Remembering Alice

I started today off just fine. I got my cereal sat down on the couch to watch the news and that's when I lost it. The top story on the news is about an infant that was pronounced dead and after two hours of his mom holding him saying her goodbye's, he miraculously came back to life. I don't wish for things to have turned out different, my experience with Alice was so special I wouldn't trade it for the world. Maybe I am just experiencing some guilt for being so ok with everything. When I started crying I knew that I needed to be around a baby so I called up Sarah and Justin and asked if I could go see June (She's in the NICU with some respiratory problems). It felt so good to be around such a sweet, fresh from heaven baby. Thanks for letting me intrude on your time with June!
Happy 3rd Alice

The note on her grave was left by Jared's mom today. Thanks for thinking of her.


Gwen always puts up a fight when we leave the cemetery. I wonder if she feels the same peacefulness I do when I'm there.

The big 40!

Our friend Dave Wood turned 40 and Candice planned a surprise party for him in the suite next to the Padre's dugout on Tuesday! He is a HUGE Padre fan (I hope I am spelling that right). All-you-can-eat food and great company....couldn't ask for more! Thanks for the invite and a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Dave!

Clayton's baptism

The boy's went with me to Clayton Hall's baptism. Clayton and Briant were really close from birth till 2. We have kept in touch through the years and it was fun to reunite.
Briant isn't shy.

1st day of school

It's hard to get a serious picture from either of them. School has been going well, Max has the teacher Briant had in Kindergarten... LOVE HER! And so does Max. When I asked how the first day went he held up a thumb and said "Great" If you know Max you can also picture his face as he was saying it. Briant doesn't hate school but doesn't love it either. He is lucky enough to have one of his best friends in his class. He has a teacher that is new to the school, she knows her stuff but she is not the warm and fuzzy Briant is used to. He's adjusting fine. And Gwen and I are too ; )

Gwenyth.....2 and moody!

Yes she's moody but I have loved every second of being her mom. I didn't know how different it was to be a mom to a daughter than to a son. There is something so sweet about it that can't be explained.

Gwen's obsessions at the moment are; pushing strollers, singing songs, telling Briant and Max "No", talking on the phone, dancing, being chased, any kind of finger play, EATING, and sitting on the toilet (no luck just loves sitting there). She has a special spirit that requires a lot of patience (Jared would tell you that I can't handle any more kids...at least not for a long time) but when I look into her HUGE eyes with those long curly eyelashes I melt. Jared melts even more! We love you Gwen, you make us VERY happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thanks to Lauren for these tasties.

Candice Wood made this chocolate/peanut butter perfection for Gwen! She is very talented when it comes to cooking.

On Gwen's actual birthday, Jared's Aunt Janice had everyone over for dinner just to get together. Food and swimming, every one's favorite combo. Thanks Janice and Doug!

Happy Birthday Kenni

It's 28 for this beauty!

Martin also had a birthday but sadly I didn't get a picture. Maybe this one will do?

We've known these two for almost 6 years and they have been our regular date night friends! We love you guys and our kids love you even more! Happy Birthday!

Burr Reunion!!!!!

Let's begin with the double deck er! We didn't have enough rope to make the swings low enough so this was the solution. The person on top gets a pretty crappy ride!

When these two don't have their electronic games to play board games get a LOT of use! The rules are also altered a tad.

The bike trailer was a big hit! Instead of individual rides why not make room for everyone?

All of the girl cousins except for Cami.

She's a wanderer.

Getting warmed up for the annual race. Go China?

Sarah and I took the kids in the back of the truck to hand out water to the people that felt like exercising.

Jared (smiley)

Justin (team China)

Ryan and Jenny (cheaters)

Neil (i tunes)

Rush and Riley (team Nom Nom)

The water hand er outers.

I'm sad I didn't get a picture of the huge rope swing that Rush risked his life to hang. SOOOO fun and SOOOO scary, especially when you have two strong men pulling you as high as you can go!

Another happy reunion! Next year will be even happier with two more babies and Jacob will be home! Hooray!