Happy Birthday Ryan!

Happy Birthday to Ryan! We celebrated with family Monday night for Ryan's big day!  We love our daddy and husband!  He is a treasure to us all, and we are so very thankful for him and what he brings to our family!

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Little Rachel is one today!  Yesterday we celebrated her birthday with family and friends!  She is a blessing and joy, and we have had a wonderful first year with her!  Happy Birthday Rachel!

July 4th Parade

We had a fun 4th of July celebrating at our home.  The kids made construction paper flags, had a brief history lesson on our nation, made red, white and blue cupcakes, and watched a golf cart parade that evening.  During the parade, we got lots of candy and hung out with our friends, the Williams!  It is a great July 4th.  Happy Birthday America!

Princess Tea Party

Rebekah and Gram recently attended the Pecan Princess Tea Party together.  They sipped tea, ate little cakes, put together a few crafts and had an overall lovely time!  Our little princess enjoyed her afternoon.

Rachel's Crush

Jordan and Brooke just came over for lunch and a visit...we had a great time catching up!  During our time talking around the table, I passed Rachel to Jordan for him to hold her.  She was instantly taken with him.  She rested her head on his shoulder, looked at his face, relaxed in his arms....she loved her time in her Uncle's arms! 

Keepin' Cool

Here is how we keep cool in the hot summer..... all you need is a hose!

It's Gone

Last week Andrew informed us that one tooth was loose.  So we took a look at it, and discovered it was very much about to come out.  We wiggled it and said that we would monitor it, and soon try to pull it out.  Well, the next day, it came out on its own.  However, we really don't know when .... could've been the carrot sticks at lunch or the apple slices for a snack....but either way, our first baby has lost his first tooth! 

I can't believe it....Rebekah is 5!

Over the past week, we celebrated our daughter's fifth birthday (May 11th)!  Wow, I can't believe it!  She is such a blessing and joy, full of energy, and bravery, and fills our home with her sweet voice!  We had a day full of activities - trip to the zoo, riding the train and carasel, lunch at Dos Gringos, and finallly cake and presents at home.  What a great day!!

New Member to Our House

Okay, so it is now June, and the last posting I had was December.  Wow, a lot has happened!  Right after Ryan's Spartan Race, his grandmother moved in with us, Loyce Sharpe.  She has gotten settled and comfortable in our home, as we have made a place for her.  It has really worked as a blessing that she came when she did, since there have been a few visits to the hospital and some extra medical attention required.  She is doing great, and we are happy to be able to provide a place of security and companionship for her!

Spartan Race 2011!

On December 3rd, Ryan and a couple of friends ran the 8 mile Spartan Race in Glen Rose. They ran through obstacles, mud and water to complete their race. The day was rainy and cold, and the water they swam in was 55 degrees! It was grueling, and they did a great job. Ryan's dad and I got to watch and take pics!

Before......

After.....

Here is a glimpse of the in between fun... (and this is just the stuff we could actually see)

And, it only made the guys want to race in some more races just like this one!

Hanging out at Night

Here we all are, hanging out at the house. The kids are growing so much!

Hiking with friends...

As fall sets in, we try to use the few days of beautiful weather and enjoy the crisp colors of the season. On Saturday we visited Dinosaur Valley State Park to hike with some friends, Jeff, Becky and Drew, for the day. We all had a great time, and little Rachel did fabulously! She, like the other two, loves the outdoors!

Rachel Elizabeth Higgins

Three months ago we added our newest addition.... Rachel Elizabeth Higgins! She arrived on August 5th, weighing in at 6 lbs 10 ozs, 20 inches long. She barely made the 5th, coming just eight minutes before midnight. We welcomed her with loving arms and happy faces!! God blessed us with a healthy baby girl, such a gift from the Lord!

Swim Lessons

In the past two weeks the kids spent 30 minutes each day learning swim strokes, underwater diving, and swim kicks. The lessons are offered up at the Pecan Activity Center pool. Andrew and Rebekah did an excellent job getting the basics and feeling more comfortable in the water!