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??

FINALLY!!

We have had great weather for me to blog about. We have been enjoying sunny skies and temps in the 70s the last 4 days!!!! Maybe that means Spring is finally here! Kennan is loving be able to play on the playground and wearing his shorts and t-shirts. I love being able to go out and watch him and get a little sun on my arms and legs! Kenny loves this weather because he can be a lot more active outdoors...going on walks, playing football and frisbee. It should stay like this until Thursday when it is back in the 50s, so we have to take advantage of it while we can! Here are some pictures from the weekend.
Swimming at the pool during a birthday party

I'm pretty sure it wasn't warm enough for the slip n slide but all the other kids were doing it! Kennan had a blast (when he wasn't shivering)!
Relaxing on the patio with a cold drink!
Me and the hubby enjoying the warm weather!

Another Picture Post...

Kennan has been LOVING bathtime lately! He has discovered how to put his whole body under water, except for his face. He loves to do this and wants me to take a picture everytime! Don't worry...Kenny is a lifeguard!! Maybe this means he will enjoy swimming this summer??
Kennan wanted to take a shower with me this morning...and took matters into his own hands. He climbed into the bathtub and had a seat! I went to find him and he was saying "sower, sower"!! He was ready!

After bathtime, he loves to run into the living room in his towel. This evening he actually squatted and peed on the floor....this might have to be a ritual that is stopped!
Enjoying a chocolate Easter bunny with daddy. I think he kind of looks like Kenny with chocolate drooling down his chin. What do you think?
Cowboy Kennan!
I am not sure if he is a real cowboy with the Spiderman pajamas and all! 23 weeks!! Only 17 more to go!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from the Rigoulot's!! We had a wonderful (COLD) day and enjoyed church, multiple egg hunts, and a yummy Easter dinner. We hope everyone else had a blessed day!

What is wrong with this picture???

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am pretty sure that it is APRIL!! Why in the world is there snow falling from the sky on the 5th day of April?? The high temperature for today (and the rest of the weekend) is not going to be above 50 degrees. I am not a fan of this weather and can't wait for the real Spring and Summer to be here!

Picture Post

Here are some recent pictures...ENJOY!
Handsome Man!
My little chef! (His specialties are rice and pink cake!)

Stretching before the Ultimate Frisbee game.
Kennan in his new BIG BOY BED!! (He has yet to sleep in it, but it looks good!)
Being silly with Hannah.
Kennan climbed into our bed the other day (by himself-not an easy feat) and did a little light reading.
Being funny!

It's a GIRL!!

We are so excited to announce that we are expecting a little girl!! Kenny is going to be wrapped around her little finger! Here she is waving at us! She is healthy and weighs about 12 ounces. We are pleased to announce that her name will be Brayden Lynn and we can't wait to meet her!

My NJ Friends

God has really blessed me with some amazing friends. I have met some really amazing women since being here at the Seminary. If it weren't for these women, I am pretty sure I wouldn't be too happy at this point in my life. When Kenny found out we were moving here in 2005, I was pretty scared. After being born and raised in the wonderful state of Texas I was very unsure about the move to the East Coast. When we moved here we were all at the same place in life...married for a few years, moving far away from family, and we all had a child somewhere between 6 and 8 months old. We became an instant support group for one another and our children became instant friends. To top it all off, our husbands all enjoy being together too! I am so blessed and happy to be a part of these women's lives. I am excited for the day Kenny graduates and we move back to the south, but I know that I will miss these women and all that they have meant to me.
Michelle, Alisa, me, and Katrina at a recent baby shower

Kennan's Birthday Weekend

There is so much to say about this last weekend. There are also many (too many!!) pictures to show! So, I have updated Kennan's website with all of the new pictures and details from the weekend. If you want, you can click on the link to the right that says Kennan's Website and check it out for yourself! We had a wonderful weekend and are excited to have a 2 year old on our midst! I'll leave you with a few pictures...


Check out his website... I promise you won't be disappointed!

I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD!!!

Happy Birthday to Kennan!! Today my little baby is 2 years old!!
I can't believe how much he has changed in 2 years! He can do so much, say so much, and we love him more and more every day! I will post some more pictures later of all the birthday festivities!