Bold

Reed and I recently hosted a get together for our church's children's group "Bold" and their parents.  The goal was to introduce everyone to our new pastor. The only problem with that was that our new pastor and his sweet wife are really just special friends that God has lead home.  We are thrilled to have them back, and were happy to be just a part of welcoming them back!


I didn't take lots of pictures, so I didn't get pictures of lots of people that were here!  So sorry!……….  

Hotdogs, ice cream sandwiches, catching up and swimming made the night lots of fun!!  Lots of these children were some of my former daily swimmers, so it was great to have them back!

If you weren't here, please know that you were missed!  Welcome home Tim and Terrie!!

And He Grows

Lindsey and Maddie spent a recent day working in her classroom, and Lillian and I spent the day snuggling with Reed.  In the pictures, he looks much bigger than he actually is.  He's quite the eater, so I am expecting him to grow rather quickly though.

Is there anything in the world more precious than a sweet newborn?

His big sisters think he's pretty special, too!!

I am headed back this Tuesday to visit and bring the girls back!  Fun times are ahead!!  

Snuggles, Swimming and Such

We made another quick visit to snuggle on Reed a little, and to bring the girls back with us for the fourth.  I can't say that he has really grown very much.  He probably weighs around 8 pounds now, but he is still tiny.  I think that snuggly newborn stage is the greatest of all!  You blink your eye and they're grown!!

Pop is in heaven with his buddies!

 Reed has two great big sisters!!

Anyone want to wager how spoiled this one's going to be by his Pop?

Precious!!

At the beginning of the summer, Maddie enjoyed the pool, but wouldn't put her face in the water.  Now, she has exceeded all of our expectations!  Today she mastered going to the bottom of the deep end getting rings!!

She also offers free rides to turtles!!

As I've said many times before, "God Bless Maybelle".  Her pedigree leaves lots to be desired, but she's  an angel with the girls.  

Back to swimming, as Lillian watches over as lifeguard, Maddie conquered the slide.  She had first said that she would only do this with Uncle C, or when she turns 6!!  Today she let Pop catch her a few times, and then told him to go to the shallow end!  She's a pro now!!  They celebrated the accomplishment with a popsicle and a little snuggle!

My summer is flying by this year!!  I wouldn't trade a second of it though for all the wonderful memories we've made!!

Family, Food, and Fun

The Fourth of July has always been a special holiday to Reed's family, and we are so thankful that we can host it now.  Ribs and chicken were cooked on the pit, everyone pitched in and brought something, and the fun began.  My favorite is simply being together and watching the cousins play!  Hopefully, they are making special memories that will last forever!


Lillian loves Kris!  Wyatt, Papa and Lee just hanging out!  The pit masters are getting everything ready!

Papa and Reed taking a little break from cooking.  Lillian was keeping a close watch on the ice cream as it was making!

William and Maddie spent lots of time chatting!

Josey and Lillian had lots of fun!

Sweet Memories!

Maddie and Lillian both love the "big girls".

Rylie will soon be making her entrance!  We can't wait.  Reed will have a playmate his age!

Lillian was a little upset with Cade, but he gave her a cookie and they quickly became buddies again! (Check out that photo bomb from Uncle C!!)

Austin and Lane joined us and got in on a little "Chicken Fight".  From what I could tell, Josey won this battle.

Lillian and Maddie both had a ball!! Maddie especially enjoys cousin visits!!

Caleb always gets to celebrate his birthday a little early at the barbecue! You may notice that a piece is already missing.  Lillian decided she couldn't wait!!

All of the great grands, except Baby Reed and Rylie who's not quite here yet!!

Another great holiday is in the books!!

A Quarter of a Century

It is very hard for me to believe that my sweet Caleb will be 25 this weekend!  Even though he is now grown and living on his own, he will always be my baby!  Just ask him-I still offer advice on a daily basis-and he's still largely ignoring it!!!


Best son, brother and uncle ever!!

 

Happy, Happy Birthday Precious!!  You have made our lives quite entertaining!  We could not be more proud of you and the wonderful man you have become!  You are so very loved!!