start of a New Year -- 2011

I woke up New Year's morning to this. Eight of the grandkids stayed overnight New Year's Eve (a tradition) and had so much fun playing with each other.

We spent New Year's Day afternoon at Brazos Bend Park -- the alligator park. The kids were amazed to see a 16 foot alligator sunning itself on the shore.

Doing a head count to make sure all the kiddos are still here!

And of course, they're all accounted for! Their Grammy kept a close eye on them, and was ready to wrestle an alligator or two if needed.
A great start to a New Year. And here's a great quote to keep in mind as we journey through this new year.
(wish I had written down who said it)

"The lives of men without goals and plans slip by like shadows, leaving no trace, no legacy, and taking away no learning, no growth.  Other lives, blueprint-built rather than random-spent, leave traces in time and carry away light and power for the journey into the next world."