Cool Baby

Makenna had a great time at the party too!

Unique Birthday Party

Today Megan (one of Peyton's classmates) had her 5th birthday party at the Greenville Recreational Equestrain Park. The kids had a great time. They took a hayride, they rode a pony, and they got to participate at the petting zoo. The day was absolutely beautiful.

It wasn't too hot and there was a wonderful breeze.

Makenna Makes My Heart Smile

Father's Day

Peyton came running through the door one night after school saying that he wanted to bake Brian a cake for Father's Day. So we went to the store and even though I tried to talk him into a cake that was already made by the bakery, he insisted that we make a chocolate cake with white icing. And he wanted to put mini m&m's on it and race care sprinkles. Tall order!!!! We did it. It turned out pretty good but I forgot to take a picture of it!

Saturday night we went to Outback Steakhouse and had ribs and Alice Springs Chicken. Peyton and Makenna had both made gifts at school and they both gave him cards.

Sunday after church we met up with Sidney and mom and dad and celebrated at The Golden Corral. We had a great time with the "dads".

Brian, thank you for being such a wonderful father to my children. I appreciate the way you make them laugh, how you are patient, and how you always find ways to teach through a situation. I love you always!

Daddy, thank you for being my wonderful father! I love you so much and the Godly example you have set forth in my life. No matter how old I get, you'll always be my daddy!

Green Beans

While in Oklahoma, Makenna was reaching for everything we were eating. We knew it was definitely time to start her on solids. So upon our return, we popped open a jar of green beans. I know this picture doesn't say that she liked them, but she did. Either that or she was just excited about eating from a spoon like a big girl! That same night, Peyton ate steamed okra! I told Brian, these are MY kids and he agreed. (Brian's not a big veggie eater) Makes a momma proud!

Tornado

Late last night, Papa Chuck came into our room and told us to go downstairs...we were under a tornado watch. (Brian's sister, Kristen, had heard the tornado siren and called us to see if we had heard it to.) We grabbed the kids, went downstairs and saw the weather report. It was scary! I've seen tornado warnings but to be under a watch and actually have to head to the bathtub with a mattress was a WHOLE other story! We put Peyton in the bathtub and Chuck got the cushions off of the sectional sofa to put over him. I held Makenna and tried to keep my composure and stay calm for Peyton's sake. When he wasn't looking, I cried and when he did look, I just reassured him that everything was going to be ok. I tried my best to not show the fear I was feeling and I just kept on praying and thanking God for our safety. Brian was incredible. He was so calm and so strong. We were sitting in the bathroom (Papa Chuck was outside watching everything...storm chaser at heart if you ask me!) and fortunately, the TV was up loud enough that we could hear the report. Thank the good Lord that the weather turned and the wind changed directions. What a relief and an answer to prayer! I told Brian sitting right there in that hall bathroom that I didn't ever want to move back out here! This will definitely be a vacation to remember!

Author's Note: I was told a few days later by Brian that the tornado was never reported to have been an actual tornado. It apparently never touch down. It was still a very dramatic situation and very scary and I don't care to ever go through it again!

Surprise Party? Maybe???

I have been planning a surprise party for about 3 weeks for Brian's 30th birthday. His birthday isn't until August but I thought it would be really special for him to celebrate with his family here in Oklahoma. Kristen and I made several trips to Walmart gathering supplies, picking out and up cake and ice cream, having Brian's name respelled on the cookie cake, and fighting with balloons in the crazy Oklahoma winds! Everything was going great until the day of the party....Peyton let the cat out of the bag...he told his daddy. He had overheard us talking about the plans and in typical 5 year old fashion, he was excited. The funny thing is that Brian didn't believe him since his birthday isn't until August. So he was surprised when we arrived at Aunt Jan's last night but I think it was surprising due to confusion. We had a good time...this Oklahoma family is a lot of fun and can make any occasion an adventure. I've included a picture of Brian blowing out his candles and an adorable picture of his grandparents.

Say Cheese!

We were trying to get a decent picture of the cousins, Peyton, Makenna, and Hannah, aka "Hannah Banana". Instead, we got this super cute picture of Makenna totally cheesin' it up!

Nana B

We had dinner with Nana B and Jim at Fish Daddy's.
They have great shrimp Po Boys if you're ever in the area.

Hannah Banana

This is Peyton and Makenna's only first cousin.
Isn't Hannah beautiful?

Litte Sooner

Monkeying Around Tulsa Zoo

Yesterday, we met up with our friends, Matt and Tandi who came in from Mississippi to visit their family. We met at the zoo and had a great time catching up. Tandi brought her nephew, Brody. Peyton enjoyed having a friend to pal around with. It was so hot and we were very thankful for the breeze.




Afterwards, we went to Braums for ice cream. I wish I had gotten a picture of Makenna attacking my ice cream. She reached over and put her whole hand in it! It was all over her and even in my hair by the time it was all over. Makenna had a fight with the ice cream but I think the ice cream won!

7th Anniversary

Monday, June 2nd was mine and Brian's 7th year anniversary. In keeping with tradition, I like to find the traditional anniversary gift to go along with the anniversary year. This year, it is copper. I searched high and low for something copper and ended up at Godiva's! Ok...so it's not really copper...more of a gold but this particular box had a copper hue to it. Anyway! Brian got me some beautiful flowers and we had dinner plans. We had decided to really go all out for dinner because we usually go away for our anniversary but since we were already in Oklahoma on vacation we decided to just do dinner. It was SO hot that instead of dressing up for an elaborate dinner, we headed for the Cheesecake Factory (after checking out 3 other restaurant menus). YUM! We had a really nice time. AND...as if it were a "sign" the handles on the doors of the Cheesecake Factory was backed with copper. I know....it's silly!

Brian, I love you so much! Thanks for an awesome 7 years. You are such a wonderful husband, friend, and sole mate. U!

Makenna and Papa Chuck

Makenna loves Papa Chuck! We knew she would...we had NO doubts. He's been able to get her settled and asleep when daddy and I couldn't. She's been rather fussy at times...we think she's teething. I bought her a little cuddle bunny to sleep with that has teething paws on it. Makenna seems to like it a lot. She has really started to play with her toys and is interacting a lot more. This week she has also started to play with her feet when she's lying down.

This first picture was taken at church after a really bad hail storm. We almost didn't make it to church. Every road we turned down was flooded so we had to turn around several times and go a different way. Anyway, Makenna had gotten pretty shaken up. In general, she doesn't like being in the car but with all the hail and thunderstorms, she was really upset. Papa Chuck got her settled down and she took a nap in his arms during church. Yes, I was taking pictures in church! Only during the announcements though. ha ha...

Again...Makenna falling asleep on Papa Chuck's lap this time with her bunny. Isn't she sweet?????

Oklahoma Bound

We left Friday around 2:30 for our annual vacation to Oklahoma. Peyton and Makenna did very well on the 16 hour drive with the exception of a couple of hours.

Peyton did a great job entertaining Makenna on the drive. He fed her and showed her a magazine. Not to mention all of the "bumper" (pacifier) duties we had him on! Makenna had had enough toward the end of both days...but who can blame her? I was ready to get there and get settled in as well.

3 hours outside of Tulsa, we stopped to visit Brian's great grandparents. They were excited that they were the first out of Brian's family to see Makenna.

Great Grandma made Makenna the cutest quilt trimmed in pink with various poses of embroidered bunnies.

My children are so fortunate to have and to know their great-great grandparents!

More Graduation Pictures

Makenna

Granna, Makenna, and Peyton

Jenna, Grandpa, and Peyton

Granna, Grandpa, and Makenna were able to come to Peyton's graduation too. I ran out of picture space on the previous blog but I wanted to include them as well.

Graduation Day

Ms. Julie, Mrs. Darlene, and Peyton

Peyton and best friend Tarun

Tiffany, Peyton, and Brian
Peyton, Georgie, and Jenna

Peyton and Janessa

Peyton graduated from preschool on May 29, 2008. Mrs. Darlene said that Peyton will always make us proud. Peyton was in such a hurry to get up and get his diploma and get back to his seat that I totally missed the moment of him shaking hands with his teachers.

He had mentioned the night before that he was nervous about getting up in front of everyone.

They said the Pledge of Allegiance, counted to 100, counted to 20 in Spanish, and recited a poem and a story.

They all have done so well this year. I think they are ready for kindergarten this fall...I'm not sure that I am though! Peyton has gotten so big and he's growing SO fast!

(Authors Note: Date stamp on pictures was set incorrectly. Should have been the 29th.)