Happy Birthday, sweet Brynnie!

Nine years ago today we were blessed with our "tiny little package of happy"who makes me laugh, challenges me, and fills my heart with her joyful spirit! Happy Birthday, Brynnie Boo Boo! We love you!

 

 

 

 

Aruba

Our story began fifteen years ago at Goldie’s Patio Grill with a batch of coleslaw. Yes, coleslaw. Making coleslaw was one of my duties at work that I hated so Gregg stepped up and delivered ‘the’ line- “You know, I don’t do this for just anybody.”  Yep… Romantic, I know. And that was just the beginning!  Now here we are- 15 years, 4 kids, and 1 red-bone coonhound later!

Our journey didn’t begin like most… I will never forget the first time I saw Gregg holding Connor. I looked up and saw Connor's butt in one hand and his head in the other… I panicked. What are we doing?! He doesn’t even know how to hold a baby, I’m 19, we’re both in school, we’re not married… WHAT ARE WE DOING?! Well, we figured it out. (We definitely didn’t do it on our own- there were many hands jumping in to help!)  We worked and stayed in school- switching cars with Connor in the backseat in between classes and all. Gregg's constant commitment to his family, his character, and his love for us makes me fall more in love with him each day...

These past 10 years have brought more love and joy than I could have ever imagined my heart could hold. Yes- it was an unconventional beginning. Everything hasn’t always been perfect, and it’s not always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing… not one. J

We got to celebrate our special day with a trip to ARUBA! We had an incredibly relaxing time!!! We ate, laid on the beach, walked on the beach, napped, and ate some more! Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful or relaxing place to spend our tenth anniversary!      

 

 

 

 

                             

 

Lazy days at the lake...

Sometimes life just gets so darn busy. It's so easy to get caught up in the chaos of every day life and I sometimes need a reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey! ;) The lake is a perfect place for us to just relax and spend time with each other.

The kids love to fish... although they don't touch the bait OR the fish! Neither do I! It makes lots more work for Grandma and Papa, but I don't think they mind! ;)  Cowen likes to catch his fish "again" so before we take it off the hook, we have to drop it in the water so he can reel it in over and over again! He is becoming quite the fisherman... he has perfected the art of telling 'fishing stories!'

"My fish was THIS big!"

Happy Birthday, Papa Mike!

Whether he's making pancakes, giving out papa-sicles, or taking the kids fishing, Papa Mike always has a way of making the small moments into special memories! Happy Birthday, Papa!!! We love you SO much!

Summer Fun

I have NO idea where the summer has gone! We have had a lot of lazy days by the pool, ice cream dates, and fun with friends! So not ready for these days to come to an end...