Happy Birthday MB!

The day after Christmas, we all celebrated our other Holiday tradition, that of my sister's birthday. She strategicaly planned her birthday to coincide with everyone's Christmas break. So, every year, we have Christmas and then all gather for a party on the 26th. This was a big year for MB. But, I'll leave it at that.






I was going to go through and try to name everyone, but everyone is married now and I can barely remember their maiden names, let alone, their new ones. So, I won't even attempt. Maybe I'll try some first names...






Elise and Chesie...2 of my sister's best friends from WAY back. They were my surrogate big sisters and sorority sisters. Its been a LONG time...









Kellie Franks ________ .







CJ...Suzanne's husband, and by default, our adopted "brother-in-law." He keeps me company around all the hustle.








Brothers and sisters. The Youngbloods and Trinkles. We span from NY to LA, including Bama.










Justin.









Big Burt. My sanity when I come home.

















Suzanne...oh Suzanne. Practically a Trinkle. One of the only friends of ours from childhood that my father could pick out of a lineup (and he'd probably bail her out of that lineup too). She's crazy...but always a constant in our lives.







Ginger (who looks great!)









The Miller girls.









Brooke Freeman, who is sharing a party in Bham and LA with MB. Stay tuned for the LA version!







And MB and I. It was a good night. So great to see everyone. Everyone looks so good! Its been such a long time since I've seen most everyone. We need to do this more often. Happy Birthday Sister!

A Visit from Georgia

On Sunday, I had the most fun visit from my friend, Rebecca and her little girl, Emerson. Em is at such a fun age where she finds everything interesting. And she smiles at everything. Such a happy baby!!!







Did I mention that she LOVES the camera?




Even when her mom and I aren't paying attention, she still finds that lens with a a smile!








All the girls! We're gonna be big travelers and shoppers! Just wait...










And after a full day in front of the camera, Emerson is just pooped.

The Bachelor Christmas Tree

So, I have a friend, a bachelor friend who decorated his house for Christmas. I just thought it was so genius that I had to do a post just for him. See, I guess when you don't have a wife to tell you "no," you can do whatever you want to do. And so he brilliantly made his tree all about hunting and fishing. Oh and notice the house decor with the deer on the wall. You could not make this any more of a Southern man's bachelor pad if you tried.









And yes, from this angle, you can see more deer and turkey and a tree in the corner. Priceless! I think the best part, though, might be the antlers as a tree skirt. That's actually not a bad idea for keeping the kids out of the presents. A little dangerous maybe, but I guess they'll learn the first time. Good thing he doesn't have kids yet. Well done Burt!

The Fam

Its nice to be home and be with my parents who I don't see nearly as much as I'd like to. And since most of the people who read this blog know Lee and Catherine from some point in my life, I thought I'd put up some pictures so that you can see who well they are holding up.





I'm sure Mother will be most unhappy that I put these up, but I think she's still a knock-out! Her schedule is busier than mine these days. And she still rides around in her little convertible. And look at the hunk below...






Can you believe this young fellow is about to turn 73? He could still run a marathon. We can't keep him indoors. He's always outside building something. And he still rides his Harley.

My favorite part of being home is getting to see all of my little friends. I got to go over and play with this Gibsons this week. They were so sweet to make me Christmas ornaments for my Christmas present. What sweet friends! They are growing up so fast!Kase Gibson, 1 year old and the biggest smile ever.

Karis Gibson, 3 years old and a snuggle bunny.

Knox Gibson, 5 years old and quite the baseball player.


One of my best friends, Michelle.

The Bones

This week, I flew to Colorado Springs to surprise my family! All the kids are growning up so fast. My timing was perfect. I got to see Joe's choir concert and Laura star in the middle school play. I even got to see Lucy dance too. We had such a fun 2 days. We went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks and have a family dinner.




Laura Catherine, who is now taller than me and only 13 years old. (I'm holding her down so I look taller!)








Lucy, who is now in the 3rd grade and a virtual mini-me.









Patrick, now in 9th grade and such a stud! He's a drummer, hence the long, rockstar hair.


















Joe on the right is a Junior in high school and oh, so charming! One of my dearest friends.


















Jordan is 19 years old and all grown up. He is heading back to college after Christmas after a break.




























And Aubie. The baby girl of the family. Such an angel! I'm thinking about setting her up with Jinxy. Hmmm...

Tip- Game #2

I know you've all been asking, "what about the softball team?" Well, we had a Thanksgiving week and a bye week and muddy field week, but rest assured, we were back in perfect form on Sunday. So, we arrive and see the other team. BIG, BIG, BIG men and women and we thought, "holy crap!" I think our team averages a height of 5'9" and 130 lbs. This other team had many players over 6 feet and well, over 200 lbs. And let me just say, they looked like they had some street credibility for sure! I thought about asking them if I could take a picture of them because they looked fierce, but decided that it may not be P.C. Just take my word for it!

But, Team Tip is not easily defeated. By the 4th inning we were up 14-0, allowed no walks, and every player had gotten a hit. We were flawless. Then, I lost my rhythm in the 5th and walked my first batter. We let them score a couple, but it only motivated us even more. We came back and shut them down. I don't know the end score, but it was like 18-3. Go Tip! Stay tuned...there's more to come.

Noah. The Coach. Moskie.

The girls. Ready for some serious ball.



Brandt "I'm standing behind the line ump" Santa





Team Tip, well, some of us, after a huge win. Look out D league, we're moving up!

Christmas at the Hill's

Saturday night, sissy and I went to our trainers (and friends) annual Christmas Party. Tina makes the best guacamole and foccacia bread. There is so much food there. She likes to refer to these parties as "job security." But its always a blast and so much fun to see who has a little too much fun! Can't wait for the 4th of July cookout! Thanks Happy and T!

My trainer and definitely one of my best friends, Tina. Um, can I look like her when I grow up?

What a good looking pair! Even MB joined the workout freaks! Yay!

A couple nights ago, I got to have dinner with some friendly faces from the South. Eller and Creg (Graig) live here now and Catherine floats in and out of town. But it was nice to catch up with some friends who know the importance of college football and the regular use of the phrase "y'all." Good times.


And of course we end the night with the our favorite "jumping" pictures!