Amber's and Carmen's birthday

Amber and Carmen opened their presents a day early because Olivia wanted to go to the school dance on the night of their birthday.

Carmen didn't mind. She got her favorite kinds of things, like another scruff-a-luv, pens, and some itty bittys. She also "finally" got a Lego Friends house.

One she wasn't expecting was the crayon melter, but it's been a big hit.

And since she did so well learning to ride a RipStik, she got her very own for her birthday.

Amber's big present this year was a new phone, since the GPS on her old refurb phone never worked and the battery was not performing well.

She also got computer speakers, a new colander (to replace her melted ones), a "hurricane" broom, and a t-shirt of her favorite baseball player, Jose Altuve.

Olivia gave her a really thoughtful gift of meal coupons that Amber can redeem whenever she wants Olivia to cook dinner.

They were a little sick, so they're postponing their birthday celebration.

Humble Rodeo

Carmen's school choir was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Humble Rodeo. We were all planning on going, but Miles was sick, so Amber stayed home with him while I took the other three.

We were supposed to get there early, so we didn't get a chance to eat dinner. While Carmen was preparing with the choir, the rest of us waited in line for some hot dogs.

The choir did a good job with the anthem.

Afterwards, Olivia took Carmen to get some food while the rodeo started.

There were not a lot of good rides this year, including mutton bustin'. Only a few kids held on past the starting gate.

The FFA and 4H kids were entertaining as always. My favorite was this kid who tried to use his legs to bring down his steer.

I don't think anybody completed the team roping, but there were a few good tie-down ropers.

Perhaps my best shot of the night was this barrel racer righting a falling barrel mid-turn.

The bull riding was as uninspired as the rest, with no one finishing an 8-second ride.

It was a cold night, and we were glad to head home at the end to warm up, but we did have time to stop by the rodeo clown for a picture and an autograph.