Our 4 year old

...Gulp! We have a 4 year old?! We must have blinked. Our little girl is such a blessing to us, and getting the chance to be her parents is more wonderful than we could have ever imagined. She is a sweet, insightful, smart, funny, random, and vibrant little girl who was practically dipped in pink and covered in glitter. It is amazing to watch her grow up and learn new things every day. We had a party to have a "celebration of the day I was born," which is what she called it all day. This was her first party in Oklahoma, so we had a family/friend birthday to celebrate the day of her birth.

Of course Uncle Bennie and Aunt Jamie brought Ian to the party. They wouldn't miss it. Our sweet neighbors also came. Kate loves Jessica, Kesley, Kylie, and Ryker.

Aunt Jamie always knows just what to do to be crafty.

Kesley was focused on decorating her treat bag for the pinata

Jessica was taking it all in watching the big kids

Aunt Tami and GG Debbie came to the party. How cool is it that we live close enough for them to be able to come?

We've Found Our Happy Place

...and it's in Arkansas. Now it's not fancy like a trip to Cali or Europe, but those trips aren't as easy as a quick trip to Arkansas. Although we love the big fancy trips, we love even more being able to make a short drive to Arkansas. This time we went to Greers Fairy Lake and spent a few days at Fairfield Bay. To make it even better, my cousins live there so we had a mini family reunion. So why do we love Arkansas so much? Well, for starters, most of my childhood memories are there. My mom's family is from Arkansas so there are family members to visit at every turn. That's a real treat for someone from a small family. It's beautiful. That's pretty easy to understand. It's close. Coming from Lubbock where everything is so far away makes the ease of Arkansas trips a real treat. Finally, we smile a lot there. Now don't get me wrong, we are a pretty happy bunch, but there's something about it. We are all so relaxed and happy to be together. I guess that's the main reason we love it.

Captain Michael

I think my mom's first week of retirement went well. She has decided she could live on a pontoon boat.

Ginny and Jude relaxing

Kate: Daddy why are the fish not biting? Michael: It probably has something to do with you throwing rocks.

Redneck stroller. Jude loved it.

Goodbye Fairfield Bay...we'll be seeing you.

Sum Sum Summertime!

...loving the pool. Our neighborhood has a great pool that is never busy. Really it feels like we have our own pool, but we love it when friends are there too. We have swam most days this summer. The kids really love it, although Jude is picky about water temperature. He's actually pretty smart about it. We usually only stay about an hour before we walk back across the street to the house. It really makes us love our new home even more. It's truly like we have our own little vacation home, even if it is in a neighborhood. This kids like to ride to the pool in style.

Kate enjoys "laying out" like mommy. Is it just me, or are her legs long?

Jude always gets red like this, no worries.

Kate's First Recital

After a year of dance (at 2 different studios), Kate had her first dance recital on June 2, 2012. We had been anxiously anticipating it for the entire year. We were not disappointed. Watching her on stage was the coolest experience. We were so proud. She was in 3 dances (tap, ballet, and acro). To say that Kate loves to dance is an understatement, but now she REALLY loves to dance. She was so proud of herself for being on stage and has decided that on stage is where she wants to be. Mommy and Kate getting ready for the big day. Jude was ready to see what sister had been learning while he was bored in the waiting room. She's a Texan. Out of the blue she asked for yellow roses. Michael wasn't sure what dance recitals were all about, but he was so proud! I love this picture. Jude got Kate a ballet bunny and Kate wanted to show Miss Vicki (Miss Karen's mom) Of course Ginny and Pop were there to cheer on our girl. Pop and Kate leaving after recital. He looks like he is whisking his little starlet past her adoring fans.