Monday, October 13, 2008

Dolores Arrives!!!

Ellen and I have decided to put down our roots in OKC and found the perfect neighborhood and house to do just that in:




Well, we decided to take that phrase (putting down our roots) literally and plant a tree. We think our front porch is pretty cool and one day we even plan on actually getting some patio furniture for that as a great place to just relax. However, the front porch is a little exposed and so we decided that planting a tree there will not only give us some privacy, but will also help the environment. We also thought it would be cool to plant a tree the first year we lived here and be able to watch it grow. So, after a recommendation for K & K Nursery (actually closer to Norman than OKC) we went there to learn about what tree would be good for us that will grow well in OKC. We had some limitations: could not be too tall (20-25 ft max) as it would be close to the house (and gutters), it had to be able to take full sun, wind, and the occasional ice storm, and of course, had to look cool. After a few suggestions and some extensive Internet researching (by Mark) we decided on the Shantung Maple. This glorious tree needed a equally awesome name and that is where Dolores comes in. She is the great woman who helped raise Ellen and Walker Clark in Paris, TX and we thought it was a fitting name.

We are proud to introduce to you the newest member of our family... Dolores!!

But, you can call her D-Lo!!!



Sunday, October 12, 2008

Lindsay Visits!






This past weekend our dear friend Lindsay came and spent the weekend with us. Each time Lindsay has visited us, we have tried to plan the perfect Oklahoma City weekend. We are hoping that by the end of the trip, Lindsay will decide to stay! While Lindsay did not decide to stay, we still had a wonderful weekend. The highlights included a matinee movie, drinks on the rooftop, lots of football and an evening with our friends Abby, Scott and their cute son Jude. I also ordered the BIGGEST cookie cake for the weekend festivities. Fortunately we did not finish it, but we made some major progress over the weekend!!

Aubrey's Dedication


Two weekends ago, Mark and I traveled up to Ozark, Missouri (between Springfield and Branson) to see our niece Aubrey's dedication. We were fortunate to stay at our brother in law's parent's beautiful home. It was a great trip and we were so glad that we were part of such a special ceremony.