A Tennessee Weekend

I love forming new family traditions and this Tennessee weekend is quickly becoming a family favorite.  This is our third year to spend several days in Smithville, TN.  My parents rented a cabin for the whole family and we had a wonderful time.  The weather was perfect and we filled it with fun activities and made lots of great memories.  We stayed at a new cabin this year and it was beautiful.  Lots of space and an incredible deck with a view of the lake.  

 A picture of the whole gang...minus Antaun who wasn't able to be with us due to his work schedule. 

 Each time we take these pictures, I'm amazed at how much they've grown.  It's fun to watch their friendships grow and develop too.  We love our cousins : )

 This was our hike down to the lake with the babies in tow.  Jamie and Kimberlee got a serious workout carrying them.  

 Skipping rocks and trying to keep Cooper out of the water...notice Jamie holding tightly to his shirt 

Taking a little break before we headed back up.  We just barely beat a heavy rain thanks to my brother whom I affectionately call meteorologist Morton : )

 A little craft project for the afternoon

While we were there, we had a birthday celebration for Lainey.  She turns five in a couple of weeks and really wanted a party with her Georgia cousins.  We had a great time celebrating her special day.

During a heated game of pin the bow on Hello Kitty, my brother took first prize.

 No trip would be complete without singing songs with Mawny

 Cooper adores his Uncle Seth and decided to give him some good snuggles one night before bed. 

Clapping for himself as he shared the ball with Malloree...sharing is not easy for him so this was a good moment : )

                                 Play time with Aunt Jennifer   and drawing lessons with Uncle Jamie

 Matching Christmas robes

We took a day trip to Cumberland Caverns and took a tour through a cave...again with the babies in tow.  A fun experience but a few moments that were a little steep and narrow for me.

 Hot tea and a game of dominos...what could be better?

 Uncle Seth getting more parenting experience than the average 21 year old.  He's gonna be so prepared for fatherhood.

Thanks for the wonderful weekend Mom and Dad!

Happy Valentines Day

We have a Reader

I am really enjoying this season with Lainey in her learning.  She is so excited that she is able to read these books.  I saw them in her scholastic book order and decided they would be worth a try to help continue the process of learning to read.  Such a big girl.

Princess for a Day

 Lainey and I went to a princess birthday party yesterday where the moms were encouraged to dress up with their daughter.  I was nervous to bust out my wedding dress because I wasn't sure it would zip!  I tried it on yesterday morning and though it doesn't fit quite the same (a small understatement) it did zip...insert happy dance here : )

The picture above is with two of my good friends, Keri and Amy.  The one below is with the prettiest princess at the party.

I really thought about wearing something else, but my girly girl thought her mommy was the coolest...so it was worth not being able to breathe for a couple of hours.  

 Royalty for the day

Lainey and her friend, Abby