40th Anniversary Family Trip to Rockport

 In July our entire family made the trip to Rockport.  My parents thought it was just our annual trip we always take together but Daniel, Carter, Amanda and I decided to plan a surprise 40th Anniversary party for while we were down there.  My parents were clueless which made the surprise even better.  They celebrated 40 years on July 17th and this was the following week.  It was also my mom's birthday the first day we all got there so we had an ice cream cake to celebrate Nana!

 Lots and lots of fun and stuff when taking 8 kids 8 and under to the beach :)

 Molly loves her some Winston

 Laura and Stella were taking a break in the shade

 All the girls went and decorated the party room we reserved at a restaurant earlier that day.  Everything turned out so nice.  My parents thought we were just going out to dinner for seafood that night. 

 When they walked in they were so surprised and happy!!!

 We took family pictures out by the water at the restaurant before we ate dinner.

 Daniel, Lauren and I had way too much fun digging through old pictures we found one weekend while they were gone to Houston and managed to put together a photo album full of memories from the last 40 years.  Amanda contacted lots of old friends and family and they all wrote funny stories or sweet sentiments to add to the back of the book.  I think my parents will always treasure this keepsake so it was worth all the time and effort we put into it.

 Headed for a bike ride and a walk with cousin Winston

 We enjoyed another full day at the beach :)

 Even Papa and Nana made an appearance at the Rockport Beach the last full day we were there.

 The kids had more fun on Charlotte and Stella's water slide Uncle Carter set up for them one evening.

 Winston even got to watch the big kids play outside

 This girl couldn't get enough Winston snuggles in.

Good Times in July

Swimming at Sharon's Pool.

 We had a fun day at Inflatable Wonderland in San Antonio

 We hosted a sweet baby shower for Chad and Kellie Cochran who are expecting a boy.

 Had a fun day at the Flying L in Bandera.

 Layton and I had some one on one time and enjoyed an afternoon at the Witte Museum.

Parker's 3rd Birthday

 Three year olds can be so easy to please.  This sweet boy saw this watering can at a toy store back in May after BSF one Wednesday and I told him maybe he could get it for his birthday.  He did not forget. . . . that is all he has talked about wanting since then.  I'm so thankful they still had them when we went back in July and they even personalized it with his name.  He was so excited to go water plants with Daddy.  It is the little things in life that make this kid happy :)


Here he is celebrating at Mother's Day Out with all of his friends.

 Last night in a crib for this big boy.  It was so hard to put the crib up forever :(

 Donuts for the birthday boy his favorite!

 All three kids with the birthday boy!

 He got his first real bike from my parents and it even has a horn on it.  Thanks Papa and Nana!

 All he wanted to do was to go eat at Whataburger for his birthday so we met the grandparents for dinner there and then had cake and ice cream at the house.  Tinker and Beverly came over to the house and Parker was so happy!

 First night in the bunk beds with Layton!

 Here he is at Whataburger.

 Swinging with Granny Leigh.

Parker you are so funny and full of life.  You know exactly what you want and are very matter of fact.  You have grown up so much in this last year it is hard on Mommy since you are my last baby.  It is so fun to get to see the world through your eyes.  I love that you appreciate the little things and are so happy and content all the time.  I can't wait to see how God uses you as you grow up. 
Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy