Lydia's birthday celebration

Almost a month late but we were finally able to celebrate Lydia’s birthday this past weekend with her friends.

Ice cream cake for the child who doesn't like cake!!

She invited 6 friends to go with us bowling, skating and to play laser tag. We had a blast. All the girls were so good and I think everyone had a great time!

Skating was tricky but most of the girls got the hang of it after a while. I am proud to say that none of us adults fell!

Poor Timmie Kate couldn't stay up!

Layton was more interested in the arcade games than skating!

Laser tag! I actually told them to make a serious face, for these three, it's impossible!

Lydia's bowling skills were similiar to the saying "slow & steady wins the race", except she didn't win!

After all that, it was time to play games. The girls each got 4 coins, this resulted in lots of groaning! Layton decided she wanted to spin the wheel to get tickets. She ended up hitting the jackpot of tickets and won 1000 tickets (more groaning)!!! She didn't have a clue what was going on and all the other girls were a little jealous! She shared her winnings and everyone got a ball that lit up. (which resulted in me thinking I was getting pulled over several times on the way home!)

Afterwards everyone came home with us for a slumber party! They warned me on the way home that they were staying up all night, ha! They were all asleep by 1230 & slept until 800 the next morning. All in all, it was a really fun time and Lydia said it was the best party ever - success!! :)

I feel old!

I might be catching up for a while...

In October one of my best friends, Natalie got married. The pictures below were from one of her engagement parties in August.
For anyone who knows me, they know I went to several different schools during my childhood... luckily during my middle school days, I was at one school so these were my girls! I spend a very important part of my adolescence with these girls and we made wonderful memories together. Thankfully even when I moved away, some of us kept in touch. But there were some that I haven't seen in 15 or so years. (I can't believe that I am old enough to say that!) It was wonderful to catch up with old friends.

In October, Dave and I splipped off to Oxford for the wedding. The wedding was beautiful and the bride was breathtaking! I wish a lifetime of happiness to Bo & Natalie.

Melissa, Natalie (the bride) and me. So many memories with these two gals, I'm blushing just thinking about some!!

Us 3 with Melissa's parents, my adopted parents growing up! They meant so much to me growing up and even more now that I'm an adult. I don't know where I would be know without their guidance.

Pawpaw's manicure

So, Pawpaw came over the other night & the girls wanted to paint nails. I think Lydia thought she would "go out on a limb " & ask if she could paint his. He said YES! Here's the evidence...

The smile on his face in these pictures are worth a thousand words to me. He loves his girls!

Lydia did one hand & Layton did the other. They giggled the whole time.

Better late than never...

I realize this post is a little late (ha!) but better late than never. After several months of not being such a good blogger, I promise to do better...

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Layton was so excited in the days/months leading up because she knew what to expect...lots of presents to unwrap and new toys! We didn't do much decorating around the house, just shopped until we dropped in the last minutes leading up to the day and lots of unwrapping exciting new things and LOTS of family time!

Beautiful Lulu!

This present was so big, she had to get on top of it to open!

New Barbie things, just what she needed!!

Dave singing to Mimi!

Mimi being loved on!

I LOVE Christmas morning, sleepy-head pictures! We were up late Christmas Eve night, so the girls slept in. Finally at 9 Dave couldn't take it anymore, he went back to their room and said Santa came. Layton sat straight up from her sleep and asked where he was!! Priceless.

Layton finally got an ipod!

Lydia and Mamaw

Layton showing Papaw all about her ipod.