Getaway

On the afternoon of August 8th, Darren and I headed out to Nashville. I was attending a payroll conference on Thursday and Friday and Darren was coming along with me. It was nice to get away for a couple of days even if I did have to be in a conference. We still got to spend time together afterwards and went out for a couple of nice dinners together. We stayed at the Millenium Maxwell House hotel and this was the view we had outside our window.

 

The brief "vacation" was nice, but of course, we were very anxious to get back home to our babies!

Shepherd Reunion

On Sunday, August 5th, the annual Shepherd reunion was held at the Carver barn in Defeated. When I was a little girl, we had these reunions at the park and I can remember it was always so terribly hot. The crowd has slowly dwindled through the years, some due to loved ones passing on, some due to other committments, and some due to sheer lack of interest. It makes my heart sad to think this reunion may soon be a thing of the past. I know that's not how my grandaddy would want it, but we live in a much faster-paced world today and folks don't want to make time for gatherings like this. I pray that our little family creates some of our own gatherings and traditions and that our little ones will faithfully pass them down through the years.

Me and my sweet Mama

Me and my "little" brother, who is not so little anymore! Also, just to brag on him a bit, he recently got on with Vanderbilt's Lifeflight program and is super excited. He is an excellent RN and I know he will excel in his new role. Way to go Patrick!

A rare shot of me and both the kiddos

Mom and Kenneth

Mischievous little ones!

I have to add a couple more of Layla's recent funnies. First, I was making a cake the other night for Darren and I offered to let Layla lick the batter off of one of the beaters. She looks at me and says "What's at Mama?" I told her it was chocolate cake and she replied "I looooove chocolate cake!"

The next one took place in the truck. We were riding to town one morning and she told me she wanted to hold my hand. I reached my hand back there to hers and she noticed where I had snagged a hang nail on one of my fingers. She said "What happened Mama?" and I told her I just had a little boo-boo. Her response?? "Awwwww......Bess You Heart!"

This kid makes my heart melt and definitely keeps me on my toes! Love you Layla Bug!

Happy Birthday Moms!

On Saturday, August 4th, we celebrated my grandmother Moms's 85th birthday. Her actual birthday wasn't until the 12th, but we had come in a weekend early so that we could attend the Shepherd family reunion, which was the next day. My Mom grilled out and we had a wonderful dinner followed by cake and ice cream. We tried to get some pictures and they aren't the best, but they will just have to do!

Happy Birthday Moms! We love you!

Three generations

And thanks to Kenneth, we were able to get one with Mom in there, which makes it four generations.

(Just FYI, Isaac has been told many times NOT to make this particular face in pictures but for some reason, he continues to do it and thinks it's the funniest thing ever!)

Pool Party

On Friday, July 28th, Ellie and Emma Reynolds had their birthday pool party. As always, a good time was had by all and the weather was perfect. The kids had a blast and it was fun to be able to sit and catch up with Dale since we don't get to see each other much.

The party theme was watermelons and Dale had made and decorated the cutest cupcakes. Maybe one year I will attempt to do my own too, but for now, it's just easier to have someone else do them for me!

Layla concentrated hard on her cupcake...

...and thoroughly enjoyed it too!!

Thanks Reynolds girls for another great party!

Bath Time

For some unknown reason, Isaac has suddenly decided to start taking baths again. He has been taking a shower for a long time now so I'm not really sure where this came from, although part of me thinks it's probably a ploy to somehow delay bedtime. Just a thought....

Silly girl!

Sometimes it truly amazes me just how much these 2 look alike. Isaac's baby pictures look so much like her and both of their baby pictures look so much like my baby pictures too. Of course, I happen to think they are just the cutest kids ever and I can't wait to see how their looks change in the years to come. 

The Howard Party

On Saturday, June 9th, the Howard family got together for their annual birthday party/family reunion. They haven't been able to have this gathering for the past couple of years so it was nice to be able to get together and visit again. As always, there was good folks, good food, and good music. What else do you need??

She is rotten......can you tell?? 

I have to add a little funny that Layla said earlier in the week. She is beginning to try and potty train at school and so far, it's been a pretty slow start but I think she is getting the hang of it. One night this week before her bath, she told me she wanted to potty. I stripped off her clothes and her diaper and sat her up on the potty. She immediately reached for the toilet paper (even though she hadn't done anything) so I tore her off a couple of squares. She then wiped her belly button and said "I done!"

Happy Birthday Isaac!

On Friday, June 1st, Papa and Nana came to spend the night for Isaac's birthday weekend. As usual, they came and stayed Friday night and then Grandma and Moms came on Saturday and got to stay Saturday night. It's an arrangement that has come to be the norm for the kids parties and I'm so grateful because it works so well. Both sets of grandparents get their time with the kids and both get to participate in the parties.

Mom and Dad, it means the world to me and the kids that you are willing to do it this way and I can't thank you enough for this!

Papa and Nana arrived on Friday night and had to give Isaac part of his birthday ahead of time. He got a battery operated water gun with extra cartridges so of course, we had to go and try it out!

This was the pitiful look I got when I said it was time to go in

Layla however was as happy as can be trying to ride her tricycle!

We finally got everyone in the house and the kiddos in the bed because tomorrow was going to be a big day!

Shortly after we got up and ate, Layla disappeared and got very quiet, which of course, made us all curious. No worries though. We found her in Isaac's room, literally laid back, watching The Wiggles.

 After breakfast, we all got dressed and ready to go out and play. Isaac's party wasn't until late that afternoon so we had a full day to play. We decided to go ahead and give Isaac his present from Mommy and Daddy. Needless to say, I was a bit hesitant about it, but Darren was dead set on getting it and of course, Isaac was thrilled! He rode very cautiously at first, but it didn't take him long to get comfortable with it. Now he rides it like an old pro!

Isaac couldn't decide on a theme for his cake this year so I just went with the number 5. It turned out great and tasted amazing. Thanks Wendy for another great cake!

Finally, it was time to head out for the party. We did something different this year and opted to try a pool party. Isaac's friends Ellie and Emma have had their party here the past couple of years and so we were familiar with the pool and all. The weather decided to turn a bit cool on us which threw us for a loop, but it didn't slow the kids down one bit!

Layla had to test the water before she got in.

But it didn't take her long to go for it!

Isaac and his best buddy Maddox

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Layla thoroughly enjoyed the cupcakes!

Unfortunately, the birthday boy was not ready to get out when the party was over.

This was the pitiful look I got when I told him it was time to go home.

 We finally made it home though and we all basically crashed due to pure exhaustion. The kids were up and ready to go again the next morning though for more rides on Isaac's new toy!

 Happy 5th Birthday Isaac! I can't believe you are 5 years old. You have grown and learned so much this past year and Mommy and Daddy look forward to watching you grow even more. You are the sweetest boy and we are so blessed to have you as our son. We love you so very much Isaac!