Callie is EIGHT!!

Oh, my goodness, my firstborn is 8 years old!! Time has flown SO fast. It's hard to put into words how much I love this spirited, independent, smart, cute, quirky little girl. She has brought us so much joy over the years, and we are so proud of the young lady she is quickly growing up to be. We have really noticed how much she is maturing, both in her behavior and physically--she seems to be losing any remaining "babyness" and turning long and lean. It seems like such a short time ago that I held a 5 lb, 6 oz preemie in my arms and marveled at her tiny-ness...

My Cal:

--loves all animals, but especially horses

--ADORES stuffed animals!

--would probably do continuous art projects all day if permitted

--would probably watch movies all day if the art project thing didn't work out

--loves to play by herself

--is fiercely independent

--finally has all of her top front teeth growing back in after over a year of being toothless!

--is a fish in the water, and a mean softball hitter

--is very creative in her imaginative play

--is great at art, and really amazes us in her drawing abilities

--has great handwriting for a leftie!

--loves cotton comfy clothes

--reminds me of me in almost every way

--made the Advanced Reading program at school for 3rd grade!

--has a compassionate heart, and is always kind to everyone (well, except her brother!)

--is tough

--has a fiery spirit and is quite defiant--which I love, if I can just guide it!

--is super wonderful and I LOVE HER!!

More Birthday

Callie's Birthday "day" was a quiet one spent at home, with the traditional birthday breakfast donut, and Papa and Grammy brought over an ice cream cake for later. Callie is so easy to shop for...anything horse, stuffed animals..and you are golden! She had requested an Okapi Webkinz, of all things, and thank goodness I found it! We also got her a new piece of luggage, covered in luggage, and.....tickets to the American Idol concert coming to Houston!!! We are all in to that show, and she LOVED it this season, keeping up with all the final contestants, and having her favorites. I can't wait to go with her! Thanks, Daddy!

Callie's Birthday Party

This year, we opted for a small birthday gathering of a few of Callie's girlfriends (plus Jack) for her birthday celebration. We had it at a local bakery, where the girls were able to decorate their own huge cupcake and cookie, with instruction on different icing techniques for an employee. It was a lot of fun! I mean't to apologize to the parents for the extreme amount of sugar that went into those kiddos...oh well! Even Mae got into the fun, with help from whatever adult was not afraid of having icing put onto their clothes! I still can not believe Cal is 8!!

San Antonio

After the Wims/Sullivan wedding, we enjoyed an afternoon in San Antonio--quick tour of the Alamo, carriage ride around downtown, and then a visit to our dear "pseudo-grandparent" R.C., and son Russell. The kids enjoyed "playing" with RC's drum set!

Brady and Jen's Wedding

Well, it finally arrived...the day of Brady Sullivan and Jenny Wims' wedding! WHAT A WEEKEND!! Almost everyone stayed in the same hotel in San Antonio, and that was fun to have some "catch up" time. "Us girls" had fun with rehearsal, hair appointments, and such. The day of the wedding was so much fun, so many tears, so much happiness, obviously mixed in with emotions and memories of Brad (and Sara for her family). Brady and Jenny got married at a beautiful house by the river outside of San Antonio. I felt blessed to be a part of such a beautiful day! Being in the ceremony made it difficult to take the thousands of photos I usually take, but, I got a few! A special thanks to my friend Cara Eckman's sister, for her scrumptious baking skills on the wedding cake---so yummy! So many people came together to make this the perfect day for Brady and Jen, and it was. Michael Harbour did a superb job on the ceremony, wording the sometimes difficult moments just right, honoring Brad and Sara's memory, but at the same time, bringing the focus on to Brady and Jenny, as it should be. Lots of fun pictures after the ceremony, too. I especially like the one with the shirtless river guy behind Brady and Jenny!! Southeast friends--you are awesome! Reecie and Val--really enjoyed spending such a special time with you! Best wishes to Brady and Jenny--we love you!