The Hodges Homestead

This morning Dave left for Houston for a few days. I try to take the boys out to the airport a few times a year to watch his plane take off. He flies a couple times a month, but the weather hasn't been nice enough for us to go in a long time. Dave has been flying on small planes for the past (almost) 4 years, but sending him off never gets any easier for me. This time they took the smaller twin engine prop rather than the jet. That is not my ideal mode of transportation for him, but is sure was fun to watch. This time I remembered to grab my camera, and that was a great decision.

Today is the day, seven years ago, that Dave and I went on our first date. I came home, jumped on Shanelle's bed, and said, "I'm going to marry that guy." This is a very celebratory time of year for us. Dave's birthday, Valentine's Day, and our dating anniversary all in the same week. We celebrated last Friday by hosting a party for Dave and his friends at The Dust Bowl. We spent the night downtown, and had a great time with about thirty of our close friends.

In other news, Ady and I are really liking her new school. I finally got the opportunity to go in to the classroom and help out. I got to meet her classmates and see her teachers in action. I like it that I can put faces with all the names now. I have met the homeroom moms, and offered my assistance. We have mastered the drop off/pick up line. I totally get why so many parents use it. It has nothing to do with laziness. It really is the most efficient way, and if you have more than one child on campus, it's the ONLY way. I apologize for my previous harshness.

Today we toured Cade's future school. Surprisingly, we aren't putting him at Metro. Since he will be four this summer, but isn't ready for preK, he will be going to a school that is more accommodating to him. They actually have a class for 4 year olds that aren't ready for PreK. Perfect! It's a Tuesday/Thursday program, so he won't be missing out on anything, (unlike at MCA where most go 3 or 5 days a week). The schedule works pretty well with Ady's, and the only downside is the distance from our house. Luckily, we know several families there, so if I ever have an emergency, I have help close by.

We just finished booking our summer vacation to Anna Maria Island, FL. We have been so blessed to be able to vacation in Newport Beach, CA so often, but we have decided as a family those days are over. The trip is difficult, tremendously expensive, and not very family friendly. Instead, we are taking Mike and Sandy with us and heading East! We are all looking forward to a new adventure, and I'm having a blast being the vacation planner. I think this will be the start of a new family tradition!

Lastly, Hunter's birthday is just around the corner. In true "Allie" fashion, I have been planning it for months. We are looking forward to celebrating our 2 year old with close family on March 10th. He has just begun sleeping in his big boy bed, and is talking up a storm. I'm really looking forward to our one on one time together next Fall. I don't even remember what life with one child is like.

Hope your day is filled with love and joy! -Allie