Grandma Linda's Birthday Weekend

Yes, birthday weekend! The whole family couldn't get together on Grandma's actual birthday (Saturday), and although we did a little celebrating then, we kept the big celebration for today.

All dressed up and waiting to go to lunch with Grandma on her actual birthday.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Lunch at McDonald's

Everyone loves a happy meal prize, especially a Barbie one with lip gloss!

Reading Grandma her card

When I asked Reese what she wanted to get Grandma she said, "Slippers!" What better to go with slippers than a Snuggie! Grandma is set to watch her tv shows this winter.

Meeting Ty and Audrey for some more celebrating!

Cru was in attendance for this one

Hangin' with Uncle Ty

and Aunt Audrey...yes Mom, she's officially my aunt now!

Running like a ballerina through Applebee's (something new learned at dance)

The whole fam helping Grandma celebrate

A little chit chat with Uncle Ty before hitting the road.

Oh Mama, my eyes are so heavy....


enough celebrating for this boy.

Annual Foxfire Block Party

Yes, it's that time again, time for our neighborhood annual block party! This is our second year attending. Whether it's watching the kids run and play with huge smiles on their faces or chatting with friends or getting to know the neighbors you only know by what they drive, it's always a great time. Thank you to the Morgan family for hosting.

I think we got it all. Lets hit the road!

I'm ready too, Mama!

Hot dogs please!

Here Reese, I'll share since your mom is taking pictures instead of getting you food.

He feeds her food and takes her for a ride in his wagon - Carter, you are such a gentleman.

Cru and Asher - a couple of handsome bubbas

Higher please

Can you imagine what these boys will be like at next year's party?

Mallorie and Reese

Mal having a good time

Cru needed a 5er

Blocks in the street - why is it always the simplest things that get the most attention?

Skateboards - a big hit of the night!

A few of the rulers of the neighborhood

It's late, and my favorite people are still smiling, which makes me smile.

Happy Friday!

Hope this brings a smile to your face like it did mine. Pause my music before watching.

That's gonna leave a mark!

So, of course, I couldn't go to bed without posting (and because my back is throbbing and because I wanted some ice cream). It was tattoo night tonight! Hard to believe this is what I looked like just a few hours ago...

The tattooing obviously hadn't began yet because I was not this smiley during the process.

Chelsea wasn't this smiley during hers either.

A work in progress

The finished product

Let me explain what these flowers mean. The top pink one is a gladiolus, which is the August birth month flower, which was when Reese was born. And the bottom blue one is a violet, which is the February birth month flower, which is when Cru was born. Like I said before, I've wanted another tattoo since I got my first one....I loved the feeling, I loved the rush it gave me. So for over a year, I've been thinking and thinking, and it wasn't until our recent trip to Vail that I finally decided what I wanted. I knew I wanted something that involved the kids, and one morning (in Vail) as I'm laying in bed with Cru watching him sleep oh so peacefully, it just hit me - I would get their birth month flowers on my back hip and that was that; since then I've never wanted anything different. So I've been super excited about getting these and also super nervous. I told myself all day, "It's going to hurt just deal with it. That's why you wanted another one in the first place." Yes, it hurt, and pardon my french, it hurt like hell! Not so much that I don't want another one because I (and the artist) already have plans to add to this, but I think it's safe to say that I've got my fix for a while. Have I mentioned it hurt like hell?! Well worth it though. I love it, and I love what it's about.

Back in session

Yay, dance class started up again today! To be honest, I meant to have Reese practice during these few weeks off to keep things fresh in her mind, but with all we've had going on, I kinda forgot...oops, bad mama. So we practiced about a half hour before class.

Bigger beach ball hands, Reese

Point those toes

The skips are getting better, but still need practice.

The one thing that doesn't need practiced....the poses!

Reese learned first position today, and it's the cutest, funniest thing I have ever seen (her putting her heels together but keeping her toes apart). Sorry no pics from class, my hands were full of little man, Cru.

The rebel within me

Yes I am a Christian, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and most of all a mother. However, like a lot of people, I have this rebel within me that needs to be unleashed every once in a while. This must be the week.

Chet and I started watching a new show last year and fell in love with it.

Finally, the new season starts tonight! I know, it doesn't seem like our type of show. That inner rebel, I tell ya.

I probably also don't seem like the tattoo-type. Guess again.

No, it's not something I got in college. I actually just got it last summer. I'd been wanting a tattoo for as long as I can remember, but finding the right time to get it just took a while. And as I was getting it, all I could think about was getting another one. I know, crazy, huh. Once again, I've been waiting for that perfect time to get another one, which was actually supposed to be in Vegas. However, after visiting three tattoo shops and hearing it was going to cost me at least $400 for half the size I wanted, I decided to just do it back here. Body Ink and Steel here I come Thursday night at 8pm! See, that inner rebel, it's just taken over this week.

Ty and Audrey's Vegas wedding

The guys were on their own the day of the wedding...scary thought. And Chelsea and I were in charge of the bride. Hair, make up, and champagne....what could be better!

Consulting with the stylist

checking out her work

perfect

working with the veil (and Audrey not liking it)

yes, cutting the veil

loving it!

time for make up

more cutting, this time trimming the fake eye lashes

Audrey with her sister, Chelsea

Us three had a great afternoon!

Me and Mom

The bride and her Mom

Mother of the bride, Bride, Mother of the groom

Mother of the groom and Groom

Groom and his new mother-in-law

Lets get this bride ready!

finishing touches

So beautiful

So excited for my brother

Husband and wife

Mothers and sisters

Smooches

and more!

I'm sure when most people think of a Vegas wedding, they think little white chapel and Elvis. Hardly the case for Ty and Audrey. Their parlor was absolutely gorgeous and their (6 minute) ceremony was perfect. Chet and I are so happy for you guys and so happy that we were able to be there with you to witness your special day. We love you guys so much!