Celebrating the big 6-0!

Both of my parents turn 60 this summer, so what better way to usher in this new decade than with a family beach trip. I can't believe that my young, hip parents are now the big 6-0! Thankfully, they are anything but their age.



Despite all the oil issues in the Gulf, we were able to enjoy the ocean and spent many an afternoon lounging by the pool. It was so nice to have spent the week with my family. I am definitely a quality time girl, so intentional time with my family really filled my tank.

It was cool to see how much John Parker thrived in a different environment. He learned to be innovative since he didn't have his usual toys. He tried new things like playing in the sand and swimming in the pool. He amazed us with some really cool firsts that week. He pulled fully up to a standing position, sat up from his tummy, and started signing "more". I learned that sometimes different is good; we can often become bored when we do the same thing day in and day out. Nowadays, I've been trying to add variety to our days.

Here are just a few of the pictures from that week. Enjoy!

Pops gives the best tickles



Dinner out with Uncle D and Auntie



My current obsession are his front teeth :)



Time at the beach with my buddy



No more pictures, please!



Lounging by the ocean with Lolly



His current obsession is pointing at fans and lights



Enjoying a sunset with Daddy



Getting his swim legs with daddy



Love this picture of my boys



Dinner at the Famous Red Bar



I love his face in this picture...



Happy 60th, Mom and Dad!!!

John Parker is One!

Our Sweet Birthday Boy



A Walk Down Memory Lane



I promise I didn't ask John to wear the same color shirt as the party theme! :) (He got the idea from Mitch and Jaillene! :))



Uncle D, Auntie, Pops, Lolly, Uncle AJ, Grandma, and Grandpa



I absolutely love birthdays! If it were up to me, we would all have birth months rather than birthdays! :) It's hard to believe that a year ago we met our little boy for the first time. I remember his smell, his sweet squinty eyes, and his tiny little fingers and toes. This has been a tremendous year; one that we wouldn't change for the world.

On June 6th, we invited some close family and friends over for JP's birthday party. We decided to "Go Bananas" with a monkey themed party for our little guy. We served up banana splits and went a little overboard with monkey decorations. John Parker was in his element on the floor with the other little children. The highlight of the afternoon was opening and playing with his new toys. The only scary moment for him was looking out at the sea of singing faces as we sang "Happy Birthday". Our little boy doesn't like to be the center of attention that's for sure. It was a day I won't quickly forget--filled with rich memories and special people. Thanks to everyone who made it wonderful!

The Party Fare



Go Bananas



A Special Visit from the Man with the Yellow Hat



Happy Birthday, JP!



Cake Time



Tool Time with our buddy Noah



James showing John Parker how to really ride



Little Mama Emma caring for JP



Riding with our buddy Wade



Lolly, The Branscombs, the Clarks, and Grandma and Grandpa

11 Month Old Video Highlights

10 Month Old Video Highlights

Summer Fridays

One of the many reasons that I love summer is because John's company gives their employees summer Fridays. We get to kick off our weekends a little early and enjoy an extra long afternoon with daddy.

Memorial Day Weekend

I am definitely doing some catch up posts this month. May was an extremely busy month for our family. For Memorial Day weekend, we were able to meet little Aiden Brink for the first time. He is such a cutie and is generous with his smiles. Courtney is loving being a mommy; it's so cool to see her in her element.

For Memorial Day, we cooked out with our friends the Branscombs. Noah and JP are buddies and are doing so many of the same things right now. It's cute to watch them pull at the same truck and reach for each other's face. We had a ball watching them play together in the pack and play. Here's to a fun summer...cheers!

Our Buddy James

Where would we be in life were it not for our friends? They encourage and challenge us along life's journey. I am so glad that God created us for relationships. In my opinion, they are the very thing that make life so rich and meaningful. Jaillene has been such a dear friend of mine since college. It's been such a blessing to have boys that are only 3 days apart in age. James turned one on May 30th. We're praying that they are buddies, just like their mommas. Happy Birthday, James!

Then (1 month)



Now (1 Year)

Happy Birthday John Parker!

Happy first birthday to our precious son John Parker!

9 Month Old Video Highlights

Our Wiggle Worm

Our little one loves to sleep; he definitely gets that from his daddy! Since he started crawling, he's become so active at night. He used to sleep on his back only, but those days are long gone.

We get a kick out of watching him literally do a 180 in his bed at night. He moves from corner to corner, snuggles with Martin the monkey, and contorts his body into the strangest positions. We brought in the flashlight the other night to capture our Wiggle Worm in action. So cute!