Baptism

We just returned home from Nana and Papa's house where we got to be a part of a very special day. Mason, Jocelynn and Caleb were all baptized! Having Dad (Papa) do the honors made it even better. They used the backyard pool (no baptistry in the church) and then lots of friends and family stayed for lunch. For me, the best part was being with ALL my siblings - a way too rare occasion.

Matthew LOVES Jacob (Johnathon's baby)

Caleb, Matthew and Mason watching Scooby-Doo

Sweet Katherine (Johnathon's girlie)...

the only grandbaby lucky enough to get Nana's curls!

Aunt Nicole and Katherine

All the grandbabies (plus Johnathon!)

Katherine 21 months, Jacob 8 months, Jocelynn 10

Matthew 3, Caleb 9 and Mason 10

Everyone just after the Baptism- Look

at that proud Papa!

Laura made the prayer book on the left...we didn't

even know she could do that! I have a feeling some

special project requests will now head her way.....

Matthew's piano debut..it's not a great video, but his grandparents

pretty much love anything with their grandbabies in it!

Weekend in Dallas

PapaBear (Alan's dad) and Nana got all the grandkids together for a weekend. We all stayed in Dallas with Missy and Matt (Nana's daughter). They are fantastic hosts, and we all had a really good time.

Taylor, Carson and Matthew checking out pizza dough

The owner showing off his pizza making skills!

He was fantastic and spent lots of time entertaining the kids.

His business is struggling these days,
if you get a chance, please pray for he and his wife.

More lessons on pizza making

All the grandkids at the bowling alley

Summer Fun!

Our blog has been lonely while we stayed busy with family and friends coming up to visit! Plus, my camera refused to cooperate. Turns out, you really do have to charge the battery! Who knew?

Check out what we did:

The jury is still out on whether or not this is fun

Mason (Nicole's oldest) and Matthew

Caleb (Nicole's youngest) looking uncharacteristically creepy!

Jocelynn (Mason's twin) at the park - what a sweetie!

The boys in Victory - Jocelynn in utter defeat

(see next picture)

We set up an UNO challenge - boys vs. girls (Jocelynn and me) - to see who had to wash dinner dishes. Caleb failed to mention he was the current reigning UNO champion at home, so guess who lost (see previous picuture). I still protest that there was an unfair advantage.

My good friends, Stormie and Renee came up to visit! We have a total of 5 boys under 5 years old, so be impressed that we got any pictures at all. We were old college roomates, bridesmaids, baby-shower-hostesses, etc., but this was the first time all our boys were together. We had a blast! The boys played great together...here we are outside (minus Will).

Playing in Matthew's room...Baby Will,

Nathanael (behind Matthew), Ian (in the orange) and Winston.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy 30th Birthday Aunt Addie!

We hope you had fun!

Addie - Matthew drew flowers all over the BACK of the card...Oops!

Oops...

I almost forgot this - Alan would never let me live that down!!

Heading home...

On the way back, we stayed with Aunt Deb and Taylor. It was great to visit with them and it gave me a chance to show Alan around Gardendale. We were ready to go home, but it sure is hard to say good-bye!

Playing with Austin's (very) old toys in Aunt Deb's living room-

Matthew loved them!

My first school

My first church

Matthew at Bass Pro Shop in Pearl, MS

The loved the shooting range (no real guns, in case you're worried!)

Six flags over Texas - at the TX border

The "native" Texans in our family were glad to be home...what a great vacation!

Georgia

Grammy and Grandpa Bob's (my mom's family) was the last half of our trip. We had such a good time and enjoyed being spoiled (I had to get used to making my own hot tea again!). It was wonderful to relax and catch up with each other. Thanks Grammy and Bob!

This is a yummy breakfast place and very Southern. Grits

are always on the menu and they serve hot tea, if you prefer.

In front of the restaurant

Grandpa Bob catching Matthew

We went to this great park right on the lake. It

was one of Matthew's favorite memories.

My guys!

Matthew loved exploring the woods around

Grammy's house - this is her backyard!

Check out these rocks

Fortunately, this was our only encounter with mountain lions.

I know - you love my outfit! I forgot tennis shoes and the bugs were mean!

I borrowed the boots from Grammy (remember these, Aunt Ginger?)

Yum, Yum! My first Smore.

Matthew loves the CD's from Grammy and Bob. They run Grace Ministries

sending sermons/ songs to people unable to attend church (or who just

enjoy them). These are part of their children's collection.

Perfect weather, beautiful home...wonder why they want to live here?

Grandpa Bob and Matthew in their race car shirts.

One last picture

Time to head to Texas....