Gavin's First Birthday Party

Gavin turned one about two weeks ago, but because of our busy schedule we held his party this weekend. First I have to say, I can't believe he is one. The year has gone quickly!!

What are Gavin's favorite things at one? Eating. He loves to eat. I believe he would eat all day long if I let him. He also will eat anything! Gavin loves cars and trucks. He loves to crawl around pushing the cars. It's neat that he likes cars and trucks so much because his middle name is Douglas after my dad. In so many ways he reminds me of my dad. My dad's job/hobby revolved around automobiles. Also, Gavin smiles all the time. When he smiles it lights up his face and eyes. My dad had this same quality. I believe it is the Lord's gift to me. I miss my dad so much, but when I look at Gavin I am reminded of him.

As you can see in the photos below Gavin had a lot of fun at his party.

Gavin loved playing with the balloons.



Gavin enjoyed opening his presents. Then again, who doesn't like gifts?


At first Gavin wasn't sure he liked his cake. I think the texture of the icing was a little weird to him.

Ultimately Gavin decided he liked his cake!

Girl Trip!!

I just got back from a girl trip to Helen, GA with my best childhood friends. We all grew up together in church and have continued to stay friends for over twenty years. They are one of the biggest blessing in my life. We had an awesome time. We spent the weekend touring Helen. For those that have been to Helen that is a small tour. So, we spent a lot of time just hanging out eating, playing games, eating, talking, hiking, and did I mention eating. I have to say thanks to my husband. He kept the kids for the first time overnight. I was gone for three nights. Gerald had a great time with the boys and even suggested I make this annual an trip. Which was good considering the girls and I are already thinking and planning our next trip.



Interesting site. This is at a person's house beside the Chattahoochee River. People tube down the river during this summer and apparently this is all the missing shoes. Who knew? You can't see the sign, but it reads "lost soles".
We walked up to the falls. I think I have forgotten how beautiful the moutains can be.
Our cabin was so nice. It had a hot tub, pool table, and an air hockey table. Candy and I won at pool 3 times. So what if two of them were by default.
Being girls. You can never have to many photos!
In Helen taking in the sights.

Today I took the kids to the beach with Maggie. Maggie and Ben just moved here from Texas. Ben is the new high school pastor. Anyhow, we had so much fun at the beach. The kids loved it. They were so good. It is so much fun to see how they just soak in every experience. I love to watch the look on their faces as they try to figure out new environments. I have been going picture crazy lately. So, below are some photos of our day.





Gavin is trying to figure out what is all over his hand. We haven't been to the beach in a while.



Look at me mom. The chair is Gavin's walker. He is so proud of himself these days.

Christmas 2007

Miles was excited for Christmas Day. He would ask every morning if he could open gifts at my sister's. I think he thought that once we got there it would immediately be Christmas. We arrived about four days before. He was a little hesitant on Christmas day at first. We thought he would dive right in, but being his usual self he took his time. Miles likes to ease in to new activities or places. Christmas was no different. Gavin really didn't know what to think. Halfway through opening gifts he had to take a two hour nap. Opening gifts is hard work for an almost one year old. We all received a lot of great gifts. For me, the best part was spending Christmas with my family in cold weather! I feel old when I say the gifts were just bonus, but it's true. When you live away from family you treasure those times a little more.

Gerald is opening his stocking. He is an easy person to give gifts to because he loves and appreciates everything.
Miles playing with his train from "Santa".
Gavin opening his stocking. He has no idea what is going on!


This is me and with my family. I haven't seen my brother in two years. So it was a treat to see him over Christmas.
Miles helping Uncle Bobby open his gift.
Not a Christmas photo, but who could resist this face!