6 Adults, 3 College Girls, 14 kids...

Back in January we had decided that we were going to the beach for vacation, and had gotten together with some friends to come with us.  So, the Parkers and their 6 kids +1 friend, the Roughleys and their 3 kids and us decided to vacation together.  We also thought it would be smart and nice to bring along some college girls for the trip as well.  So, we did and were able to find a 3 story house to rent for the week.  Seems crazy I know...but really NOT crazy at all!

 

So we took off back in June (feels like forever ago) heading out on a Friday night at 10:00 PM for the beach with some of our friends.  Here's the thing about car trips with our family, the kids normally DON'T sleep AT ALL or VERY LITTLE while on trips.  So, to say that I was nervous about leaving at 10:00 PM was an understatement.  But to my disbelief, the kids slept pretty much ALL night, only waking occassionally when we stopped to go to the bathroom, etc.  Then they would get back in the car and go to sleep...AMAZING!!! 

 

Here we are on the road...Magan went with us this year, how blessed we are to have her love on our kids and want to go to the beach with us for the week.  Who am I kidding, a college kid gets a free trip to the beach, who wouldn't want to do that?  :)

 Here is pretty much what we saw most of the time...the back of cars, at this point it was the Roughleys that were leading the pack...

 Once the sun came up and we were still in the car it was movie, coloring and just hanging out time...The kids did GREAT in the car, I mean we couldn't have asked for a better trip down there.

 Once we arrived in Destin, we had a little bit of time to wait for our house to be finished so we took advantage of the beach, and let the kids play...

Just 2 short years before this, Bailey wouldn't even touch the sand hardly with her feet...fast forward 2 years, and she was our little fish...

 Love Molly's expression here...

 Cowboy Chris...

 Just some of our group....loving the water...

 This is was our view for the week...more to come tomorrow.  WAY too many pics to share in just one post!  Until next time...

Visitors from Alaska...

Back in June (I know feels like so long ago) my cousin and her family came down from Alaska to visit.  I sure do love when she comes in, and cherish the time that we get to hang out.  And the kids love getting to see each other and hang out as well.

 

So, we decided to make it a date at the park in town.  Although a little hot, it was still a good time.

 

Look at his sweet little face...love this boy

 Kennedy being the mother that she likes to be...

 So much fun happening right here on this little playground...

 Love that he still wants to stop and take a picture with me...

 Well, and with her...never serious...

Thanks Jen and family for hanging out with us while you were in town.  I sure did love the time we had at the park, and then the following night when she went to bunco with me.  The only sad thing was we didn't get a picture together.  SO SAD!!!

Celebrating Chris...Happy Fathers Day!

Our kids are so BLESSED to have this guy as their dad!!!  He works so hard for all of us each day, and they are so lucky to have him.  Thanks Chris for always being there for us, and providing for us like no one else could.  We all love you so much, and not sure what we would do without you!

 

Here is to many more Father's Days!

Pay no attention to Molly's face, I am sure she is pouting because well that's just what she does some days!

2014 Horses for Healing Barn Dance...

This year's Horses for Healing Barn Dance was the biggest one that they have ever had as far as funds raised.  I said this last year, but it is such a priviledge getting to work with all the amazing people that make this organization possible, and that make this dance happen.  Although I am leading them, without them doing all the hard work it would not be possible.  Last year was definitely a learning for me on what to expect, so I felt this year I was much more relaxed and understood what all went on. 

 

We had some friends join us at our table this year...the Roughleys, Cannadays, Schraders, and Harrells.  It was so much fun to hang out with friends at a great cause!

 

The Roughleys, Flynts and Cannadays...

 I love that Karen and I matched...wasn't planned at all.  Also, I was so excited to get to wear this dress from Country Outfitters, it hadn't even arrived at their retail store yet.  So exciting!!!!

 Me and my friend Tobi...side note...Tobi and I have been friends since Kindergarten and although we don't see each other all the time, I still love that we are friends and have this in common...

 One of the MOST popular things that people get done at the Barn Dance is the BUTT SKETCH!  People I was not a believer until this year we had it done!  I am a crazy person throughout this event, so I didn't get a chance to have it done during the event, but once the agenda of things were complete Krandal allowed Chris and I to get our butts sketched!  Seriously he did this in about 5 mins, and don't you think it looks amazing?  I sure wish my hair would look that good.  :)

If you haven't hear of Horses for Healing and would like to, or you want to kick up your tail and come next year, please let me know!  I will be blessed every year I know that I am a part of this wonderful event.  And the best part was that our kids took a part this year as well.  They spent all of their Saturday up at the barn help get it ready.  I want that to continue each year so they can truly be a part of something special, and it teaches them to give back to others!

Cowboy Rides Away...

So, my friend Crissy is a hair dresser, and she has this AMAZING client that can hook her up with tickets to pretty much any concert she would like.  So, she asked for some George Strait tickets, and can I just say he HOOKED her up!  And we are so fortuate that she chose us to go with her.  And let me tell you it just wasn't any George Strait concert, it was his FINAL concert in Dallas at Cowboy's Stadium!  There was an amazing lineup, and he started singing at 7 PM in Cowboy Stadium (I don't like the Cowboys, but their stadium is awesome), and didn't finish until around 11:00 or 11:30.  When I say he put on a show, he put on a show!!!!

 

First things first...we stopped on the way down to Dallas and saw the Murphys.  It was wonderful to get to see them and spend some time with them even if it was only over lunch.  We had some really good BBQ, and conversation with our sweet friends.  Man we miss them!

 

Then it was off to the hotel to get ready for the concert...

 

Here we are at arrival!  We had no idea how great this concert was actually going to be I don't think.  One of the BEST concerts I have ever been to!

This was him when he came out...he was so happy the whole time, and just put on a great show!  Asleep at the Wheel opened for him that night.  Then George came out and would sing 2 songs by himself, and then bring out "special" friends to sing with him.  He had several artists that had opened for him throughout the year sing one of their favorites with him, as well as, one that he would pick!  What an amazing tribute to a wonderful singer!

 He definitely put on a great show, and I was so excited to be a part of this. It also set the record for the most people at one time at a concert.  There were over 100K people there...WOW!!!!

Thanks Crissy and Ryan for including Chris and I on this amazing concert!

First Jake...Now Woody...

Back in April I did my first ever radio spot promoting Horses for Healing Barn Dance and was able to meet Jake from the Jake & Woody Show on KIX104.  Well, we had a LIVE ON AIR radio show the week before the barn dance once again reminding people about the wonderful organization and event that was coming up.  We had a wonderful time once again with this time Jake & Woody!  They are a hoot, and at one point I didn't think I was going to be able to talk because they were making me laugh so much.  What wonderful people they are, and we are lucky enough to work with them to promote Horses for Healing.

 

 

The weirdest thing for me, was that when I got in the car I was able to hear the 2nd part of our interview (slightly delayed recording), and let me tell you it was so weird to hear myself on the radio.  I mean I guess I just didn't know how I sounded until hearing it through the radio.  Weirdest thing ever, but so fun and can't wait to go back next year!

Carter's Awards Assembly & Last Day...

So, after talking to my friend Renae last night, I was reminded how people probably miss seeing pics of the kids and what we have been up to.  I feel HORRIBLE that I haven't updated since we left for vacation, so please forgive me.  I am about to do some major updating, so make sure you check back every day!!!

 

Carter loved his teacher in 1st grade, and we are so blessed to have had Mrs. Knoedl.  First up on the last days of activities was award assembly.  Carter received the A Honor Roll & Excellence in Reading award from Mrs. Knoedl...

 

 And the PE medal from Coach P...let me tell you he was probably MOST excited about this little award.  He loves Coach P and getting to go see her twice a week.

 These 2 are so similar in so many ways...Paige also received the A Honor Roll and Excellence in Reading, and last year got the PE award.  Seriously...they are so cute and similar its not even funny!

Carter had such a great 1st grade year, but is VERY ready for 2nd grade...his last year in Glenn Duffy Elementary.  Can't believe that!