We are still here

I think the wise thing to do is not to explain the lack of blogging and just jump into in when I can, so here goes....

This sweet boy turned one in September. He is the funniest little nugget. He is way more active than his big brothers were at this age. He is a climber and not afraid of much. As feisty and active as he is, he is also the best sleeper. He sleeps 12 plus hours at night and two naps a day- My kind of schedule!

He is talking a good bit-Momma, Dada, Dog, Out, More, Eat etc.

I don't even remember what this is from, but it made me laugh. Kristen, James, and I out and about. 

We have enjoyed a few fires on the porch this fall, but not many. It has been hot here in central Al. 

We had dinner at Ovenbird, Chris Hastings new restaurant in Birmingham, very good

The big boys attended several Auburn games, and of course loved it. 

He is a good daddy

This picture is circa 2005, nice pink beads huh?!

My friend Molly is battling Melanoma--please be praying for her. She started immunotherapy a few weeks ago, and it is rough. She is the most genuine, patient and loving person I know. She is a momma to three precious baby girls-Rayne (3), Brooks (2), and Bess (5 months)

Read this book if you haven't, good stuff

One year check up

I could eat him up

The boys are big into hunting right now, mainly because they get to hang out with their friends while doing so. Social dove hunting is my favorite too :)

We ran a half marathon in Chicago. It was harder than I thought, but awesome! We signed up for another in Seaside in Feb. Running with these friends has been such a God thing this season of my life. Hitting the pavement, discussing life, praying, and praising with these ladies is therapy at its best. 

We celebrated birthdays, including Foster Jones, Lane's best buddy. As you can tell from this picture, he feels quite a part of the Jones's fam. So sweet

 In October we took a mini vaca to celebrate James's birthday.

lots of fruity drinks

and fun with Maggie and Mitchell

selfie stick on our balcony

He celebrated Miami Vice style

If anyone is looking for a nice, easy to get to spot for a long weekend, I recommend Nizuc. It is ten minutes outside the hotel corridor in Cancun. Amazing service! It is also only an 1.5 hr flight from Atlanta. 

Fairchild turned 8 so we celebrated fiesta style. 

Wow that wasn't so hard, maybe I'll try it again soon. 

Summertime

I hate that time is flying by, and I am not documenting most of it! I am going to play catch up this month with LOTS of pictures. We have had a great summer--the boys loved all things water-swimming, fishing, and heading to the beach.

this little nugget is almost one

This is documenting that I started a garden. Started being the key word. I have failed, and am really ok with it. James said I am a farmers market gardener, and I think he is right. I believe between my rocky raised bed soil, the critters that attacked my squash and zuchinni plants, and the extreme heat I can safely say, my garden failed. I harvested all of one green pepper and a handful of cherry tomatoes. 

SIGH. 

He is into everything, crawling (started at 8 months) and now walking.  :(

These three are really into playing with each other, thank goodness.

Lane and Foster at tennis camp--Lane says "I am really good at this sport!" 

Boys on the hill playing in the afternoon, can't wait to see this picture again in ten years!!!

Luke is a love muffin. I thought he was going to be so layed back since he has been a great sleeper compared to the others. HMMMM I am thinking not. He is showing some definite opinions and spunk. 

We have been going to the beach a lot (thanks Pie and Pal), and they love it. Fishing is their favorite, especially Lane. He could do it for hours and doesn't get sea sick. 

Part two and three coming at some point ;) 

Sweet Leikas

The boys attend a preschool named Leikas (named after the founding teacher). It is such a great school-wonderful teachers and a great curriculum. They are scripture and music focused, and the boys have memorized more things than I realized was possible at this age. So thankful! The end of the year/graduation program theme this year was "Sweet Leikas". They sang songs such as "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" (reminding me of Alpha Gam rush days!), Good Ship Lollipop, etc. All outfits were candy or sweet inspired. 

Holden was a "sweet dream" and Lane was "Cracker Jack Boy"

Holden was in the two year old class, Lane was in the three year old class

thankful Grandmomma came to watch!

Luke checking out his big brothers

melt my heart! 

Lane with "Captain Crunch"

He was so embarrassed 

Our best buddy Foster was Willly Wonka

I'll be back sometime ;)

Hello there

It has been awhile! I have a million excuses, but instead I'll just get right to it....The end of March we headed to Charleston to celebrate my cousin Burke getting married. It was fabulous! A road trip with friends and family, such a cool city, and delicious food and music...hard to beat.

Friday we went to the Wine and Food Festival, freezing but fun

nothing like a group of adults in a ball pit :)

We went to a blow dry bar Friday, followed by a makeup application...glamour shots! 

dinner at McCradys, delicious!

met Sean Brock, I love getting pictures with the chef....James spots them, and then I run up and embarrass everyone

fun times at the after party

ready for the wedding with my hot date

with the happy couple!!! 

Love the Busters!

Hopefully I will continue with the updates!

MOAST

Mother Of All Ski Trips that is....

We went with a group of five other couples to Park City, Utah to ski a month ago. It was awesome, great group, and a great time was has by all!

The Sams, Osborns, Atchisons, Griffins, Tuckers, and Woods

The first night we traveled via sleigh to dinner at a "Yurt" on the top of the mountain.

It was an experience to say the least. 

cold and cozy

                                   

view of Park City below

a few "spirits" to warm us up

my one fall of the trip was well documented

Brett had his GoPro to capture all of our amazing skiing (wink wink)

great to spend time with this guy

view of Deer Valley from St. Regis where the ladies had a spa afternoon, it was fabulous. 

Deer Valley is still my favorite place to ski...wonderful groomed runs, awesome lunch spots, and no snow boarders.

So much fun! We had such a great group, and really enjoyed fellowship with friends. Skiing is such a good vacation to do with couples. We decided it would be a tradition :)