Jack's 3rd Birthday

My sweet nephew, Jack Butler, turned 3 on Saturday and he had a "monkey-tractor" party. It was Jack's idea and turned out to be so cute. Leigh Anne, as usual, had everything perfect and even talked Joey (her brother-in-law) into bringing over his real tractor for the yard! Jack had many of his friends attend and the children had a blast. Happy Birthday Jack!!!!

The children all played in Jack's room with his train table before the party got going.

The kids had their picture taken by the BIG tractor that Joey brought. They all wanted to ride it ....but that was....well, not possible!

Baby Daniel LOVED the party. He was kind of out of it at his 1st birthday party 4 months ago, but a little age on him and he was in full party mode. He kept up with the big kids like a champ and did not miss a beat!

Kelly and Jeremy's Engagement Party

Saturday night, Bryan and I went to an engagement party for our friends, Kelly and Jeremy. They are getting married on Sept 11 and we are so excited for them. It was a Mexican Fiesta and they had a great crowd and yummy food.

Kelly and Jeremy looking festive.

Audra, Karen, Me, and Catherine

Kelly with the two pregnant gals, Ashley and Me

Lake Toxaway with the Burkes

Bryan's aunt and uncle, Sara Jean and Fred Burke, invited us to spend the Fourth of July with their family at their beautiful home on Lake Toxaway in North Carolina. We jumped on the opportunity and I can not tell you how much we enjoyed the weekend with them. It was fun and relaxing.

As always, Fred led a sing along but the best was Howell showing off his violin skills. He has only been taking for 6 months and he is doing an amazing job! I mean a really amazing job. I can not wait to see how he progresses. Next time I am bringing my violin for a duet.

We took the kids into Brevard for the Fourth of July festival and Lily Grace and Liam enjoyed face painting and the bounce house.

Sara Elizabeth and Lily Grace

Everyone but me enjoyed skiing but it was Lily Grace who stole the show! She is 5 years old and look at her go. This was her first time getting up on "big" skis and she did an awesome job.

Bryan did a great job on the wake board even though it had been a while since the old man had practiced his skills.


Parker, the most experienced wake boarder, impressed us with his ability to jump the waves.

Parker enjoyed throwing Lily Grace off the boat. It was hilarious!

Fred took us out on the boat for the fireworks Sunday night. We all enjoyed the beautiful show and the nice cool breeze.

Sara Elizabeth and Will


Liam did not like the loud noise of the fireworks. He even buried his head and missed the show. It was a little sad, but funny at the same time!

Goldens at Lake Toxaway

The first time I met the Burkes, I liked them. Then I saw their dogs and I knew I liked them! They have 2 Golden Retrievers, Murphy and Jackson and they are SO great. Murphy reminds me so much of Casey and Jackson reminds me of my parent's golden, Molly. They love the water and the boat and were just so much fun to have on the lake. They are some good pups!

Murphy chillin' on the boat

Jackson being a big baby!

Jack Stuckey

On our way to North Carolina, we stopped in Atlanta to see our friends, Ward and Caroline Stuckey. They have a new baby, Jack, and he was just precious. It was cute to see Bryan holding him and looking so natural. Only 4 and 1/2 months until he will get lots of practice at our house!