Happy 4th of July

Today I walked to the Jonesborough 4th of July parade with one of my neighbors, Carrie. Her little boy, Deeter, is 2 weeks younger than Ethan.

Riley loved watching the parade and waving his flag. He even made the 11:00 news. Tim and I were so proud to see him on TV!

After the parade he rode the train. At first I was going to ride it with him and then I decided he could ride it all by himself. He ended up riding it with a friend from church, Conner. He loved the ride and wanted to do it again when he got back.

Atlantic Beach, NC

Last week we took our summer vacation to the Outer Banks with Tim's family. We all stayed in a house with his parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins. There were a total of 16 people that stayed all week. Tim and I really enjoyed getting to spend the week with his family and we had a great vacation! Here are some pictures from our week.

Ethan's first time to the beach

Riley loved playing with his cousins, Carson and Cody

Another Road Trip

This past weekend we went on another mini-vacation to Pigeon Forge. Tim's parents were already camping there and they offered to keep Ethan while we took Riley to Dollywood for the first time.

We all had a great time at Dollywood. Riley really enjoyed riding the elephant ride with his Daddy.

He also loved riding the bees

and splashing in the water.

When we got back from Dollywood we went swimming at the pool at the campground. Ethan loved crawling in the water and Riley had fun playing with the noodle.

Summer is my favorite season! I love going on trips and being able to do things outside. This past weekend was an excellent start to our Summer!

Two Little Monkeys

Here's a video of my boys "Monkeying Around." Riley and Ethan love playing together! They are both at a very fun age right now. I am really going to miss this stage. They grow up way too fast!!

Our Weekend Getaway

Seven months ago, Tim and I were invited to a wedding in Asheville, NC. We decided it would be a great opportunity to make a vacation out of it. We haven't gone on a trip by ourselves since Riley was born and a weekend away was long overdue. Tim's parents kept the kids at our house. I was a little sad about leaving Riley and Ethan but I knew they were in good hands and I also knew Tim and I really needed a weekend to ourselves.

We drove to Asheville Friday night after we put Riley and Ethan to bed. On Saturday, we made a quick trip to the mall and then got ready for the wedding. One of Tim's friends that he used to work with was getting married.

Oh, did I mention they got married at the Biltmore Inn? It was a beautiful wedding!!

Jessica and her father

Mr. & Mrs. David Gebhardt

After the wedding, we came back to our hotel to relax. It was so nice being able to do whatever we wanted to do. Then, we walked around Downtown Asheville. Afterwards, we went to a movie and had dinner at TGI Fridays.

On Sunday, we slept in till 9:00. Its extremely rare that I ever get to sleep in and unfortunately my body is trained to wake up early. So, its hard to sleep in any longer than 9. Then, we went swimming at the hotel. Afterwards, we took a drive to Ridgecrest. Tim worked there one summer as a camp counselor. It is so beautiful there! We wanted to go hiking but it was raining but we were able to get out a little a the gorge.

The weekend went by so quickly. I really enjoyed getting away and just being with Tim! It was so nice to be able to get in the car and not have to deal with car seats. We also really enjoyed being able to go out to eat by ourselves and not feel rushed to eat!

We came home around 3:00. We were so glad to see our boys!! I missed them so much!! I know they had a great time with Mimi and Paw Paw. Riley wanted them to stay and keep sleeping at his house.

We are planning on taking a weekend trip alone at least once a year.

Our weekend

This past weekend we went to visit my family and celebrate Austin's 3rd Birthday. We had a great time! Here are some pictures from Austin's party.

Riley got caught poking the cake.

Riley had so much fun playing with Austin on the playground!


Tim with his boys.

Tim and I really like Taylor Swift. We love how "down to earth" she is. On Saturday, we stalked drove by her house. She lives about 2 miles from my dad and Deanna's house. I was very surprised because she didn't have a gated fence around her house and basically you could just drive up her driveway.... except there was an armed police officer in a car, behind the bushes, by her house. Maybe that's what kept me from taking a picture of her house. It was a nice house but really nothing special about it. We were wondering if she was home since there was someone guarding her house. Tim was hoping she would be outside so that he could yell, "Hey Taylor!" We didn't ever see her and we stalked drove by her house twice. I see this turning into a habit ever time we go to visit my family now.

Quality Time

Do you know what your "Love Language" is? The 5 Love Languages are words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. A love language is the unique way in which you like to receive love from someone else. My love language is quality time. My love bank was overflowing this weekend with all of the quality time I received from my family.

Tim wanted to make it a special weekend since it was Mother's Day. He did a great job and this weekend was one of the best weekends I ever had!

On Saturday, we had our family pictures taken by my good friend, Katie. She did an amazing job chasing after our energetic 2 year old. I am really looking forward to seeing the pictures. Afterwards, we walked down to the water and let Riley play. We also took some pictures of our own.







Then we decided to get Pals and have a picnic at the park. I love picnics! Mainly, I love eating outside and I love being together as a family.

Then we let Riley play at the park.


Then we went to Tim's parent's house and went on a golf cart ride. We rode on a path near their house. It was very beautiful and relaxing. I really enjoyed being with my family!


On Sunday, my family got me a card with Riley and Tim's voice. It was so sweet! They also got me a baby rose plant. I am also getting a "surprise" gift, that will be ready on Wednesday. I can't wait to see it!!

After church, we got Zaxby's and had another picnic. Did I mention I LOVE picnics?


When we got home, I was able to relax in a quite house. Ethan was taking a nap and Tim was laying down with Riley. Then we went to Tim's grandparents house to be with all of his family. Riley loved playing with his cousins! I really enjoyed being with his family. I missed getting to see my family today. I am really looking forward to seeing them all next weekend!!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I feel truly blessed to be the mother of 2 amazing little boys. They bring so much joy and laughter to my life. I love seeing their smiling faces every morning. I love seeing them learn and grow. I love seeing Riley and Ethan play together. I love playing with them in the floor. I love being the one to comfort them when they are upset. I love to hear them laugh. I love dancing with them. I love chasing them around. I love playing outside with them. I love giving them hugs and kisses. I love reading to them. I love cuddling with them.

I LOVE BEING A MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!