Year end 2014 was a flurry of activity – get-togethers, tree lightings, eating & merriment, out-of-town friends, seasonal fun, Santa (and not liking him so no pictures at all this year!). We found E recently enamored with Thomas the train, Elmo and (eek!) Barney (in that order). But his most favorite things are still anything with wheels. Needless to say, he was overjoyed when he unwrapped a scooter (the award-winning mini micro!) from mommy and daddy for Christmas. Much like the skateboard, it followed him everywhere the first few days, including bath and bed. ;-P

We also took a short trip to Austin. After flying with the kiddo both domestically and internationally, this would count as our first real road trip. He did fabulous — slept the entire way there, adjusted well to sleeping at the hotel and slept most of the way back. Sigh of relief for parentals!

E enjoyed Austin — riding the Zephyr train at Zilker (def the highlight for him!), Town Lake, Barton Springs, touring the Capitol, walking up Mt. Bonnell, food truck hoppin’, peacocks at Mayfield Park, light show at Mozart Coffee Roasters, flagship Whole Foods (his fave grocery store – mainly because of the car shopping carts), tooling around downtown in his scooter, kid mayhem at the Thinkery, farmer’s market goodness, tacos (tacos, and more tacos!) and touring FB Austin while visiting one of Mommy’s friends (and grabbing lots o’ snacks!). Some Dallas buddies were also in Austin (including Uncle Dan) so we got to hang out as well. Vegan donuts for daddy and vegan ice cream for mommy and son were firsts for all of us. :) (Actually, first ice cream/dessert for E period! Going back to keeping him off sugar, hehe.)

And just had to throw this in here… Mommy and E met Meb (winner of 2014 Boston Marathon)!!! It was incredible inspiration and motivation as training for Boston commences. High five to son for waiting in line for an hour, sitting through a talk AND waiting in another line to get this pic. Hats off to runner friends for helping keep him amused and entertained. :))

New Year’s Eve was spent at a Stars game with a suite of buddies… E had an absolute blast cheering, munching and… flirting. :| And surprisingly, he stayed up ’til midnight with us to ring in the new year!

And more new year news… It’s official! Watermark Plano! It now takes us 7 minutes to get to church. :) We’ll miss main campus (plan to be there every once in awhile) but excited to see how God will move and work in our neck of the woods.

La carta postale this year (yes, we bothered again!):

Photo credit to The Three Photography. Of course, the day of our session we ran into all kinds of mishaps and traffic. But thanks for your patience and working around everything! We also had some toddler moments towards the end but a snack bribe prevented an all-out tantrum. Hehe, spot the photo with mango chip in mouth. :)) It was lots of fun, though, on a very neat property where the studio is actually located.

Oh, what a year! A blessed holiday to all… And 2015, here we come. :)

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.”

– Psalm 84:11-12

Our Thanksgivings tend to be quiet these days with the families and relatives now scattered and overseas. But it does not change how blessed we are and how much we have to be thankful for.

For He is good. For He is good. Oh, so good.