The End...

As strange as this man was, I felt really sad when I heard about his death. Chad was downright depressed...seriously. He loved Michael Jackson.
What a tragic life despite his amazing success.

Fun at the Lake...

Yesterday morning I took my first Texas Educator Certification Test...the PPR. It makes it feel like being a teacher is not so far off. I was pretty nervous about taking it, but the thought of going to the lake kept me strong:) I feel like I passed. It will be 3-4 weeks before results are in.

So after the test we went to Lake Alan Henry with Seth, Stacy and Bryce. It was the perfect day to be there. The sun was behind the clouds and it even rained on us a little.

We normally like to cruise around a while and then find a cove to hang out and swim in. Well we thought we had found the perfect cove...no one was there and the water was calm. Everything was going good until Averi and I were attacked by a dang snapping turtle. OK...not really attacked but the thing was swimming straight for us...and FAST!

At first we thought it was cute and were trying to get pictures of it until everyone started freaking out saying it was going to bite us. Stacy threw Averi into the boat and I was left in the water by myself. I was at eye level with the little turtle and I swear I could not outswim him. I finally got close to the boat and Chad yanked me out of the water by my wrist. When we started looking around there were turtles everywhere. Apparently we invaded their territory and they did not like it. So we left. All that drama over a turtle!

The kids had a blast jumping off the boat and shooting water guns. The adults enjoyed just floating on the water. What a fun day!


Ready to get in the water...it started out HOT!


Stacy french braiding Tay's hair


Sweet Averi


Relaxed!


In the turtle cove...didn't know it yet:)


The turtle head!!


Bryce


Captain Seth


Leaving...

Why Can't Summer Be 365 Days a Year...

I love the lazy days of summer...and hanging out at the pool....and relaxing with friends. I wish summer was everyday of the year.

Taylor's Birthday Party...

Thankfully the weather cooperated for the swim party. The wall of dust waited to make its appearance til after the fun!


I love action shots:)


Annie, Bryce, Taylor and Averi


Alexa, Taylor and Audrey


Happy birthday to my sweet girl!


Present time...WooHoo!


Sweet Manona and Taylor


I guess Connor and Logan were fascinated with the ice chest:)

Birthday Girl...

Our baby girl turns 8 tomorrow!! Much fun awaits...pool party, Wii, friends and family! I truly am amazed at how quickly the time goes. I was thinking back to the day we came home from the hospital with our precious newborn. The song Real Life by Jeff Carson played on the radio and as I listened to the words I broke down in tears. It so beautifully described our life as brand new parents.

Taylor,

We love you more than you know and are so proud of you! You are beautiful inside and out, and I am so thankful that God chose us to be your mom and dad.

You are an awesome big sister and the best helper I could ever hope for.


Your heart is tender and many times you are the one teaching me life lessons. You remind me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Whether it's playing dress up or putting an arm around someone who needs a friend, you help me to remember the beauty of life. It's the simple things that matter.

Happy 8th Birthday, precious girl! This year is going to be GREAT!!

To the moon and back,

Mommy and Daddy

Best Deal Ever...

I am so excited about my purchase today! It's the best couponing day so far! I hit CVS and Target...my faves:)


Here's my list and their original prices:

• 2 packages of Pull-Ups ~ $17.98
• 1 package of diapers ~ $8.99
• 1 potty (say a prayer as we begin the potty training adventure) ~ $16.99
• 2 toothbrushes ~ $2.99
• toothpaste ~ $3.89
• Excedrin ~ $4.79
• Tylenol PM ~ $8.99
• Schick Quattro razor ~ $11.99
• Purex laundry detergent ~ $8.99

My out-of-pocket total for everything was $13.83!! Plus I received $12 in Extra Care Bucks for my next CVS purchase!

I Found This...

As I was cleaning off my Flip tonight. Averi makes me laugh!

Sunshine Dancing Kid...

Well summer is here and that means dance recital time. It's always a fun-filled, exhausting weekend for us with a rehearsal and two shows! Averi loved being in the spotlight and danced her little heart out! Taylor wasn't in dance this year, but last night when she saw Averi and all of her friends on stage she decided she wanted back in! She's back, baby! That makes me happy!


My sunshine:)


"Shine, Shine, Shine..."


Averi and Brynn


Backstage


Liliann and Taylor


Connor was so excited to see his sissy dance! He loved to do the moves and practice with her:)


Taylor was so proud of her lil' sis!


The star could barely hold all of her prizes.


Daddy and Aves


So long, dahling!