laura’s blog
tunnell vision through a cozart’s eyes
Christmas
Yes, I am behind. Thanks Sara for the encouragement and motivation to get it posted. 
Lots of pictures. There are lots more but I semi weeded through them. So be thankful.
Our holidays usually always involve alot of traveling. It’s sometimes rough but we are thankful that we live close enough that we can see most everyone on both sides of the family. Our first stop was Lamesa. We drove up on Friday and went to a Christmas service at Duane and Darci’s church in Lubbock. No pictures to prove it.
Then we had Christmas the next morning at Slade’s parents. We always start the day off with a big breakfast. So good!
Then it was present time! As always, they do way too much for us!
Now that’s a BIG box of nerds. For those of you who are wondering…it was tons of little boxes inside.
A rare moment caught on camera.
Three that are 3 and under. Always fun getting a picture of them together.
The kids made (or decorated) a birthday cake for Jesus and we sang to them.
Most of you know, Wyatt’s been praying for snow since June. It finally snowed in San Angelo and we were in San Antonio. 
But thankfully, we got lots of snow while at Slade’s parents. He was so excited! And Jaxon loved it too! Some chose to watch from the window.
Then Sunday morning we went to Mimi and Papa’s for Christmas with the Barron side. Slade’s Papa had not been doing very well so it was a pretty emotional Christmas. But praise the Lord he is doing MUCH MUCH better now!
We weren’t able to stay for Granny’s Christmas because we had to get on the road but we were thankful to get to see her for a bit. She is doing so well and looking great!
Then we drove to San Angelo. Unpacked. Repacked. And headed to Blanket.
It was my dad’s birthday so we got him a cake (hostess cupcakes ). Not many stores open on Christmas day and I didn’t really have time with all the driving to make one. He said he prefers the Sno Balls next year.
Nana B pulled out her jacks and showed those boys how to play. She’s really good! And they are catching on pretty quick.
Breakfast of champions…cocoa puffs!
Then we had the Tunnell Christmas at Dads. Again, always fun when we all get together. Lots of boys!
We were super thankful that Amanda, my best friend from way back when, was also in town for Christmas. So good to catch up with her and her latest trip to Kenya. Such a beautiful woman inside and out!
Then on to presents! Also…way too much for us!
Then that evening we headed to Memaw’s for her Christmas. Always love getting together with everyone there. Missed a few this year that didn’t get to come, but still a good time.
Finally, we came home and Wyatt was able to play with some of his toys.
We usually do Christmas in the morning but since Slade had to work the next day we did it that evening. We still had our traditional “Christmas eve” meal–pizza! And we got our Pecan Sticky buns ready for breakfast the next morning.
We wondered why Wyatt wasn’t as excited as we thought he would be about opening presents at our house, etc. But, we thought he was probably just tired. After we opened presents we laid on the couch to watch a movie. If you know Wyatt at all, this next statement from him will shock you. “Can we pause it and finish it later?” Yes, crazy. My son never asks to turn the TV off. Matter of fact, he prefers to watch it ALL day long. So, we knew something was up. Sure enough, right after we brushed his teeth for bed—the vomiting began. Poor boy. That explained his lack of excitement. Guess all the traveling, non-napping and junk food eating had gotten to him. So far we are 2 out of 3 for throwing up at Christmas.
We all rested very well that night and had our Pecan Sticky Buns for breakfast the next morning.
And there you have it. A fun-filled, jam-packed Christmas.
Posted laura on January 21st, 2012 | Filed under Uncategorized | Comment now »
Thanksgiving…
Here’s a few of the daily lives of the Cozart’s. Just a little saxophone playing, Mommy and Wyatt date night and “camping” in the house.
Duane, Darci, Jaxon and Tyson & Rocko (per Wyatt’s request) made a visit to see us. We didn’t take many pictures but we had a great time hanging out with them!
Slade had to go to San Antonio for a group outing so Wyatt and I went down to Dad and Brenda’s for a few days to visit.
We had lunch with Hayden and Brayson at their Thanksgiving feast at school.
Dad and I took Wyatt to play on the playground. Most of you probably read the story about Dad and I playing tether ball. I won’t remind you who “the Queen of tether ball” is and who took one to the face.
The Thursday before we had a Thanksgiving meal with almost everyone of the 456. Thanks to the Shields for hosting it. We love the fellowship we have with these people.
Then on the Friday before Thanksgiving we headed to my Dad’s for Thanksgiving there. It’s always great getting everyone together! The weather was beautiful so Nana B had us out jumping rope, playing basketball and even having sack races. Such a great day!
They even made a volcanoe!
Our friends Mara and Bethany who had moved to California right after college have now married brothers and moved to Kansas! We were so thankful to get to see both of them and their families over the break.
Slade volunteered to work Thanksgiving Day because we didn’t have any “official plans.” Wyatt and I drove to Brownwood to see my Uncle Steve (Mom’s brother) and his family. So good to see them all!!
Then on Friday we headed to Lamesa for Thanksgiving with Slade’s Granny and the Cozart side. We are so thankful that Granny is doing well enough to get out to spend time with us all. We are continuing to pray for a speedy recovery!
Just a little fun on Saturday at Papa Joe’s and Yah Yah’s.
Oh and a little bedroom makeover.
Then on Sunday we went to the hospital to visit Papa. He was doing pretty well that morning and we were so thankful for the time we spent with him. Please keep him and the family in your prayers as he’s had a pretty rough time after he broke his elbow.
Then, we headed to Beverly’s for Thanksgiving with the Barron side.
And yes, this is our son (who does not like to be touched or messed with) WRESTLING!
How blessed we are!! What a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with lots of family and friends!
Posted laura on December 5th, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Caught up!
I will not let the lack of comments deter me from my mission. 
Wyatt started “school” the Tuesday after Labor Day. He goes to Mother’s Day Out at Southland Baptist Church from 9:00-1:30pm. I won’t say who cried more on the first day. He did a great job and had a fun time! We celebrated with ice cream and a new McQueen car. I work on Monday nights and then sleep while he is at school so it works out pretty well.
We enjoyed a few nice nights off when we were taking pictures.
And look who is riding is tricycle like a pro!
Pretty proud of how far he’s gone.
We hit up a few football games, had Landree stay over, donuts with sprinkles and even fed the ducks.
The Lion King in 3D. My all time favorite movie, I think. We won’t talk about the 40ish year old lady who was singing every song. I mean, come on. I can quote the whole movie…but I didnt.
We ordered Wyatt a Spiderman suit for Halloween but let him have it early to play dress up in it. Good purchase.
Wyatt was in his first wedding (and we were taking the pictures at it) in October. He looked so handsome–pics to come. Slade’s parents were a HUGE help! They took him back for a few days so I could work on pictures. Slade and I enjoyed a few dates!! Here’s one to Sealy Flats.
Then we met up with Shaunna, Addi and Grady in Ballinger. We must do this more often!! It was a beautiful day and the kids have fun.
Some dear friends from church had us over for dinner and then we stayed and played karaoke.
ASU homecoming. Gotta support our RAMS. We had some pictures so didn’t go the game. Wasn’t much of a game anyway.
Mrs. Darby from Nursing Department.
Sigma Phi Lambda
The Spiderman suit being put to great use.
The first weekend in October we celebrated Carter and Parker’s 6th and 7th Birhdays. So hard to believe! I took pictures with Tonya’s camera for her, so I don’t have any. We also hit up Hayden and Brayson’s football game in Strawn and then ate at Mary’s.
Almost caught up!!
Halloween weekend we went to Klondike for their Harvest Festival. Landree, Wyatt and Jaxon AKA Minnie Mouse Cheerleader, Spiderman and Shark had a great time!
Waiting for their try at the dunking booth. It was so cold and windy!! Felt awful for those kids!
After the kids played games we decided to have a friendly free throw shooting competition. I won’t go in to much detail but I will let you see the prizes that were won and then determine the winner. I didn’t get a picture of Slade and his one piece of candy that he won.
I worked Monday night but we carved a pumpkin while telling the Pumpkin Gospel at lunch. Then we took Wyatt to Trunk or Treat with Cayson and Cannon.
Posted laura on November 2nd, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Cloudcroft 2011
We made our annual Labor Day trip with Slade’s family….we just had to drive a little farther to get there this time. Slade had training in San Antonio so we drove from there to Cloudcroft. It’s not a short trip. And I appreciate Pecos melons alot more now that I’ve seen where they come from. It’s a long way from NO WHERE! Although getting there wasn’t tons of fun, we were sure glad we made the trip. We always love going and getting to spend time together. Here’s a little peak at our weekend there.
There was a car show going on downtown so we went by to check it out.
And of course, the “kids” wanted to play at the park.
And what’s a trip without a pony ride?? It started raining so it was a quick ride. And Jaxon wasn’t a huge fan. Much improvement noted from Landree and Wyatt since last year.
We didn’t let the rain stop us from making s’mores!
We did a little exploring in the pasture behind our cabin. It was a beautiful place.
Can’t have a family trip without group pictures.
Joe and Marilyn wanted to get the grandkids to get some Old Timey western pictures taken.
Great trip! Can’t wait until next year. More memories to be made.
Posted laura on October 27th, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | Comment now »
Another week in San Antonio
After the surprise anniversary party we headed to San Antonio for another week of orientation that Slade needed to attend. He was supposed to go the week of Wyatt’s surgery…but obviously that wasn’t an option.
Some of our friends BK and Mesha had us over for dinner one night. We had some great burgers and really enjoyed getting to see them. We only took a few pictures. :
The rest of the week we hit up some of our favorite places from last time and tried out a few more. We had great intentions of going to Sea World. We figured since school was back in session there would be hardly anyone there. We were right—there was NO ONE there. They only open on the weekends after school starts. BUMMER!
Slade had dinner with work one night so Wyatt and I hit up the Magic Time Machine. It was quite the experience.
This was his bubbling, magic potion drink.
We sat inside these cool little huts.
Our waitress was Daphne but we also so Marilyn Monroe, Dora the Explorer, Rapunzel, Strawberry Shortcake and many more.
Just being silly in the hotel room.
A fun bounce place at one of the malls with the Groom Family.
All in all…another great trip.
As an update, Slade is still LOVING his new job. We are so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us. Love seeing him happy at his job!
Posted laura on October 25th, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | Comment now »
Starting small.
This task is overwhelming when you get so far behind. It’s not that I feel I have to blog every day of our lives…but at least some of the major events.
We celebrated 5 years (in August!). What a blessed 5 years it has been. Slade’s parents graciously offered to watch Wyatt so we could have a date night. We drove to Buffalo Gap and at ate Perini’s…it was soooooo good….and it rained!! We spent the night in Abilene and then hung around the next day. We love spending time together!
And if you follow me much on facebook, we have become quite the fan of Cakes in a Cup!
The next weekend we headed to Lamesa to celebrate our favorite niece’s 3rd birthday! We sure love our Landree Jo and the joy she brings.
The following weekend we went back to Lamesa for a surprise 40th anniversary party we (Slade and his siblings) threw for Marilyn and Joe.
So blessed to be part of this family!
Posted laura on October 23rd, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | Comment now »
I have a good excuse…I think.
So I realize it’s been a while…again. But I think I figured out why. Other than us being crazy busy, which is a given.
Today, during Wyatt’s nap I thought to myself, “It’s time to blog. Just take time and do it. Your father-in-law would appreciate it.” So here I am sitting down prepared to blog. I started uploading some pictures and then got a text on my phone from my husband. Yes, the one who works in his office on the other side of the house. That almost sounded like I have more than one husband. I only have one.
When I upload pictures, it slows down the connection too much and he can’t do his job as well. I thought, “Aha! That’s why I haven’t posted before now.” Nap time is the best time for me to blog but I can’t upload pictures during nap because that is during work hours. And then by the time he’s off I have already forgotten about it until the next time. But this week–posting is my goal!
Just some things to look forward to– to keep you on the edge of your seat as you await my post:
A trip to Cloudcroft
Wyatt’s first days at “school”
Some fun family time
Some football
Just to name a few.
Posted laura on October 19th, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Wyatt’s surgery and a visit from the Tunnell nephews
Most of you probably know, but Wyatt had to have surgery to repair two hernias. He has an umbilical hernia (since birth) and a small epigastric hernia (last 6 months or so). They thought they might heal on their own and they usually give them until the age of 5 to see. But at his 3 year appointment Dr. Wehner thought it was still pretty big (umbilical one) at this age and referred us to a surgeon. Dr. Cargile decided surgery was the best option.
So, the Tuesday after we got back from San Antonio Wyatt had his surgery. And here’s the story in pictures, of course.
I wanted to get a picture of how it looked before. (Ignore the fact that Wyatt has pulled his pants up so high).
Slade’s parents came down the night before the surgery…he was wound up!!
Ready for surgery!
We were so blessed to have our families and some friends come and support us that morning. The first hour after surgery was pretty rough. Poor thing was so confused and disoriented and hurting. I think I may have cried more tears than he did! But after he got some pain medicine, all those tubes and lines off and fell asleep…he was much better!! He recovered and healed so well. Praise God!! He had a check up appointment last week and got a great report!! The hardest part was keeping him from running, jumping and climbing on everything. We were amazed and cringed at the things he was doing the night of the surgery…I would’ve been laid up for days for sure!
And here’s what it looked like after.
We took the clear bandage off after 48 hours. I was a little nervous but he did great! He giggled and said it tickled and helped pull it off. I need to take another picture of it now that the steri strips are gone.
The following week we had the Tunnell boys…ALL OF THEM…over for one last moment of fun before school started. This was the first time we had kept all of them. Whew! We had a great time but it was go go go!
Playing remote controls cars.
Went to the park…
Fun in the pool…
Wii games with Uncle Slade…
Putt-putt golf and snow cones….
Bowling…
Board games…
And even shot bows and arrows!
We had a blast and look forward to making it a tradition.
Posted laura on August 29th, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
The rest of San Antonio….
I’m way behind. But we were in San Antonio for 3 weeks…so here’s the rest of the time we were there. This was our family vacation this year!
For those of you interested….here’s the apartment they put us up in…
Wyatt helped me make some cookies for Slade to take to work.
There was a little swing set right outside our door.
Just kids being kids.
It rained while we were down there!! Had been a while since we’d seen that.
Went to a cupcake place called Flour Power. We had watermelon, dreamsicle and key lime pie.
Went to the library and had a playdate with friends.
Such a big helper!
Had to hit up Coldstone
First pushup icecream at Chuy’s.
On Saturday we decided to head to Sea World with the Groom’s.
Just getting the game plan for the day…
Watching the dolphins…
First rollercoaster ride…
Shamu show!
We had packed our lunches to have a picnic at the car. One problem….someone may or may not have locked their keys in the car. The car with the food and water in it. Ooops. No worries. Memories made. Oh and just FYI, don’t call a locksmith to come out. Sea World has that service for free. We learned the hard way.
An hour or so later…we were in! The funniest part might’ve been when all 7 of us were squeezed in our Jetta with the A/C on. Should’ve gotten a picture of that!
Poor Caleb…the bottom part of his shoe fell off!! It was not his day. I’m still laughing thinking about it all.
After a refreshing lunch break, we hit up the Lost Lagoon.
Last stop….the Sharks.
Such a good day but we were tired!
The next week my friend Mayci and her sweet girl Ev came up from Three Rivers to see us. It was so good to catch up!
The next day we went to a place called Just Add Children. San Angelo needs to open one of these too. 5 bucks for air conditioned fun.
We were able to meet up with Slade’s cousin Preston and his wife Stacy at this really neat and good restaurant called Auden’s. For whatever reason, Wyatt LOVES Preston!! It was pretty cute.
The first of the third week we hung out at the pool at our apartment and went to the library with some friends. Wyatt and I decided to brave Sea World by ourselves for the second time. Just incase you were wondering…the park open at 10…not 9. Unless of course you bought tickets for Breakfast with Elmo which would’ve cost Wyatt and I $54. We declined. So what’d we do? We walked around and played with rocks.
But, being it was our second time in a week at SeaWorld we knew the ropes. Which means…first in line to feed the dolphins!
It’s more difficult than you think to hold a tray of fish, your 3 year old child and a take pictures of your precious little one feeding the dolphins all at the same time. But we managed.
He thought we should feed the sharks next. I don’t think that’s an option. We didn’t look into it flying solo.
And then, fun in the water!
Checking out the Elmo show from the cheap seats.
And then snagging some pictures with Elmo’s Friends. Guess they are afraid Elmo might get mugged or something…no pictures with him. Too cool I guess.
A few rides.
More water…
Then better seats at the Elmo Show.
What mother does this to their son???
LOL.
The ski show….Cool Vibrations!
Baby Penguin
The other sea lion show with a fat walrus. I think I have my animals correct.
And for being such a good boy and for having a terrific day together….a sword!
Not far out of the park…
The night before we left we had dinner with the Groom’s to say goodbye (and to wish Joshua happy birthday!) We ate a place called Momack’s. It was really good. Lots of places in San Antonio have these setups where the kids can play while you eat. Like an upscale McD’s playplace.
The cupcakes were good.
We were going to go to the beach our last Saturday but the tropical storm was supposed to hit there so we decided not too. Probably worked out best. We went and looked at some of the missions before we headed home.
We stepped inside one of the sanctuaries they still use today.
That was kind of freaky to see (not Wyatt).
My little photographers.
We were so thankful we were able to go with Slade so we didn’t have to be apart that long. Thanks Rackspace!
Great trip. Great memories.
Posted laura on August 15th, 2011 | Filed under Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
San Antonio
We came down to San Antonio last Sunday for Slade’s new job. He has some training to do down there. We stayed in a hotel the first night, then they provided us a furnished apartment for the rest of our stay. Wyatt refers to them as the “big house” and the “new big house” and he only refers to them in that way. We’ve had a great time so far! Two of the wives of two different guys (didn’t want it to sound like one guy with two wives!) Slade works with invited us on some play dates. So sweet of them! We loved getting together with them and their kids and meeting some of their friends. Here’s how our week went…in pictures, of course!
Fun at the “big house”
Had some lunch (and a cookie at Earl of Sandwich)
Fun at the “new big house”
At Fantastic Playland with Mesha and her kids
At library time with Reagan and her kids
Bouncing fun at Pump it Up
Go Reagan and Abigail!
I played too.
Then the next day, Reagan, Abigail and Joshua came over to swim with us.
Abigail was very concerned about Wyatt putting his head under.
Abigail and Joshua weren’t too sure about swimming at first…but by the end they were all having fun!
Thanks for new sweet friends!
Things are going good here. Slade is really liking his new job and is ready to get his feet wet. We are thankful for the what the Lord has in store for us.
P.S.–I’ve taken Slade to work and picked him up almost every day and gone to the play dates and the grocery store….and haven’t gotten lost yet! I know it’s coming…but right now I’m batting a thousand! ( I looked up that phrase to make sure it was appropriate). I think it is.