Travis Dew Photography

What a blessing…this little guy was a ray of sunshine for his big ole family this week.

With parents and others in town to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary…..this cute friend asked me to come along for a little bit of family time.  The weather couldn’t have been more pleasant for a normally muggy time of year…thanks for having me out – I enjoyed meeting your people and seeing you guys. Your parents are so young….they must have married when they were two….wow.  Here’s your sneak peek!

 

So…my husband and I have a hard time vacationing.  Both being self-employed….there ain’t no ‘paid vacation time’ that we can find anywhere.  Believe me….we’ve looked.  With the past few years’ economic gorge – the thought of a vacation has seemed luxurious.  Plus, it’s hard to get away, plan, do….excuses, excuses….I know.  I now have a new attitude…..because there are no excuses to be made with this crew…and if they can do it – anyone can!  Minus 2 they had their entire family – extended and all – shoved into ONE house….totaling 30-something people.  Whoooh!  Love it.

What a great morning with all of you – can’t recall a single name…I didn’t even knock on my brain’s door over that one….I knew better.  The ‘avian shooting’ demonstration with the patriarch was a highlight, for sure…and yes, as suspected, it made the sneak peek!  Enjoy!

 

Just a boy….in a leftover box….playing.  Keep it simple.  No iPod, no XBox, no fancy trip.  It’s all good.

 

It really does seem like yesterday…..that I got to witness this little munchkin come into this world.  We met up again when she was just a few weeks old.  Now – she’s on the move and going to be a big sister!!  I’m so excited for all of you and can’t believe you’re about to take off for an adventure of a life time.  Have a blast and stay in touch with me…..I’d love to see how everyone grows.  Maybe we can have that cup of coffee before you’re gone!

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year…..Vacation Bible School at St. Philips Church.  Nothing but good, wholesome, fun.

This may have been one of the sweetest, most meaningful little weddings I’ve ever done.  This was a tale of a beautiful bride….with a really great friend….a stop-and-smell-the-roses wedding….with a gentleman of a groom.  The beach setting was perfect…..the weather couldn’t have been better….and the company was close and full of cheer.  Congratulations….it was the best.

I am super fond of this laid-back, crazy-talented lady…..and jealous of her calm demeanor with all of these BOYS.  She has f-o-u-r boys…(4)…and the house is immaculate and the boys are well-mannered and cute as can be.  I told them we were just going to have a little bit of fun first and go ahead and just do their thing.  Well….I should have brought protective gear.  It – was – awesome…..wrestling, tackling, picking up, slamming down, balls, lacrosse sticks, yard sticks, busting through some bushes….it was on – testosterone style.  I loved it.

I’ve met up with these cool people every year for Father’s Day since little man was an infant.  It’s always good to see them and the individual personalities shine through every time.  Fun to see little Miss Independent exactly the same….Miss Lipstick is styling it out….and Ninja boy brings a new weapon every year.  Fantastic.

Enjoy your sneak peek and thank you for continuing to call me!

I married a man…who is happy to iron a shirt for his son’s cotillion…cut his baby girl’s fingernails…coach his son’s baseball team…or take his adolescent girl shopping.  He throws a ball or wets a line with one of the three almost daily….he’s first to pile them all in the ‘big bed’ to watch a movie…and makes a mean stack of Saturday-mornin’ pancakes.  He enjoys a fashion show after someone has gotten new clothes….and will definitely sit down and plunk out a new tune with one on the piano.  There is a nightly wrestling match…that starts with a goodnight kiss…and a reoccurring chorus when all are home, “I LOOOVE my family!”  Thanks for making memories for all – year..after year..after year.

Oh – check out June 16th’s PARADE Magazine…..I have a picture in it!  (the family photo is mine…)