Best 10 days!

Why was June 13-June 22 one of the best 10 days? First we took a family vacation to Blowing Rock, NC with my parents, sister, Ty, & one of my best friends Suzanne and her family. The boys loved the Thomas the Train ride. We all had a blast at Tweetsie Railroad. It was amazing having Suzanne there and laughing like the good old times. Watching your child experience pure joy is the best.

Not only did I get to see one of my best childhood friends, I also got hang out with Sherra..my other very close compadre! Sherra and I go way back to second grade. It was wonderful spending time with her family. Max and Hugh kept Anden on his toes. There is something really unique and special with friendships that last through decades. Sherra and Suzanne both know me so well and spending time with them is always a blessing.

Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day. Anden is one lucky guy. He has a first-class dad and grandpa (Pop Pop). What makes them first-class is their devotion to their family. Because my dad was so involved and spent so much time pouring into my life, that allowed me to have a high standard for the man of my life. David exceeded my expectations and is truly an outstanding dad. My dad and David have the right goals in life to make fatherhood top priority.

Last but not least, David and I spent our 7th wedding anniversary on Monday. I have been beyond amazed at how much David has transformed my life. For those who are close to him, know that he is the most selfless, loving, and down right cool guy! Simplistically put...seven blissful years!!!

Joy & Carl's Baby Shower

Joy is one of my dearest friends. I am so blessed to see her almost everyday. (We work at the same school and go to the same church and life group.) It has been so much fun hearing all of her pregnancy stories and seeing her belly grow. I was so excited to throw Carl and Joy a jungle baby shower and it was a blast. They are going to make extraordinary parents.

These invitations turned are so cute and were so fun to make.

Joy is such a loyal friend - such a blessing.

It was so wonderful that Joy's parents (and cousin) was able to celebrate with us.

Anden is holding little Philip! He is so adorable!

The games were great -cute play dough babies!

I love the pineapple palm tree!

Cheesecake lion cupcakes - perfectly delightful!

Decorating with wall clings was a cinch and it turned out so cute!

David helped me make yummy chocolate covered oreos! Delicious!

Congratulations Joy and Carl! We can't wait to meet Christopher.

Pictures

Our wonderful friends blessed us with a photo session! The photographer was great and the weather was perfect. Here are a few samples of the shoot. My guys are so handsome!

Anden's First Haircut at SuperCuts

David has been cutting Anden's hair since he was 3 mo. but since he has gotten older, the haircuts have gotten more challenging. We decided to get Anden's hair cut with someone who actually has a license to hold scissors. We crossed our fingers not knowing what Anden would do, to our amazement a promise of a sucker goes a long way with a two year old. He did great!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Don't you love the homemade card David made - He's so talented!

At the end of the day it was just my sweet little boy and I swinging on the front porch! I am so grateful that I have an absolutely wonderful mom who means the world to me and I hope to be just as great to Anden. I have said this before that I have done more personal growth since I have became a mom than in any time in my life. It is an exhausting and exhilarating role - MOM!

Here are a few pictures of the cool pendant and art projects my little man spoiled me (with the help of Super Daddy).

They have the so much fun together! Two peas in a pod!

Jon is on the attack!

The day continued with shopping trip by myself! I love shopping all alone - just me, myself, and I. After shopping off to mom and dad's place for dinner. Grandma Mi Mi and Pop Pop always have special treats for the boys. Today it was a blow-up pool with pool toys. The boys loved splashing around in it.

We started the morning at the Norfolk Zoo. It was a perfect day - 70's, sun shining, and a gentle breeze. Since it wasn't too hot all the animals were cooperating, so we got to examine all of them. Anden's favorite animals were the elephants. When the elephants were feeding, they would crash the chains holding the hay into the pole, creating a loud bell sound. Anden thought the elephants talked in bell ringing language.

Happy Mother's Day! I hope all you moms enjoyed your day - you deserve it!

Anden's Favorite Pals

Anden at Travis' Graduation Party.

Lauren giving a great toast to Travis.

Happy 3rd Birthday Grace!

Happy 4th Birthday, Peyton!

Anden had a great week because he got to hang out with some of his closest friends. Of course Anden is super close to his cousin Tylan. They are practically brothers and spend more time with each other than possibly anyone else. My face lights up when those two are together (well....for the most part, because they also fight like brothers). These pictures depict their relationship perfectly, cracking up at nothing simply laughing because the other one is, content just being with each other. I was so glad I was able to capture this moment of them. I have such fond memories of growing up with my cousin and I am so blessed Anden will have the same sweet moments!

When we are tucking Anden into bed, there are a few things we know he is going to mention in his goodnight prayers - Peyton, Tylan, and Trains! I think Peyton has a special place in Anden's heart because Peyton's mom Tamyra watched him for me last year. Peyton got to hang out with Anden when he was just a little guy and taught him the ropes. Now, Peyton is so great to allow Anden to follow him around. If Peyton jumps off the curb, Anden does...if Peyton goes down the slide, then Anden is right behind him. Peyton's little shadow. Anden had the best time at Peyton's Fourth Birthday Party this past Wednesday, just because it was Peyton's Party.

On Friday night we went to Grace's Third Birthday Party. Grace's parents Lauren and Travis lead Life Group with us, so Grace & Anden often hang out together. They can play for ever together and not get upset at each other. Grace is so laid back and sweet, she can just roll with Anden's over possessive attitude toward his toys. Grace just smiles at Anden and will find another toy to play with. She is so sweet and I think Anden adores her for it!

On a side note we also went Grace's dad's Graduation Party on Saturday. We are so proud of Dr. Jordan. Congratulations Travis!

So it was a great week hanging out with Anden's Pals and our friends too! Unfortunately I ate way too much cake!