July 4th: Kingsland Children's Parade-1st Place

So you might recall our annual Independence Day children's parade that we have participated in, even before Blake and I were married, much less had kids. Here's last year's as a reminder.

 Yes, we may go over-board a tad but it has become this HUGE family tradition that we love.

 The girls, in charge of decorations and planning.

 The men, in charge of logistics and donuts.

 Erin and I.

 Herb & Carol, Mom & Joe.

 Their payment for showing up, smiling big, waving and throwing candy... 

One of the judges awarding us our first place ribbon for 2012!

 Mema was so proud of us when we showed it to her once we returned!

July 4th At The Lake: Swinging, Fishing and Celebrating!

Although I don't have a picture, this year, both Carter and Addie jumped off the new helipad opening.

 Fishing has become the huge new favorite past time for all this summer. Carter caught this catfish, the largest one to date!

 What one happy fisherman looks like...

 With Grandpa's new boat, we all spent a ton of time on the water. This time, daddy tried knee boarding for the first time in years!

 Being July 4th, it is always time to celebrate YaYa and Marshall's birthdays!

 After dinner, all the adults relaxing getting ready for the fireworks to start...

 Once the daddy's started the black cats, the two little girls were out of there and we went and made "sheet forts" in the house!

Brown Family Beach Portraits - Part 2

Brown Family Beach Portraits

***All photographs and editing my my talented B.F.F. Megan Perkins*** I just love them Megan!

"Super" Stay-At-Home-Mommy!

I have to take a second and brag about Alli and what a super-duper hard job that she has as a stay-at-home mom. It is, hands down, the hardest job in the world and I have so much respect for her and her daily routine. (I doubt if I could do it half as good as she does and actually keep my sanity.) Many times, I don't think Alli gives herself credit for how hard her job is and how truly great she is at it. So I wanted to tell her straight up, "You rock and don't be so critical of yourself sometimes! You have two healthy precious kids that are thriving and whom adore you!"

It was quite fun to see her oldest, Trey, in his element. And this was his energy level the day before he came down sick...

It was fun to see him in action!

But look... sweet Trey does have a cuddly side with daddy!