Andrea and Noah

Andrea and Noah were married today.  I am so happy for her, as she has waited such a long time for this.  Together they have eight kids, so life is bound to be a bit crazy for them.  But, I know first-hand that having someone great to share the crazy with makes every part of it better.

 

They are such a beautiful and happy couple,

 

and I am so glad I got to be there for their special day! 

 

Marci, Jen, Andrea, Jenn, Amy

Spring Spectacular Clogging Show

 

 

Dance Festival 2013

My elementary age children look forward to this Dance Festival every year.  It is such a fun way for them to celebrate the end of another school year and the beginning of summer.

 

This year, the fourth grade performed to the song, "R-O-C-K in the USA,"

 

 

and the first grade danced to "Cotton Eyed Joe."

 

 

Summertime... here we come!

 

 

Hayden wanted to be checked out after the dance festival.

 

Bet you can't guess what my answer was...

 

 

 

Memorial Day 2013

Our family's Memorial Day tradition dates back to when I was a little girl.  Back then, we met our cousins at the zoo every year on this day.  It has nothing to do with the holiday, but we loved it!  My parents continued this tradition with their own grandchildren, and now my kids love it.  I'm not a huge fan of zoos, but once a year, with cousins and aunts and uncles, is just right.

 

We always arrive bright and early so we can beat the crowds.  By the time we leave, the place is a zoo (in more ways than one- ha!).

 

 

 

 

This year we ran into a great big snake right away.  Pretty gross... I mean cool.  Hadley would have none of it, but the other kids were excited to pet the slithering, scaly creature.

 

I was with Hadley on this one.  No, thank you!

 

My girls (and Hadley, especially) were never far from their Papa.

He was a good sport.

He always is.

 

 

Ellie made herself quite comfy waiting for the elephant to "sneeze."  He never did... must have been too early for that?

 

 

 

We made the rounds in  a couple of hours, saw the bird show,

let the little kids ride the carousel,

 

and we found Annie's stone (placed as a gift from one of Cameron's partners... such a sweet reminder of her).

 

 

By the time we left, the girls were tired of walking.  I knew we should have brought the stroller.  Sorry about that, Austin!

 

We then headed to Papa's house for a barbecue and swimming at his neighborhood pool. 

 

In the evening, we went to visit Annie's grave.  The cemetery was beautiful.  It always touches my heart to see so many flower representing so much love for these people that have passed on. 

 

Missing my baby tonight.

Celebrating 16 With Friends

We took Austin and his group of close friends to Comedy Sportz to celebrate the big 1-6.  Hayden and Ashleigh tagged along as well.  It was so much fun!

 

 

Before we left, we ate dinner at the house and then came back for dessert, presents and games.  This is such a fun group of kids.  We feel so lucky that Austin has been blessed with great friends.

First Grade Farewell

Ellie has had such a great year with Mrs. Plank and Mrs. Barger.  This girl has spunk, but these teachers have loved and adored her.  Over the years I have gained so much appreciation for good teachers.  They have made a tremendous difference in the lives of my children. 

 

The class put on a program to celebrate the end of first grade.  These kids can't wait to grow up and move on.

 

It just happens too darn fast for me.

 

Running With Heroes for Heroes

Today, the girls and I participated in the IHH 5K and Superhero Dash (the boys were at the Father's and Son's Outing).

 

We ran in the rain with Superheroes,

 

 

in honor of our Heart Heroes.

 

 

 

Austin is 16!

Watch out world... it's official.  This boy is sixteen years old!

 

 

I'm not sure I am ready for him to be dating and driving.

 

Actually, I am sure.

 

I'm not ready.

 

 But, he is.

So, we are off.

 

Luckily, he is a great kid and has earned my trust and respect.

So, maybe this will be fun?

 

Since it his birthday, I thought I would share just a few of the things that I love about him:

 

1. His sense of humor.  Austin understands and appreciates good humor.  His favorite comedians are Dave Barry and Brian Regan.  He can recite them on the spot, and does a great job of delivery (I can't do this... turns out it is harder than it seems to tell a joke or funny story and have it come off well).  He loves funny movies (I think Get Smart and Monte Python are among his favorite ones right now) and, again, can quote from them at length.  He reads the comics every day (as well as the entire newspaper... see next thing I love about him).  And he, himself, is witty (my definition of witty: not ha!ha! funny, but smart funny).  This quality makes him so much fun to be around.

 

2. His non-stop, "wheels-are-always-turning" brain.  On a regular basis, Austin will ask me a question about something that, in my almost thirty-eight years of life, has never even crossed my mind.  He has always been a kid that loves to learn and understand new things.  I remember him doing this, even as a little boy.  He has forever loved books and reading.  In recent years, he has grown accustomed to reading the newspaper from front to back every day.  He has also discovered that he loves the scriptures.  He looks forward to school and seminary (most days, at least... he is 16).  He is extremely bright and not afraid of a challenge.  This is a gift that I know will help him excel in life.

 

3. His good heart.  He is such an easy-going, good natured boy.  He is kind to his siblings.  He is respectful of parents and leaders.  He is a good friend to others.  He loves the Lord and wants to do what is right.  I can't think of a better quality that my son could have than this one.

 

I love this boy more than I can say. 
 

 

He received a new lacrosse stick for his birthday gift. 

 

 

And chose Texas Donuts for his dessert. 

Happy Birthday Austin!

Welcome to Webelos

Hayden earned his Bear Advancement award tonight and is moving on to Webelos in a couple of weeks.

 

He helped out with the flag ceremony for pack meeting, and was later given his special award.

 

 

Part of the award involves recognizing and pinning the mother of the boy to acknowledge her contribution to his success.  It can be a bit stressful, having your nine-year-old son stick a very sharp pin through your shirt (who came up with this idea anyway?).  Thankfully, he did great.

 

After pinning me, Hayden walked away only to have the Cub Master send him right back.

 

He had forgotten two very important things.

 

A kiss

 

and a hug.

 

I sure love this boy.

 

He chose to have everyone do the "Touchdown!" cheer to celebrate his big accomplishment.

 

Considering his obsession with football, this seemed rather appropriate.

Lately, We Have Been...

in the yard.