Watson

Never underestimate the power of a persuasive letter.

Lorelei wrote us a letter before Christmas asking if she could possibly get a puppy for Christmas. This included an extensive list of why she would love to get one and how she would take care of it. Basically it caused our resolve to "buy her a puppy as soon as she is out of the house and can take care of it" to waver. After a quick google of the breed we had decided could possibly work (Havanese - hypoallergenic, non-shedding, very trainable), we told her we would need to hold off due to cost. A month or so later she spent some time researching and it was less expensive than good ole Google informed us. She also found a local breeder who was very responsive and excited about Lorelei's goals for a puppy. While I would have much preferred waiting until summer when she wasn't juggling as much school work, a litter was available in February, so Lorelei got her "Little Valentine's Chocolate" on Valentine's Day. 

She chose the name Watson Wicket. We loved the idea of a bookish name and Watson felt like the right fit for this puppy. Wicket is the name of an Ewok from Star Wars...because Aunt Heather said he looks like an Ewok and could we please name him Wicket. ;)

So, here are the many Adventures With Watson thus far.

Lorelei made him this blanket.

Watson's Gotcha Day!
Lorelei and Janet (the breeder)

Study Buddy
Can you find Watson?

First Puppy Playdate with Coconut

"He's learning couch safety."

Lots of laughs.

More walks is a plus.

Friends have loved to meet him.

February Fun

Golf

The boys fit in golf on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Lake Time

Makin and I got some mother/son time together at the lake on a gorgeous day. I'm always so thankful for these little breaks from the winter blahs. Give me all the sunshine and sand!

Training/Turtle Time

Lorelei has been helping some friends train their puppy and having a blast doing it. As we were about to head out they discovered a turtle in their yard, so we all headed out to take it back to the lake. The little guy seemed thrilled to be back in his natural habitat!

Artwork

We fit in some artwork one Friday afternoon. Love to see what they will choose!

Firepit Friday

Nothing like enjoying some Italian food around the firepit on a Friday night.

Date Night

February date night was a group date with two other couples. We went to Blue Goose for supper and then headed over to an improv comedy show. So great to laugh. :) Sadly a car pic after all the fun had to suffice!

Scheels Scavenger Hunt

A fun high school event with our homeschool group. The kiddos had a list for their scavenger hunt and Lorelei's group won!

Valentine's Day

We enjoyed a breakfast of waffles (with cool whip and sprinkles) and bacon. The kiddos got their traditional gift of chocolate as well.

After lunch we headed over to Wayback Barn for their homeschool day.

(We had another exciting activity this day that will be covered in another post.)

The kids and I had pesto alfredo mac while Brad had steaks in order to stay on his food plan.

We followed up with our traditional chocolate covered strawberries for dessert!

I would apologize that most of this post involves food but... yum = loved around here!

Sale

Makin went to another Children's Entrepreneurial Market. He didn't have many sales, so hoping we can find some more opportunities and find sales with smaller fees. Around here that is hard to find!

3D Printer Fun

Makin set up a work bench (temporary insanity for me) to get his laser engraving projects done for the sale. Previously he has had some creative set ups in order to get the camera right. Using his 3D printer, he worked hard to make a stand to hold his camera!

LEGO Club

Makin worked on Lego Brick Sorter for this month's project. Both of us forgot to make sure he got started on it with enough time, so it ended up being very down to the wire to finish it and it was only half working when he brought it to Lego Club. This project also ended up involving him printing pieces he needed for the sorter (pieces included in the plan he found online that he did not have) using his 3D printer.

Breakfast For Lunch Out

It has been extra complicated to fit in my monthly lunches with Amanda but we made it happen this month and tried out a new breakfast place for lunch. Delicious food and great conversations.

January Happenings

New Years Day

We always love a chance to have a slow morning watching the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day. Brad and I also did some goal setting/budgeting that afternoon. So thankful for my hard-working goal-setting husband.

Topgolf

Makin and I met up with the Coats one morning at Topgolf and they had a great time.

SNOW

We had a rare Texas treat of just-the-right kind of snow. Around here they close down almost everything when there is a winter storm watch, which means cozy snow days at home (and outside) for the Stahls.

Wayback Barn

Are you catching on that I love this place? Homeschool day made for a fabulous Funday Friday with nerf and friends.

Beat The Parents

A favorite game of Lorelei's - we are trying to make sure to have some family game time each weekend. We had to laugh at the challenge and the kid's idea of bringing the entire "girly" Lego bin. It was a solid win for them.

Arcade 92

An arcade with retro games with our homeschool group. So fun!

LEGO Club

Makin made a marshmallow launcher this month. During the "show time" he then let the other kiddos use it to try and get the marshmallows in the cup (made of Legos) to win a handful of marshmallows.

Waco Horse Show

We headed to Waco for Lorelei's third horse show. We drove down right after Lego Club so that we could enjoy some of the Waco activities we love.

Cheese Cave

Water-powered Gristmill

Cupcakes and sunshine at The Silos

Saturday was the horse show. Lorelei earned enough points at the show to make it to regionals, which was her goal.

As usual, arrived as the sun was beginning to rise.
It. Was. So. Cold.
So cold.

Watching the horses warm up.

Brad dropped us off at the crack of dawn and then the boys took their time heading back to the show arena. They had breakfast at a waffle restaurant and brought us some for our second breakfast.

Staying in the car as much as possible.
He headed out to the arena when it was time to watch big sis of course.

Choosing her horse. Each show has a fun way to draw. This show was cowboy rubber ducks.

Coach Courtney

January Date

We headed to The Elm for coffee, Bananagrams and conversation cards.

Slick City

Homeschool day with some crazy slides.