Ben's Final City Council Meeting

Ben has served on the Plano City Council for eight years. He served two consecutive four-year terms, with his last meeting being this past Wednesday. It was a bittersweet moment...eight years is a long time! He ran the first time when Lainey was a year old; then again when she was five years old and Walker was three years old. I remember thinking at the time..."Wow, Lainey will be nine years old when this final term is finished." And here we are! 

Lainey's first trip to Plano's City Hall, when she was just about two weeks old. Ben was Mabrie Jackson's campaign manager, and we attended her swearing-in ceremony.

at Ben's kickoff party in 2009

swearing-in ceremony 2009

swearing-in ceremony 2013

Walker: 3 years old

Lainey: 5 years old

final meeting

We are proud of you, Ben! Your integrity and honesty are to be admired. We love you!

Lainey with her best friend, Mayor Harry LaRosiliere

Ben with his friend and city secretary, Dee Dee Falls. She helped to keep him in line! :) 

Ben with Lissa, a fellow council member and friend whose terms of service have also come to an end. Lissa and Ben ran together in 2009 and again in 2013. 

Here are the Harrises/Cooks at a reception following Ben's final council meeting. The city gave both Ben and Lissa a nice reception honoring their eight years of service. We are missing Walker in this picture; he had a baseball playoff game. My parents took him to the game, and for that, we're so grateful. THANK YOU, Mom and Dad!

This week, we said good-bye to the Sequoia (as well as five inches of Lainey's hair). This car has kept us safe for many years, and it's certainly taken its fair share of dings and doinks during that time (all my fault). Anyway, we were sad to see it go, but we are excited about our new car - a Suburban. It's beautiful and big and will hold all the kids and all the bags and all the groceries; this is what I need and want at this time!

Our new car - it's so pretty and barely fits in the garage! 

And, I'm closing with a sweet picture of Walker. This kid fell asleep last weekend after an early baseball game (occurring the morning after a sleepover with Kasen). I think he slept for almost 3 hours. I can't remember the last time he took a nap like this. He looked so sweet and peaceful.

Wolfpack Baseball

Walker's baseball team, the NTX Wolfpack, has come a long way this season. They have had some great coaches (Ben included!) and they have learned a lot. Ben and I both realized (on the same day) that I hadn't taken any candid shots of Walker playing ball lately, so I brought my camera to a recent game. 

He often stands like this. He holds his hands in front of his belly, waiting to see what to do. If he could stand there and armpit or leg toot - his new favorite pastime - he would.

Ben is the third base coach. He's there, in the foreground. He's an awesome third base coach. I've learned a lot just watching him.

Walker's best friend, Kasen

our fearless team of coaches

a sweet picture of Walker's teammate Knox, cheering on the boys in the field

Morgan joined us for a game. :) 

making a Musical.ly video :)

First Full Week of Summer

This first week of summer vacation was FULL and busy. The Loredos, our friends who live in Ohio, visited their Texas family and friends this week and it was SO so wonderful to see them. Walker also spent some time with Kasen (pictured below, in Kasen's pool). 

We went with the Loredos and Baders to Bahama Bucks one afternoon. It was so great to see both Ainsley and Gage; we have missed them so much. 

And of course the moms had to get together to celebrate Kelley being in town!

Same group of kids, different location: Jack Carter Pool in Plano.

sweet friends: Kaitlyn, Lainey, and Ainsley

In addition to our friends being in town, Lainey attended her first "big kid" dance intensive at SMU. She was one of the youngest ones there and I'm really proud of her for sticking it out! The days were long and lots of work was involved! She learned so much from this intensive; she definitely danced out of her comfort zone and I'm really proud of her for trying something new! She also made some new friends and learned a few new riddles, as well. 

Lainey and Faith with one of their instructors, Ms. Hiroko

Lainey and Faith with Clifford Williams, an Artist-in-Residence with Complexions Contemporary Ballet in New York

the girls with Ms. Cat, another instructor 

After Lainey's final performance on Friday, we spent some time with Emmy and Tuck. The kids swam in the pool (and froze) and so we dumped them in a bubble bath. 

Walker loved it!

Happy first week of summer! 

Last Day of School

Walker and his friend Marcus on the last day of school

This group of boys (Angelo, Seamus, Walker, and Marcus)...they became such good friends over the course of the year.