12.31.09
Dean rings in a Happy New Year with an overabundance of innocent cheer!
Giggle Giggle! from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.
Where the Hopkins Family Shares Stuff
Giggle Giggle! from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.
A North Texas record! Today, for the first time in recorded history on Christmas Eve there has been enough snowfall to be measureable. 3 inches is what was reported near us at DFW Airport. 3 inches is exactly what I measured in our yard! I know that’s small potatoes to you northerns, but for Texas today was a big deal!
Lindsey and I both shot some photos and video of the excitement today. Her from home and me from the office. Enjoy!
White Christmas Eve – Lindsey @ Home from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.
Step 1: Put your Dean in a box

Step 2: Open the box

Dean in a box…Dean in a box…

Christmas, Dean in a box
Hanukkah, Dean in a box
Kwanzaa, Dean in a box
Every single holiday Dean in a box
Dean in a box
Dean in a box
Dean in a box
Now that you’ll have this catchy tune in your head all day…have a Happy Holiday!!!!
Dean has been very curious about the gifts under our tree. This morning he decided a little practicing was in order before the Big Guy comes down the chimney. Sorry Grandmother…this one was yours. A little DT love on your gift. I’m sure you won’t mind! Merry Christmas y’all!!!
We had a great Halloween weekend. On Friday night the Schafers came over for dinner, pumpkin carving and a trip to Hall’s Pumpkin Patch. Hall’s Pumpkin Patch is a Colleyville tradition so we thought we’d visit the patch and make it one of our traditions. There is a 8 foot tall corn maze on the property that we took full advantage of. When we began our trip through the maze we thought it would be a simple trek through the corn but, after about 30 minutes we realized that the maze was a little more difficult than we had anticipated. We enjoyed our maze experience and look forward to taking Dean back next year…and especially when he is old enough to navigate the maze for us.
After our Pumpkin Patch visit we decided to get carving on our pumpkins. I decided to paint my pumpkins but Matt and Linsey eagerly began cutting and carving. All of the pumpkins came out beautifully. I think everyone enjoyed the opportunity to get back into being a child with the fun of Halloween.
On Saturday Dean donned his pony costume all day. He was a hit everywhere we went. Everybody loved our little pony! On Saturday night Dean greeted our trick-or-treaters at the door and handed out (more like chewed on) candy. Although Dean won’t remember it I know he enjoyed his first Halloween. He’s definitely a fan of pumpkins…those big orange balls where everywhere! Matt and I look forward to enjoying the rest of the holiday season with him but first…a birthday party! Until Then!
Our last lake weekend of the summer is now over. Goodbye relaxing times on the boat, sunshine filled days, and mounds of delicious food. I’ll visit you again next spring when it’s boating season again.
We enjoyed our last weekend at the lake but wish it would have been a touch bit longer. Matt, Dean and I headed to Livingston on Friday afternoon after I managed to get the afternoon off so we could leave town a little early. After spending the later afternoon visiting with my parents Matt’s parents drove in for dinner. Dean was able to experience his first trip to Florida’s Kitchen. He munched on grilled catfish, chicken tenders and a baked potato. Even though the food was great I think he enjoyed the company of his doting grandmothers more.
Saturday brought fun on the boat with Jana and Derek until the thunderstorms sent us fleeing for shore. By the time we arrived back at the house Layne, Amanda, Morgan and Logan had arrived and a cookout meal of hot dogs and hamburgers were consumed. It was delicious! We also celebrated Matt and Amanda’s birthdays with yummy chocolate cake and pie.
Sadly, we had to return home on Sunday morning so Matt could work. We bid adieu to our summer of fun at the lake and look forward to next springs fun.
While Dean and I were grocery shopping today I happened upon a sign that read “The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Back!”. Oh, my heart jumped with joy! Fall is here and so is my favorite coffee drink!!! My mouth is already watering at the thought of my first cup of pumpkin-y goodness. Ah, a cup of comfort on a warm (like 95 degrees) “fall” day!

I Think the Boy Likes Ice Cream! from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.
After returning from OKC Dean and I headed to Houston for a week with the fam. We spent our first night in Huntsville with Granny and Pop. Layne, Amanda, Morgan and Logan decided to drive up for dinner that same night. It was fun to be with them and Morgan even decided to have a sleepover at G & Ps with Dean and I. We had a great time keeping her up late working on puzzles.
On Tuesday we met up with my Mom and Emma Claire at the Woodlands mall. The kids enjoyed riding the merry-go-round, I on the other hand did not – man that thing makes you dizzy! I guess my equilibrium isn’t what it used to be. I was also fortunate enough to spend some quality time over dinner with my friend Jana. It was nice to get together and catch up on a few months of conversation.
We spent the rest of our week in Livingston at the lake spending time with family and enjoying the crazy chaos of it all. The weather was great, lots of sun and wonderful water. We also participated in the fantastic 4th activities in Texas Landing. It began with a poker run boat ride to the 190 marina. Amy and Jason decided to brave the waters with us in hopes of winning big money! Unfortunately our hands weren’t good enough to win the pot but we did enjoy the boat ride and conversation. The boat parade, car parade and fireworks were also tons of fun. I always look forward to the fun of the 4th at the lake. Hopefully this won’t be our last trip to the lake this summer but if so it was a great week! Until then!