a trip back home, celebrating the fourth

Our last stop on our tour de Tejas was Abilene. The kids and I got there a little earlier than planned due to Doak's infection. He was completely better by the time we got to Mom and Dad's so we just relaxed and enjoyed some extra time with my family!



Mom and Dad's backyard is so beautiful, shady, and the perfect place to play or get wet!



I have so many memories of eating watermelon in their backyard, spitting seeds across the green grass. I love that my big boy carries on that tradition now.



Brock sat in the shade of the sycamore tree and felt the grass in his toes for the first time. He loved watching the birds, the trees, and his siblings playing close by.



cool water on a hot afternoon



slip and slide



I don't think I know a boy who loves cars more than this one!



On July 4th we packed up our picnic blanket, some water, and snacks and went to a nearby neighborhood for a parade.



Dad was off work and we all enjoyed some quality time with Papa.



watching the parade together



mesmerized by the parade



I love seeing these two together-they are such good friends!



the whole fam



Brock loves his Cookie





Our fourth of July dinner table-Cookie is so fun to decorate for us!





What a great day to share together, and thank God for the blessings in our life!

Forty Years of Blessings

June 5, 2011 Debby and Phil celebrated 40 years of marriage



June 17, 2011 we surprised them with a family party



Surprise!



Mom could not stop laughing at Mardi . . .



who was wearing her bridesmaid dress from 40 years before!



we celebrated with barbeque, watermelon, and cake and counted the many blessings of the past 40 years.

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Our family of five actually drove in a few days before the party. We had our first experience with driving at night-we left when Keri got off work at 11pm and arrived at my parents around 3am. It was so fun for the kids to wake up and play right away!



The littlest kids enjoyed a leisurely breakfast while checking each other out.



Addie and Ellery picked up right where they left off at Christmas



Doak and Kiran built some cars and played so well together



I love seeing our kids with their cousins!



Keri and Olivia had some early morning bonding time. Olivia is very serious and observes for a while before smiling or being playful. But Keri got her smiling right away!



Livvy loves babies and she was so sweet to Brock.



Our days together brought lots of reading time, as usual.



Jeff and his girls (girl #3 is due in August) He's such a great dad!



We had a cake and gifts for the two June birthday girls



more reading time, this time with Uncle Jeffy



It was over 100 every day so the kids kept cool by playing in the backyard pool.

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We took advantage of having most of the family together by having Reyna come take some family pictures.

my favorite!