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!

Braddy's Come to Visit

In July, my dear friend Mandy and her two kiddos came to spend a couple of days with us. Lauren turned 10 the day they arrived, and Jack (yep, she has a Jack, too!) is 5, about 6 months behind my Jack. We all had a lot of fun--the two Jacks were pretty funny, playing, then arguing, then playing some more! Acted like they had been together their whole lives. Callie was very excited to have Lauren to play with, who also loves art and crafty things. Because it was Lauren's birthday, we made "Happy Pie"--a beautiful tradition started from our High School days...you go to the store, pick out everything yummy, and make it into a pie!! I think I could make something pretty good, but, leave it up to the kids, and it gets a little...rediculous!! M&M's, sprinkles, chocolate pudding, marshmellows...wow! Such a fun time--so glad they came to visit us!