Vacation 2012

For graduating with his Masters, my brother Mark received a cruise vacation as his graduation gift from my parents. Well, life never really goes as planned does it? Mark took a job he couldn't pass up about a month before the cruise and they wouldn't let him schedule off the first week of training to go to Mexico. So, reluctantly I did what I had to do. I WENT ON VACATION! Seriously though, I felt terrible for him but I was happy to go if he couldn't. Charlie was already planning on going on the 'guys' cruise, so I crashed the party. We had a fabulous time and it was nice to getaway. I didn't realize how bad I needed it until it got closer and closer and I was really about to lose it at work. I came back VERY refreshed. I did decide though that I won't take another week long vacation without Avery. 3 days...maybe, but 5 is TOO LONG! I missed her so much my heart ached. She had a blast with Nonna & Poppa and Gigi & Paps but we both agreed - no more weeks apart! I mean, there are only so many weeks left until she moves off to college, right?

Cozumel...

The guys...

My brother, Josh...

Wordless Wednesday

Paging Dr. Reeves...

Life Lately

It's getting hawt here, y'all! So we are spending a lot of time in the AC...but a few minutes in the yard every day.

Lately we've been carouselling (I think I made that word up!)

Listening to many concerts and songs....

Marking chores off the list is getting easier...Avery is VERY helpful lately

Hot or not, those flowers need lots of water and TLC!

Posing for pictures...

And never missing the chance to get a good nap in!

Rockin' Out

Oh, this was a fun night. For whatever reason, we decided to pile in the Jeep with no windows and doors and take it for a spin (is that a violation of CPS? She was in a car seat!) We drove to Natchez and around "Under the Hill". On the way back an old country song ("Ain't Goin Down..Til the Sun Comes Up, by Garth Brooks) came on and Avery and Nonna rocked out. It was a great night and one of those simple, fun times I never want to forget. Although we went down well before the sun came up, there is no place on earth I'd rather be than spending time with my sweet family. Some people think I've missed out on a fun part of life because I married early and had a baby fast and never went through the 'clubbing' stage. I don't think I'll ever, ever regret that. I have never been happier. Life is good!

Wordless Wednesday...Beautiful Bayou

Family Photos

Recently, we did a quick 30 minute photo shoot with Denae Hula. She captured all of the images below. I am always amazed at what a good photographer can do with 30 minutes. I always consider it worth the money if I get one really good shot. She got many. Thanks, Denae!

Avery is sitting beside me as I blog. She says, "Who is that little girl? Oh wait, that's me! Mommy, I look so pretty in that picture!" I would have to agree!

For this child I have prayed...

My favorite pictures of Charlie and Avery...ever! This is the background on my phone and I just LOVE it!

My favorite of us together...