Waterpark fun in Texas

While in Texas, we had a great time at the Waterpark. Everyone came for the fun; Nana, Papa, Krista, Ted, and all the kids. There were two tall waterslides. Dylan (2) and Maddie (3) insisted on going on them, and loved every minute. Ethan (7) was a bit scared, so he did not go on them. This water park was so fun, we went twice. Little Brandon loved jumping off the diving board with cousins TJ and Savannah!

Click on the collage to make it bigger if you can't get enough of us! Ha-ha!

 

A Texas 4th of July

What a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July! We all went to watch the fireworks together. The kids had a great time playing around, and we all enjoyed the fireworks.

 

Sewn Gifts from the Heart

We were so lucky to have Nana and Papa with us for Christmas! Nana's Mom, Grandma Deaver, sent her this beautiful home-made gift. Amazing, isn't it! And to think Grandma Deaver is in her 80's and does such incredible work. Grandma Deaver is amazingly talented. Maybe my kids will inherit her gifts and talents. I can only hope.


Grandma Deaver also made her this fabulous table runner, about double the size of what is shown.

A Star Wars Christmas Eve

After our family remake of the Christmas Story, the children were excited to open gifts from Nana and Papa. Nana rocks! She made the kids Star Wars costumes, and bought them light sabers to go with them. So it ended up being a bit of a Star Wars Christmas Eve. Some of the things that Christmas dreams are made of. Especially if you have four boys. And Maddie was thrilled with her "three babies" that she had requested from Nana. Not to be confused with the baby now known as the "Jesus baby" that was in our Christmas Story production.

Brandon (8) reminding me of Anakin

Baby Star Wars with baby Dylan

Dylan and Ethan dueling it out

Ethan excitedly holding his new light saber

Maddie with her new babies

Benjamin with his new Star Wars costume (and the black eye making him so pitiful on Christmas)

That smile that warms my heart. I love my baby Dylan.

Nana helping Ethan with his robe

Benjamin thrilled with his light saber

Dylan with his USMC dog.

Maddie put all her babies in a bag and would not let anyone touch them.

Ethan

Hugs and Kisses for Nana and Papa

Making Halloween Cards

I love home-made cards. I used to LOVE to make them, I am just waiting till my kids get a little older to re-start the fun. My mother-in-law makes the cutest cards for the holidays for her grandchildren. I was only able to get four of them, as Maddie would not let go of her card for anything. I thought I would share them, as they are so cute, and she has such creative ideas. Love the little ghosts!!!

Papa Time

Papa came to town for some work meetings, so we were able to enjoy some time with him. The children mobbed him, loved on him, and couldn't get enough. As you can tell, they adore their Papa. We had to play some Wii. Everyone had a great time bowling and playing golf on the Wii. We had to laugh when Benjamin (3) kept getting Strikes on the Wii bowling and it was his first time ever. Ethan was getting upset and kept trying to reset the game so he would have a chance at winning.
Bonding time





Celebration dance----SPARE!


Papa and Brandon cheering about a spare on the Wii

Ethan is in LOVE with his green blankie that Nana and his great-Grandma Deaver made him. He carries it around and frequently asks if he can bring his "green blankie" with him places. Of course he always sleeps with "green blankie".

Sunday Moments

Playing checkers with Papa

Brandon loves to play games

Benj and Papa

Nana & Benj
Nana getting in some Wii time!

Brandon's Baptism

Brandon's baptism today was very special! I am grateful he followed the example of Jesus Christ in choosing to be baptized! His grandparents on both sides were there, including his Great-Grandma Bartholomew. His Nana spoke at his baptism, about the gift of the Holy Ghost. She compared it to other presents we get that won't stand the test of time (they wear out, break). Unlike those presents, the gift of the Holy Ghost is a gift that can stay with us forever. A very beautiful, touching talk. When they introduced Brandon before his baptism, they said, "Brandon is going to be a football player one day." Without hesitating, Brandon said "Yes, I am." You had to be there, but it was so cute! It was such a special moment to watch his Dad baptize him. He had asked our neighbor Scott, his Daddy, and grandfathers to be part of the confirmation. I am so proud of my son Brandon!


The Two Brandon's

More of the Brandon's

The whole family at the baptism

Brandon with his Grandparents Bartholomew

Brandon with his Grandparents Woodruff


Daddy and some of his boys!

Brandon
Maddie
My parents and Grandma Bartholomew