Slow Down!

Seems like we were just celebrating Sutton's first birthday and that day felt like just a few days since he was born. Wow, it goes by so much quicker the second time around.

3rd Birthday, a little early!

Even though Lincoln's birthday is over a week away, we decided to celebrate early just in case little brother decides to arrive early. We enjoyed time with family and a few friends who are like family to us. We decided on a football theme since we are getting so close to football season and Lincoln loves football.

A few of the decorations...red velvet cupcakes for dessert.

Memer and Gigi got Lincoln a new golf club, balls and tees. He hasn't put it down yet!

Cupcakes with Brenden



Tailate party!

Under Construction!

What a fun weekend....we had the best time visiting with friends, family, eating, and hanging out with Lincoln. He had his second birthday party with cousins and a few friends. Ryan's grandparents came as did Ryan's brother Dillon and his wife Maria. My parents and sister Holly were also at the party. Here are a few fun shots of the day, of course, there are many more for his scrapbook. We are so lucky to have so many friends and family members who love Lincoln and play an important role in his life!

The table

Eating a cupcake

Blowing out the candle

My girls, Audrey and Ella

Lincoln and Brenden

Every construction worker needs a break!

Bouncing with cousins and friends

Cousin Cason!!!

Thanks Cason and Uncle John!

Auntie Holly, Uncle Brian and Lincoln

Great Grandparents, Uncle Dillon and Aunt Maria

Thanks Uncle Dillon and Aunt Maria
"Wow, a black truck"--Lincoln

Driving in the backyard

With my new tractor

Celebrating my real birthday at the Rainforest Cafe

He picked the duck legs

Watching the gorillas, not the camera!

Lincoln also got another fantastic thing, once it's assembled, I'll post some pictures! Happy birthday Lincoln, we love you so much!

Creeping Up!

Lincoln's second birthday is 3 days away...how is this possible? Here are a few of my favorites shots of him along the way!

Newborn

The day after we brought him home.




6 months

7 months


9 months

10 months

Prepare yourself for a reflective birthday post:) Coming Monday!

30

Tuesday was my 30th birthday. It's funny how having a child makes your birthday feel like another day. Lincoln didn't care that I was crossing over into adulthood. That I was leaving my youth and becoming a woman. HA! I still had diapers to change, hands to wipe and milk to pour. But what a wonderful way to spend the day, loving on Lincoln. Ryan came home with flowers, a card and a 30th balloon. My parents took us out to Buca di Beppo for dinner and Holly joined us. I got some makeup and a cute top from Holly, a gorgeous round mirror to put on the wall over our bed, and a super cute Baby G watch from Ryan. At home, Ryan had key lime pie and we watched American Idol. All in all, it was a wonderful day.

I remember my Mom saying that no matter what age she technically is, she still feels like the same person. She didn't feel 30, or 40, or 50. I totally agree. Sometime I have to catch myself from saying or thinking I am 22. I just can't believe I've been alive 30 years. How wonderful to think about all the fun things I've done the last 30 years, and how joyful I feel in daydreaming about the next thirty years.

Things that come to mind from the last 30...

Playing in Gran's sand pile and MJ's playhouse
Hanging out with Holly and all my cousins and creating "shows"
Mom washing my hair in the sink
Going to 1/2 price night at Wet n Wild with my fam and the Millers
Going to the lake and our boat not starting
Hanging out with the Garms family
Watching Murder She Wrote as a family after church on Sunday nights
Being "Mickey", the lead in the church musical
Being baptized at 10
My dad packing my school lunches
6th grade with Mrs. McGhee
Yearly family vacations--these really stand out
Middle school choir with Mrs. Kornegay
FBC Allen
Church mission trips
Primping for Prom
Being roommates with Shannon at A&M
Meeting Ryan, falling in love
Being an Aggie and going A&M football games as a student
Going to A&M games and tailgating as Alumni
Walking the stage to get my Masters Degree
My Engagement Night
My Wedding Day
Driving to Corpus for the first time as a married couple
Our Vegas Vacation
The day I found out I was going to be a Mom
Lincoln's birth
And every single day since...

Here's to the next 30 years!

Happy 30th Birthday, Ryan

Ryan celebrated his 30th birthday on Thursday, February 12th. I have a few more months to relish my twenties before I join him May 12th. It was fun celebrating the big day with some friends the weekend before and we celebrated with dinner on his actual day. Ryan is the perfect husband and truly the most wonderful dad. He has more than exceeded my expectations in that department. Lincoln is so lucky to have such a warm, FUN, sensitive, affectionate playmate and father in Ryan. I'm so excited to see what his next 30 years hold. He doesn't look a day over 25, right?

Happy 1st Birthday, Lincoln

We celebrated Lincoln's first birthday with a bang. We played up the carnival theme and dined on hot dogs and chips, caramel corn, caramel apples and lemonade. The kids bounced in a bounce house and we took some pictures behind a photo board. Lincoln had his own jumbo chocolate cupcake and seemed to enjoy it, but was curious as to why everyone wanted to watch him eat it. He got a little messy, but enjoyed it. The rest of us enjoyed a chocolate fudge cake with raspberry filling courtesy of The Cake Stand in McKinney. It was delish!

Cupcake, mmm mmm mmm!

Presents! This should tide me over until Christmas

Nana and Pawpaw Blake
Memer and Gigi
Auntie Holly
Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Fast
Aunt Jan and Uncle Bob
Cousin Nicole
Uncle John
Cousin Cason
Uncle Joe and Aunt Judy
Aleen and Bob
My BFF Brenden and Mrs. Shannon
My Girlfriend Audrey and her sister Ella
Mr. John and Mrs. Angi
Miss Kaycie (my babysitter)
Miss Jen (Paparazzi)

We really want to thanks our family and friends for coming to the party, some drove 6 hours. It was so special to have everyone together to celebrate the special day. Thank You!