Arkansas Vacation 2013

We recently got back from an amazing trip to Arkansas. I have never been to Arkansas and I don't know much about the state but I kept telling Christian, "Maybe we will run into the Duggars!" That was the extent of my knowledge of all things Arkansas!

 

It wasn't a bad drive...about 8.5 hours. We stopped at a park and picnicked before finishing out the trip. Aubrey did great, she only napped in the car for about 45 minutes but thanks to Curious George and Thomas the Train...she didn't make a peep!

 

 

Love this..."Hi mom"!

 

 

We stayed in a lake house and it was just divine. The view was gorgeous and it was absolutely silent most of the time. It wasn't a huge lake, probably not any bigger than False River, but it was incredibly calm and quiet. I would imagine a lot of people choose to retire there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our days were spent on the dock by the lake, in the pool, lounging on the patio, down at the creek, hiking, canoeing, boating and much more. We didn't have an agenda, we just did as we pleased! One of my favorite days was going to this little creek at a National Park. The water was only about ankle deep but Aubrey had a blast. She loved filling up her water bottle and then dumping it out onto the rocks. She could have stayed there all day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another highlight of the trip was playing dominos at night. My family isn't much for games, so I love that Christian's family is big on games. The adults stayed up late playing Mexican Dominoes and eating snacks...it was priceless.

 

Another great thing about vacation...Aubrey Lane slept harder than she has ever slept before. 4 hour naps and sleeping in til 8:30...I wish it could last forever!

 

Making memories with my family is one of the best gifts this life has to offer. So thankful for each and every member of my family!

 

 

 

 

The sign of a great vacation...10 minutes after we headed home!

Daddy's Day

People always say they have the best daddy in the world, but I know I have got them beat.  And so does Aubrey. I don't always make all the right choices for Bre, but I sure did make the best choice in who her daddy would be. NO one can compare to Christian. He is an amazing husband, but an even better daddy. It just comes natural to him, and he does it with ease.

 

 

He knows what Aubrey is saying and what she wants even when she makes no sense. He plays with her constantly and will do anything to make sure she is having fun. He is attentive and spends quality time with her. He tells her she's beautiful and so very special. He sings songs to her and reads her book after book. He rocks her to sleep and gives kisses to her bow bows.

 

 Most importantly, he teaches her about Christ's love for her and what it means to live a Godly life. He leads by gentle firmness and guides her in the right direction. He allows her to make her own choices but disciplines her when necessary. And to top it off, he loves her mommy. He displays unending, selfless love to me and that is something Aubrey will carry with her the rest of her life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a special relationship with one's daddy is one of life's greatest gifts. I know from experience. My daddy is my rock and my sense of all things solid and right. He knows everything and can fix anything. He does anything for me and will go to the ends of the earth to make sure I'm happy and taken care of. He cooks my favorite dishes and loves to pick up special treats for me. He loves Aubrey and spoils her rotten. He works hard and shows my momma love and respect year after year. He truly is one of a kind.

 

 

 

 

My father in law is just as golden and I am always inspired by his love and dedication. I can easily see why my husband is such an awesome dad...because he learned it by watching his dad. I can't believe I am so lucky to have so many amazing, Godly men in my life. God opened up his "amazing father bucket" and poured it out on me.

 

 

On Father's Day, I can't help but be overwhelmed by God's goodness and faithfulness to me. He is the greatest Father we could ever ask for and He alone is the ultimate Father. I'm forever thankful for His unending love for me.

 

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing men in  my life...thank you for being such men of honor, respect, love and commitment.

 

Christian, thank you for leading our family and being the father my children desperately will need to make it through this life. I know Aubrey will be able to accomplish anything because she will have you by her side. Keep telling her she is beautiful...special and loved.

Beach Time!!

My little sweetie loves nothing more than being outside in her pool (with or without water)! Growing up I was always extremely obsessed with water and the pool. I can remember spending from sun up to sun down at the local pool. I absolutely love that Aubrey loves the water. I'm hoping to get her on a swim team as soon as possible!

 

 

My sis in law's parents own a beach house in Gulf Shores and they invited us down for the weekend. We usually don't take spur of the moment trips because I'm not a spur of the moment kind of gal...but who am I to pass up a weekend at the beach! We are also taking an 8 hour vacation later this summer and kinda wanted to test out how Miss Priss did on a long car ride.

 

I feel terrible for resorting to TV, but sometimes you just have to do what you gotta do. If a DVD player is what it takes to make a trip across a few states, then by golly, that's what I'm gonna do. So we had Barney and Curious George accompany us on our trip.

 

Snacks, milk and Barney make for a smooth road trip!

 

 

 

We had a wonderful time just relaxing and hanging out with my family. Friday evening we walked the beach and visited. Saturday morning we played in the sand and had a picnic at the pool for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet cousins! Doesn't get any cuter than this!

 

 

Saturday evening we had delicious steaks and tuna and then enjoyed visiting with Brandon and Cherith on the patio long after the kids had gone to bed. It was just a perfect weekend. We headed home Sunday afternoon and I even managed to squeeze in a trip to the outlet mall.

 

So thankful for family and the fact that we love to spend time together. Nothing is more special to me than the fact that we consider our siblings our best friends.

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day!