So Proud, I could BURST!!!

It has been a LONG 18 months, but all of Frank's work has come to fruition. He is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the MS Army National Guard. He is a Chaplain Candidate...I am SO proud of him! We had a ceremony at church (in the youth room) last night. A college friend of Frank's (Cpt. Andy Thaggard) came to administer the oath of office to Frank.
Disclaimer: Please excuse the nasty green hue in these photos. the room is LIME green...not forgiving!!


The ceremony was at regular youth time, so Frank took the time to share with the group.

The boys...
Frank with his parents...
Here is when he did his official commissioning at Joint Forces Headquarters earlier in the month.
The original swearing in...
Here is the video of Frank being sworn in, getting his patches (and punch!), and giving his first salute.


Here is a video of Frank receiving his first salute as an officer. One of Frank's former youth was able to come and do this...it was really special!

To Infinity and Beyond...

Grayson had QUITE a fun time in our pool a couple of weeks ago. He is also on a major Toy Story kick. Anytime he jumped in, he first balanced on the side of the pool, raised his arms and said, "To infinity, and beyond!" Priceless!!

Gardening...

We built a garden this year. And, of course, by "we" I mean Frank. I did however help haul the truck load of dirt from the driveway to the backyard.
Caden helped...

We have growth!!
Here are our first 2 zucchinis. And, yes, that is my hand...no jokes!
Our boys have enjoyed quite a few picnics in the last few months...
All that playing can really wear a kid out!
Seriously, could you just EAT THAT UP?!?!!

Let's go to the zoo...

On Easter Monday, Mom, Frank, and I took the boys to Memphis to go to the zoo. It is a FABULOUS zoo, and I would highly recommend it. However, unless you like the smell of sour urine, I would skip the bat cave.
I don't know what it is about zoos and carousels, but you've just gotta do it!

This was on the zoo tram just moments before Caden began barfing off the side. Poor baby!! This started a cycle of 2 weeks of stomach bugs in our house. FUN TIMES!!!

Recent Videos...

It's time to PARTY!!!!!

This year we decided to do a combined birthday party for the boys at Pump it Up. It was SO much fun, and SO easy!!! Certainly nice to be able to leave the party and come home to a clean house. :) We did a monkey theme...I thought that monkey cupcakes might take over my kitchen.
Here are some of the kiddos watching the safety video...
LOVE this little one's precious smile!!! She has a zest for life like no other!
Sweet brothers...
I love that the little children will follow a complete stranger down the hall...
Graybaby...excuse the HORRID hair cut. We tried somewhere new. Not good.
The food table...
Favor bags lined the tables...
The monkeys are multiplying...
Fishies...
Ima Sue sliding with Caden. Ima Sue came in a little late, and you would have thought a ROCK STAR had walked in. All of the kiddos flocked to her! We are SURE gonna miss Ima Sue next year!!!!
Papaw on the slide...
More Sliding...
Time for goodies!!!
More yumminess...
Papa helping Graybaby do his most favorite thing in the world...EAT!
The birthday boys...
Are these presents for us???
Grayson was quickly convinced about this whole presents thing!

Giddy Up, Cowboy!!!

While Caden was still in Disney, Grayson had Cowboy day at school. I think he was pretty darn cute!!! The pic above is of his back pocket with a bandanna tucked in.
How cute is that!!!
Now just tilt your head to the left for the full view!