Happily Ever After....

The weekend after we got back from Italy, we had two wedding to go to.  The first wedding was for my cousin, Mallory.  She was marrying Kent.  Such a sweet couple who love each and the Lord so much.  It was such a blessing to watch them get married and to share in their special day.  Collin was a ring bearer and did such a great job.  He was pretty proud that he got to wear a suit like all the big guys. :-)  What made this day even more special was that I was Donesa and Rick's (Mallory's wonderful parents) flower girl in their wedding 30 years ago!  Congratulations Kent and Mallory!!

When Collin saw this cake he said, "Well that's funny....two strawberries getting married???".

Collin with my cousins Garrick & Jachin, Mallory's brothers

This is at Rick & Donesa's wedding 30 years ago.  That's me as their flower girl. :-)

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After Mallory's wedding, I rushed to try and at least make it to the reception for my other cousin, Morgan.  She got married to Sam at a little country church that my dad's side of the family has always gone too, so it's always special to go back there.  It was so neat and we are so happy for them as well.  The cake, food and decorations were adorable.  Morgan's mom, Cindy (my first cousin), made the cake, all the food, favors and decorations.  She is one talented lady!

Congratulations Morgan and Sam!

Photo Credit:  Ariel Bisbee

Photo Credit:  Ariel Bisbee

Swim Lessons 2012

This was the 1st year that we had ever put the boys in swim lessons.  We had a great week and both boys had a fun time.  I had several recommendations for Ms. Jo and she and her helper Ms. Lori were so great with the boys.  They definitely have a lot of patience and determination for all the kiddos.  Looking forward to next year!  

Carter was a little scared of the water.  They finally got him to put his face and goggles in the water this week after we practiced a few nights in the bathtub. :-)  By the end of the week he would willingly put his face in and blow bubbles.  He would not jump off the side of the pool though.  That was his least favorite part of the week.  He would cry and want me to come get him every time it came to that part.  He was quite the showoff  today because daddy came to watch them.  Even if he wasn't having the best time or wouldn't do what they asked, he would come out of the water and say, "Wow mom, I did a really great job!".  It made me laugh everytime.  Today he was yelling, "Daddy!  I'm doing a great job!" at the top of his lungs and also saying, "Ms. Jo, I'm not going to do that!" when he would see someone swimming on their own with their head under.  He kicked all the way out to the deep end today holding on to a noodle and when he got out there he said, "Ms. Jo, I don't wanna go to the deep end."....she just laughed and said, "Carter, you're already there!".  A little panic set in, but he got over it.  All in all, it was a great week and he is much more comfortable in the water now.

Showing his "swimming hands"

Love this little guy!

Collin had an excellent week and I was so shocked and surprised at how well he did!  After the very 1st day, they had him jumping off the diving board and swimming to the ladder!  I couldn't believe it!  He was pretty proud of himself and pretty sure he was ready for the Olympics.....seriously. :-)  We got in the car and I said, "Boys are you excited to go back tomorrow?" and Collin said, "Why?  I already swimmed for them today!".  :-)  He also went down the slide several times and loved that.  By the middle of the week, he had the streamline and reach/pull techniques down, but still needed to learn how to breathe the right way.  Ms. Jo and Ms. Lori were constantly yelling, "Breathe Collin Breathe!" because he would hold his breath the entire time.  By the last day, he finally got the hang of that and was able to jump off the diving board and swim the entire length of the pool!  So proud of my big guy.  He's already asking when we can go back to the pool. 

Here he goes on his swim of the entire length of the pool

Finally taking a side breath!

The boys with Ms. Jo and Lori.  So thankful for their hard work and patience! :-)

Also, a big thanks to Mimi and Papa for our swim lessons this year!  

Father's Day 2012

We spent Father's Day weekend over in Green Forest.  We went over on Friday to finally see our boys for the first time in 12 days!  I was soooo excited.  Their faces were priceless when I got there.  We had a great trip, but so glad to be back and able to cuddle with them.  Saturday, we had 2 weddings.  Collin was the ring bearer in my cousin Mallory's wedding to Kent and was absolutely adorable! (of course!). :-)  I was then able to make it to the reception of my other cousin Morgan's wedding to Sam.  Both were beautiful weddings/receptions.  I will share pictures from that in another post.  

Today, we went to church with my parents and then we all met up with Josh's parents for lunch at a local mexican restaurant.  We then went back to Josh's parents for a couple of hours before heading home.  So glad that we were able to spend Father's Day with all the dads in our life!  

"Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward."

Psalm 127:3

So thankful for my wonderful husband and the wonderful father he is to our two precious boys.  We love him so much and are so blessed to have him!  We love you!

The 3 Boys Who Stole My Heart....

So blessed to be able to spend the day with my dad too.  My dad means so much to me and I'm so lucky to have such a supportive, loving dad.....even though he's a democrat. ha!  Inside joke.  We always get into it about politics and today was no different, but I love him anyways. ha!

The Man Who Loved Me First. :-)

Josh & His Dad

The best attempt at a picture of all the guys.  The two little ones wouldn't quit pouting.

Josh being the "supportive dad" and pouting with Collin. :-)

Papa put up a new tire swing for the boys. :-)

*BTW....We had an amazing trip to Italy and I can't wait to share all those pictures with you!  Hopefully I can get to that this week.  Stay tuned!*

Funny Friday!

Carter colored this picture at church last Sunday.  They were learning about Samuel and how God talked to him in a dream.  Josh went to pick Carter up and commented on how colorful it was.  Carter said, "Yeah, this guy got bit by a snake and he has blood all over him!".  Boys.....

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Me:  "Carter, pick your toys up off the floor."

Carter:  "But my toys like the carpet!"

nice one.....

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Carter loves to try and kill flys with the flyswat, but I love his cute pronunciation of it....."flywast".

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We have been playing basketball and tennis in the evenings with all the neighbors in the front yard.  Carter got a new basketball the other day so his favorite thing to say is, "Mom, I'm gonna go shoot some hoops."

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Collin saw an infomercial on tv for "Slushy Magic".  He was wanting it so bad, but got really upset after the infomercial was over and said, "Mom!  It says you have to be 18 years old to buy it!".  He was pretty upset about it, but got over it pretty quickly because Me-Ma bought it for him.  Lucky for him, she is over 18 by a few years. :-)  

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Have a great weekend!  No posts next week because we will be enjoying our 10 year anniversary in Italy!!  Can't wait to share pictures!

Our "Almost Camping" Trip

A few weeks ago, we got together with our Ferguson friends to go out to the lake one evening for a little cookout and fishing.  The boys were excited to be going to the lake with Aubrie and Lily.  Carter immediately said, "Lily is sleeping in my tent with me!".  I had to tell him that we were going to the lake and building a campfire, but not actually spending the night there.  I began referring to it as our "almost camping" trip. :-)  The guys and kiddos had a fun time fishing while Rachel and I enjoyed a little peace and quiet and conversation. :-)  We then roasted hotdogs and made smores.  On our way out, we stopped by the marina and fed the ducks and the gigantic carp.  It was a great evening out with great friends! I can't believe I didn't take more pictures....oh well....

Our Saturday....

We started our morning off right with some Krispy Kreme....

Then, after we all took a long nap, we headed to the splash park!  Love this time of year so we can get out and enjoy all the neat things Bentonville has to offer!

Tried to get a serious picture of these two....not happenin'.....

Then we ended our night doing what we do most every night.  All the neighbors come outside and talk while all the kids run around and play from yard to yard running from house to house.  Love our little neighborhood friends. :-)

Carter and Taylor....they are pretty inseparable. :-)