Austin trip - Day One

Yesterday we arrived in Austin after driving for a long long long time. We only got out of the car twice, but made many stops. We stopped at Starbucks, Burger King, Chic-fil-a, McDonalds, Starbucks, McDonalds, Starbucks and Starbucks. And then when I got tired we would stop at Starbucks again. The kids did very well. Lane and Cam spent most of the time pacifying Ryder.
Our first day in Austin was spent back-to-school shopping. We went with Mimi and Papa to the Round Rock outlets. It was really nice out there and shaded.

Everyone has new backpacks and ready for school - well actually they are protesting the going to school part, but would say anything for new clothes.

Olivia sitting nicely and quietly coloring

and then there are the boys....We got some great indoor toys. So far, nothing has broke

Lane couldn't resist these slippers

This might have been the highlight of the shopping trip

This officer has it made. I want one - sure would help my aching feet -

except I would probably have 4 kids hanging off it.

We seem to get excited now-a-days when we see longhorns

Everyone was a little tired and wanted to ride.

Glad Papa was with us to push the 300 lb stroller!

Science camp

Lane went to science camp at Camp Washahsahsheeheee... or something like that. The night I picked him up they had a rocket launch (see terrible picture above). He had so much fun! That was his last camp of the Summer. Next is the beach - no more cabins for him.

Swept away to Super Target.. I mean the Renaissance

On Friday Luke surprised me for our 12 year anniversary by taking me to a hotel in Tulsa. He arranged the sitter and everything else! I was so impressed. We stayed at the Renaissance which has to be the nicest hotel in Tulsa and the most exciting part was that it was walking distance to Target!! ;-) Luke knows me so well. Seriously, we had so much fun! In our hotel room there were a dozen+1 roses and chocolate covered strawberries. I got teary eyed! Luke is getting really good at this romantic stuff. Friday night after we kicked back and had coffee on our private balcony ;-) we went to a really fun sushi bar called In the Raw. The hotel description called it a "hip" restaurant, so Luke and I had a debate on if we were worthy of dining in such a place. ?Turns out we weren't the dorkiest people there. Not sure if it's a chain or not - but it was fun and really good. Then we went to Starbucks and Target. My night was everything I had been dreaming about. But - the next day was even better. We woke up and Luke went with me to work out - wow, that was nice to watch! Then we ate a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then Luke arranged for me to have a massage and facial at the hotel spa. I felt like a princess! After that it was time for check-out, so we packed all our stuff up, went and ate lunch. I had a cheeseburger and fries - I was feeling really crazy! We spent the rest of our time walking around Utica square and people watching at Starbucks. The next morning at church someone commented that I looked really rested and glowing! I honestly can tell you that since I have had kids (10 years ago!) I have never received that compliment. I always get the "you look tired" comment. I am thinking that this nightly get away should happen a little more often! Might need to rob a bank first though ;-)

12 red = years, 1 yellow = forever

I was ready to move in!

YUMMY! My hubby thinks of everything!

He Knows My Name by Maranatha Singers

This is a great song! And I love the pictures.

Deana Rose Farm (or something like that in KC)

These are some pictures that I took with my little point and shoot when we went to KC the other wknd. We had such a great time with all my family watching all the kids play and fish! What a great weekend!!!

Ryder has no fear - glad he didn't grab the hook!

Proud of this one - bite size ;-) By the way - don't you love Lane's new haircut??

Mimi playing in the water with Ryder and Olivia. Ryder just wanted to lay down in the water. I think Mimi got just as wet as he did.

The boys love getting their picture with me!

Papa and Campbell

Very pregnant Taylor and Campbell

Cousin Val w/ her daughter

Papa holding Campbell

Luke and Olivia

Me and my brother Chad

It was so windy in OKC, but I am glad we brought our umbrella. It was like the 18th day in a row that it rained there.

So darn cute! (My gramps)

This was as good as it got!

Ryder dancing in OKC. This was the week before 4th of July - his outfit got wet, had to go to only store close by and they only had this patriotic outfit that will never be worn again!

Chad and Cutie-Campbell

Ryder was thirsty...

Lane

I love my Aunt and Uncle's dog! Very unique look!

I love this picture of Val with 2 of her children

My cousin's daughter, Caroline

Grandpa letting the kids pet the cat - which Cam and I realized are terribly allergic to

Lane is a bit floored at how large my gramps remote is!

Ryder and Luke having a little father/son chat

Mimi and Olivia bonding at sunset

Taylor and Campbell

Mimi and Luke w/ the kids

Chad and I playing soccer (look at my form!!!) impressive? ;-)

Family Portrait

Every 10 years (well about 5 years now) we get our family picture done with my dad's side of the family. We have always taken these pictures at a Unitarian "compound" in KC. Don't worry - we are making no contribution to the Unitarian church (had to get that in there) - just going there strictly for the look. ;-).
It is so fun to see how large our family has become. So many little ones. Definitely makes it harder to get a good shot for the photographer. We couldn't get all the kids to smile and look at the camera at the same time. Thank God for photoshop that lets you crop and paste heads!
Our trip was very short. I had to shoot a reception (see below) so we weren't able to leave until Sat. morning and come back Sun. afternoon. We did get to go to the plaza and do a little shopping and eating which was a lot of fun. It's amazing how excited I get now about seeing real shops and restaurants! Living in a small town definitely makes you appreciate things more!
I will post more pictures later of KC soon -

Attempting

My cousin and his family are getting their picture taken. We are all standing there trying to get the kids to smile and look at the camera. Since I was not paying attention (trying to take my own pics) Ryder tried sneaking in the picture.

Ya think Ryder will be mad at me some day for posting this?? Oh well...

Ceremony

Below is a picture of a ring ceremony/reception that I took pictures at last week. I am in the process of editing them right now and will post more soon.

Steve and Ashley

Don Bush's bday celebration. All he wanted to do on his bday is get the slip-n-slide out ;-)))

Ya think we need some more kiddos??