Reese Turns 7!

Seriously, how it is possible that Reese Michelle is 7.  It seems like only a couple of years ago that I was in the hospital having her.  Reese is becoming such a big girl.  One thing that I love about her is how easy she is to please.  She doesn't ask for much.  Just some love and some time that is just for her.  The only thing she wanted this year for her birthday was to take her friends, Taylor and Sara, along with Kaylie to Shenaneganz for some miniature golf and arcade games and then to CiCi's for pizza.  So we did just that.  After filling ourselves up to the max on pizza and cinnamon rolls we came back to the house for ice cream (yes, the kids still wanted ice cream after all that food!) and presents.  It was such a fun evening! 

Reese, you are such a blessing to us.  I still remember holding you for the first time when you were born and then remember holding you again so tightly on your 1st birthday when you were a sick little baby in the hospital.  From that day on I knew what a fighter you would be.  You are strong willed, of course, but also so loving to everything and everyone.  You love deeply and strongly and I think that's about all you ask for in return.  You amaze me every single day with your smile, laughter, jokes, and your energy (which you have a lot of!). Your Daddy and I love you so very much sweet Reese.  Happy 7th Birthday!

Neighbors, please don't be offended.

Yes, I let my little boy play outside naked, well with a diaper....and shoes on of course.  Mason was just as happy as could be out in the hot, hot day.  He played with some balls, a car, his bike and water guns before the heat got to him and I told him it was time to come inside. He's such a sweet, adorable little boy!

He likes to help recycle

"Mine"

Deep in thought

Sweet, Silly Sisters

Balloon Battle 2012

I blew up a whole bunch of balloons to surprise Reese when she walked in the door on Sunday which was her 7th birthday. Little did I know (well, I should have known) that this would lead to a balloon fight, busted balloons in ceiling fans and a whole bunch of fun!

My Babies!



Blurry but I still love it!



Nana was a saving grace!

I had to have surgery 3 weeks ago to correct an issue that has put me in the hospital 3 times in the last 4 months.  Since I had to stay in the hospital for 5 days and the recovery time was long, my mom came down to help Ryan with the kids.  I honestly am not sure what we would have done without her.  She took care of all 3 kids once I got home and was pretty much couch bound.  She cleaned, did laundry, took care of me, took the kids to the movies...twice. I think the kids wore her out but I know how much they loved having her here! Thank you so much mom! Here is the one picture I took the whole week she was here but it's the sweetest one in my opinion. 

4th of July

Almost a month late in getting these up but wanted to share about our 4th of July.  It was the absolute best 4th we have ever had! It began out at Lake Tawakani with some of our good friends.  We spent most of the morning/afternoon tubing, swimming, and just relaxing out on the lake.  I couldn't believe it when Kaylie was the first to volunteer to go tubing.  She was quite the daredevil that day which is so not like her.  Even Reese and Mason got out on the tube as well!  After several hours we headed back to shore for some lunch and to rest up before heading back out onto the lake for a little nap cruise for Mason and more swimming for the girls.  Around 4 we headed home to get ready for our next get together.  That evening we had dinner and fireworks with some of our very best friends. We ate, the guys played horseshoes, the kids entertained themselves, the ladies conversed before evening settled in and the fireworks began.  The guys did their best to light themselves on fire but thankfully failed to do so.  The kids enjoyed their sparklers and the babies cried due to the loudness of the fireworks.  A grand time was had by all until 10 when it was finally time to head home and crash. It was such a wonderful 4th that I don't think we can ever top!  All these pics are from my phone so not the best quality but oh well. 

The guys getting ready to launch the boat

Ashlyn and Kaylie

Tired boy

He looks quite content

Wes showing the kids how to light smoke bombs

Most of the kids with their sparklers