11 Years of birthdays

11 years of birthdays: From chubby and squishy cheeks to a chiseled and distinct jawline...I can't even!!  Watching your children transform is just too much!

Troy, as you move into the pre-teen years your friends will slowly take precedent over your parents.  Strive to make and keep good friends and be a light to those that don't know Jesus.  It will not be easy to always shine His light, nor will it be popular as the junior high years come because sadly, being different is frowned upon in our cookie cutter culture.  Continue to be who God created you to be and embrace those things that make you unique. 
He loves who you are and created you perfect for His plan!

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

7 years old

8 years old

9 years old

10 years old


























11 years old

High Flying Birthday Party

For the boys' 11th birthday party we took them and their friends to the Baylor Challenge Course.

This course is a combination of low ropes and high ropes, but for the party I only reserved the high ropes part.  They had two different obstacle course activities and then they had the screamer, which was the high swing.  It was neat to watch the boys encourage each other and test their limits when they got scared.  The crew working with them was fabulous, as well.  They knew just what to say to push them a little further when they thought they wanted to quit.  Once their feet hit the ground they all would say, "Wow, that was scary! I want to do it again!"

Here is Troy and Kelby up at the same time.

When the boys were not climbing they were helping hold the rope or anchor down the lead holder.  It was neat to watch them work as a team.

Teague even tried a few of the challenges!

Amber and Blake and Richard were also right along with the boys climbing and swinging!

At the end of our session, Mr. Greg circled the boys up and asked what they learned.  One of them raised their hand and said "I learned that I can conquer my fear of heights."  What a great accomplishment for him!  No matter if they came scared or not, I know each boy left proud of themselves and the things that they tried!  They are a brave crew!

After our time was up we enjoyed ice cold beverages and cake and presents!  It was a fun filled afternoon that wore these boys out!

Blessing Ceremony

For Baylee's 18th birthday I knew I wanted to give her a Blessing Ceremony. I had been to a Blessing Ceremony before awhile back and it was amazing, so I knew I wanted to create that experience for Baylee! In scripture we see over and over the value of giving a blessing and how important it is for the older generation to teach and spur on the younger generation. 

I invited some women in Baylee's life that have been influential to her throughout the years and we spent the afternoon worshipping, praying and speaking life over Baylee. We had such a special time and I pray every word that was spoken is sealed in her heart as she makes this journey into adulthood! 

 

Off the Ship

Our trip took us to 3 different stops throughout the week.  Our first stop was Cozumel, which we always love since this was our honeymoon spot!  We had to revisit our spot at Passion Island, but this time we took the Twister boat ride and boy was it fun!!  We were strapped in like it was a roller coaster and I'm glad we were.  They would get us up to about 45 miles an hour and then spin us around and come to a complete stop, which resulted in water pouring into the boat.  It was so exhilarating!!

Once we got to the island we relaxed on the bed swings and enjoyed the food and beverage package.  The guys had to get in on the water balloon contest, too!

Our next stop was Grand Cayman.  This day was a little rainy so we tendered into the port and spent the day shopping and ate lunch on the water.

Once the rain from the first part of the day cleared up, we were able to see the most beautiful rainbow that ended right in the ocean!

Our last stop was Jamaica and we were all craving some sun and hot temperatures, so we found another beach excursion to get on.  The beach was so beautiful and we saw crabs and fish in the water and a few men who were spear fishing had the most colorful fish I had ever seen!

I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel and that I have someone to travel with who loves adventure and new things as much as I do!  The older I get the more I cherish these trips, but I also find myself placing more and more value in seeing the world.  It truly is an investment that is well worth an monetary value!