A Houston Summer

It's been a hot Houston summer this year. Brayden loves to be outside, but when it's super hot, we don't always get to be outside as long as we would all like. Recently, we did some yard work and played outside right in the heat of the day. Oh, what were we thinking?! It was fun...but SOOO hot!

Brayden loved getting to hit golf balls

with his new golf set from Mimi & Papa.

Playing on his Little Tikes slide.

It was SUPER hot...see the sweat beads on his

head?! The poor guy sweated more than he ever has!

Lawn work - done. Golf - done.

We called it a day.

Around and Around We Go

We headed out to one of our local malls this week, and while we were there, Brayden got to take his first ride on a carousel. He liked the "horsey" and getting to go up and down. I think he wished that he could live on the horse, because he made it known to the entire mall that he did not want to leave when the ride was over. I guess we'll just have to go back soon and ride again.

Happy Birthday to my Hubby / DIY Candy Caddy

Jonathan is officially older than me. He will only be that for exactly one week, but nonetheless he is older. He turned 29, which also means that we have known each other for TEN years! WOW! It's hard to believe that our freshmen year in college where we met during Welcome Week was already ten years ago! It's been an amazing ten years of knowing him, and I am so excited to be able to spend the rest of my years with him as my incredible husband!

We've decided that we love making memories and having fun experiences together more than we do exchanging gifts, so we're going out this weekend to our favorite restaurant and to see a fun improv comedy group. But I still wanted to do something fun and creative for him to have on his birthday. I originally got the idea from Ashley at Under the Sycamore. To make it, I got a 4-pack of Cream Soda and emptied/cleaned the bottles. Then I wrapped them up in scrapbook paper and filled them with yummy candy. I modpodged the caddy with scrapbook paper and embellished it with some twine and a couple birthday messages.

It was a fun treat, and I loved getting to surprise them with him at his office. Nothing like a sugar rush at work!

On the lids, I modpodged a paper circle with "29" on it.

His birthday card that I made

Happy birthday, Jonathan!!! I love you!

Chillin' - Part 2

Brayden thoroughly enjoys riding in the cars on the front of my grocery cart

while we shop. I thoroughly enjoy it too, because he enjoys 'driving,'

honking, and waving at everyone we pass (instead of getting

fussy while strapped into the fold out seat of the cart).

On our last trip to the store, he decided to get really relaxed

and just stretch out in the car and stick his feet up.

It reminded me of when people in cars put their feet up in the dash.

Pure relaxation.

Chillin'

He was enjoying wearing the towel after his bath

and just wanted to chill sitting in his chair for awhile.

Go figure.

Erika's Bridal Shower

This past weekend, we celebrated a good friend's bridal shower. Erika, who works in our HS ministry, is getting married to Michael, our West campus JHigh pastor. We're so excited for them, and it was a great time getting to celebrate their future-marriage and give them a lot of fun new stuff for their home.

Chocolate-dipped marshmallows

with sprinkles & mini chocolate chips

Each guest took a card and finished the phrase on the card

with some marriage advice for Erika.

Some of the phrases that were used were: "Don't ever stop..." "Together..."

"Enjoy..." "10 Years Down the Road..." "Fall more in love by..." "End each day..." etc.

Some of the girls at the shower

Erika opening presents

Yummy chocolate truffles for each guest to take home

Really?!

I can't believe that my 2-year-old goes from calling me "Mommy" to "Michelle" when he is trying to get my attention. REALLY?!

Brayden and Nanny

When we were in Oklahoma, we got to spend some good time with Nanny and Papa. Here are a couple pics (and video) of Brayden playing with Nanny...

My new favorite pic of Brayden with Nanny!!!

Peekaboo!

He was CRACKING UP every time!

A short video of Nanny hiding from Brayden...

Wedding Trip

My blogging seems to come in waves. Sorry it's been awhile. I have a lot to post about...which will come over the next few days. I really am trying to be more consistent in this whole blogosphere realm!

Brayden and I went this past weekend back up to Oklahoma for a good friend's wedding. Brittany Cook, who was our summer high school ministry intern a few years ago, was getting married...and I just couldn't miss it! It was an amazing wedding. It was so obvious that the Lord is the center of Drew and Brittany's lives and that they are going to live their lives with Him as the focus and center of their marriage. I'm so happy for them, and I can't wait to see all God does in and through them.

Brittany, Mo, and me at the Bridal Shower

Brittany and I at the shower

Mo, me, and Leslie at the shower...

SO good to see old friends from college!!!

Bride and groom at the wedding...

Drew and Brittany Melton!!!

Me and my girls!

Cutting the cake...CONGRATS Drew and Brit!

We're SO happy for you!

Playdoh Time!

It was about time for us to delve into the adventures of Playdoh. Brayden LOVES the stuff! He sat in his highchair for quite some time completely satisfied with the mushy stuff. That was, until it crept toward his mouth. He learned once it touched his tongue, that this stuff was NOT to eat. It was quite fun to play with though!