Beach Bound!

We had the blessing of being able to go with our family to the beach the first of June and it was by far one of the best weeks we have had this summer! It was a week filled with lots of fun, food, relaxation and lots of sun.

 

I was extremely stressed about this trip simply because Weston is a terrible traveler and our previous two short trips were a disaster. However, Christian and I learned from those failed trips and really stepped it up in the planning department. We came up with a packing list the size of Texas and packed everything under the sun that we might possibly need in 5 days. My new motto is, "throw it in the trunk!"

 

Thanks to much planning and preparation we got off to a great start! Weston Hayes hates the car and screams the entire time on most occasions. We timed it just right so he would nap the first two hours, we'd stop for lunch and just chill, then he would nap the final 2 hours. It worked like a charm.

 

We usually find travel days to be one of our favorite days and love stopping for lunch (Hello.. "The Shed"...no more words needed) and shopping at the outlet mall. We were able to do that and really enjoyed ourselves!

 

The condo was just beautiful and perfect for all four families that were there. Our room worked out great and the four of us enjoyed bunking together for the week. Although Weston Hayes still feels like it is his duty to wake everyone up at 6:00 am sharp...and midnight and 2:00 am as well. Thanks buddy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach was gorgeous and both Aubrey and Weston seemed to enjoy the sand and water. Bre especially loved the pool and spent the majority of her time there with her daddy and cousins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had the most fun of all getting to catch up on some good books while WH napped and nothing makes me happier than a big diet coke and a great novel.

 

We ate like kings and pretty much just did whatever floated our boats each day. Nothing planned or on the agenda and that is exactly how I like it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so blessed with the best families and we truly love spending time with all of them. Aubrey had an absolute blast with her cousins and was worn slap out each night.

 

We even were brave enough to take family pictures on the beach before dinner one night. That is not an easy task, but I thought these came out really cute!

 

 

All six grandbabies lined up in birth order. It is so funny cause we each have a girl first and then a boy second!

 

My oh my...I am so blessed!

 

 

 

 

 

Wish these moments could be frozen in time...I cherish these memories and hold them close to my heart! Nothing is better than family.

 

 

Happy Father's Day

"A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way."

I do a lot of things wrong when it comes to my children. I yell and lose my temper at times, I get distracted and don't give my full attention, I am selfish at times and put my needs first. I do a lot wrong. But I know without a doubt...I did one thing right. And that was giving them Christian as their daddy.

 

My children will grow up with a daddy who loves, guides, disciplines and leads them through life. Their daddy is more committed to them to anything in this world and they are so lucky to have him. No obstacle or trial will they encounter that they won't have their daddy right by their side...encouraging and leading them through.

Thank you, Christian...for being our bbq master, fix anything, diaper changing, tree-house building, Frozen watching, hide and seek playing, cookie and milk sharing, bed time story reading, fun loving daddy.

We are beyond blessed to have you and not a day goes by that we don't thank the Good Lord for giving you to us.

And to my amazing daddy...without your example and who you are...I would never have had such high expectations for choosing a father for my children. Because of your love, dedication and commitment to me...I am who I am today. No matter how old I get...I know without a shadow of a doubt...I am the apple of your eye, your little girl and the one who has you wrapped around my finger. You would walk a thousand miles in the pouring rain if it meant making me happy. I know there is nothing...absolutely nothing you wouldn't do for me and my family. I love you daddy...I will forever and always be your baby girl.

And to my sweet Papa...thank you for raising a Godly man and being the example that made Christian into such an amazing man. You are a dynamite father-in-law and the best Papa around. Not to mention the best BBQ chicken griller in the world. We love you so much!

Woodville Weekend!

What could be better than a weekend in the woods at a gorgeous camp with my very best friends and family? Not much. Not much at all.

 

We had the opportunity to go on our annual bff trip to Woodville a few weekends ago and it was just what we needed. The beautiful outdoors, good food, lots of games, kids running around being kids and great conversations...plus add in the fact that I had my best friends and sweet little family...a true recipe for greatness.

 

The ride up there was not very fun...Weston Hayes has decided he hates the car and will scream the entire trip. He is such an easy baby 99% of the time, but in the car, he becomes Mr. Difficult. So 2 hours of screaming was not exactly my way to begin the trip, but what can you do?

 

 

 

 

We arrived to the gorgeous camp around dinner and enjoyed taking tours and letting the kids explore the grounds. We ate dinner and headed outside for smores on the fire. The kiddos ate about 500 marsh mellows each. After dinner and baths, the adults enjoyed a board game and just caught up on life.

 

 

 

The next day we headed out early on the mule (not a real one) and stopped by the horses for a visit. I always try to convince myself that I am not allergic to horses, but I really am. I paid for that visit for at least a week after. Oh well...it was worth the memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch and naps, we headed down to the lake for some canoeing and fishing. This is so much easier said than done with two kids. Again...it's worth it for the memories. Christian took Bre fishing and I stayed on the pier with Weston Hayes. Catching up with my girls was just what I needed. We talked babies, plans for the future and reminisced about the past. Once Aubrey hit meltdown mode...we headed back up for dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner, we took a late evening mule ride and I have to say that was the best part of the trip for me. Sitting next to Christian and holding my babies close...I looked down to see Aubrey holding Weston's hand. She held on tight to his hand for the entire ride. I seriously started crying at the sweetness. Just knowing she loves him and that they will have a special bond...makes everything worth it.

 

 

Watching the sunset and riding through the woods was a moment I will cherish. I try so hard to hold those special moments in my thoughts...try to let them linger in my memory because they truly are what life is all about.

 

Sunday morning, we let the kids play and just enjoyed talking on the patio with my girls. Having my best friends together and getting to laugh, talk and catch up felt like a million bucks. I know I have said it before...but I have the best girl friends in the world. They are priceless to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And how's this for the best selfie ever???

 

 

We headed out around noon and much to our dismay...Weston decided to serenade us with his screams the entire way home. He is such a stinker.

 

Another Woodville Weekend in the books...but moments we will cherish forever.