The Perfect Storm

Birmingham received a couple inches of snow that was blown over from Texas (too bad Dallas couldn't have shared just a couple more inches with us:) ). School closed early and the parks all looked like a winter wonderland in a matter of hours. Children were sledding in the parks near our apartment and making snowmen. Erik and I joined them for an hour, until I learned that I do not have the appropriate winter attire and had to return home to defrost. 

Rushton Park

Mr. Handsome

View from our front door during sunset. By noon the next morning much of the snow had melted. We got to play in it Friday evening, but didn't have to suffer with a muddy slushy mess for days:)

If you come to visit unannounced...

Plan on getting this reaction!

... I was completely surprised to see both my parents at me and Mr.'s apartment in Birmingham after seeing them in Houston four days previously. They made an impromptu trip to visit for my birthday. Although I freaked out to see some "random" couple hiding inside our living room when I walked int he front door,  just take a look at me a 30 seconds later...

Yes, vain Becca posted this picture for the masses to see, but it shows how giddy and manic I was to see my parents. What an AWESOME way to spend my 26th birthday!

My parents came to my classroom on Friday morning to see all my kids and sing Happy Birthday!

Then we went to eat at one of the best restaurants in Birmingham, Bottega. 

The 5th birthday I was able to share with my love.. how time flies:)

I can't wait to see my family again at the end of February for Tommy's wedding! I am so blessed.

Fast and Furious weekend in Texas!

I signed up for the Houston half marathon this summer and have been planning on making a Houston visit in January since the Mr. and I moved to B'ham.  My mom, dad, and brother drove from Arizona and flew in from Alaska for a little reunion since we didn't spend Christmas together. I had such a wonderful weekend catching up with all my girl friends (Stephanie, Kandyce, Monica, Charyl, Jenn, Marion, and Jenny), visiting Horn Elementary, and my family!

I first stopped by the Elementary I taught at last year. I love these women (sad this picture doesn't include Ann) and really took care of me the two years I worked at Horn Academy!

Then my family went to the Health and Science Museum in the Museum District. My family is always high energy when we get to spend time together.

The boys found multiple ways to compete. This game monitors your brain activity, and the person who can relax the most wins. Pretty comical.

Brandt caught in a Brain Storm! Mom always laughing at his antics.

The Crew.

Breakfast the next morning with high school friend Kandyce and her little girl Keely.

Charyl tagged along when I picked up my race day packet downtown.

Momma making a tasty chocolate cake and granache for me and Keen's b-day.

Leave it to Auntie Becca to assist Madeline in taking off her shoes and kicking in the pool in 40 degree weather:)

My wonderful cousin Keen and Madeline.

Bestie Monnie got all craftsy and made me cute decor for my b-day.

Cutie-pie Jenny and the dinner before the big race. This year I didn't have near the amount of butterflies as last year since last year was my first whole marathon. Jenny decided to run it again this year and  spanked her last year's record by almost 40 minutes! She's amazing!

The med school group at dinner (dr.s, wives, and girlfriends).

Me running the last 200 yards and waving! Did pretty darn good for lack of training:)

Eating at Katz's post race.

My cousin Tommy and fiance Christine's first house! Now they've gotta make enough babies to fill all that empty space:) They are getting married at the end of February.. and therefore, another reunion for my family in Houston!

I hope to make this a yearly trip to the Houston Marathon so I can visit all my friends and family that mean SOOO much to me!