I'm gaining another SISTER!!

I know, I know....its been OVER a month since I have posted!

Aside from that, my brother asked Shayna to marry him on Friday!

He was staying with us all week because he taking a class in OKC. He could hardly concentrate all week because he had just picked up the ring from Israel's before he left to come down here. All week he would talk about "the big night," all while rambling off ideas of what he should do. Studying was next to impossible, however, he did get some in.

Friday night Shayna came down for what she thought was going to be a double date night with Zach and I. A few hours before they left for dinner, "it dawned on me" that I had to babysit that night (which I really did). Well, anyways, one thing led to another and by 5:45 they were headed out the door, just the two of them. Zach and I hurried them out trying to hide our excitement and knowing they had reservations for 6 at Cafe de Brazil. The night before Ryan had met up with a guy at the resturant and planned out a romantic evening complete with an outside balcony set up just for the two of them. (*Remember this was on one of those days that it was absolutely beautiful out) Music was playing, candles were lit (or were at least meant to be lit), champange was waiting...all at the end of a rose petal walkway.

I am happy to say that we are all very excited for Shayna to be a part of our family!! They are perfect for each other. I couldn't imagine a better lady to be my new sister-in-law!

Thank you, Lord, for bringing Shayna and Ryan together!

Family Weekend

This weekend was amazing. We went to the lakehouse to start Zach's 25th birthday celebration. We all found ourselves full of joy as we enjoyed each others company. I wish we could do this more often. Just a few pictures to share...

My baby and I.

Shayna's parents came for the weekend! Karen and Ernest, they were great!

Ryan and Zach being goobers.

Zach's parents were able to come as well! We had so much fun!

Mom and Karen in the kitchen.

Murph is always ready for a golf cart ride.

Dad and his new big green egg. He made some delicious steaks and brisket!

Shay and I on the yacht.

Zach turns 25...(almost).

Uncle Al taking us for a ride on a beautiful night.

Jim and Rick enjoying the yacht ride.

The cute couple.

More pictures to come...(we did alot of wakeboarding)!

A Visit to Huntsville

It was a short, but enjoyable stay in Alabama. Scott and Amy showered us with hospitality, feeding us one delectable meal after another. The kids were a delight; Sophie is full of curiousity as she learns...I love that sweet girl. Noah, he amazed me with his innocense, gentleness, and his kindness. It was so sweet to see the love that both Scott and Amy possess over each one of their children and all but drove me to tears thinking about the love Zach and I will (Lord willing) suspend over our children.

Jim and Gwen were so nice to ask us along for the trip. They have blessed Zach and I far more than I could ever describe. They are some of the most admirable people I know. Times with them are pleasant, full of laughing and good cries.

We had such a great time staying with Scott, Amy, and the kids in their beautiful new home. I thank the Lord for them.

American Girl Birthday Weekend

Happy 10th Birthday Jayme!

Doll Salon

Best Friends

(One of the college-aged girls eating with her doll, no joke)

Ice Skating

The Birthday Girl

Kaliegh

If you are wondering if I went to the American Girl Place for my enjoyment, I did not. However, we did come upon a few college aged girls who were taking much delight (in all seriousness) while discussing the latest American Girl fashion over their tea and crumpets, with their dolls sitting pretty in their high chairs. YES. Serious, no laughs, they came to the AGP by themselves! Ashlee and I had a reason-we were there in order to support and celebrate the tenth birthday of her sister and my little cousin, Jayme.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYME!!

Anyways, we left Friday and drove down to Dallas where we went to the AGP and the mall. We took the birthday girl and her friend, Kaliegh, ice skating where I'm sure I looked like a fool, but I had a great time! Later, we went back to the hotel and swam (or sat by the pool) until we decided where we wanted to eat. California Pizza Kitchen is where we ended up after one iphone, one blackberry, and one Garmin led us in several different directions. YUMMY! Truthfully, Ashlee and I found it ourselves. ;) This morning we got up and again battled the latest technology and wound up at Denny's (not so yummy) and then, of course, hit up the other mall on the way out of town!

LOST Party

"Take a picture of me, Aunt Staci"

Sam drinking milk in his LOST get up

Kate being beautiful in her LOST get up

As you may already know, the TV show LOST ended, for good, last Sunday. In order to celebrate and say farewell to our most favorite TV show, Nathan and Tiffany invited us over (as well as another family :) for burgers....YUM!!

Tiffany, of course, wowed us with her LOST themed cupcakes and decor, not to mention the DHARMA beer! I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted to, but here are a few from the first part of the evening.

**I will have to get the hang of my formatting, this is NOT how I had it when I formatted this entry, or so I thought! Bare with me.