Back in Texas!

That's right!  Evan and I are back in San Antonio.  After a very long trip - 10 hours from Ohio to Montgomery and then 17 hours from Montgomery to San Antonio - we made it home safe and sound!  A huge thanks to my Mom and Dad for taking such wonderful care of Evan and I while we were in Ohio.  They did so much for us and I feel as if I cannot say thank you enough.  My Mom even made the trip back to San Antonio with Evan and I - what a HUGE help!  Having someone in the car to help with Evan and the dogs was such a relief!  I also have to give a big shout out to Katie and Lathan for letting us stay at the McHoiles Bed and Breakfast during our trip.  It was so nice to have place with a comfy bed, delicious food, and wonderful conversations during our trip!  And, I know that Max and Paddy thoroughly enjoyed themselves hanging out with Penny and Winston!

This trip definitely couldn't have happened without our wonderful friends here in San Antonio that kept an eye on our house.  Knowing that my house was well taken care of made the trip so much more enjoyable.  To the Amatos and Townsends - You guys are amazing and thank you so much for everything you did while I was gone from the house!  From helping me out when the battery on the Element decided to die the night before leaving San Antonio, to driving by the house to make sure everything was status quo, to mowing the lawn (or what is left of it after the lack of rain!) to adjusting the thermostat so my electric bill wasn't too crazy, to just being available if I needed anything - it was such a huge help.  You guys rock!!  Please know that if you EVER need ANYTHING, I'm your lady!    

I miss my family terribly.  And, I wont lie - I miss the extra help with Evan!  But, it is so good to be back in the house and with all my stuff.  Evan seems to like it too.  All his toys we left here are brand new to him all over again.  One thing I did not miss while we were gone...the weather here in south central Texas.  I've been home for a week now and EVERY single day has been 100+ degree weather.  But, we are managing.  Getting all our running around and errands done before noon so that we are back in the comfort of our air condition house for the most brutal part of the day.

I have a ton of stuff to blog about.  Fun stuff that Evan and I did while we were in Ohio and Alabama.  And, I've also crocheted some pretty neat things that I'll be blogging about.  I've been venturing out of my "scarf and hat safe zone!"  Everything from bags and clutches to shrugs and dish towels.  And, so far, I've been pretty pleased with how things have turned out!   

Now that Evan and I are back and settled (well, almost settled!) and I am going to try and be a little bit better at blogging!  So, keep checking back!  More pictures and stories soon!!

Much Love!!   

Max and Paddy in the car when we were leaving my parent's house.

The honestly thought this was going to work....

Such a Fun Day...

We went to the park recently and had so much fun.  A while back I posted a blog, Family Fun Day at the Park, about Jimmy and I taking Evan to a park for the first time.  We had so much fun that visit, taking Evan down the slide and swinging with him on the swings.  But, what a difference a few months makes!  This trip, Evan was actually able to get down, crawl around, and play with everything himself.  (Of course doing all of this with a very watchful Mommy following him around and looking over his shoulder the whole way!)  I still held him in my lap while we went down the slide (which he LOVES!)  But, he really enjoyed being able to explore on his own!  His favorite was the tunnel.  He was amazed that he could crawl back and forth from one end to the other and that Mommy was waiting at one end for him and Aunt Stephie was waiting at the other.  I swear, he could have done it for hours if I had let him!   

Evan had so much fun playing with his cousin (and new best friend!) Alex.

Aunt Stephie even had a lot of fun!

This was the face he gave me when I put him in his stroller to go home. 

Such a sweet boy!

Someone Has A Lot to Say!

Happy Independence Day!

I love the Fourth of July!  It has been one of my favorite holidays ever since I was a little girl.  Growing up as a "military brat" and living on military bases, the Fourth of July was always a huge celebration. 

Some of the best memories I have from my childhood revolve around the Fourth of July. 

Military base celebrations do not have the biggest or fanciest fireworks displays.  The do not have the most popular entertainers for the day.  But, what they do have, is an overwhelming sense of pride, honor, and gratitude.  It seems as if those attending a military base Fourth of July celebration has just a little bit more reason to celebrate.  I loved growing up in a military family!  I only hope Evan grows up with the same sort of memories.  Memories that hold a special place in his heart.  Memories that flow over with a tremendous amount of honor and pride for his country and his daddy's job. (Even when that job means that we are temporarily separated!).  Memories that make him proud to be an American!

Evan in his Red, White, and Blue.

Happy Fourth of July!

Stephanie's Graduation Festivities!

I realize it has been a few days - actually almost two weeks - since I last blogged!  We were busy here with Steph's graduation!  Evan and I had a blast.  Katie and Lathan (and Winston!) arrived first.  Then my Aunt Mary (my mom's sister) and Uncle Mike (my dad's brother) and then Steve and Marlene (family friends my parents met through the Air Force before I was even born!).  We definitely had a full house, but we had such a wonderful time.  The only person missing was Jimmy.  He is so proud of Steph and I know he would have had so much fun with everyone here!

The weekend consisted of amazing friends, delicious food, and wonderful conversations.  How can you not have a good time with 'smores and margaritas (not together!)?  Big thanks to Marlene for bringing her Margaritaville Margarita Maker all the way from North Carolina!  Yummy :)

My little sister is now a college graduate!  Like I've said (at least a thousand times) I am so proud of her.  It was awesome to see her receive her diploma.  I even cried a little when the chancellor of Wright State announced her name.  Katie looked over at me and saw me wipe my eyes and asked, "Are you crying?  Why are you crying?  You are going to make me cry!"  My sisters are amazing and it is such a wonderful feeling to watch them be so successful! 

Here are some pictures from the weekend!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

~Elanor Roosevelt

Congratulations Stephanie!

Here is a super cute picture of Evan right before the graduation ceremony...

I love this little boy!!