Start 'em young...raise 'em right

Adventurous Family

A few weeks ago we had a very adventurous few days....

Michael and I both went to Kids Camp while my parents came into town to watch the boys. While we were at camp, I was able to do one of the new portions of their high ropes course..."The Screamer". It is set up like a swing between two telephone poles. Later in the week Michael was able to do their Zip Line. Michael did the Zip Line late at night so I didn't get any pictures of it.

When we got back from camp, my parents and four other family members went sky diving in Dallas. My uncle sky dives regularly and has always talked about his adventures and how much fun it is. We've always "enjoyed" (tongue in cheek) his stories but never thought anyone else would be crazy enough to do it. Somehow my mom got a crazy hair and then it turned into a family affair. I must admit, driving out to watch them I was incredibly nervous for them but by the time we saw the first group of sky divers land, I was thinking it might be kind of fun. While I didn't take a jump that day, Michael and I are planning on going out there later in the Fall and jumping. Anyone want to join us?

my mom getting ready to board the plane

the plane taking off

mom making her way back

just about to land

mom & Uncle Vince coming in after the landing

my dad

dad landing

my dad, Jackson, & Uncle Vince

Grayson 5 months old

Grayson is now 5 months old! Our little boy is growing up fast. He's such a fun and laid back little guy (except in the middle of the night when he just likes to cry). He is incredibly spoiled and still loves being held. He'll let you know if you're not paying enough attention to him. He's still not rolling over yet but I'm sure that's coming soon.

While I was not watching....

While I was in the living room the other afternoon, I THOUGHT Jackson was on our bed watching a DVD. Things were a little too quiet so I went into the bedroom to find....

Jackson was covered head to toe in lotion! Needless to say he went immediately to the bath (after I snapped a few pictures) and was one soft little boy afterwards.

Jet Skiing

Michael took Jackson on his first jet ski ride this past weekend. I wasn't sure how Jackson would do but he loved it. He got right on and insisted that daddy go faster. They were out on the lake for a long time. Grayson and I couldn't take the heat so we retreated inside.

4th of July

We were at Michael's parent's house on Lake Conroe over the 4th of July so we decided to participate in the local activities. Michael, Marc, Kathy, and I took the kids down to the golf cart parade on the morning of the 4th. It reminded me of the small town parade we used to go to in Capitan. The kids loved it...not only because they got TONS of candy.

Marc (holding Aiden), Caleb, Madison, Jackson, Michael (holding Grayson)

me & Kathy (sporting hats that Nana made us wear)

waiting for the parade to start

"Christmas in July" golf cart entry. Once this golf cart passed, Jackson started telling everyone, "Happy Father's Day". I guess since they were saying "Merry Christmas" in July, it was only appropriate to hear a "Happy Father's Day".

the tank golf cart

they had planes doing fly-overs all through the parade

Charlie Brown golf cart

Swimming

Michael took Jackson swimming while we were visiting his parents at Lake Conroe. Jackson loves the water now and can do pretty good with his little floaty swimsuit on.

It's time for cereal.

We've Moved

If you haven't heard, we've moved. It was definitely God's workings, it couldn't have happened any other way. Here's the story...

We have lived in our house for just over 2 years. Since moving in, we have done a lot of work to the house (new windows, roof, repaired the foundation, taken down wall paper, etc.). We were to the point of not wanting to put any additional money into a house that we didn't love and in a location we didn't love. Back in January, we met with a realtor just to see what our house might be worth and what else we'd need to do to sell it. Shortly after meeting with him, Grayson was born and life got busy. He kept in touch with us but we weren't really in the mood to start the selling process. I wanted to move but didn't want to have to keep my house in "show" condition with two little ones and a busy work schedule. I told Michael the only way I wanted us to sell our house is if I could sell it without showing it multiple times. We both prayed about it and decided God would just have to make it work if it is right to sell...especially in the current housing market. The realtor called us again in April and asked if we were still interested in trying to sell our house. He said that he had a buyer in mind and if we were ready to list our house, he'd bring her by. We decided this might be God's way of answering our prayers so we met with the realtor on a Friday and signed papers to list the house. We needed some time to get it ready for pictures and to be listed on the MLS so all we did was sign papers to list the house with him. The very next day, he called and asked if he could swing by with the buyer he had in mind. By Thursday, we had a contract negotiated and had sold our house. God answered our prayer...we didn't have to show the house (I guess we did once) and we got our "let's set the price high and see what happens" price. Crazy huh? So....that lands us to our moving. We have temporarily moved into an apartment closer to my work, friends, and church. We're going to take some time to find a house. Right now we're enjoying having no yard work during the summer and, most importantly, being DEBT FREE!

Grayson

Jackson

Grayson 4 months old

Grayson is already 4 months old. While it's hard to believe he's 4 months old, it is also hard to remember life without him. We have a doctor's appointment on Thursday so I don't know any of his stats. He is sleeping through the night, starting to scoot on his back all over, I think he's rolled over (but that could have been thanks to some help from big brother), and he's talking and laughing a lot. He is a really good baby. He prefers to be held rather than being in his swing or bouncy seat. (I think the fact that I work with a lot of women who love babies doesn't help the situation.)

playing with Grayson

Last night after the boys were both in their pj's, Jackson decided that Grayson needed some animals to play with. Jackson brought all of his stuffed animals from his room and introduced them to Grayson. After they all talked to each other for a bit, Jackson put them all to bed. This is the picture of everyone going to sleep. I just thought this was a funny picture.

Our last day of vacation

Our last day on vacation, we decided just to take it easy and then celebrate with a dinner cruise that evening. We spent the morning on the beach and then had to head back to Savannah for the dinner cruise. (Apparently Hilton Head shuts down on Sunday and when it rains...Most of the stores and restaurants were closed on Sunday. We tried to schedule a dinner cruise out of Hilton Head and were told that they were cancelled until Tuesday because of weather. On Sunday the weather was beautiful so I'm not sure why they cancelled everything.)

the view of River Street from our boat

me & Michael

Marc & Kathy

Marc & Michael cuttin' a rug after dinner

River Street at night

this is the bridge that takes you to Hilton Head from Savannah