Big Birthday Weekend!

Gage turned 2 years old on August 14th. We threw a big Birthday bash on Saturday to celebrate with our friends and family! Birthdays are special to us and we enjoy putting together a day of extreme fun for Gage and his friends (and for the adults!) This year we had a bounce house and a pinata. I think the kiddo's had a blast!

We are so thankful for this handsome little fellow that has brought so much joy to our life. It's hard to imagine life before his arrival on earth! Thank you to our friends and family for celebrating this day with us and for your unconditional love and support over the years! Enjoy the pictures of our fun-filled day!

We had a football themed party and gave out eye black to each kiddo that wanted to wear it!
Even Grandma enjoyed the bounce house! Gage's lil' "girlfriend" - Ava! Gage and Miss Cassidy! Lining up for the pinata! He's not quite sure about this, but he had some nice "whacks!" Mai - taking her swing! Michael - what a cutie! And they swarmed like bee's! Gage didn't know what to do! But, he did enjoy the candy! Abrielle - being silly! Time to open presents - LOTS of presents! And time to eat the cake!
Happy 2nd Birthday Gage! We love you so much and look forward to many more!

El Jefe

In addition to coaching and teaching 100 hours per week, my husband and his good buddy have started their own brewing business - El Jefe Breweries, inspired by an old "wise"man. (Sorry Mark - you aren't that old!) I'm hoping it takes off...I have no problem marketing a tasty beer...this could be my lottery! (Ha!) Check out their website at http://eljefebrewery.blogspot.com/.

This was their first batch...I'm not a beer drinker so I'm not the best judge of taste, but I hear it tastes pretty good.

Gage helped put the labels on the bottles. Don't worry - no El Jefe for the little one! He has about 19 more years to wait!

My lil' Superman

Working out with Mommy! Show me your muscles! He looks so tough with that eye "back" (i.e. eye black!)

My little Superman. Doesn't he melt your heart?

July is flying by!

Time is just flying by! We have been trying to get the most out of our short summer since Eric will be back in full swing with football season soon (with his new position as the Defensive Coordinator!) Here are some pictures of our July adventures!

We had so much fun at the Celina Balloon Festival! I highly recommend it! We plan to make this a yearly tradition. The day started with some carnival food, shopping, and watching some local talent (Gage especially liked the tap dancers and ended up stealing the show.) Then we watched the hot air balloons gear up for their take off. The night ended with a great fireworks show!

We also took some time off of work in July for a family vacation. We decided to spend a week at the lake house and had a nice, relaxing time. We enjoyed water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, going to the park, and good times with our family and friends. We also celebrated my niece's 1st Birthday. I can't believe she is 1 already! Time really does fly!

Rocking Chair - Yea!

So much FUN in June!

We have really enjoyed our summer so far. It's always nice to have Eric home more and to spend time together. June went by fast, but we had a lot of FUN!

My family from Kansas came to visit for a long weekend and we took them to the Dallas Aquarium. It was SO much fun and the kids really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it! As you can see, the parents enjoyed it too!

We have also really enjoyed spending time at my parents' lake house. It is such a relaxing place to retreat. We have had a blast tubing, waterskiing, swimming, cooking out, and spending time with family and friends on the weekends. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great time! We look forward to many more memories!

Our friend, Laura, invited us out to ride her horse, Blaze, and Gage had a blast! I thought the horse would scare him, but he didn't even flinch! He did not want to get off the horse! Maybe we have a future Cowboy! Mommy and Daddy got to ride Blaze too, although Mommy gets a little anxious around horses! Thanks Laura for a fun day with Blaze!

Our good friends, the Z's, welcomed their new baby boy, Parker, in June. Big sisters, Mai and Ava, came over to play so their Mommy could spend some quality time with her new little man. We had a "dance party" and it was pure entertainment for me! The video below is a little long, but well worth the time - I especially like my husband's moves!

We hope you have enjoyed your summer so far! Stay cool!

Family Reunion

We spent Memorial Day Weekend in Houston for a GREAT Family Reunion, hosted by my Aunt and Uncle at their home. It has been years since I have seen most of my family from Kansas and it was so great to see everyone. It's so much fun now that most of my cousins have their own children. We were so close growing up and it's just so crazy to me that we all have children now! It was fun to see our kiddo's interact with each other. It was a weekend filled with laughter, love, old stories, and some tasty Margarita's! My Aunt and Uncle know how to throw a party and we had a weekend full of fun events, including our own suite at the horse races. Thank you Aunt Audry and Uncle Bill for your hospitality. We had so much fun and love you so much!

At the horse races!

Gage's Horse Race Dance!

*****

Aunt Audry and cousin Layla

Gage and Grandpa - hanging out! Let's see what "Bill" and "Bob" are doing - miniature horses! Some of the Fam hanging out at the "Gates" Sports BarAre you a "Gates?" :)Taking a swim with Dad!

3 Wheeling with Mom!Cousins! Uncle Jason and cousin Joely