Virginia

This summer I was so glad that I had the opportunity to spend about a week in Virginia! My cousin was graduating High School, and I had a road trip with G-ma, An Aunt, 2 of her kids along with myself and Riley and Sam. We had a great time. Having lots of people under one roof is one of the best feelings for me. I love staying up late and talking, snacking constantly, enjoying different scenery, and so much more. Abigail looked so beautiful and it just so happened that they coordinated :) While I was there I even got to go out with my cousins. It is so much fun to be able to spend time with them. I have a lot of cousins and there are 7 of us around the same age. (it ranges from 27-like 10ish) We are all growing up and spreading out even further. -Aunt B and Grandmother, thank you so much for such a great trip. I had a blast and always look forward to spending time with you both! Here are a few random pictures from my trip. Hope you enjoy!

Color Your World

This past May my sweet baby sister graduated High School! I was fortunate enough to get to spend almost 2 weeks back home getting ready for, and celebrating, her graduation. (As well as lots of visiting time :) Leah LOVES to color, so it seemed fitting to have a "Color Your World" theme to her party. The house looked great. I loved the food table and all the banners my mom made. The giant crayons and balloons were an added bonus. Leah looked SO beautiful. I have to admit, I shed a tear as I watched her walk across the stage. I know that we have all been growing up, but watching the baby of the family graduate just set it in stone. I am so proud of her. We had lots of family and friends join us in celebrating with her. I was trying to get photos of everything but here are some of the shots from the night. It was GREAT!

Leah, I love you so much and can not express the joy that you bring to my life. I am so glad that I got to celebrate that special day with you. Go color your world! (sorry I am just now blogging about it :)

Growing Up

Miss Riley Anne is growing up! Today has been a day I have been dreading for quite some time. We started potty training. I have attempted times before and quit. (I know that isn't the best way...) But with the Fall semester right around the corner and a small break in our summer travels, I knew today needed to be the day and she has done GREAT! So far we have had no accidents and many successes!

I anticipate the accidents that are sure to come but I am so amazed at how grown up my baby girl is. My neighbor Maryanne took some of these photos the other day. I just couldn't believe how she captured some of Riley's beautiful, playful spirit. I continue to be amazed by her.

Miss Riley,

These days you LOVE to be in charge. Just this afternoon I caught you reading a book to Sam. You even picked out one with a "dogga" (aka dog) because you know that is the only animal Sam says. You love to color, sing, and learn new things. Swimming has become a new favorite and I am looking forward to possibly starting some swim lessons this summer. You always come and give me a hug and a kiss if I look sad and I think your very favorite thing to do ever is "help". I know it has been happening a lot lately, but these past few days I have really started to notice how you are growing up. I love you!

Check out Maryanne's blog and website for more photo's. (give me a call or shoot me an e-mail for the password on her website if you want to look/order)

Trip to Atlanta

A few weeks ago we headed down to Atlanta, Texas to visit with some family. We had a GREAT time. Not only did we get to visit with Papa, Debbie, Jimmy, Krystal, Gigi and GGP, we got to go to a shutterfly home party! The kids loved getting to play with fritz, a wagon, and balloons. (not to mention they loved how they could reach all the snacks on the table at the party :) After the party I stayed a couple of extra days. I loved getting to cook and of course eat with GG and GGP. I have so many memories of times out at the lake, or at Papa or Aunt Debbie's house. I am so excited that now my kids are getting to start making some memories too! We had a great time and we already can't wait to head back again. Love you guys!

Saying Goodbye

A few weeks ago our friends Caleb and Stephanie graduated, and moved to Iowa. Stephanie has not only been a good friend, but she watched Riley and Sam this past semester. They both love our kids SO much. -We love you guys and miss you already! Hope we can see each other again soon!

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day was GREAT! This was my third Mother's day and they just keep getting better and better. I love watching my kids grow. I love teaching them and watching them do the things that I do. I love their beautiful smiles first thing in the morning, and I love watching their chests rise and fall as they sleep. Thanks for a wonderful Mother's day kids (Ryne)

My morning started out with homemade cards from Riley and Sam. Riley woke me up with "Happy Mother's Day" just as clear as day! After a glass of OJ Riley handed me my gift.... It was a beautiful ring that I have had my eye on from Zales! I was SO excited! After that Ryne informed me that breakfast was waiting for me at Waffle House :) We got ready for church and headed out. Breakfast was great!

We had lunch plans with some good friends of ours that fell through so after church we headed home for a family lunch. That evening we celebrated with my best friend Angie and her family. She is an AMAZING mom too and I was so glad to spend the time with their sweet family.

All in all my day was great. -Lets not forget about my mom though.... I owe a lot to my mother. For starters she didn't kill me all the times that I gave her plenty of reason to :) But more importantly she has always encouraged me to be the strong willed, passionate, fun loving person that I am. She has been the best example to me as I am now a mom. Thanks for all that you have, and continue to teach me. I love you!

-Check out my very first Mother's Day. Time sure does fly...