Cousins and More

Everyone is back in school and somewhat settling into routines.  Fall sports will start very soon, and we will be on the road several time a week.  I'm actually looking forward to it.  The weekend before school started, we traveled to Meridian for a cousin day.  I can't tell you how wonderful it is watching these kids together.  They have grown to truly love each other, and it's just a great thing to witness.  My family has always had strong ties, and I love knowing that the next generation will continue building on those ties!

 Tyson put together a pretty awesome slip and slide kickball court that was so much fun! I am to report that no one was hurt, and a good time was had by all!

Reed and John Sawyer were checking out things before their turn to go.

Jack and Uncle Josh were spectators here.

So much fun!

Next up, pool time! Chicken fights are always fun, but they really scare this Nana.

Jack has become a very good swimmer this summer, but I love that asks for his lifejacket when the pool is crowded.  He wants to be able to hang with the big kids!

Just a swinging!

Sweet, sweet Mattie Jo.  She is going to be the best big sister. She's checking out a frog here that Reed and some of the boys found.

Tyson and John Sawyer

Trav and Mattie Jo had already left before we got this group picture. Trust me, these kids will remember this day and all the others like this forever.  There is nothing quite like a loving family.

What a trio!

Yes, I am still working part time.  This is me with my partner in crime.  It's truly a wonderful company that makes a difference in the lives of our students.

Back to school time!

Always supporting and praying for Hayes!

More to come!

Summer's End

This summer has truly flown by!  It's hard to believe that everyone will be back in school soon.  To be honest, we haven't gotten all of our adventures in this time.  However, we have made the most of every opportunity. We are heading to Meridian next weekend for another cousin visit.  We are all excited about that!  Fall sports are starting soon, and we will once again be in the road.  I'm ready after our summer break. 

Reed has been here for a few days while his sisters were at the Motion Conference.  JS and Jack spent a couple of days with us, and fun was had by all!  I love how they love each other.

Pop and Reed got in a few very productive fishing trips.  They caught several bass in a pond we rarely ever fish in!  Obviously, we are going to have to change that.  They were almost jumping in the boat!

They moved to another pond, and didn’t have quite the same luck, but these pictures are beautiful. 

We had planned a fun day at the water park, but rain made us head in a different direction.  Upsurge for the win! I don't have pictures of the really fun stuff-swimming, building forts, playing police and pirates, and so much more!  

Rainy Day - Fun Day!!

As hard as it is to believe, this sweet girl is headed to Junior High and JV sports!  Look out volleyball, here we come!

Hayes, one of Reed's very best friends, is battling leukemia.  Several of his friends joined together to shave their heads in support.  We are praying for a speedy recovery for Hayes and strength for him and his family.  

I couldn't love this more.  We are very proud of him, as he shows his love and support for his special friend.  

While Reed was getting his head shaved, the girls and I enjoyed a meal at a Japanese steakhouse.

The little ones and I met Jenna and Mattie Jo at the Children's Museum in Meridian.  What a wonderful place!  We had a ball.

Cutest four year old ever cooked us up a great meal!

This six year old is pretty adorable too!!

Last but not least, these cuties enjoyed a little trip to the beach! I have a couple of late season trips coming up, too!  I can't wait to have my toes in the sand.

More to come!

Family Time

 Our weekend was filled making more wonderful family memories.  There is nothing I love more than  hosting my sweet family. Even though several were not able to be here this time, we had a great time!  Please know that you were missed if you weren't here.  A stomach bug in one family and pneumonia in another were just no fun!

Cutest bunch ever! Next time, we will add Harrison, London, John Michael and hopefully Landry and Millie James to the picture.

Mattie Jo took a little tumble but got up smiling!

Tyson has moved slightly ahead of Maddie, but she's hot on his heels!

Love my people so!! Josh was our photographer.

The water slide was once again a big hit!

Lots of good food and even better fellowship!

Love these guys!

Our group message of who was bringing what was hilarious, but all's well that ends well! The food was delicious!

Lots of pool time was enjoyed.

The day began with Lillian and Pop cooking breakfast outdoors.  Pop is enjoying his new griddle. The biscuits look a little overdone, but they weren't.  They were cooked on the griddle and were awesome.

The little ones enjoyed some extra pool time after everyone left.  Jack is now officially a little fish!

The day before our gathering, Belle discovered this guy under the cherry tree.  That's the tree where the little ones love to play. And while he may have been a harmless rat snake, we discovered he was the reason we weren't getting any chicken eggs.  I thought it was just too hot for the girls.  Turns out, this guy had been helping himself.  He had just eaten 3!

More to come!