Stalkyards with the Starks

We had the best time meeting up with Brad’s aunt and uncle from Alabama at the Fort Worth Stockyards while they were in town visiting Melissa, who just recently moved there after her husband started a new job as a PA at a local hospital.

We made it just in time for the Christmas tree lighting, which was such a fun surprise and made everything feel extra festive. We grabbed some ice cream, but of course, Texas weather kept things interesting and we ended up getting caught in the rain! Thankfully, we found cover under a patio where we could sit, stay dry, and actually enjoy some quality time catching up with the Stark family.

Also very grateful to Sasha for loaning me some cowboy gear so I could fully fit in with the Stockyards vibe 🤠 It was such a great visit, and I’m so glad we were able to see everyone while they were in town!

 

Clark Family Photos

This year’s Clark family pictures are in! 💕 Even though Brad had already headed back home before we could take them, we still had such a fun time capturing these moments together. We’re missing him in the shots, but hopefully soon we’ll have him photoshopped in where he belongs. Can’t wait to see the finished set with all of us together!

 

Family Pictures

Family pictures always make me so grateful for these people I get to call mine. 💕 Love my crew and all the chaos, laughter, and love we share. Wouldn’t trade it for anything!

And can we talk about how tall my boys are getting?! I can’t believe it—two of them are already taller than me and Logan is right on my heels. Pretty soon I’ll be the shortest one in the house! 

 

Farewell McCall

Our time in McCall has come to an end, and my heart is full. There’s something so therapeutic about being surrounded by nature, stepping away from the noise, and simply being together. This trip was beautiful in every way—from the stillness of the lake and the glow of the sunsets to the laughter echoing through the house and the quiet moments of reflection we shared.

We packed in so much fun—lake days full of kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming, scenic hikes with incredible views, and bike rides that left us grinning and windblown. The kids had a blast and the grown-ups did too.

The most meaningful parts of the trip was taking time to honor Olivia. Being in a place so full of beauty and love made it feel like she was right there with us. We felt her in the sunset, in the quiet of the water, and in the closeness we all shared.

Leaving is always the hardest part, but I’m so grateful for this time we had together. McCall, you were good for the soul. 💛

Oh and Kat bought Logan these cigarette candy which he thought was hilarious. I guess every kid needs an aunt who will let them be naughty. 😈 

 

Murphy Family Pictures

Before the lantern ceremony, we took some family pictures with the Murphys. It felt important to gather together and capture this moment—this trip, this season, this family—knowing that someone so important was missing. Olivia would’ve made the pictures more complete, more full of her usual spark. We felt her absence deeply, but we also felt her with us. In the smiles, the hugs, the way we all tried a little harder to hold still and hold close. These photos aren’t just for remembering who was there, but also for honoring who should’ve been.

Behind the scenes pictures: