The 4th...Fun, Friends, Family and Fireworks

In 2006, so 9 years ago, our 4th of July tradition began.  

The twins were born, but other than that no babies were in the mix.

Fast forward to this year, 2015, 

a lot is still the same.

Our friendship continues to be so special.

Each of these girls were bridesmaids in my wedding.

Some things are the same,

but a BIG change since 2006 is...

we have MULTIPLIED! 

A total of 15 kids now call us Mom.

It melts our hearts when we see our kids 

bonding with each others kids.

We pray our kiddos will have Godly, dear friendships forever,

just as we have been blessed with.

The Fourth of July never disappoints. 

It is just wonderful, family fun!

Jed and Austin 

 My cousin Luke and his adorable family

 My brother and his wonderful family

 One of the silliest boys I know.  :)

 Auntie Blair with her favorite niece and nephews

 Our family of 5!

 Dad's club

 See...I told you he is super silly.  

I said give me a pose and this is what I get. HA!

 Jesse and Jed

 Blake and Austin

 Dinner time!

 Cousin time!

 My favorite three fireworks.  :)

Our favorite 4th of July crew...

HaPpY HaLLoWeeN!!!

Here are our two Halloween cuties.

They picked their own costumes

and they are so, so...them.

Happy kids.  Happy parents.  :)

This girl loves anything princess and I really mean anything!

She loves it.

She actually picked this princess dress out last year for Halloween

and she still loves it!

 Oh this little Lightning McQueen...

you melt my heart.

 He insisted on holding two Lightning McQueen cars.

One in each hand.  :)

Four of my absolute favorite little people.

My kids and my niece and nephew

The cutest nephew and firefighter ever! 

She is just the CUTEST strawberry I have ever seen!!

 LOVE you Riley girl!

For a look back on some of the fun we have had in previous Halloween's,

click HERE!!

Boys...

These boys are in their own little heaven.

Cousin love

I absolutely LOVE watching God's plan come together.  

These are my two kids and my brothers two kids.

God planned for Blake and I to have a girl, then a boy

and for my brother and his wife to have the opposite.

A boy, then a girl.

When I see them together,

playing together, 

loving on one another,

I can't help but praise the Lord.

It sure is fun to create so many memories with family.
Slurpees with Uncle Gaga!

This past weekend they officially had their first sleepover.

The surprising thing was they slept in later together 

than they do when they are in their own beds!

Buddies...

Austin and Jed are 3 months apart by age.  

When they are together they act like twins.  

Inseparable.  

Definitely at times a love, hate relationship, 

but they are the very best of buddies.  

These boys crack me up.  

They melt my heart.  

They make me smile and laugh.

God sure knew what he was doing when he created them to be so close in age.

Such a wonderful blessing.

(Thanks Auntie Allie for all these pics!!!)