Saturday - Luke Turned 2!

Although Luke's Birthday was August 1st, we still found time to celebrate as a family this past weekend. Uncle Brad had us all out at his place for BBQ wings and some fun in the water! Luke has grown up so much - I can't believe he is already 2! Here are a few pictures from the afternoon. ** Luke is my cousin Ashlee's little boy**

Aunt Geneva had to help Luke climb up the huge water slide!


Jordan was very helpful with all the young kids!

Aunt Barbara, Aunt Geneva and Aunt Carol
I was shocked to see someone else taking pictures! Even though it is a disposable camera, I was proud of Uncle Brad for taking pictures!
Present Time!

Ava and Kay - trying to wake up!
Luke gave Grandma Tootsie a Thank You kiss.
Brother and sister - Betty and Luke

Stephanie and Ava - just look at that face!

I just had to laugh at this action shot. I was trying to get Ashlee and Luke coming down the slide together - as you can see, there was water everywhere!

Ash, sorry for the swimsuit picture, but I just had to show this picture of Luke. With the help of Uncle Brad (Luke's grandfather) he ended up having icing and cake all over him. I have to say, the cake was delicious!

Happy Birthday Luke! Enjoy Year 2!

A Night with Matthew

Last week was not only spent working in my classroom and attending various required meetings, but it all comprised fitting in time to see Alan (my brother), Jen and the one and only Matthew! I had not seen them since June, and although it was bad timing for me, I did find a bit of time to play with Matthew. The following pictures were taken last Friday, right before they left to head home.

Birthday Week

I won't put you through a play-by-play of my birthday week again, but I wanted to add some photos from that week. They are a bit random, but I'll do my best to explain.

This is Ava, my cousin's little girl, Jordan and Winnie - our 'housedog' that despises me! Winnie had her party dress on for the evening! Ava couldn't get enough of her! I'm weird about having flowers in the middle of my dining room table. Mom brought these flowers over, and I embellished the centerpiece with limes from my backyard!
Aunt Carol and Grandma Tootsie!
Ava and Rita (my stepmom)
Uncle Brad and his granddaughter :)

Mom and Ava (isn't she just the cutest - sorry I don't have any pictures of her mother!)

Ron (my stepbrother) and Rita - all bright in yellowThis year my family went really simple - one candle, instead of 29, premade/bought cheesecakes and a candle that sang to me!

Liz made the journey down here for the big event! I'm so glad you were here Liz!

There are many pictures of me, closeup with someone else from that night - mainly due to the fact that I was the only one taking the pictures, so I had to do it myself!

Uncle Brad and Addie
Ron and Addie
Rita and Addie
Mom and Billy
Because so many plans had changed those first few days of the week, I opted for mowing the yard and working around the house. The following pictures were taken early morning, the day after my birthday.

On August 6th, Liz and I headed to the beach - this is what we enjoyed!