August 17, 2012

Happy 10 year anniversary to us!  It's hard to believe that Daren and I have been married for 10 years and that we have loved one another for almost 15.  When I think about our blessings, it makes sense that it has been 10 years (dogs, a home, 2 beautiful children, 2 nephews, a newborn niece, wonderful vacations, etc...).  But I can honestly say that the time has flown by!  It's not always perfect but it works for us.  Others may not always understand us, but we deeply understand one another.  We work.  That's all it takes - two people in love who are committed to making it work.  Daren is my best friend and my partner in this life.  My love for him has grown exponentially over the last 10 years, and I look forward to our years ahead.  We have two beautiful children to raise together and we look forward to what is to come in our future together as a family.  I love you, Daren, and I thank you for loving me for the past 10 years.  My cup runneth over...

August 17, 2002

Leaving one of the most special nights of our lives!

August 17, 2012 - Celebrating 10 years at the Four Seasons!

Wonderful, romantic night at Eddie V's

Lilliann Elizabeth Nix

On August 18, 2012, Lilliann Elizabeth Nix entered our lives at 10:56 pm (Georgia time!) at 6 pounds 11 ounces, 18 1/2 inches long.  She is healthy and beautiful!  It was quite the journey waiting on her arrival, but she is the Nix family miracle.  :-)  She was placed in Lashelle's arms and we all fell in love in an instant.  My niece is a perfect little angel, and there is no person more well-suited to be a Mother than Lashelle.

Below is the story of Lilliann's name taken from Lashelle's facebook post announcing her arrival:
"Lillie was my grandma's first name and Ann is my amazing mom's middle name. Just seemed fitting. Elizabeth is Biblical (read Luke 1), Elizabeth Darcy (Jane Austen), my sweet cousin's middle name (Julie Woods) and the birth mother's name."

Introducing Lilliann Elizabeth Nix

In her sweet Mimi's arms...

She has Papa wrapped around her finger from the start...

Placed in her Mommy's arms, it is love at first sight.

Lilliann in her "coming home" outfit.  Isn't she an angel???  I love that Lashelle chose this outfit for Lilliann to wear because it is the same one that Claire came home in. 

Snuggle bug, baby burrito, lovey, Lillie Lou - WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Summertime and the livin' is easy.  We had a fantastic summer, a real blast, a much needed respite, a lot of fun!  Besides the vacations, we spent good quality time together.  We tried to be creative and get outside, despite the horrible heat.  We had some really fun play dates with Chris and Charlie, and the girls had play dates and special sleepovers with Grandma and Pops.  This summer was rejuvenating.  It was special.  We made memories that will last a lifetime.  It was exactly as it should be - it was a summer of fun where the living was easy.

Dinner date with Grandma

Special sleepover at Grandma and Pops's house

Snowcone tongues

Fun playdate at Claire's Kindergarten - Hill Elementary!

More fun at Hill Elementary

Playdate fun at Gullett Elementary - aren't they handsome?

Playing pirates

Cousin fun on the playscape

Isn't he a good helper???

We had MANY days in Pops's pool!!!  We couldn't survive summer without it!  So much fun!

1-2-3 Blast OFF!!!

She's ready, tutu, pink goggles and all!

"Mommy, watch this!"

Summer wouldn't be complete without the Ice Cream Festival.

A sister trip on the Domain Train

Splash pad fun!!

Claire loved her tennis/swim camp!

Camp Mimi and Papa

The girls spent Sunday through Thursday at their Mimi and Papa's house, as Mommy reported back to the classroom.  They were so excited, and it was really nice for me to have the time to get things together before the chaos of the "back to school" meetings and such begins.  I got lots done in my classroom, and I enjoyed the special time with Daren very much.  I know the girls loved every minute of their time in Houston.  Mimi and I have had big laughs that Claire spent the week in her nightgowns because Mimi thought they were her regular clothes.  I laugh so hard every time I think about it. Thank you to Mimi and Papa for the week of fun that the girls had with you!

Claire and Mimi riding bikes around the pool

A trip to the Houston zoo with one of Mimi's best friends was big fun for all!

They got to ride the carousel.  Claire rode the giraffe, her favorite animal.

They played in the splash pad at the zoo.

Claire and the chimpanzee had deep talks

Harper playing the drum

The zoo crew

Claire and Harper playing in the pool

Where's Lala?

As the girls say it "upside over!"

Posing Harper - such a princess!

Bedhead Harper

Water balloon fight with Papa

Looks like Claire is going to get him!

Watch out, Papa!  Here comes Harper!

Mimi and Papa found a turtle that they kept until the girls came. They all took it to the creek to release.

Harper loves rolling down the greens.

Claire loves to take care of  Mimi and Papa's dogs.  They love her!

The fish

Mimi and the girls having fun on the swings

Weeee!!!!!

Destin, Florida with the Banzhafs

We headed to Destin, Florida with the Banzhafs.  Despite the stomach bug that hit 3 of the 4 in my family, we had a great time!  I was happy for Miss Harper that she didn't catch it.  This was Harper's first trip to the beach.  She had a great time!  I'd be lying if I said she loved the beach.  Remember, she's my diva.  :-)  So, she loved the beach on her terms - playing in the sand until she noticed her dirty hands, playing in the water until her face got wet, loving all of it as long as Mommy and Daddy were holding her - you get the picture.  Claire, on the other hand, was a little mermaid.  She loved everything about the water!  Parker, Austin and Claire played all day long in the water.  We took a pontoon boat to Crab Island which was an awesome trip.  The kids all loved playing in the water that was shallow enough for them to stand and it was nice for the adults to have a bit of freedom.  We enjoyed the fireworks in Sandestin, the train ride in the Destin outdoor mall, Rob's famous shrimp/crab boil, and much more! 

Austin and Claire holding hands into the waves

Lucille and Harper enjoying the sand

Harper dancing in the sand

Parker and Claire loved riding the waves in the inner tubes

Our family at Crab Island

Claire caught the stomach bug on the way to Crab Island, so she spent much of the trip that day either sleeping or vomiting.  She was such a trooper! 

The crew watching the fireworks

Daren and his sweet Goddaughter, Lucille

Uncle D and his buddy, Parker

Sweet Austin was a little nervous waiting in line to bungy jump.  He was asking me all sorts of questions.  Then true to Austin style, he jumped right in and literally was doing flips by the end of his turn.  Way to go, brave boy!

Claire was brave enough to bungy jump!  She loved it!