Happy Birthday, Jus

 

Happy Birthday, Justin.

 

22 years old today.

 

We miss you so much that it is physically painful. 

 

We will never forget . . .

 

Your warm smile.
Your infectious laugh.

 

Your sweet way with the girls.
Your kindness,
Gentleness,
Thoughtfulness.



As Kameryn so perfectly stated ~
But we never got to tell him goodbye.

What we wouldn't give for just one more hug,
and the opportunity to tell you goodbye. 



We love you so so very much.
Happy Birthday, Little Brother. 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday ~ County Fair Time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Bunny Story

 

Once upon a time we saw the most adorable little bunny hippity hopping out in the yard.  This little bunny didn't look like all the other little wild bunnies.  He was the most beautiful white with gorgeous little splotches.  But he was timid, and we couldn't get near . . .
 

Not to worry.
Along came Hubby, who carefully "encouraged" Mr. Bunny to introduce himself.

 

 

Hubs must have put Mr. Bunny at ease, because he just plopped right down for an evening rest, completely ignoring the shrieks of joy and smoochie noises the girls were making.

Cute little guy.  I hope he comes around again soon.

I'm going to miss these lovely summer evenings.  I love Fall.  I venture to say it's my favorite season.  But there's something to be said for warm, Summer evening walks.  Just enjoying God's creation.

What are you going to miss?

 

Oaks Park 2012

I love tradition.

 

Whether it be something big like our family reunion camp-out each year, or something as simple as having girls night each night that Jeremy is at work.  I just love looking forward to something.

 

We have quite a few summer traditions.  One of the most special is our day trip to Oaks Amusement Park with Grandma.  The last few years we've taken the girls' cousin, Kolby, which has been wonderful.  He can ride on some of the rides that don't look so . . . inviting to Grandma or me ;)

This year we did a little "divide and conquer".  Geri took Sierra, Kolby, and Kenners to ride the bigger kid rides, and I took Kam and Tay to ride on the little rides {and also to eat snow cones}.

 

 

 

 Tay was pretty content to make her smoochie face at the birds

 

 

We met up for some ice cream




and a few photos




Then it was a few more rides before we headed home . . .







Roller coaster pictures make me smile :)

And so do summer traditions.

What are yours?

 

 

 

Celebrations

We had such a fun birthday weekend!

 

We partied with family on Sunday, the day before Sierra's birthday. 

 

 

A little cake, ice cream, and presents.
 

 

 

And lots of time spent with family.
 

 

On Monday, we got ready for a sleepover with friends.
First stop: Pizza pick-up
 

Then back home to dress for our pageant party :)
 

Crowns, Sashes, Evening Gowns, and about a million old pageants recorded on VHS. 
What fun!
 

 

Sierra's already planning our next party ;) 

 

 

A Decade

I cannot believe my oldest baby is ten years old today.

 Ten.

  One decade.

Crazy.

Sometimes it feels like just yesterday I was telling Jeremy, "Uh, hun. I think it's time to go to the hospital".

 Other times . . . Life before Sierra? It seems like a different life. A whole other lifetime that I can't really remember.

Sierra Elizabeth ~ You are my oldest daughter. My first baby. You made me a mama. Something I had been dreaming about since I was a tiny girl.

Life is sweeter with you in it, my Love.

♥ A little walk down memory lane seems in order on this monumental birthday. ♥

Hawaii 2006

Sledding!

4th of July Parade 2008

Christmas 2010

Big Sissy x3!

First Day of 4th grade, 2011

A sweet moment with Papa

Lovin' on the Baby Sis.

In His word.

My Dancing Girl.

June 2012

Happy 10th Birthday, Baby Girl.  I love you so very much.



Wordful Wednesday ~ Creek Fun

I love spending time at our creek.

It's peaceful, it's full of life, and in the Summer, it's about 15 degrees cooler.

The other day we invited a favorite cousin over, and headed down to the water.

We found this little guy having a mid-afternoon snack.

We're always on the look-out for "wish makers".  I mean, who couldn't use a a wish or two coming true these days?  I know I could!

Some of my favorite kiddos:
{Absolutely NO comments on how Kenners new bangs make her look 42 years older, okay??  I can't handle it!!!}

And I don't know who these crazies are ;)

Ahhh Summer days . . . Don't leave me!!!

Catchin' Up?

My goodness, we've been on the go!

A nearly week long camping trip the middle of July, then a week of VBS, a few birthdays, BBQs, a visit from a cousin we hadn't seen in a couple of years,  and finally a visit with my sister.

Annie and her adorable kiddos were up for a week long visit, and it was AMAZING.  We never seem to have enough time together, and though I wish they could stay forever, seven days was just enough time to fit in all that we wanted to do.

Mostly we just hung out at Mom and Dad's soaking up the sun by their new pool.  We had a sleepover at our house one night, and Dad insisted on taking everyone to Enchanted Forest one day.  The absolute sweetest part was watching Kam and her cousin, Mona, playing together.  They were inseparable.  They swam, blew bubbles, played dress-up and Barbies. And that led to the most difficult part . . . saying goodbye.

The night before they had to leave Kam had a break-down.  She cried like I wanted to.  We were sad to see our "sisters" go.

But we vowed we'd get together more often.
I sure hope we do.