Swimming Fun

On Sunday, after everyone caught up on their sleep we lounged around the pool.  We didn't get in because the water was way too cold.  You would not have known it from the way that Jake and Cassie could not stop jumping for the ball and frisbee.  Alexis put Kendall in her baby pool and she could hardly contain herself with all of her excitement.  (She loves taking a bath, so Alexis knew that she would love swimming.)  Jake and Cassie are first in the line of pictures and Kendall comes in second.  All three of them seemed to have WAY too much fun.

Cassie LOVES the diving board

Jake doesn't know the rule about no running around the pool

Cassie's favorite thing to retrieve from the pool...her frisbee

Jake's favorite toy...his ball

Kendall channeling her inner Auntie E.  The dogs splashed her
and she was not impressed

Alexis and Ashley

The only picture of me

Mom and Dad

Grams and Pops (my parents) were in town for Kendall's birthday.  It was so nice to see them.  We had a great weekend filled with wonderful memories and of course great food.

Girl Time

On Sunday, Mom, Alexis, and I went to get pedicures.  We had a great time.  Between the three of us, we have only had maybe 5 pedicures so this was a HUGE treat.  So huge that I thought I should document the moment.

Mom...relaxing in the chair.  She refused to lean back.

Me

Alexis soaking her feet

Alexis got a french manicure

My feet in the hot wax...I hate that part the most

The finished product.  It is very Dixie Chicks like.

Happy First Birthday!

I went to Dallas for Kendall's big first birthday.  It was a great time.  Mom and dad came into town on Saturday and they stayed until Sunday evening.  My in-laws, Jim and Beejae, were able to meet me at the party...it was so nice to catch up with them.  The theme was pool party and Alexis was determined to make it as festive as possible.  I do believe that she succeeded!  I won't bore you with anymore words...enjoy the pictures.

The entry of the house...on your way out to the back of the house

A close up of the table

Kendall's birthday banner

Dad "Pops" helping put the tables together

The food table

Cupcakes on display

Not sure what to think about all of that icing

Kendall in her sugar coma

All done...clapping from excitement

Beejae, Me, and Jim

Jim and Beejae

9 Wonderful Years

Today, marks the ninth anniversary that Taris and I got married.  I can't believe that it has already been that long.  I knew the first date that we had that I had met the man I was going to marry.  With Taris not here to celebrate with me, I thought that I would take a jog down memory lane.  I hope that you enjoy the ride.

The night we got engaged...Christmas Eve 1999
Taris was home on leave from Italy

Engagement photos soon after

The big day

We were SO young!  Just a little old 2nd Lt.

Our flower girls were Taris' cousins from New Jersey. 
I will let you do the math as to how old these young ladies are now...they were seven and nine.

Baking, Baking, and Baking some more

If I never see another mixer...make another cookie...ice another cupcake...or pipe anymore icing, it would be too soon.  This past weekend was Kendall's big first birthday and I flew into Dallas to spend some time with my niece and help her celebrate in a BIG way! Alexis, Ashley, and I decorated 60 cupcakes, made 120 sugar cookies, and piped royal icing on said cookies.  Needless to say, my hand has recovered after two days.  On Friday, Alexis stayed up with us until 3:30 and Ashley and finally crashed at 6:00 AM.  After three hours of sleep I rose to help set up and finish with the second round of cookie decorating.  I will write more about the party, but until then, enjoy the pre-party decorating pictures!

The Cookies...all finished

A different view of the cookies

The boy cupcakes

A combination of girl and boy cupcakes

Baby Tucker

Meet Baby Tucker Alan Perkins.  He has had one roller coaster of a life so far.  He was born on May 17 with what the doctors thought were "wet lungs".  It turns out that he actually had underdeveloped lungs and spent some time in the "extra care" nursery.  Rae and Mike roomed in with Tucker on Sunday and everything was successful and they were able to go home on Monday.  I am headed to Abilene on Friday night and can't wait to meet Tucker for the first time!  Until then, here are some pictures that Al and Rae sent me.

Rae holding her bitty baby blanket from Al and me

Grams, Pops, and Kendall...waiting to see Baby Tucker

Rae with Baby Tucker

Rae with Big Brother Mason

Mike with Mason

Tucker in his oxygen bubble

Tucker with just his nasal cannula.  Isn't he a cutie!!