The first part of December...

As a family, we went to see Michael W. Smith in concert. He performed a lot of Christmas songs as well as some of his own. A singer named Riley Clemons joined him and she was incredible - it was a great show.

Walker helped coordinate a service project for our Meals on Wheels Companion Pet Program clients. It was a great success!

(A sampling of the gifts for the pets!)

before delivery

We've had some Egyptian geese hanging around our house (they're on our roof in this photo). Gracie thinks they are interesting. 

Alligator out and sunning himself. Or herself.

The geese dared to get near the alligator; it didn't mind one single bit.

Ben and Gracie spotted another alligator sunning itself. It didn't move, so Gracie didn't pick up on it, but it was interesting to see up close.

We also recently spotted a possum. :) Kinda cute.

SO interested in the possum. 

Lainey got into TCU and to celebrate, the kids and Ben went out for ice cream. (I was at a Christmas party!)

Fun times at Cherry Smash. Good ice cream and even better decorations.

My co-workers - I love them all. I work at the sweetest school!

Gracie, in the midst of an unfortunately-timed stomach bug. 

our alligator, out back, in the evening :)

Thanksgiving Week! And more.

Emmy and Tuck visited us for Thanksgiving! We had an amazing time but I didn't get very many photos.

 

getting ready for the family photo... :)

a sampling of our yard inflatables

(We have seven this year!)

Ben's birthday was celebrated Willie Nelson style at work on Friday. :)

People even dressed like him!

November....

The morning of October 31st, Lainey was honored as a National Merit Semi-Finalist. The only one at her school. We are so proud of her!

That same weekend, we bought Walker a new truck! We all love it!

A hawk landed on our back fence the other day.

On Saturday, November 8th, we went to Moore Haven, Florida, to spend some time at a Florida ranch. :) Most everyone shot some skeet. I did not.

Danielle's (far left) family owns the property. We got to meet her mom and dad and cousin!

Walker, shooting some skeet.

a beautiful sunset in our neighborhood

On Friday, November 14th, Lainey performed in her final high school football game. Lainey is front and center, on the 50-yard line. She fought hard for that spot all year long. :) 

Walker and his friends at a birthday party at the beach in Boca on Saturday November 15th.

This is just a cute old photo of Lainey...probably in 2013 or 2014. Her front tooth was still missing!

Halloween at Top Golf!

The first year we haven't trick-or-treated! Crazy to think about! Lainey was with friends at a Halloween party and I accompanied Walker and his friends to Top Golf. :)

 

Gracie decided to pin her friend Rascal up against some bushes in pursuit of a bunny.

Rascal doesn't seem bothered. :)