LNO at Sunshine Glaze

 

I met the girls from my MOPS steering committee at Sunshine Glaze for a little creative fun.  I had a wonderful time visiting with the girls and making a new treasure.  I came home feeling so lucky to have such an awesome group of friends.

 

James gets married

 

 

A moment that we never that would ever happen actually has.  John Chris and I spent the weekend in Shreveport celebrating James getting married.  It was great to see old high school and college friends and catch up. 

Hanging out with Dad

 

The boys were thrilled to see Dad today.  They both practically tackled him as soon as he walked through the door.  I love to see them hanging out together.  Tonight they are watching Special Agent Oso on Disney - before long it will be all about sports.

Fun with the Bunch family

We headed over to hang out with the Bunch gang tonight and what perfect timing.  As we pulled into their neighborhood, the rain started pouring down.  We pulled up at their house, and we just sat for a while to watch in absolute amazement.  It has been a pretty dry summer, so I think we were shocked at the rain. 

The boys had a blast playing with their friends and all their awesome toys.  It cracked me up that they all wanted to dress up.  Nothing gets a party started like a superhero outfit/cape.  I quickly realized that my boys need some dress up clothes and a couple Nerf guns. 

 



Goodnight kiss

 

Reed loves to give kisses.  Here he is going in for a little sugar before bedtime.  Ryland isn't too moved by Reed's sweet moment.  Maybe it's the grip Reed has on his shoulders... How sweet.

OCD

We have noticed Ryland's OCD traits for a long time, but this one warmed my heart and made me laugh.  Reed was down for a nap, and it was time for Ryland to have his rest time.  He noticed that I had changed clothes and that I had on number shorts. (Comfy, cotton shorts with a number printed on one leg)  He wanted to put on number shorts too.  I told him to go look in the dryer for them.  He came back in my room and laid down.  He ended up falling asleep.

As soon as he was out, I started working on a few of my chores.  I noticed a little pile of lint laying on the dryer, and I knew immediately that Ryland had done it.  Instead of just grabbing some number shorts out of the dryer, he had to clean the lint filter.  He just couldn't pass it up.  I love it!

Matching shirts

The boys returned home with lots of cool new clothes.  Out of all of the shirts, Ryland loves the "Nana" and "superheroes" shirts.  I let him choose his clothes, and he selected the "Nana" shirt today.  When Reed realized that he could match Ryland, it was all over.  Both boys were a perfect match.  When Ryland put on a cap, Reed wanted a cap.  They are little twinkies.

Thanks for the new clothes, Nana!

Another visit from the frog

 

Guess who made another visit?  The fertile little frog is here again with a positive pregnancy test.  John Chris and I are absolutely thrilled to add a third child to our family.  The due date is April 19, 2013.

Harley photoshoot

My mom surpised me with an email full of pictures of my boys.  She had scheduled a Harley photoshoot, complete with outfits, with a local photographer in Texarkana.  She had all three of the grandkids, so she definately had her hands full.  I am impressed that they are so adorable. My motorcycle boys...

Leaving the boys

Ryland and Reed are going to have a blast!  They are staying in Ruston for a few days and then heading to Texarkana to finish up the week.  John Chris and I packed the truck to head back home to Southlake.  We gave lots of kisses and hugs and said our goodbyes.  It is always hard to leave them, but I know they will have fun.  I also think the grandparents will really enjoy their time with the boys.

Saying goodbye to JP

Days before leaving for Anguilla, John Chris received word that his friend JP had passed.  He was in the Navy and deployed to Oman when the helicopter he was working in crashed.  Sadly, JP was one of two Americans that perished. 

When we arrived home from vacation, we re-packed and hit the road to Ruston.  It was an extremely hard weekend.  The funeral service was followed by a private burial.  As we rode to his final resting place, we were completely blown away.  The town had planned an absolutely amazing tribute.  People stood on the side of the road with flags, banners, and with their hands over their hearts.  For the approximately 15 mile journey, the streets were full of respectful mourners & patriots. 

We spent the rest of the weekend with family, friends, and JP's new wife, Jacquie.  I couldn't help but imagine what she was going through.  Only married about 3 weeks, before her husband was deployed and now not returning home alive.  Shocked, I can only imagine.  My mind keeps returning to one of the last conversations I had with her in February at their wedding reception.  She was talking about how her and JP were excited about starting a family and couldn't wait to started soon. 

My heart aches for her loss.

Our last day

Before we headed home from Anguilla, we wanted to snap a few pictures of the family on the beach.  The boys were not in a cooperating mood, so it made the pictures extremely hard. 

John Chris, Ryland, and Reed pose while crying.

Ryland said he was crying because the sun was in his eyes.

Reed was crying because Ryland was crying.  We're really not sure.

Since the tears were flowing, I spent my picture time trying to wipe them all away.

The end of Shoal Bay East where it meats the rocks and cliffs.





Reed and I take our last few steps on the beach.  I already can't wait to come back next year.  It has been a wonderful vacation!