18 Month Hand Tint Photos

I had Barbara Harbin take pictures of Banks at 18 months old and I have had the hand tints back for a while, but I just got them framed.  

I got one large one, below, that I hung over the mantle, and 2 smaller ones for the shelves.

Thanksgiving with the Burkes and Irbys

This year, Bryan and I headed over to Georgia to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Irby side of his family.  Translation, lots of family (about 40 adults, 10 kids), food, fun, and great times!

We were able to arrive on Wednesday at dinner time thanks to Bryan getting off early.

Thursday morning, Banks made himself right at home with all of the toys.

Ricky organized a "Turkey Trot" run/walk for the family and it was a great way to start the day of eating ahead!

Afterwards, we all got ready and headed over the Walhen's stunningly beautiful home next door for a Thanksgiving meal like no other.

Uncle Tom Irby made one of the 3 birds and it was super delicious.

Bryan and Laura Katherine

Brooke, Me, Banks, and Laura Katherine

Cousin Will Bradford fried a turkey.  It was a huge hit, of course.

While the final touches were being done on the meal, we had a great time inside just hanging out and playing with the kids. 

Kayse, Lisa, Gitti, and Christy.

Banks loved getting some snuggles from Aunt Brooke.

Lynlee and Jennifer Lynne

Susan was super smart to occupy the kids on the sofa with some songs, stories, and the ever so popular, iPhone. 

Lily Grace and Parker

Ricky and Bryan

Ready to DIG IN!!!  

Every year, after lunch (and sometimes a nap) we all head out front for some group pictures.  This is always interesting since we are dealing with a huge group, kids, dogs, a camera timer, and a tripod.  However, we always make it work.

The ENTIRE group 

Banks and Luke (the 2 year olds) were sound asleep so they did not make the photo.

Here is the Frank and Gitti Irby family.

The Tom and Blanche Irby family

The Fred and Sara Jean (Irby) Burke family

Our most WONDERFUL host and hostess for the day, Spike and Cathy Walhen.  They are the sweetest people and are so gracious to open their home to all of our family for such a terrific day of family fellowship.

The Walter Johnston family (minus one sweet Sir) and one brother Michael Johnston

That night after dinner, Banks and the kids enjoyed more play time on the riding toys and the adults had fun by the campfire chatting.

Friday, was Banks' birthday and we celebrated at lunch with the entire family at one of the local cabins at Burge Plantation.

We had a long and fun game of corn hole.

Sweet cousins on the swing enjoying the cupcakes.

The Irby first cousins 

...and spouses.

Whew, what a fun few days and boy I am tired!

I love that Bryan has a big family on both the Irby and Johnston side.  It is fun for me to experience that since I come from such a small family.  

We could not have this fine tradition without the planning and tireless efforts of Bryan's Aunt Sara Jean and Uncle Fred Burke.  They make it all possible and we are thankful to them for organizing this time of family fellowship.   

I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

More Birthday!

Turning 2 must be fun!  Banks has been celebrating ALL week long and loving every minute of it.  

When we got back from Atlanta, we did a quick stop at my parents' house for dinner and since it was Banks' actual Birthday, we sang to him...again!

Not sure why Daniel is not in any of these pictures...but he was around there somewhere.

Oh, how fun 2 is so far.  He could not be any cuter or sweeter!  Can you tell I am crazy about this little boy or what?

Happy Birthday Video

Here is the video of us singing "Happy Birthday" to Banks at his party.  He was just the sweetest and cutest thing!  Enjoy!!

Banks' 2nd Birthday Party

Yesterday, we celebrated Banks' 2nd Birthday with an Elmo Themed party at our house and all I can say is that is was PERFECTLY FUN and I could not have asked for a more perfect day. 

Banks loves Elmo and Sesame Street, so I decided about 2 months ago to do an Elmo party and I must say, I had a blast planning the party and making everything.  I had some help from Amanada's Parties to Go on Etsy (I highly recommend her).

Banks was so cute wearing his party hat and waiting for us to sing Happy Birthday to him.

Yay!!!  He was blowing the candles the entire time we sang and after they were finally blown out he was cheering and clapping!  Such a happy boy.  

(Notice Georgie squeezing in the corner...she can't be around a cake and not have the temptation to help blow out the candles!)

Leigh Anne said she had to get a picture of me in front of all of my "finished products!"

Mama and Daddy

Robby and Nate spent most of the party crusin' in the Radio Flyer

We got a bounce house for Banks for his birthday and the kids, of course, LOVED it and completely wore themselves out playing in it.

First, there was Georgie.....

 Then, Jack was born....

Then came Daniel!  We love our cousins so much!!!

It was so good to see Noah, Nic and Nate!  We have missed them so much!

Look who also came!  Rebekah, Rich, and our buddy Tripp made it too

There will not be many pictures of Banks, as he was moving 90 to nothing the ENTIRE party.  I don't think we got one picture of him just sitting still and smiling at the camera.  Oh, well, that just means that he had a big time. 

Some of my new friends here and Montgomery and I just am so thankful to have met these girls.  

Alexia and Wright, and Jennifer.

Look who made it to her very first Birthday Party.  Miss Sarah Elizabeth Phillips came and was a perfect angel the entire party.

Nana and Banks 

 Lauren, Meghan, and Mary Clark

Rich, Rebekah, and Tripp

Jennifer and Banks 

Noah, and Nic (Nate was on a cruise!)

and with Tara...I think Nic was getting upset because they were about to leave.  Sweet Nic....

The one and only Daniel Butler

Banks has a complete obsession with trucks....especially Firetrucks.  I think he has played with his new toys non-stop since the party.  

Collin and Lendon 

We had a great time and I must say, yesterday was one of the best days I can remember in a long time.  Having all of our friends, old and new in our home to celebrate with us just was the best present of all.