Pictures from Texas

We are wrapping up our time in Texas. We have had a wonderful time and are sad to be leaving on Friday. I know when we get back to NJ life is going to get pretty crazy. Here's the evidence...

Kenny starts an internship on Monday the 4th that will consume him 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. (He doesn't get paid for this work...I'll save that rant for another time.) I will be home with Kennan during that time, finding things to entertain and keep him busy. I am dreading the heat and hope we can find fun things to do while staying cool.

We have some friends coming to visit at the end of June and then Kennan starts at a pre school in July. He will go 2 mornings a week for 3 hours. I am pretty excited about him going off to learn and play with his friends. While he is in school, I am going to work at the learning center to make a little $$ before Brayden comes.

Brayden will join us in August, followed by Kenny's ordination exams (4 HUGE, VERY IMPORTANT tests that he HAS to pass in order to become a minister in the PCUSA...another story for another time!). Speaking of Brayden, she is SOOO active! I feel like she is all over the place and never rests. Maybe a sign of things to come?

Needless to say, we are going to be very busy over the next few months. Our time in Texas has been relaxing and refreshing and I am grateful for the time we have had here. Here are some pictures from the last few weeks.
Celebrating my birthday with a yummy cookie cake! (Kennan helped blow out the candles.)
Kenny and Kennan playing pool ON the pool table.

Getting ready to swim??
Kennan, me, Jennifer, and Hunter (a teacher friend from Abilene and her son)
More teacher friends from Abilene (most of our 1st grade team)
Kennan and Ben. Aren't they handsome?
Me and Suzy (our landlord when we lived in Abilene)

Happy Birthday Kenny!

Today my husband turns 27 years old! It is crazy to think that when I met him he had just turned 19. I am so blessed that Kenny has been a part of my life for 8 years. It is hard to think back to what my life was like before him. I love Kenny because of the strength and guidance he gives our family. He is a selfless, patient, and loving man who would do anything for anyone. He is an amazing father and gives all of his energy to making Kennan happy. He is an incredible husband who puts up with me and my moods. He loves me for who I am and makes me feel important. He protects our family and always makes us feel safe. God has blessed my life with him and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. Today we went to the zoo for Kenny's birthday with his parents and brother. For dinner tonight, we went to a Brazillian Churrascaria in Grapevine. We ate some amazing food and had a great time celebrating. Here are some pictures from today. I love you Kenny!
Kenny, Leslie, Kennan, Chris, and Ken at the zoo.
Kennan on the train. Can you tell that he loved it??
Kenny's Birthday Dinner
Kennan couldn't help himself...he blew out Kenny's candle before we even sang to him!
Me and the love of my life!

Happy Birthday Nana!

My Nana would have been 78 years old today. Unfortunately, she passed away in June of 2003. She was an amazing woman. I will always remember how much she made everyone feel welcome, whether it be family members, friends of the family, and even strangers. I remember all of the times she and Boogs (my grandfather) had us out to spend the night at their house. We would take all of the cushions off of the couches and build mazes and tents around the house. Or we would play "restaurant" in their kitchen and make her all of the pretend food that we could. The last few years of her life were plagued with cancer. Throughout it, she remained strong for our family and made as many memories as she could. I wish she could have been their for our wedding, for Kennan's birth, and now Brayden's birth. I feel like she has missed so much, but know that she has been watching the entire time. Today we went to her grave to remember her birthday. It was my first time there since she died and so it was a little difficult for me. We went with my parents and brother and walked up to where she is buried. Kennan walked right up to her stone, without us pointing it out to him. He squatted down and touched her name. It was like he knew why we were there and who we were there for. It was pretty much the most touching thing ever and I am so glad we went. Happy Birthday Nana! We love and miss you!

Texas, Oh Texas!

I can't say how much I love the great state of Texas! I am pretty sure it is a combination of things...being with family, really good Mexican food, fun places to visit, and it's home!! We have been here for almost a week and are having a wonderful time. So far we have: celebrated Kenny's dad's retirement from the Navy, eaten Mexican food 3 times, been to the Japanese Gardens, celebrated Mother's Day, and taken care of Kennan with a 103 degree fever! Kennan is loving spending time with grandparents and uncles and Kenny and I are enjoying relaxing a little. Here are some pictures of our fun so far...
Kenny and I before his dad's ceremony.
A kiss from my boy on Mother's Day.
Kennan and his great grandfather.
At the Japanese Gardens.
Mom, dad, us, and Kyle at the Japanese Gardens.

I Love You...and Sesame Place

Those are pretty much the sweetest words that can come out of the mouth of your child. Lately, Kennan has been saying "I love you mommy" (or daddy or Brayden) at some of the most unexpected times. I could listen to those words over and over again!!

On another note, we went to Sesame Place today for their opening day celebration. Kennan's friends Hannah, Katie, and Reuben went also (with parents of course). It was warm outside, but still pretty cool when the wind blew. That didn't stop the kids from playing in the water! Here are some of the pictures from our fun afternoon.
Kennan and Kenny on the "lazy river".
Hannah, Kennan, Reuben, and Katie watching the Big Bird Show.
Kennan getting his groove on at the Big Bird Show. I think he gets his dance moves from Kenny!

Is it May already??

I can't believe that it is already May. This means many things for our family...

1. We are only days away from Kenny finishing his second year of Seminary. Hallelujah!!
2. We are only days away from being in Texas for a few weeks. We leave on May 8th and return to NJ on June 1st. We can't wait!
3. Kenny has 2 really important meetings this month that determine how his ordination process will go . This is a big deal in the Presbyterian Church and a big decision will be made this month. Please pray!
4. Kenny and I both have birthdays...Kenny will be 27 on the 17th and I will be 26 on the 27th.
5. Kenny's dad retires from the Navy this month.
6. We have to say goodbye to those around us who are graduating and leaving the Seminary. This is exciting for them, but sad at the same time.
7. We are only 3 1/2 months (or so) away from meeting Brayden Lynn!!!

What a fun and busy month! I am sure we will have many pictures to post later on!

Time for audience participation...What are you looking forward to this month??