10th Wedding Anniversary

On the 17th Shadd and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. It is hard to believe how fast these years have flown by. Many things have happened over the course of these years. We have bought three homes, struggled through trying to conceive and then suffered a miscarriage. Then the birth of our two beautiful daughters. We have also lost some of the most important people in our lives. Shadd's father, grandfather and brother-in-law. I lost both of my grandmothers and my great-grandfather. We have had two dogs, one nasty cat and a variety of fish and insects for the kids. Anyway, these were the most memorable events of the last ten years but there were also the small moments that mean so much. We had amazing neighbors at our first house who we still keep in contact with. The second house is where we welcomed our children and I have fond memories of Shadd reading and singing to our babies. Now we are in a wonderful community where our children play outside with their friends and we share good times with neighbors. I wonder what things the next ten years will bring. I know that whatever life presents us we are a great team. Shadd's dad always said that in a marriage being friends is the most important thing. Shadd is my very best friend and I can't wait to reflect on the next ten years. Honey I love you more than you will ever know.

I always fix and anniversary dinner and we eat on the "good china"

me and my guy

Fun at the Stewarts

Last week the girls went down to the Stewarts to play. Another neighbor friend joined them too. They had a lot of fun especially swinging on the hammock.

Sadie, Caleb, Scooter, Bethany and Baylee

What a daddy's girl!

Baylee had her first performance with her new team at the 4H fair. There are only 7 girls on the team this year which should be nice. For just knowing their new routine for a couple of weeks, they did a great job! And for once the weather was GREAT! We are usually sweating like crazy but it was cool and there was even a breeze! It was so nice!

Madalyn, Sami, Megan and Baylee

My girls

Baylee and Megan

Bethany was so excited to ride the roller coaster. She was all smiles!! Baylee wasn't so sure so she sat out and Bethany rode it with Tori

the roller coaster

Bethany and Tori

After Baylee watched Bethany she decided she was up for the challenge. Bethany was more than willing to ride it again with her!

I'm still trying to play catch-up with the blog. It seems like the summer keeps us so busy that I am constantly taking pictures. Anyway, these were from Baylee's gymnastics swim party in June. Most of the girls have been on the team together for two years. Every Tuesday night the parents waited together in the gym lobby and got aquainted. Several of the girls are heading different directions now and we are all sad and will miss them. I think the parents were more upset than the girls. It is such a great group of girls and an amazing group of parents. For those who are moving on I have enjoyed getting to know you and we will miss you at the blue table! You know where we will be so keep in touch!

Megan, Madison and Baylee

The specialty team with Miss Kelsey

Baylee, her team and Zane

the moms

Golf with daddy

As many of you know, Shadd's favorite hobby and sport is golf. Before we had kids we used play golf together quite a bit. Not so much anymore. Anyway, he bought Baylee a set of clubs and is introducing her to the sport. They recently went out for nine holes and he took the camera. They had a really good time and he is thrilled that she liked it! Watch out Tiger!

Our new arrival

It has been a year and a half since we lost our dog Lacey. We have been talking about getting a puppy for a while and we finally did it last week. Our neighbor's aunt had a couple of Shitzu puppies she was trying to find homes for. We decided to go take a look. Needless to say when we saw him, it was a done deal! We named him Bogey(Shadd, the avid golfer, decided it fit him to a t-e-e! ha! ha!) Anyway, he has stolen our hearts and we are trying not to spoil him too much. It's hard because he is too stinkin' cute!!

Introducing Bogey!

Shadd is glad to finally have another boy in the house!

Look at that face!

Lexi is not too sure about him but basically has ignored him. He likes to chase her on occasion(not too smart!)

my boys napping together!

Bogey and his golf ball

We are excited about the newest member on our block Caitlyn. We love getting baby fixes. She is such a sweety!

Baylee loves holding her

Bethany got to hold her too

Happy Birthday mom and dad!

Mom and Dad's birthdays fall one day(and five years) apart so we always celebrate them together. So they came over for some food and cake. Here the birthday guests are with their girls!

Happy birthday mom and dad!!! We love you!

Yummy cupcakes!!!

Present time!!

4th of July (I know I am way behind! I'm still trying to play catch up!)

On the 4th of July we went to the downtown parade. It's not big but it's nice to see the community come together once in a while. The girls loved the men in their "skirts" above. Bethany was especially intrigued.

Steve spoke to the crowd after the parade

The holiday is not complete without sitting on a pig

Lincoln came to sit with us after he was in the parade. He was getting ready to give Shadd bunny ears. Nana came and joined us too.

Nothing in our city would be complete without Cowboy. Gotta love him!

Lincoln and Uncle Ralph

Steve trying to keep up with the car. He got his exercise!

Baylee was excited to see her friend in the Dare car!

Officer Broady and his wife and daughter