Sofia & Joshua Gordon Jeff and Angie's tribute to their children

Spring has come to Texas early this year – highs have been in the mid 80s, lows in upper 60s.  We can only pray summer will be tolerable with rain showers now and again.  Outdoor soccer is in full swing for Josh and Sofia – they both are into it.

Sofia registered for kindergarten this month which starts in August – it is very hard for us to believe.  She and Josh are growing up so fast.

Angie has taken an interest in photography and picture editing so you’ll notice some cool effects below….

Beginning of 2012 has moved quickly.  We pretty much lost track of January and forgot to take pictures.  Josh and Sofia have both finished up indoor soccer and are beginning outdoor.  Sofia has really learned to enjoy soccer over the past year.  Josh will get on the field but thus far more interested in wrestling with his friends (this is a work in progress).

Sofia and Daddy attending our first Daddy/Daughter dance which was really fun.  She had a blast after getting past the initial shyness.  There is a pick below of her in her dress.  Also some cute professional Valentine themed pictures.

Josh and Sofia enjoyed Christmas with the entire family in town.  Lots of new stuff to play with!

These school photographers take incredible pictures of your children.  They are masterful at extracting ridiculous amounts of parent $$$.  We are suckers but at least avoided the all out $150 package.  I have a photo scanner for a reason  🙂

This month we lost part of our family – Flash.  He was loyal, protective, unselfish, and loved us all unconditionally.  He was always there as our security blanket.  We miss him so much.  It has been a week and the hurt is still intense but we find peace in the fact that he is free and no longer suffering.  Flash had been diagnosed with prostate cancer more than a year ago.  He survived much longer than expected and was healthy and happy up until the end.  Flash touched many in his life and will live on in our hearts forever.  The pictures are those of his last days, even feeling terrible and not eating he would still play with his favorite ball.

Josh and Sofia talk about him often and pray that he is happy in heaven as an angel with our other dog, Lola.

We love you Flashbear

October brings much welcome cooler weather to Texas.  We’ve had a couple much needed showers but the drought continues.  The kids are both old enough to really enjoy Halloween this year (I’ll post these pics later).  Below you’ll see Josh in action playing t-ball, fun visit to a petting zoo, and trip to the Dallas Arboretum.

Gordons grill brings you fun fall family photos at an old train yard in Fort Worth.  Kids were far from cooperative but it amazing what good pics can be captured in an instant.

Just returned from our annual vacation to Pensacola.  Outside a small tropical storm and malfunctioning pontoon boat it was a great time.  Josh and Sofia really enjoyed visiting Abuelito and Suzi on the beach.  They got to see the naval flight museum, ride on jetskis, play on beach, and ride on a halfway broken pontoon boat.  Mom and Dad had some much needed R&R.  It is hard to be back at work this week.  Enjoy photos below…

July was hot this year.  It looks like we are headed for a string of record days exceeding 100 degrees.  No let up in site.  We were in Galveston last weekend of the month for Tolapka family reunion – it was fun.  Below are pictures with the latter from Galveston.

It is summer in Texas and HOT!  We can’t recall it ever getting so hot so early in summer.  It has been 100+ for almost every day since early June.  The kids are enjoying it especially when water is involved.  See pictures below…

May brought back the hot Texas weather which Sofia and Josh both enjoy.  Below are some pictures of water park fun in Allen, TX.  I’ve also included shots of their most recent school recital.  Sofia did well but Josh was a little distracted after sitting down – too many friends to talk to.

Spring is here and so are the bluebonnets – a favorite time of year for getting pictures taken.  Sofia and Josh were not much for posing so we did the best we could.  Enjoy…..

Spring is here.  Sofia and Josh are eager to play outside after the cold winter.  The playground and park are favorites.  Josh has recently moved into the younger primary classroom at their Montessori.  He loves all the new activities to learn from and is doing great.  He also gets to play outside during the same time as Sofia’s older primary class.  Pics below…

Went out to eat for Dad’s birthday and celebrated with Angie’s homemade carrot cake below.  There are some really cute professional pics of Josh and Sofia as well.