One last summer hurrah...

We took all the kids for one last summer hurrah to Hyatt Lost Pines the weekend before school started.  I think we will try to do something of the sort every year that we are able to do so.  It was so nice for all of us to have some fun, relieve some stress/nerves before the big day, and come home tired and ready for a fun first day

Charlie and Claire

Harper with her best buddy, Christi!

Mommy and Harper - notice she rides down the slide with her eyes covered.  She loved the slide and rode it a hundred times, but she wanted to cover her eyes every time.  Ha!

Chris loved chilling his way down the lazy river

Sister hugs

Charlie and Claire

D and Char playing washers

Grandma was such a trooper pushing Harper around in the tricycle.  Harper loved it and refused to push the pedals herself.  Such a princess!

Charlie and Pops playing sniper

An attempt at a grandkids shot (minus Chris).  We couldn't convince him to get in.

Yay - we got Chris in the picture.  Now where are Grandma and Pops?!

Cat and the kiddos

On Sunday going out for one last swim!

Daddy and his girls

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!!!!!