SDC 2012- National Harvest Festival

We usually go to my parents house after church for Sunday lunch, but this Sunday everyone was out of town so we took advantage of the beautiful afternoon and went to Silver Dollar City for their National Harvest Festival. We had a great time, and cannot wait to go back for the Christmas!

 

 

 

    





PBR 2012

Last year, Chris' parents Wayne and Nancy invited us to go to the PBR (Professional Bull Riders), and we had so much fun we decided to go again this year. I grew up going to rodeos and watching the PBR on TV so it is kind of surreal to be so close to these very brave gentlemen!

Chris and I only a couple of rows up from the arena

Each ride is pretty intense! One of the riders boots got caught on the bull and caused the bottom of his boot to fall off!

 

 Luke Snyder!

Cody Johnson, 19, won this part of the tour

Wedding Venue=Booked!

Chris and I both agreed we wanted a destination wedding, and thought Las Vegas would be perfect. Chris has never been but has always wanted to go, and I have been several times and love it, its perfect for a nice quick getaway for our wedding guests and us. When we told our families they were all excited as well, so we decided after reviewing several ideal locations (and I mean SEVERAL!). We chose the Valley of the Falls at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on March 10th, 2013. It is absolutely beautiful and wasrelatively easy to book, they set everything up for you. We are so excited!

Valley of the Falls, Mandalay Bay

Aidan's 8th Birthday Party

While Chris and I were on vacation, Aidan turned 8! I have only know the little guy for a little over 2 years but I can not believe how much has grown since then.

We decided to take the whole Saturday to celebrate, and boy was it a full day!

First Aidan, Grace, and I ran in the "Cherish the Kids" 5K at James River very early in the morning. Aidan ran his little heart out while Grace and I enjoyed the morning with a walk.

Running Buddies

Next we invited family and friends to the Republic Aquatics center for an afternoon of swimming. The kids had a great time, the water was a little too cool for the adults.

 I can't believe he is 8!

 

 Setting up before the guests arrive

 

Love!



 

After running home to change clothes and relax a little, the family met up for the Springfield Cardinals vs. Arkansas Travelers game. There was a quick rain storm that went through town but then it turned out to be a perfect evening for family time, baseball, and of course nachos!

 

My Boys

Future Cousins

 

 



We're Engaged!!

I started a blog last year and was successful at posting a total of two posts! I figured with Chris and I getting ENGAGED, it was a good time to wipe the blog clean and make it our family blog.

Yes, you read it right, we are ENGAGED!!! We are so excited.

Back in August, Chris and I loaded up and left for our first real vacation together. We stayed in a beautiful condo right on the beach in Seagrove Beach, FL, right off the Historic Highway 30A. It rained on and off the first couple of days we were there, but every time the rain decided to take a break we took advantage of it and either went on a bike ride or a walk on the beach.

On our fourth morning there we decided to get up really early and look for seashells, little did I know that, that was going to be the walk that changed my life forever! At a very early 6AM we rolled out of bed and walked up and down the beach finding all find of shells and enjoying God's creation. Towards the end of our walk Chris told me to look at this special shell he had, of course it was my ring. I don't really remember what he said to me but with teary eyes and a huge smile I said "YES". We were so excited we ran back to our condo and immediately started calling/texting everyone!

With our busy lives it is hard to find time to spend as just the two of us, so it was nice to get away for a few days!

Let the planning begin!!!!

Below are a few of my favorite pictures from our vacation:

                                                                view from our condo

                                   Walking along the beach after a very long rain storm

                                                                     The Beach!

God is Good!

 

Celebrating our Engagement at the Back Porch