while I waited...week 15

This week might be a bit of Hope overload.  It's not intentional.  It's just - well, last week was rough.  Filled with so much sadness, heartbreak, and unexplainable loss.  When times get rough, I notice that I pull extra doses of joy from Ms. Hope.  Her days are filled with all things bright and cheery and she's rarely in a bad mood.  So, here's a week filled with Hope - literally!  :)

 We started this week much like we ended last week - with endless games of Go Fish!

 The thrill of victory...the agony of defeat! :)  We are working on being happy regardless of who wins. #itsmorefuntowin

 Picked up Holden from her Tuesday art lesson and got a sneak peak at what she's working on!

 We hurried to Hope's soccer practice and I gave Holden my phone to snap a couple of pics (you know, of Hope practicing!) and these were the pictures she took!  I just love those paint splattered hands!

 Holden has found a pretty smart way of getting to and from ballet without having to change shoes!

 Colby and I stayed up extra late to watch basketball on Wednesday night.

 And Thursday was the special Q & U wedding for Hope-y.  Her class was to dress as Queens and Quarterbacks.  Thankfully I had just cleaned out her closet and came across this Queen of Hearts Valentine shirt, hand-me-down skirt and shoes from her sister, a Snow White crown I added a Q to, and a Queen of Hearts cape because, well, I couldn't resist!

 I loved seeing her face when the bride, Ms. Q, walked down the aisle!

 "What phonics has joined together, let no letter come between them."

 The cutest bunch of Kindergarteners I know!

They celebrated the union of Q and U with a cupcake reception!

After school, the Queen of Hearts helped me with a little shopping at Target!

 I wrapped up my Thursday with a much-needed girls night out with Katy!

Know what happens when your mom has two meetings on the day you don't have school?  You get to wear whatever makes you happy!

 Our little soccer player was back on the field Saturday for two soccer games.  I love how her friend, Addison, is cheering for her in the background!

 They love to play soccer but they love each other more!  They are so funny together!

 Hope's cheering section was bigger this weekend - Dede and Pop Pop were in town!

 What do you do in between games?  Find ladybugs of course!

 Or, if you are like Nit and Wit, you check your phone!

 This girl's smile can brighten even the darkest of days!

 After soccer games, we loaded up everyone to go to the Texas A&M Vet School Open House.  They host an art show each year and Holden had an entry on display.

 So proud of this girl!

 A few pics from Open House - microscope viewing, a photo op with a "unicorn", lots of exhibits, and even more dogs to love on than you could count!  The one-eyed search and rescue dog is Holden's favorite!

 It looked like it was going to rain most of the day but it held off long enough for Colby to enjoy some hammock time!  Meanwhile...

 Mike and I were treated to a "restaurant picnic."  We had the tiniest little leaf chairs, our drinks were flower de-dark and flower de-light, and our entertainment was a beach ball show.  The menu arrived and we could choose from pizza, spaghetti, and vzu ("va-zon-ju" the way Hope says it, aka lasagna!).  Mike and I opted for the pizza - it even came with extra cheese on top! :)  The restaurant was dog-friendly and for dessert, we were "fanned."  We couldn't stop laughing!  They put so much thought into the whole thing.  I loved it!

I mentioned earlier that this week was rough.  I shared 5 verses on Friday that really helped me get through the week.  If you are going through hard times, maybe these could give you comfort and hope.

I'm so glad you stopped by!  Have an extraordinary week!

Gig 'em and God bless! 

Holly

check out my FAVORITE link-ups page to see where I'm linking up today!

also linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston and

Meg from the Life of Meg

and the ladies from 100 Happy Days
Kate, Alison, Linzee, Elizabeth, Valerie, and Tiffany