happy anniversary

Thirteen years.

Today we went to church, I stayed after for a meeting, so Quinn took the kids home.  He made a nice brunch, then we all snuggled up on the couch in downy blankets and watched a movie together. 

Then Quinn took the boys down to the lake to burn off some energy and enjoy the start of the sunset, while Claire and I listened to music while preparing dinner.

 ALL together again for food and bedtime!

Not what you would call the most romantic anniversary, but certainly a day where we got to enjoy what we've created together over these last thirteen years -- babies and our own little 'heaven on earth'.

(some REAL celebrating coming this weekend -- SANS those sweet babies! ;)

sweet reunion

After 10+ years, I got to reunite with my college girlfriends!!

WOW!! What an amazing trip! We met at Stacey's condo, on the beach, in Monterrey, California. I had been before, right after our freshman year, but this time was especially sweet.

Even after all these years, it was like no time had passed at all. We didn't skip a beat! We spent our days talking, laughing, eating, walking on the beach, and sight-seeing (17 mile drive -- Pebble beach -- Carmel, etc.). And we spent our nights talking, laughing, eating, walking on the beach, and barely sleeping. The atmosphere was beautiful and inspiring, and so was the company. I want to be like these girls when I grow up. What incredible examples they are to me. I learn so much from them.

I am so blessed to have these amazing ladies as friends. I didn't know how much I've missed them. And I am looking forward, with much anticipation, to our next reunion. (Next year, right?)

Liz, Stacey, and Amy did a much better job documenting our trip . . . I'm just proud to be back from my 11 month blogging hiatus! Something to be said for that, right?

(I know the pictures are way too small to see . . . sorry. I need a blogging tutor I guess.)

triathalon

Liam competed in his second triathalon a couple of weekends ago. (The first one was two years ago.) He competed in the 11-14 year old race -- he's 11. It was a 200 yard swim, a 5 mile bike, and a 1 mile run.

They place according to times -- he had to wear a chip on his ankle that would record his times in each event and overall. We were so proud of his efforts!

He came in 3rd in the swim

5th in the run

and 15th in the bike

(Now he knows what he needs to work on!)

Overall . . . he got 9th place (out of 25 boys), and made the leaderboard.

Nice job Liam!!

look who came to visit

My sister Taryn, our brother-in-law Brady, and their sweet little Olivia

It was so fun to see you guys!!

(We miss you!)

Claire

My sister, Taryn, took some precious pictures of Claire. Mind you, Claire was about three minutes away from melt down, before her nap . . . but Taryn is magic - I think. Thanks Teensie . . . I LOVE THEM!!!!

Happy Anniversary Boyfriend . . .

Here's to 12 years of love, laughter, and absolute BLISS! I love you baby!

a little bit country . . .

In an effort to preserve our kids' East Texas "country roots," we got a fishing boat (just a bare bones 18' fishing boat) to enjoy the outdoors on the water, soak in the sunshine, catch some fish (we miss those fish fries, courtesy of the Wrights), and spend some quality family/friend time away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life . . .

Oh, AND we got a steer. I know. "WHAT?"




THE BOAT:

The "Red Neck Yacht Club"

I love this picture!!

Quinn, Luke, and Haylie (our little friend) -- consulting with our "fish finder" to see where we should stop.


Caleb, and his buddy, Carden LOVE getting splashed in the face, while leaning over the edge -- wet faces!

Liam and Sadie -- they were BEGGING to jump in and swim -- we're waiting till the water gets a little warmer.

See . . . Claire DOES wear a life jacket! (But she doesnt usually look this happy about it :)

AND NOW FOR THE STEER:

We have some friends who raise steers, to show, and then sell . . . and I guess they convinced us that it would be kind of cool for us to do it too! So we bought a steer, Quinn could tell you what kind -- I can't. He's a 600 lb. baby. Liam is raising him and keeping him in the FFA barn here in town. He will show his steer at our county fair, and then probably go to San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston to show there as well. Our friends that introduced us to this have two boys that raise steers . . . their 5th grader has already earned enough money to cover the cost of his mission and pay for his first year of college! He was "Grand Champion" last year. Now, we don't forsee us having that kind of success right out of the box, but what a great opportunity for Liam to learn to work hard, serve an animal, and MAYBE even earn some money for his future. AND, the whole family is pitching in -well, I just kind of stand around and hold Claire and take pictures, BUT all of our boys have jobs and work right along side their dad.

This little calf is in the stall across from ours

Here's Liam (trying to) lead his steer . . . practice, practice, practice! (right?)