Special Visit and Movin up!

Honey and Preacher and Leah came to visit us! The kids helped me get ready because they were going to be here by lunch time. They were helping me make one of my favorite couscous recipes. (I tweak it up and use red, orange, and yellow peppers. I love all of the colors)

If you cant tell: Riley is trying to help me cut the peppers and Sam is eating them!

Part of the reason for the trip was so that they could deliver the kids new bunk beds!!!
It was a team effort getting it all put together.

Sam watched my dad very carefully!

Then it was his turn to practice. I think he put a screw driver in almost every screw on that bed. Sam is very attentive to details.

Finished product!

This is there very first time getting up into their new beds! Notice that Sam will pick up his own stool and carry it over to his bed :)

(This is from another night but I just loved it so much!)

Well, the bed transition went really well. I was a little worried about my Sam man. He needs his boundaries. However, he has been great and it has been a challenge to keep little miss in her bed. The very first night Riley cried a little. When I asked her what was wrong she said "I can't see Sam". They love each other very much and it makes this momma very happy and proud.
We enjoyed the rest of the visit with my folks. As always, it was too short, but wonderful. We love you and we miss you already!

Bowling

Father's Day

After the kids and I got home from Virginia we got ready to head back home to celebrate Father's Day. We are fortunate because our families live in the same town. Ryne, my dad, and his dad, had their annual golf game the day before Father's Day. It was great to see both of our dad's. For Ryne's dad we let the kids decorate a hard hat for him. (since they are building a new home) Riley and Sam had a blast. (or course Sam kept trying to eat the markers) Ever since then Riley still says that she wants to color a hat. She is really disappointed when I explain that we don't have the hat anymore :)
For my dad we were able to give him a gift that I was VERY excited about. His grandmother made him and his brother matching quilts when he was a young boy. As a child that quilt is the one that I have fond memories of. I remember snuggling with my dad in the recliner and that old quilt. Well over the years it became tattered and torn. I hadn't seen it for years and he had a "new" blanket. Well, Hannah, Leah, mom, and I had it restored for my dad. He was SO shocked. I am pretty sure I saw a tear in his eye too. It was a great gift and it meant a lot to me, my sisters, and my mom and dad. I wish I had pictures of it, but I didn't take any with my camera.
-Oh and did I mention we bought Ryne a new motorcycle! He loves it!
We had a great Father's Day. I am so blessed to have so many Godly men in my life.
We love you Ryne!!

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 :)