4th of July Fun

We had a wonderful weekend at Lake Martin with family and friends.  

We rented a cabin and a boat and pretty much went nonstop all weekend.  My boys loved the lake and were happy babies.

My Daddy enjoys not driving the boat and just chillin.

On Thursday, my Mom and Sister and her 3 kiddos came up and we swam, went for a boat ride, and went to lunch at Chuck's.

Poor Reid, I am such a safety fanatic (and had the life jacket nice and oh so tight) that I didn't realize until about 3 hours in that the precious angel had the ULTIMATE wedgie.  

We get a kick out of riding by our old cabin.  It looks quite different now!

Banks enjoyed fishing with his buddies Lendon and Collin.  

On the 4th, we headed over to Children's Harbor for the Annual Boat Parade. 

There were some VERY festive decorations and I just loved seeing everyone so happy and having a good time.  The Lake makes everyone happy. 

We were super pumped that Aunt Laura Katherine came for the weekend.  The boys loved getting to really spend some good time with her.  She is such a sweet Aunt!

We love playing with our good friends from Birmingham, the Baugh boys.  Reid was being so big up there!  Thank goodness that life jacket was tested by yours truly obsessivelly back at home...so I felt okay with him on this thing!

Bryan had a blast tubing with Lendon.  I got on it with Bryan afterwards and thank you Laura Katherine for NOT taking a picture of that.  Whew!

Hard to see but that is Lauren and Collin jumping off Chimney Rock. 

Banks could not believe that people were jumping off the very TOP. 

Banks enjoyed feeding the geese.  This was BEFORE one took a bite off of his thumb. 

(followed by Lendon throwing a rock on the mean goose who bit him). 

Impossible to get a pic of the 4 of these guys. 

That FACE!!!!!  I can't even stand the cuteness. 

Feel free to reference my Granny's quote "Every crow thinks theirs is the blackest" if you need.  It's true. 

It was a great time and Bryan and I were sad to leave, but I think we are all so tired that one more day may have done us in.  

Leigh Anne's 40th Birthday!

Saturday night, we celebrated my sister, Leigh Anne's 40th birthday with Michael's parents and his sister and brother-in-law.   

We went to the Springhouse, one of our favorite spots.

This is so funny to us.  My Mom is ALWAYS the last to eat.  She is constantly cooking and serving us like a waitress (especially my Dad).  The joke is that the minute she sits down to eat, something interrupts her and she can't even eat.  Well, last night, we all got our plates and well...we were waiting...and waiting...and waiting...for Mama's plate.    It finally came.  Poor Mama...isn't that always the case with the Mom.  She is always doing for the family and last to eat.

Happy Birthday Leigh Anne!  

My cakes mays not be professionally decorated, but I have to admit, they are good.  

I always say I am going to take a cake decorating class, but never do.  One day, I really will.  

Father's Day (and I am a bad photographer)

Bryan and Banks enjoyed "Donuts with Daddy" on Friday at ADS and I can not tell you how thankful I was that this miracle occurred .....Daddy randomly had the morning off. 

Banks and his sweet buddy, John Campbell. 

On Sunday after Church, we went to Tallassee to have lunch with my parents.  The boys were so cute in their brotherly matching shorts and shirts. 

Yes, that is my BABY wearing a pair of shorts! 

I am terrible.  My photos are out of focus and I didn't even take a pic with my Daddy.  So, HAPPY FATHER's DAY Daddy!  

Last night, Mr. Reid enjoyed his first OREO. 

YUMMY!

Bryan is the mojito master.  I mean seriously, he can make the best mojito you can possibly imagine.  We are kind of addicted.  It is just so refreshing in this heat.  

They are super simple.

10 mint leaves 

1/2 lime, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup simple sugar (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)

1.5 oz rum

ice

club soda

Muddle the mint leaves and lime in the glass very well.  Add simple syrup and rum.  Mix well.  Then add ice to to top of the glass.  Finish off with as much club soda as you need.  Stir and enjoy!

That Profile....

Kind of melts my heart.   

May in Review

May was busy for us and I was not very good at taking pictures, but here is a small summary of what we have been doing. 

Bryan and I went to a super fun Kentucky Derby at the Lowry's house. 

Buckley, a.k.a. Buckely Boo, Buckley Bear, The Explosion, Buckaboo, Buckley Man, etc. is calming down inch by inch, but still has TONS of energy. 

We now have a "rester" but sometimes he falls asleep.  

And sometimes, Daddy joins in on the resting. 

I have been addicted to this Smart Pita and fill it with grilled corn, squash, and zucchini, arugula, hummus, and sautéed red onions with red wine.  It is yummy!

I went to see my nephew, Jack Butler, graduate from Kindergarten. 

Banks got his first bike, and helped Daddy assemble it. 

I have a little decorating project on my hands. 

....and it involves this room...a.k.a. Rose Hill Cemetery.  It will be the end of the summer before it all comes together, so I will post pics later. 

 I realized I have not posted pics of my new dining room drapes and Reid's hand tints. 

And just because the boys were at school and I actually had the house cleaned up, I took a couple of pics to prove that it is not always covered in construction vehicles. 

I got crafty and made an organizer for my earrings.  I have to admit, I LOVE it.  I also found a mug stand from the 70s and am using it as my bracelet holder. 

My SUPER talented sis painted this for our updated Laundry room.  

 My bedroom, just because the bed was made.  :)

I got these drapes for my bathroom at TJMAXX for next to NOTHING!  I NEVER buy store drapes, but these were just too pretty to pass by.  The photo does not do them justice (the lighting was not good for a pic) but I must say, they are some of my favs. 

Reid moved up to the Caterpillar room with Mrs. Etta.  Oh, he is growing up very fast!