Happy Birthday Chris!!!

Happy 38th Birthday Babe! You are such a great Dad and husband. I love you SOOOO MUCH!! I can't believe I've known you 20 years - I don't feel that old... well, most days!

When Did That Happen?

This picture was taken 11 months ago...
This picture was taken this weekend...
It's not just his height and shoe size (6 to 9 1/2) I'm talking about - he's just older.


Chris' mom gave Chris a book Respecting the Man the Boy Will Become by Brother James M. Kelly. I've referred to it from time to time, but really, the title says so much that I don't feel I need to pour through it. He is growing up and he is so mature for his age (11 years old). I'm very proud of who he is and who I can see him becoming. He is a wonderful big brother and son. I know all too well how fast time goes... so yes, before we know it - he will be driving, picking out colleges and moving out so we just enjoy every moment.

After all, wasn't it just last week that I walked him into Plainview Preschool and said, "NO HITTING! NO KICKING! NO BITING!" everyday for a year?

Spring Break 2010

Gatlinburg Tennessee this year with Terri’s parents.

I was somewhat nervous about how Mia would travel. The car ride was 4 1/2 hours but she's used to the car. The last time we were in a hotel was bringing her home. I wondered if she would freak out completely, at times or not at all. She walked in the condo and then took off running saying YAY YAY YAY!!! One night she cried by a bit but other than that - the first travel experience after adoption went great!!!

We had a ball playing miniature golf, swimming, eating, eating, and more eating. There’s a toy store in Pigeon Forge that has really cute stuff (FAO Schwartz-like except really, really small). The boys bought tricks and Mia landed some uberly cute mary jane crocs and blocks. On to the candy store where Matt loaded up on taffy and old time candies. They serve cokes in cute old time bottles so we had to have a cute drink too. Eating in G-burg involves creme. Creme this and creme that - gravy city - it’s so yummy once a year but geez, I couldn’t eat like that all the time - we did hit the best pretzel place in the world - rated by me - and No Way Jose’s for some fresh guacamole and margaritas - mmm mmm.

The Dixie Stampede was a lot of fun. I think this was our 3rd time. I was a little concerned about Mia but like I said before, she’s been "tossed" into a nonstop family and is doing great and seems to enjoy being on the go much more than sitting around the house. Matt and Mark were old enough to “get the jokes” this time that probably flew over their heads before. Mia was in awe of the entire show. She had a blast. She was so tired at the end that she literally, put her head on her hands on the table trying to stay awake and she did. It was funny. If you’ve never been, it is a country dinner show with horses and trick riding and there are no, I repeat, no utensils. Hey this is Dolly Parton Ya'll!

The whole crew

Everyone loves to swim!!!
She will slide all day
He's so serious I was cracking up!
8 million tokens - one machine
Fun at miniature golf