California Part 3- Hanks Baby Blessing

The day after the reunion we made the kids get back in the car for a four hour drive to see my sister Gretchen and her cutie little family. It was a special day for Gretchen's fam because her little Hank was getting blessed at church.
Uncle Luke (my youngest brother) and Baby Hank

Luke, Hank, Grandpa Kent, and Grandma Ladybug

We also got to celebrate Grandpa Kent's birthday while at Gretchen's

Luke and Justin get along really well....sometimes too well, they fight like brothers....but they love like brothers too!

Paul doesn't like getting his picture taken so I had to sneak this one in. We love Uncle Paul

Grandpa Kent was sharing cake with Sariah and this is what she thought of it.

Happy Birthday Dad

Super Hank...He is just so cute!

Sariah really does love her daddy.

Mark giving Justin a ride on his shoulders to the house.

James and Sariah

I loved being able to go see my sister Gretchen and spend time with her cute little family. She is a great mom and so much fun. I thought it was interesting that Gretchen and I were wearing the same colors that day, steel blue and white. Not even planned. Next time we go we need to spend more time with them.

Sariah watching Hank in the bumbo.

After Hank got out she got in to reminisce about the days in her bumbo.

California Part 2---The Family Reunion

The reunion was filled with lots of people I didn't know and while it was fun to meet a lot of people, I must admit that I mostly stayed around the kiddos.

Seriously I am not one of those people who dress her kids in matching colors being that Justin is almost 8 he can pick out his own clothing. I think it is a cute coincidence that they are wearing the same colors. They really are the cutest kids.

People playing volleyball on the lawn.

Justin really loved riding the bike the whole time he was at Grandma's and Grandpa's House.

Some of our awesome Cousins that we love.

Sariah is 3 months younger then the cutie girl in red and about 9 months younger then the cute boy in orange and they are sooo much bigger then her. It didn't stop them from playing together and having a blast.

Cute Cousins.

Sariah had her first lollipop given to her by her Great Grandpapa... it was a hit!

There was no taking this treat away.

The 2 sharing the car as best they can.

They both loved these 2 toys.

"Hey can you push me on this thing?"

"I am just going to push it myself"

Practicing

Everyone watching the kiddos play.

Grandma and Grandpa, We love you!!

Oh I just love this face

He loves his Grandpa too.

Some cousins introduced Sariah to the water fountain.

She loved it and got soaking wet.

Californa Trip Part 1

After being in Arizona for a week, we made our cute kids climb in the car and travel to California for a Peel Family Reunion and a Hinkson Family Baby Blessing. I took so many pictures while I was there that there will be numerous from our trip.

Half way to California I took the first 2 pics of the trip. I captured Sariah giving Justin a hug. They really do love each other most of the time.

I got really lucky capturing this picture.

All the cousins setting up for the reunion. Justin was so excited can you tell?

It's a cousin dog pile.

Justin really fit right in with this clan.

Cute little cousin.

Protect the princess

Guess Who Is Walking

Sariah started walking this week. It has been awesome to watch her go back and forth. I have only been able to catch her with the camera twice compared to the amount of times she has taken off and walked. She is building her confidence and taking steps on her own without encouragement from anyone or help. Watch out world here she comes, it's more like watch out Mom.


Hope you enjoy the video of Sariah and her Aunt Brynn.

Happy Birthday Rachel

My cute sister Rachel turns 30 today! Wahoo for her....she is amazing. In the past few months she has made some massive changes in her life and I admire her for going back to school. Rachel Happy Birthday! I love ya!

These pictures were taken back when both Rachel and I lived in Virginia. That was over 2 years ago. Wow time really has flown by. It was nice living in the same State as Rachel, even though we were 3 hours apart. We made trips once a month to hang out and play.

Cutie Rachel sitting in the man's hand.

This pic was taken when we went to a hockey game, my first and only hockey game that I have ever attended. It was a lot of fun.

We got pictures

I have this awesome friend who I think is inspiring. We are similar in lots of ways and different in some other ways that make me think and look at things from another point of view. I truly value her friendship and opinion soo much. Anyway, She is about to give birthday to her #4 child. She has written all about it here.

We didn't get pictures taken together until 2 days before I left. I just wanted to post these pictures and let her know, and the rest of you, how awesome she is and how grateful I am for her friendship. I know that this little munchkin that is coming to her family is going to be an amazing experience for all of them. I wish I could be there to help out more. But for now they just get lots of love from afar. You can do it!

All of the girls at a little party to celebrate munchkin #4

Successfully Moved

We made it here to Arizona safe and sound. It took us 20 hours to drive and I am amazed at how well our kids did. Seriously, I don't know how they did it so peacefully. 20 hours in and out of a car and truck, I am so proud of them for making it without major difficulty. Thank you to my wonderful friend Caroline who made the trip so entertaining for Justin. He loved the little bags of things to do and all the yummy treats.
Anyway here are a few pics from the trip. I didn't take many.

Our first fuel up

All smiles after only 3 hours in the car.

Thank you to Truman and Vanessa who drove an hour and a half to spend some time with us on our lunch stop! It was so great to see them.

Crossing the state line at sunset.

It was raining and the sunset looked so pretty so I took some pictures.

18 hours into the trip and she is going a little crazy...she wanted to drive the car.

For Laine

One of the greatest things about Texas was getting to spend time with Laine and Miguel. Laine is James' half sister...they are about 8 years apart in age I think...I can't remember so don't take that as fact. What you can take as a fact though is that I really enjoyed getting to know Laine and Miguel on our once a month dinners or whatever's. They are such an awesome couple and fun to be around. Very laid back and have lots of love, very accepting.
It was nice to have some family close and we can hardly wait for their wedding. Hopefully Sariah will be big enough to be the flower girl...she will be almost 2 do you think she can do it? Justin will be almost 9 and of course will be able to do his part as the ring bearer....he has had practice. The next few pics are all of Sariah with Laine and Miguel, Justin wasn't in the picture taking mood. But he did love to snuggle up with his Aunt Laine and give her a good long hug goodbye. I should of snapped a pic at that time but didn't want to ruin the mood.

We love you Laine and Miguel! Please come visit us in Arizona if you have the time.

Laine and Miguel got Sariah this outfit at Christmas time. It fits perfectly right now.

Little Miss Puma

Trying to capture the vogue pose.

Kiss me.

Yummy potatoes with salsa

She just started using the spoon when she was wearing her new outfit. Such a cutie.

Laine and Miguel Thank you for loving us.... We love you and will miss seeing you!