazy, Lila. Keep it crazy.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Tinsel Icicles...

My Mom was convinced that the one thing her tree was missing this year was tinsel icicles. Which took me back to all those Christmases hearing, "Not in clumps. NOT IN CLUMPS. One at a time. ONE AT A TIME!!"

So, of course I wanted to make sure Abbie and Lila had a chance to get in on the action. The day those icicles arrived at Mom's, we were on our way to teach the girls proper icicle administration.


They did a great job and looked really cute doing it!!


Just another day Being Billingsley...

Well, it was no crying baby picture...

I had to settle for mildly concerned baby instead, but it's still pretty cute. I also like how I can always rely on Abbie to bring her "A-game" smile.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

The Fat Guy 2010

Well, today's the big day! We are going to see Santa tonight.

I could hardly sleep last night thinking about it. I've always wanted that scared-of-Santa shot, and I'm really hoping this will be my year!

Now, this is what a photo with Santa should look like...

I thought last year would be the one, but instead I got happy girls, looking cute, chatting Santa up about Christmas gifts. Not an ounce of terror.

If you have an excellent scared-of-Santa photo, feel free to email me a copy. I love nothing more, and I have seen some FANTASTIC ones this year. Keep 'em coming!

Here's hoping this will be my year!

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Jingle Bell Run 2010

Abbie's school had their annual Jingle Bell Run today. It's a 1 mile run for the kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Parents were encouraged to come and participate. So, of course, I brought candy and Lila & I sat in the stands and watched everyone run.

Just before the race, Abs identified her running buddy. She explained to me that it's best to have a buddy because it really "pushes you to run harder." Here she is with her fellow Olympian-in-training...

They stretched as a group and then they were off-and-running...

These kids were so fast, Lila and I almost didn't have time to finish our Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Before we knew it, Abbie "The Blur" Billingsley was rounding the final turn blazing her way to the finish line...

I know what you're thinking... and the answer is absolutely YES. She gets her superlative athletic skills from me. Just look at that stride, the high knees, the straight posture, and the fact that she reduced the boy in front of her to throwing himself at the finish line in pure exhaustion. His fear of being beat by a girl kept him going for a mile, but he couldn't have lasted much longer. Abbie, on the other hand, was just getting warmed up.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

P.S. In case you were wondering, Lila and I did achieve a personal best today for most Reese's consumed in a 15 minute stretch. Those pb cups don't unwrap themselves people.

And the winner is...

Abbie! She was selected from ALL of the students in her school to receive an award for displaying exemplary character.

That's right folks... She's beautiful, smart, and kind!

I'm hoping that her award will come with some kind of a check for the parents who have obviously raised her so perfectly.

Just another day Being Billingsley...