Seasons Reunion

I had so much fun decorating with our old pictures and making matching outfits for our babies...

My mom loves all of these kids and helped me so much getting ready for the fun!

The "seasons" and their "sprouts"!

Yea-the PJ picture was not happening!

HOW cute!!!

Sweet Babies...

Words cannot describe the joy I felt having my best girlfriends in our home for our annual Seasons Reunion! Cynthia came from Texas...Brianne came from Vermont...Morgan came from across the state...and we were finally all together--husbands, babies and all!!! It was a blast. My stomach hurt for days from laughing so hard and I could tear up even now just thinking about how much I enjoyed having them all here. Our friendships are so deep and special that when we are together it seems like we were never apart. I will be counting down the days until our next reunion!

Aquarium Pictures

"COUSINS"

Charleston

We shared a long weekend in Charleston with Jeff, Jennifer, Reagan, and Taylor. It was the first time Tyson was big enough to really "play" with his cousins. He loved it! We enjoyed walking along King & Market Streets, eating out, visiting the Aquarium, Battery, and Isle of the Palms, but mostly just being together. I must say I was worn out by the end of the trip!

Grandma Juel with her Fourth Generation Sweetheart!

Fourth of July Fun

We love reasons to celebrate...especially summer fun reasons like the Fourth of July! I have always just loved this special day! This year we celbrated for 2 days. On Saturday we enjoyed a day at the Alford's pool, a nice steak dinner, FIREWORKS, followed by homemade icecream! Sunday we began our day at church, where I was happy to get to sing a little patriotic music! Later that afternoon we had a cookout at our house with the Alfords and Budackis! It was great fun...only a little dampened with bad news about my Uncle Hill. (He fell from his mule and broke 10 of 12 ribs and 2 vertebrae. Please pray for his recovery!)

Fireworks!!!

I was so excited to see how Tyson would react to his first "real" fireworks. (Last year he was breastfeeding during the entire extravaganza--fun times!) Well this year as per tradition, Travis, Mom, Shannon, Morgan, Miss Kim and I were ready! We were happy to have Jessica, Jame and Carter join us! We loaded up in the van and Travis's truck and headed over to the Mudcats stadium. We set up the back of the truck with lots of blankets for the babies to crawl around. Before the fireworks started, Tyson was so wild he literally threw up running in circles! Sweet little Carter sat patiently and waited! As soon as they began, Tyson sat perfectly still in my lap as he watched the beautiful show. He pointed and cooed at the sight! It was such a sweet moment!

Saddle Ridge Ranch...

Everybody say ye ye ye ye yes to v v v vbs... Pearce Baptist was transformed into Saddle Ridge Ranch for the week. Mom and I taught 2 and 3rd grade, Travis helped with security and Tyson loved being in the nursery class. It was a wonderful week. Two chidren in our class were baptized the next weekend...very special! Seeing the young boys admit their faith in Jesus was extremely touching. It made me think about my important job as a mom to teach Tyson to know and and love Jesus through my example (that is not always good), by providing opportunities for him to learn from other christians, and by purposefully teaching him about the word of God. As I watched (through tears) as the little ones were baptized, I silently prayed that I would one day have the amazing privilege of watching my own son make the same decision.

Beach Fun

I love these sandy toes...
Sweet boy... So cool...

I love my Grandma's hat and she loves mine...

Let's go surfin' now...

Hey Ralph, let me in...

Neuse Sport Shop...a family tradition...

Daddy showing Tyson the essentials...

Daddy and Tyson

Last year, with Travis becoming "daddy," I realize that I could once again think about Father's Day without feeling completely sad. I love having a special day to honor the exceptional job of being a dad. Although Travis and I both continue to miss ours terribly, we are so thankful for our family. Travis and Tyson are really beginning to develop a bond and I am afraid my days of being Tyson's favorite are numbered. He loves to watch Travis and he learns so much from him. Happy Father's Day Travis!

These beach pictures of my boys are just precious to me...

Family Beach Trip

We had another opportunity to vist AB...this time with Daddy in tow! Travis does not love the beach (it combines two things he does not like-sand and heat!), however, he does love us! He joined mom, Tyson, and I for a spur of the moment trip Father's Day weekend. We had such a great time together!