BA..CITAL!

Kam had her very first recital on June 11. There was some serious anticipation preceding this performance. Kami would call Kelly and say "Only 5 sleeps until my ba-cital Daddy!" Kelly would then ask if she was stretching, and she would giggle and say yes.

Kelly had always planned on driving to FL to see her big dance, and then bring the fantastic four back to TN for the summer. Logistically, I was not going to be able to go (not enough room in the car). Kami had been asking if "Nanas was coming?" and Kelly had told her I couldn't. It broke my heart that I wasn't going to be able to see her big ba-cital debut. However, Bryce had to finish his All-star baseball season, so just the twins were going back with Dad. With these new plans, I realized I would be able to attend her ba-cital, and immediately started to boo-hoo. I was so happy. Kam and I have always had a fun relationship. She is my sugar and spice, in an otherwise snail and puppy dog world. I love her so very much.

Needless to say, she was magnificent! She looked so pretty in her pink tu-tu. Full of pride as she pranced across that stage for the very first time. Kelly and I were grinning from ear to ear. She also knew every word to the songs....we know this because she was the only girl lip-synching throughout the performances! :) There was supposedly "no photography" during the show. I am normally a rule follower to the core, but I could not let this moment pass without snapping a few shots. Which in turn, I received some nasty looks from the usher lady. But oh well, capturing the shots below was totally worth it! I'm a rebel, I know. ;)

Typical Kam these days.....Hands on hips!

I love this one.

After the ba-cital concluded, Kelly ran and gave her some flowers. In true "daddy's girl" fashion, Daddy was the first person Kami wanted to see. Which, I know made Kelly feel so good. We then made a mad dash to baseball field to catch the last part of Bryce's game. Where we took some more pics!

Daddy & his little girl

Proud twin brother. I sat next to Kyle at the recital and he was surprisingly supportive. He played games on my phone most of the time, but as soon as his sister hit the stage he was full attention. It was really sweet.

The Princess herself

What a great day! Now the 12 hour road trip afterwards....that's another story! Love to you and yours!~ Anna

JUDE'S MICKEY MOUSE BIRTHDAY--MY BABY IS 2!

My sweet baby boy is 2 years old. I can't believe it! I know it is cliche, but they really do grow up so fast. Since "the mouse" is a pretty big deal in our house, I decided to throw a Mickey Mouse party for Jude. We rented a Disney themed bounce house and invited all of Jude's friends and their parents for a cookout to celebrate my "big boy." It rained all day Sunday, but luckily the sun came out just in time for the party. Below are some pics from Jude's special day.

Mickey Mouse cupcakes and cookies!

I made these centerpieces out of styrofoam balls, black paint, toothpicks, a wooden stick, ribbon and a little hot glue. It was a labor of love.

I made this Happy Birthday banner too. Another labor of love.

The Mickey Mouse show sings a song "hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog." So, we decided to grill hotdogs and bratwurst and create a "Hot Diggity Dog Bar." Guests could load up their dog with chili, onions, cheese, relish, coleslaw and condiments. Yum!

Riley and Jude inspecting the goods. So many presents!

Ava and Aidan playing in the bounce

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Yummy in Jude's Tummy!

Parker and Hunter enjoying the Mickey cupcakes

Ramsey's momma always dresses her perfect! She looked so cute in her Minnie outfit.

This is one of my favorite pics from the entire day. I think Cruiz likes cupcakes!

Thanks to all our friends and family for making Jude's day so wonderful and fun. And a special thanks to my sweet husband who cleaned the house and grilled, while I ran around like a crazy person decorating and putting together treat bags.

Since I will be making a book out of my blog for the kids to have, I wanted to write something special about my baby Jude. I am filled with so much pride for the little person Jude is becoming. He is a friend to everyone. Loves life every minute of the day. Is smarter than I ever imagined. And never misses a beat. Loves to dance with his mommy. Thinks his daddy is Superman and Handy Manny wrapped up in one person. Looks at his brothers and sister like they hung the stars and the moon in the sky. He has taught me how to live life in the moment and made me smile at least 100 times every day of his little life. I am so blessed, proud and happy to call him my son. You are so loved Jude-bug. Happy Birthday baby boy!