Susan Kate's World

Mother's Day Brunch

2010-05-09T13:23:00.001-05:00

Recent Photos

2010-05-09T13:18:00.003-05:00

Susan Kate's meeting with Peter Rabbit in which she ordered him to stay out of Mr. McGregor's garden!

Opening day at the Ballpark in Arlington!

Everyone in Lily Pulitzer!

Cousins!

Dallas Blooms with the Cousins

2010-03-07T22:00:00.003-06:00

Playing in the snow

2010-02-12T12:27:00.003-06:00

Susan Kate got to play in the snow a bit last night before it got too dark. She doesn't really like the snow too much, it's far to cold and wet to be lots of fun, but she enjoyed trying to build a snowman and also throwing snowballs.

Video of our neighborhood

2010-02-12T12:13:00.003-06:00

Snowy Morning here in Dallas. This is in our neighborhood, notice the fallen limbs on so many trees. We didn't lose power, but some of our neighbors are going to have some yard cleanup to do.
Pics of SKB in the snow to come...

Trip to Aggieland

2010-02-07T14:53:00.001-06:00

SKB made a trip to Aggieland this weekend. She was able to participate in all things Aggie--Wings N More, Los Nortenos, Double Dave's, G. Rollie White, and Reed Arena--to name a few. She rooted the basketball team to an A&M win over Baylor. She says she ready to visit again, soon!

Jerry World!--Need I say more?

2010-01-31T16:10:00.003-06:00

Texas Rangers

2010-01-31T16:04:00.002-06:00

Our family took an outing to the Ball Park at Arlington to pick our baseball seats for the 2010 season. SKB had fun hitting the tee ball and running the bases. We love the Rangers.

At Home Plate

In the Texas Rangers Dugout (trying to stay warm)

Batting practice

Cool Birthday Cakes

2010-01-18T21:17:00.005-06:00

Susan Kate and mommy have been to several birthday parties in the new year. Susan Kate's mommy is a professed "cake snob". Here are some cool pictures of the creative cakes we've gotten to taste!

Alexander's Airplane Cupcake Cake

Ava's Dora Cupcakes (Mary Margaret, SKB's BFF in the background)

Ava's Personal Dora Cake

Sofia's Princess Cake

Sofia's Third Birthday

2010-01-16T21:38:00.003-06:00

We had a big gymnastics party this weekend. Susan Kate looked forward to it all day. I am glad to report that she is doing much better at gymnastics. In fact, the girl that was helping with the party asked if she was taking gymnastics at their center.

Action shot!

Big Sophia, Sofia G., SKB & Becca!

SKB & Big Sophia

Pics that didn't make the Christmas Card Cut

2009-12-29T16:04:00.003-06:00

Here are some of the pics over the past few months that missed the cut for the Christmas Card, but are still worth a good look. Enjoy!

As you can see, there really was only one other alternative, this bottom one here. However, as long as she is smiling and the picture is in focus, she can be pretty photogenic.

Pics from Christmas

2009-12-28T14:48:00.003-06:00

SKB with her Mom at the Gaylord Texan for Christmas brunch. They may not look the same, but they are both very beautiful.

...inspecting the loot...

SKB in her "Pretty Dress"

First white Christmas in Dallas in 80 years...

Susan Kate and her friend Sophia

back online...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-28T14:42:00.003-06:00

As my beautiful wife had aluded to in a post last week, we finally got a new computer at home, which makes this much easier to do. The blog will be back and better than ever in 2010 thanks to my new iMac!

Face Painting!

2009-12-23T21:36:00.003-06:00

SKB is not into the "face" painting part yet. Here is Santa on her arm.

Sofia and Becca both chose reindeer!

Becca didn't go all the way.

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-23T21:32:00.004-06:00

Susan Kate and her two BFFs--Sofia and Becca--had breakfast with Santa at Royal Oaks Country Club. Susan Kate told Santa she wanted a "baby doll". Hope Santa comes through for her!

No Excuses But Here's December in a Nutshell

2009-12-22T15:46:00.006-06:00

Since watching the movie, Julie and Me, and hearing so many comments from my friends about my lack of blogging. I am turning over a new leaf. It also helps we finally got a new home computer. Here is the month of December. More to come, soon.

Making Paula Deen's Christmas cookie receipe!

Susan Kate does not always pose for the camera--at the Nutcracker in the new Winspear Opera Theater.

Mary Margaret's Birthday Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Levi's 3rd birthday party!

4th of July Parade

2009-07-23T09:22:00.003-05:00

Susan Kate and her parents went to the annual 4th of July parade in Lakewood, and got to see all the intersting parade floats, the old cars and the firetrucks. SKB had a great time picking up the candy the kids threw her way and waving her little American Flag.

Safari time!

2009-07-21T11:00:00.003-05:00

SKB and her parents went to Fossil Rim Wildlife park in Glen Rose. We talked to the animals...

Here is a red deer coming through the window for a snack from SKB!

A 'herd' of goats

Giraffe having a little snack

SKB feeding a Zebra

Pool time

2009-07-21T10:52:00.002-05:00

Here are Susan Kate and Rebecca playing at the pool. SKB had been a bit scared of the pool at the beginning of the season, but she's gotten used to it and enjoys playing and trying to swim without getting her hair wetl, just like her mom...

After a long night of partying, here they are about to have some pancakes...

zoo pics

2009-07-21T10:47:00.003-05:00

Susan Kate and Rebecca went to the zoo recently with mom and dad. Here they are having a good time looking at the different animals, a Giraffe, Elephant and a shy Tiger.

Activties

2009-06-24T10:42:00.004-05:00

Susan Kate has been getting around lately, going to the Park to swing...

Going to the airplane museum to look at the airplanes,
she's sitting in one above, and in an ejection seat below

And last but not least, attending the Texas Rangers game with her mom and dad, watching them win against the Astros. SKB loves going to the games...

Memorial Day at the Arboretum

2009-06-04T12:47:00.005-05:00

SKB and Becca, along with Mom, Dad and Grandma Susie went to the Arboretum on Memorial Day for a picnic and concert. They had a great time dancing and running around, but were tired when the day was done

Susan Kate enjoying the sites, and the Old Macdonald farm...

mmm, Cupcakes...

Yikes!!! Sorry for the delays...

2009-06-04T12:30:00.003-05:00

Here are SKB and her cousin Becca baking some cupcakes for a snack. Note their stylish aprons and their casual style in the kitchen!
Apologies for not updating the blog lately, very busy...

SKB Pics

2009-05-11T10:32:00.007-05:00

Hi Everyone! SKB has been her usual cute and animated self lately. Here show is above practicing her gymnastics moves on mom's treadmill.

She loves to play in the front yard, jumping off the tree.

"Relaxing" in her room, listening to music and reading...

Not relaxing so much now...

Here is SKB sitting on the ground in the BWI airport terminal waiting on her parent's bags. She's not sure why, though. She already has her bag and is ready to go!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T10:18:00.005-05:00

Susan Kate and Rebecca celebrated Mother's Day together with, who else, their MOMS!!!

There was playing in the front yard after brunch, though I'm not sure how. Everyone was stuffed, even SKB...

What a pretty picture! And they all match...

Susan Kate and 'Becca sharing a hug.

South Texas trip Pt 2

2009-04-22T09:24:00.003-05:00

After San Antonio, SKB went down the road to Kingsville, to see her Uncle Seth get his Naval Aviator's wings. Here he is after the momentous occasion with his precious family, including the newest Byrum, Banks. What a great day!

Here is Kimberly with little Banks, he is a cutie...

SKB with her Gator, hanging out next to one of the T-45 planes her Uncle Seth flew during training.

SKB and her cousin Thomas with their Gator.

Here is SKB attending the winging, lots of fun, and she was a good girl during the entire event.

South Texas Trip Pt 1

2009-04-22T09:11:00.003-05:00

Susan Kate and her parents went to South Texas last weekend. First, we all stopped in Old San Antonio, and visited The Alamo (of course!). Susan Kate wasn't sure what the big deal was, but she did enjoy stretching her legs out in the beautiful surrounding gardens.

Here is SKB with her Dad, in a rare picture together in front of one of the stone walls defending the old Mission.

Susan Kate also got to travel down the San Antonio River in a boat, here she is prior to setting sail. She enjoyed looking at the ducks but had a hard time sitting down...

Here she is in front of some silly cannon. She's not sure why she's saying "Cheese"...

Posed in front of The Alamo, SKB and her mom are truly Texas Girls!

More Easter Pics...

2009-04-13T10:48:00.003-05:00

Four happy little ones...

Alexander and his mom looking at his basket. He is such a sweet little guy.

...dismantling the eggs to find the candy...

Alexander looking for more Easter eggs.

The kids table.

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-13T10:34:00.004-05:00

Susan Kate had her friends over after church on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt! The outdoor part was canceled due to rain, but the eggs were in abundance inside. You may recognize her cousin 'Becca, but her friends Sofia and Alexander were also there for the fun.

Here they are counting their loot

SKB is happy as an Easter Bunny after the hunt!

Pretty little girls with their pretty dresses on

SKB focused on the next egg in her Easter pail.

Note the one-handed technique and attention, with the no-look grab...

A scramble for eggs underneath a chair...

I think she may have dropped one...

Prior to the action, everyone is getting warmed up...

On the Last Day of my staycation...

2009-03-20T16:52:00.004-05:00

One of the coolest things about staycations, is that you can talk all of your friends into participating! Today, was the grand finale of our first staycation and our BFF, Becca, and Pia (her mom), joined us for our first trip to Six Flags Over Texas! Our first ride was on the old carousel.
We are waiting on the train that has been there since mommy was a kid.

SKB and Becca both loved the swing. They rode it twice.

Hugging Lola, Bug Bunny's girlfriend. Becca was afraid of her.

The only thing SKB ate today...chocolate ice cream. She washed it down with Diet Coke.

Well, it was fun while it lasted. Back to the real world!

On the second day of my staycation...

2009-03-19T21:33:00.004-05:00

Okay, I have to admit, we're really getting the hang of this staycation thing! So, we changed course for today. We donned our blue jeans and off to the farm we went. Mom had heard through the mom grapevine that the Owens Country Sausage people have a farm in Richardson, Texas. The grapevine also said that this place was perfect for people of SKB's age. (Note: We added a rule to staycations-you have to go places that you have never been before so it's more like an adventure.)

Here is one of the big goats that SKB got to feed. We went on a hay ride, saw a pot bellied pig, some chickens and a turkey, two donkeys, cows and a longhorn (boo--no picture of him!)

SKB really likes driving the antique tractors but she doesn't understand why mom can't "push it."

We topped our day off with a stop at Sonic (Happy Hour, of course) and had our first cherry-lime slush. Daddy cannot wait to see what that diaper looks like!

I'm kind of getting that "oh no my vacation's almost over feeling". This staycation thing really works! And we don't have to worry about unpacking our bags when we get home.

On the first day of my "staycation"

2009-03-18T20:15:00.004-05:00

Since daddy is busy working this week, SKB and mommy are having a staycation for Spring Break. What is a staycation? It's doing touristy stuff in your own town! So, today was "garden day"!

In the AM, SKB and mommy visited the Dallas Arboretum where the annual "Dallas Blooms" has begun. We were glad we got there early (mommy always says, "the early bird doesn't have to deal with crowds") because people were lining up for at least an hour wait when we left. As usual, SKB is not one to actually pose for pictures. In fact, "no pictures, momma" is usually what I get. I was able to snap some action shot as you can see below.

After naptime, which lasted an unusually long time because of all the running SKB did, we packed it up again and visited Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. The crowds definitely don't know about this place because we had it to ourselves. We only saw one butterfly but it wasn't for lack of looking.

Who knows what tomorrow brings??? Doesn't this sound like fun???

Mom's race

2009-03-17T20:39:00.004-05:00

Susan Kate's mom ran in a 5K race last saturday. It was the local St. Patricks day race, and they happened to go right past our neighborhood! SKB and dad went out to see her run by with our friend Julie from Church. It was a bit cold, but Susan Kate loved seeing all the people in their green running past. Go Mommy!!!

Warming up by the fire after the race. It was about 45F, damp and windy...

SKB waiting near the finish line...

Here's mom and Julie as they race by...

Random Cute Pics

2009-03-08T20:45:00.002-05:00

I have posted some cute pictures taken of SKB during the course of the last week. She is really starting to look (and act) like a little girl. Enjoy!

SKB and her Mom, two beautiful ladies...

Here she is dancing and hamming it up for dad's camera...

SKB and her Princess Cottage

2009-03-08T20:33:00.003-05:00

As part of her birthday celebrations, Susan Kate got a Princess Cottage! She can color it and decorate it any way she wants to. She and her friends had lots of fun playing with it during her birthday party. Susan Kate loves to color and she has had fun coloring on the walls of her house.

Birthday Party

2009-03-08T20:07:00.004-05:00

Susan Kate had her 2nd Birthday Party on Saturday! Many of her friends came and celebrated with her. We watched a marionette show and had cake and candy. Thank you to all SKB's friends who came over to celebrate, including Levi, Zach and Ava , Clete, Matthew and Ella, Caleb and Joshua, Anna Lee, Nathan, Jackson, Sofia, and cousin 'Becca. We had a great time!

Playing with Rebecca

2009-03-05T18:08:00.002-06:00

Susan Kate loves to play with her cousin and BFF 'Becca!!! She is 4 months older and helps SKB figure out how to do things. Here they are playing with stickers and SKB's new tricycle

2nd Birthday!!!

2009-03-04T21:52:00.008-06:00

SKB celebrated her 2nd birthday today in a small ceremony attended by family at her home.
As you can see, her cousin 'Becca was there to help her blow out the candles on her cupcakes.
Her main gift from mom and dad was a tricycle, purple and pink. She told me to thank everyone who has sent cards and presents.

She still has a party to go on Saturday with her buddies, but we needed to have some cake on the 4th. It has been 2 great years, and I am sure there are many more to come. She is growing up much faster than I had anticipated or am ready to accept, but that is life. She's a shade under 33 inches tall. Not sure how little she weighs, but I can still carry her around easy enough, when she lets me. Happy Birthday!!! I Love You, Susan Kate!

Busy Weekend

2009-02-08T21:18:00.007-06:00

SKB had a very busy weekend. She worked with her art early on Saturday and then had a playdate with the three Donaldson's kids. Boy, did she have a great time. Then, she spent the night at Cousin Pam's house so that mommy and daddy could attend a wedding in Wichita Falls. She rounded out the weekend with a fish fry family night with the Fiala's. Here are some pictures commemorating the events.

SKB playing with stickers and markers. She really likes her easel.

SKB being pushed in the pink buggy by both Donaldson boys (Levi aka "Bebi" and Zachariah aka "Zach"). She hasn't gotten the buggy up to that speed since Uncle Seth pushed her at Christmas!

Ava is just enjoying watching all the excitement. What a sweet baby girl!

Welcome to the Sun!

2009-02-01T14:16:00.003-06:00

The 70 degree weather on Saturday inspired SKB and mom to venture out and about. We took a quick trip to the Dallas Arboretum to watch the workers who are so diligently planting bulbs and flowers for the Dallas Blooms event which gets underway in March. It was a beautiful day to just run around!

New Cousin

2009-01-29T20:29:00.003-06:00

Banks Glenn Byrum - Born 01/28/2009 in Corpus Christi, TX

Susan Kate's Uncle Seth and Aunt Brandi (BB) are his proud parents.

He sure is cute!

Bonus Pics

2009-01-27T19:09:00.000-06:00

Here are some bonus pics from the Christmas Holidays when Gator and Mimi were here. Susan Kate playing with her mom and Mimi at the Cowgirl Museum
SKB and Mimi about to order up some German grub at Kuby's

Byrum family photo after Christmas brunch at Nana Grill.

Enjoying some Barbeque at The Railhead in Ft. Worth.

Princess Party

2009-01-27T18:49:00.001-06:00

Susan Kate went to a Princess Party for her little friend Ava, who turned one and decreed that all little girls attending should wear their princess attire. SKB's mom, never one to miss a call to action, purchased a regal outfit on-line that arrived just in time for the soiree. Enjoy the pics. Modeling her new princess fashions...
Looking serious while playing and wearing jewerly. I'm told this can be difficult to do.

Awaiting a feast fit for a little princess (note the special lip-gloss)

SKB attending to the Princess of Honor, Ava, while she opens her royal gifts.

SKB at the park

2009-01-19T17:04:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate went to the park this morning with her mom and dad. She got to do a lot of stuff, like here, she is climbing up the climbing wall on the big kids playground, over 7 feet tall!

Susan Kate loves to swing

Showing off her moves...

Swinging with her momma

Susan Kate loves the park. See you later!

Pics

2009-01-19T16:53:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of SKB that have accumulated over the past few weeks...

Susan Kate getting ready for a walk

Susan Kate and her cousin Rebecca playing with the car.

Playing in SKB's new kitchen

SKB and her momma

Boxing Day at the Arboretum

2008-12-27T11:26:00.001-06:00

Susan Kate went to the Arboretum on Boxing Day with her family, they toured the nutcrackers inside the mansion and then SKB got to run around and play outside.

See you later, Gator!
Taking a break...

SKB with her Mimi!

What a windy day...
SKB with her parents and grandparents

Christmas with Gator and Mimi

2008-12-27T10:37:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate had a big surprise Christmas Eve when her Gator and Mimi came from Virginia to see her for Christmas! We all went to church and then came home and had a nice dinner and a special birthday cake for Jesus, SKB got to blow out the candles.

Susan Kate's big presents this year were a new PB Kids Gourmet Kitchen Island and Fridge. She cooked up some delicious treats for us, including cupcakes and ics cubes. Her Aunt Christine and Uncle Dustin got her a electric mixer and measuring spoons and her Gator and Mimi got some bakeware and bowls for her to pretend with. SKB also go Elmo Live, which she enjoys dancing with. She is also obsessed with anything that has Barbie and the Disney Princess stuff on it. She got some baby dolls and some hand bags to carry around, a Hello Kitty water bottle which is her favorite, a couple Little People sets, including Noah's Ark and the Nativity scene many other wonderful toys to play with.

Current Events

2008-12-22T11:42:00.000-06:00

During a nice day last week, Susan Kate got to swing outside underneath the Bois D'Arc tree. She loves to swing, the higher and faster the better, it was hard to get her to slow down for the pictures.

And here she is with her early Christmas gift from Uncle Pat, a Dora backpack, which Dad had mistakenly left sitting on a table and Susan Kate happened upon, unwrapped and started running around the house screaming "Dowa, Dowa!!!" She loves her Uncle Pat!

Heritage Park Visit

2008-12-20T16:15:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate went to Dallas Heritage Park with her Mom and Dad. She saw the way they used t live here in Dallas and she is ok with what we have now. SKB got to run around and stretch her legs in freedom. She met some donkeys and talked to them a while, she also got to meet some chickens. Good times in the old west were had by all!!!

SKB and the two donkeys, Nip and Tuck, during a snack

SKB and her mom on the bandstand...

Santa Claus Visit

2008-12-20T16:06:00.000-06:00

SKB, her cousin Becca, and their moms went to have breakfast with Santa Claus. They were able to hang out for a few minutes with St. Nick and get their picture made with him too. Not sure if they gave him their wish lists this year though...

New Pics - November

2008-11-30T13:53:00.001-06:00

Susan Kate has been busy while her dad was on blogging Hiatus. Hope you enjoy the 3 new posts today.

SKB with her new baby doll car seat.

Susan Kate celebrated with her cousin Rebecca for her 2nd Birthday (Observed). As you can see, SKB can be pretty serious and also silly. Here the two are below dining on their favorties - Rice and Beans.

Here is Susan Kate dressed up to go to church. Doesn't she look like a doll?

New Pics - Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T13:44:00.001-06:00

Gobble Gobble!!! This year SKB was old enough to have some Thanksgiving goodness, with some sweetpotatoes, mashed potatoes, red cabbage and ambrosia. She still won't eat turkey, though. SKB's firend Sofia joined her at the Kids Table!

Playing off their Thanksiving meals...

The view of the Kids Table

New Pics - Arboretum Visit

2008-11-30T12:56:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate went to the arboretum with her parents. She had lots of fun playing in the Old West area and also looking at the flowers.

Trick or Treat with SKB!

2008-11-03T14:03:00.001-06:00

Susan Kate and her cousin Rebecca went Trick-or-treating on Friday night. They were both Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders (even though the Cowboys aren't very good). It took all of one house for them to get the hang of it. They realized that you go up to the neighbor's door and they give you candy. They both had a great time as you can see. Afterwards, all the cousins in the family came over and we had a nice meal. SKB and RSF are already looking forward to next year!!! Who know's what they'll dress up as then???

Good times at Mimi and Gator's

2008-10-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

Susan Kate went and visted her Gator and Mimi this weekend! Her Uncle Dustin and Aunt Christine were there with cousin Thomas and Uncle Seth and Aunt Brandi were also there. Here are some photos of the week. Hope you enjoy!

Susan Kate had a great time, she went for a walk with Gator's dog, Gus, she played with her cousin Thomas, she went to the tailgate before the Navy / SMU game, she got lots of attention in general, and she had a great time. Thanks to all!!!

Susie Cake

2008-10-14T20:28:00.001-05:00

Daddy is finally coming home from Galveston tomorrow and it's his birthday! So, Susan Kate and mommy decided to bake him one of his favorite cakes--the Tunnel of Fudge! We probably won't win the Pillsbury bake-off this year but watch out!
Picking up one of mommy's bad habits of snacking on the cake batter!

State Fair of Texas

2008-10-12T14:13:00.001-05:00

Fall is definitely here (at least on the calendar) and so we have documented our annual trip to the State Fair of Texas. As you can see from the photos, the fair is all about food!

SKB and Mom pose in from of Big Tex's boots. He got a new cowboy shirt this year but you are just going to have to trust us on that since Uncle Marky him off!

SKB trying a corny dog. I know everyone thinks she's a vegan but she took a few bites!

SKB warming up to the chocolate covered strawberries!
SKB fully endorses the fried cheesecake as her favorite fair food!

Maybe she'll be the next Dottie Griffith (famous Texas food critic)!

Arboretum's Fall Festival

2008-09-27T14:32:00.000-05:00

SKB and her parents went to the Dallas Arboretum today to check out the scene of the Fall Festival. There were pumpkins everywhere! Susan had fun sitting on them and picking them up and bonding with the orange gourds in general.

With her Mom inside the aptly named "Pumpkin House"

Running in the hay maze, which is more difficult for her than most, since she can't see over it.

18 Months and Growing!

2008-09-21T21:59:00.001-05:00

SKB recently went to the doctor for her 18 month check up.

Here are her stats: 30.5 height (20% percentile), 23.6 weight (45% percentile)

Enjoying Daddy's "world famous" mac & cheese
Jumping on the sofa with Cousin, Becca
Hanging out with Milton at a wedding in Canton, Texas

Go Cowboys

2008-09-21T21:51:00.001-05:00

SKB getting ready for the Cowboys first Sunday game. As you can see, she takes football very seriously (just like her dad).

Dallas Zoo Outing

2008-09-06T13:33:00.000-05:00

Since Dad has been gone all week, SKB invited her cousin, Rebecca, to go to the zoo with her. (She needed some separation from all the one-on-one time with mom.)

Rebecca was a little bit scared at first but SKB jumped right up there!SKB in full sliding action...
"I wanna go back to the slide, Mom. Why are you making me pose next to this stupid egg?"
Rebecca finally warmed up to the slide.

Take me out to the ballgame!

2008-09-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

SKB attended the Frisco Rough Riders baseball game on Memorial Day weekend. She enjoyed walking back and forth in the bleachers and visiting with people from our church who were in attendance. I'm not sure she's ready for the big leagues yet!

Chuck E Cheese and Birthday Party

2008-08-13T12:18:00.001-05:00

Susan Kate and her cousin Rebecca went to Chuck E Cheese's last Friday, and then turned around and went to a birthday party for their cousin Chris and Great Uncle Paul on Saturday. What a big weekend of partying!

Susan Kate hanging out with the Teletubbies at C E C Rebecca and SKB letting off some steam on the jungle gym
SKB not exactly sure why she is being photographed so much...

...riding Buddy, the magical tow truck. Not sure what is so magical about a tow truck...

Playing whack-a-mole, note the advanced technique and the arm extension...

At the party with Rebecca, playing under cousin Pam's table with her fake fruit...it was either that or XBOX...
SKB and Rebecca with their cousins Stevie, on the right, and birthday boy Chris on the left.

Very Busy

2008-07-28T09:26:00.000-05:00

Susan Kate has been very busy lately. Her Great Aunt and Uncle and Cousin Randal from Lubbock came one weekend, her Mimi and Gator came the next. In between she's been shopping and running her small business. She's still not sure what service she's providing, I think she imagines that she is a top notch consultant like her Mom.

Here is Susan Kate reviewing her coloring books at her new play/work table that her Mimi got. Here is SKB in a very important staff meeting with Cookie Monster and Grover
A shot of Susan Kate inspecting her taggie blanket, fortunately you can't see all the dog hair.

Here is SKB with her Mom, kicking back reviewing some late day e-mails in her underwear. She's very serious about her work.

Here she is in an action shot, doing a barrel roll on the carpet. Lots of energy here.

Here she is working throuhg a problem with her wooden spatula and a jar of fake peas.

...Deep in thought about the coming day after having a light breakfast and a look at the Wall Street Journal. Max is in the background cleaning up after SKB's light breakfast.

More pics of SKB

2008-07-17T22:18:00.001-05:00

Here we are with our hair in various states of up-do. Thanks to Ms. Danyelle at school who is SKB's personal hair stylist. Here we are at the Arboretum with Dad's sunglasses.
Opening her mail.

Swimming Time

2008-07-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

Susan Kate has been to the pool a lot recently. Here she is ready to go!

Here she is just after she got in, still inside the fish swim float.

Here she is a bit later, not so enthusiastic about the fish anymore. SKB loves to swim, without any floats or props. There is no fear of the water in this kid.

SKB Pics

2008-07-04T14:04:00.001-05:00

Some new pictures of SKB taken with the new digital camera Dad got for Father's day.

SKB with Max.

4th of July Parade

2008-07-04T13:50:00.001-05:00

Susan Kate went tot he Lakewood 4th of July Parade this morning. She certainly enjoyed herself, waving at all the floats and kids and the fire trucks. Fire trucks and Police motorcycles leading the parade

SKB looking for the next float...

In memoriam of F

2008-06-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

Joan "F" Speich

1925 - 2008

Last Wednesday, June 4th, Susan Kate's Great Grandmother, Joan "F" Speich, passed away in Lubbock, TX. She was Mimi's mom, and a very special person to SKB's dad. We had her funeral in Brownwood on Saturday and she was laid to rest next to her beloved husband, John, in Early, TX.

All our family was there, including all seven grandchildren and all three great grndchildren and although we were all sad, we have a great deal of comfort and joy knowing that F is no longer suffering and that she is now in Heaven with Our Lord Jesus.

We had the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with her a couple of weeks ago, and here are a couple pictures from then. We were blessed to have F as a guiding light and a wonderful mom, grandmother and great grandmother in our family.

Daddy's four favorite women.

Ballons & Pigtails

2008-06-05T13:50:00.001-05:00

The nice lady at the Nordstroms children's shoe department gave Susan Kate a pink balloon. She carried it all around North Park and then played with it all afternoon at home. As you can see the static from the balloon is making her hair stand straight up! Which leads to the next picture...SKB's hair is getting so long, she came home from school the other day with a pony tail. The next day, she came home with pigtails. I tried to snap a few pictures but she was not very cooperative. Here are the results:

Friends & Family

2008-06-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

Kim had us over for breakfast this past weekend. We had a really nice time playing with all of Clete's toys (see the pliers below). It was nice to get together with the girls!
SKB met Cousin Pam's new chocolate lab, Abby. As you can see SKB is not afraid of "puppas" as she calls them!

Cool Thursdays

2008-05-30T15:47:00.000-05:00

Last night we packed up the picnic basket and went to the Dallas Arboretum for their "Cool Thursdays" concert series. Susan Kate is wondering why they call them "cool" because it already feels like the cruel Texas summer is upon us. The band was an '80's tribute band. We enjoyed dancing to Loverboy, The Cure, and Billy Idol.

Susan Kate really enjoyed the sumptuous grapes we picked up at Central Market before the show. This is her trying to fit one into one of Daddy's Kumquat sodas!!! She's very intent on trying this trick and refused to look at the camera.

We made it through the first intermission before we just pooped out!

Memorial Day Parade & Block Party

2008-05-26T15:58:00.001-05:00

Our neighborhood, University Meadows, sponsors a Memorial Day parade and block party. Here are a few snapshots of The Byrum's!

Daddy chasing Max who tried to join the parade!

SKB watching the parade with Emily and Rachel Hanson. Emily babysits for SKB and Rachel intends to take her job soon.
SKB enjoying her first red snow cone.

SKB and Mommy riding in the "happy train."

Busy Sunday

2008-05-25T20:42:00.001-05:00

Susan Kate had a busy Sunday. We went to church and Sunday School, had brunch at Luna de Noche in Victory Park and then went to the pool party at the country club. Here are a few shots throughout the day.

Swinging in the Bois D'Arc

2008-05-25T20:33:00.000-05:00

Daddy and Uncle Pat recently installed a swing in our crooked bois d'art tree. Susan Kate has really enjoyed playing in the front yard. The benefits are that she gets to meet neighbors and their dogs (or cats) as they walk by!

Sweet Tooth

2008-05-14T20:39:00.000-05:00

Susan Kate may not look like her mother but there is one thing they do have in common: a sweet tooth. Since Daddy's away in Oklahoma, dinner time becomes "wheels off" with our favorite sweets after the main course. Tonight we indulged in Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla with chocolate sauce on top. As you can see, SKB really gets emotional about her ice cream. Max got into the act to polish off the carton.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

We had a great Mother's Day. We went to church and then had brunch with the Fiala and Feretis families. We got to go to La Duni one of mommy's favorite places. SKB even had a few bites of Quatros Leches Cake! Susan Kate got her mother a nice bracelet. She has such good taste. She even signed the card.

Happy Mother's Day to all the great women God has places in our lives. We appreciate all you do for us!

Dallas Museum of Art

2008-05-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to the DMA this weekend. They have all kinds of activities for children including a room for kids like SKB. She really enjoyed learning about circles and climbing up and looking at herself in the mirror. What a great afternoon!

Breakfast with SKB

2008-05-10T16:44:00.001-05:00

Susan Kate has moved into the "Big Girl" class at school. Due to her new schedule, she must eat breakfast at home before she leaves for school. We have been experimenting with breakfast foods that she might like. This week we're having little granola bites that have a "surprise" of peanut butter inside. I think she likes them! We've also been reviewing our school work while we eat. This month we are learning about the beach! Maybe we'll get to go back to Galveston this summer.

Mayfest, Fort Worth, Texas

2008-05-04T22:18:00.001-05:00

Mommy is always searching for "stroller friendly" things to do. The Byrum's took a small road trip to Fort Worth for Mayfest. It's a very kid friendly event. Susan Kate was really only big enough to participate in a few activities. In a few years her dad thinks she'll tear the place up. The festival is held on the banks of the Trinity River. SKB was a pro at the gymnastics obstacle course. Of course, she doesn't understand that you should run as fast as possible. All the little gymnasts were excited to help her out. She is always a bit skeptical when it comes to slides but she made it down okay.

Dallas Zoo

2008-04-30T08:51:00.000-05:00

Susan Kate made her first trip to the Dallas Zoo. The children's area has many interactive things to do. We'll be going back there for a visit!

Sorry for the interruption

2008-04-14T22:02:00.000-05:00

Pictures of Susan Kate and her cousin Rebecca at Easter. Sorry for the interruption, we've had some technical difficulties. Hopefully everything will be good from here out! Thanks

Hello!

2008-03-23T21:53:00.001-05:00

After a day of exhausting play at the Arboretum, Susan Kate decided to return some phone calls...

Spring has Sprung!

2008-03-22T11:29:00.001-05:00

Susan Kate went on a Good Friday outing with cousin Rebecca and friend, Sophia. It was hard to snap pictures of the girls because they ran wild!

Vacation

2008-03-20T22:23:00.001-05:00

We went on Spring Break to Taos, New Mexico for some snow and sun, and there was plenty of both! Susan Kate was interested in the snow, as long as she didn't have to touch it. Dad went skiing with Aunt Christine and Gator, and Mom and Mimi went shopping. Cousin Thomas and SKB had a great time running around and getting to know each other.

We stopped by Lubbock on Friday to see F, who we hope is doing better.

Snow Bunny!!!

Apres Ski...
Aunt Christine with Thomas, at the base of the slopes

Susan Kate wasn't sure why she had been placed onto a snow shovel

The view from the deck, very pretty mountains

The Party Never Ends...

2008-03-13T16:09:00.000-05:00

Gosh, I know, we're still celebrating! SKB's birthday was on Tuesday, so we did the Texas thing and went out for fajitas. SKB's dad wanted her to have a crack at the cake, so we ordered another cake so she could do her thing. Here are the results:

SKB B'Day pics, Part II

2008-03-08T15:48:00.000-06:00

Lots of 1st birthday action here! Some more pics of SKB celebrating with her friends and family.

SKB Birthday Party Pics #1

2008-03-03T09:58:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures of Susan Kate at her birthday party. There will be more later, enjoy!!

Pre-Birthday Party

2008-03-01T21:05:00.001-06:00

Attached are some pictures of Susan Kate's birthday party favors, cake and bouncy house. As you can see by the pictures, SKB was not a fan of the castle.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-19T21:12:00.001-06:00

Susan Kate had a Valentine's Day playdate party. The girls outnumbered the boys. We need our cousin, Thomas, to help even out the count!

Mardi Gras

2008-02-19T21:07:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate keeps herself busy playing with Mardi Gras beads. She really doesn't know what Fat Tuesday is but she's game.

Curls

2008-02-19T21:03:00.000-06:00

Okay, so we've been delinquent in updating the blog. Here are a few pictures of Susan Kate. See her curls??? She's getting very active and also very impatient in the mornings when we are getting ready for work and school. We have to give her things to play with or she'll go off on her own to chase the cats or eat the cat's food.

Fashion Show!

2008-01-27T19:34:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate and her Mom were models in a fashion show at the church on Saturday. SKB was the only infant model, and she stole the show with her cute little sport dress in a cupcake motif. Unfortunately, the tiara never made it into the show...

SKB practicing her beauty queen wave and smile.

Susan Kate and Mom before their run down the catwalk.

Susan Kate partying before the show with someones pink cellphone.

Ft. Worth Stock Show

2008-01-21T13:34:00.000-06:00

SKB went to the Ft. Worth Stock Show on Saturday. There was a petting zoo with a bunch of cute little critters, including bunny rabbits, pygmy goats, miniture cows, a buffalo named "Mo" and Llamas. They were a lot different than our cats and dog at home, SKB wasn't sure what to think, but she wasn't scared, she thought the goats and the Llama's were funny.

I think it must have been Llama day at the show, because the one show we watched featured llamas. SKB got a toy pony and lots of exposure to rural america. We'll have to go back next year and watch the rodeo!

SKB, queen of the Llamas!Being licked by Mo the Buffalo, he's a big guy.

You can't see in this photo, but he is licking SKB's shoes.

Soft and fuzzy Llama fur.

SKB's new pony, named "Poncho"

This is the Day that the Lord Has Made!

2008-01-13T15:33:00.001-06:00

Susan Kate before going to Sunday School and church. She's excited! If you look really close you can almost see her little tooth coming in.

Mexican Food

2008-01-13T15:26:00.000-06:00

Susan Kate got to share "fajitas for two" with mom and dad at Mariano's, world famous for creating the margarita (or so they say). Here is a picture of Susan Kate with the stuffed bear at Mariano's. She wasn't scared of him.

SKB in the New Year

2008-01-04T19:46:00.000-06:00

Here's Susan Kate in 2008! She had a good new years, She helped dad watch some football and enjoyed spending time with her mom, who was off work. She enjoyed new years day with some black eyed peas for supper, for good luck.
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Here she is by the fireplace, for some reason it is one of her favorite places to explore. Seems pretty boring to me, no toys or pets around. SKB during an evening meal, not very pleased with the chef's selections, though she did eat some chocolate flovered cookies. Luckily, Max stands by always ready to help clean up after her.

Susan Kate at Kincaid's in Ft. Worth with dad and Uncle Pat. Looks like everyone's happy to be there.

Not every day is a good day

2008-01-04T19:36:00.000-06:00

Tough Times for SKB. Apparently, she didn't want any peas.

Christmas Day

2007-12-27T08:35:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures on Christmas Day. SKB wasn't really sure what was going on but she was a good sport. She also got to eat at Craft at the new W Dallas Hotel. What a treat!

Christmas Trips

2007-12-27T08:26:00.001-06:00

This is a picture of SKB with her great grandmother, F. SKB traveled to Lubbock for 5.5 hours in the car. She did fairly well for her first trip to the South Plains. She was able to meet her second cousin, Jacob.

This is SKB before our Christmas Eve service at church. The new pastor had the kids come up to the front and read the Christmas story. SKB cannot wait until she can go up there, too!