LAKESIDE WITH AXO and MOMS...
It has been a tradition since graduation and a great time to get away and remember all the reasons we have these wonderful friendships; sisters in the bond.  Our lives take us many different directions.  We are scattered across Houston and then some but reconnecting is always a treat.  We pick up right where we left off and the conversations continue.  Our moms joining us for the weekend away makes the tradition even sweeter.  There is always an array of food; chocolate and snacks are a must, time spent bobbing upon rafts on the lake and late night talks and games.  I couldn't believe this year I was one of the last to rise come morning.  I guess I needed a full nights rest.  I'm not used to receiving that at home; yet another bonus of a weekend away. 

This year the night away served as a practice run for my time away from Reagan for my brother's wedding the following month.  Reagan and I had only been away from each other 2 nights total since the time he was born.  Those 2 nights were in celebration of my wedding anniversary with Preston.  I wasn't quite sure how my little man would handle the time away, but Preston kept him entertained with an after school trip to the movies and lots of play time (computer time and TV too--he must have been in hog heaven.)  Just before we packed to head home from the lake I began receiving phone calls from husband and son asking about my return.  I'm sure I missed my men as much as they missed me, but my time away was enjoyed and appreciated.   

THE JOINING OF FAMILIES...
We are thrilled that Uncle Jeff and Amanda will soon be tying the knot. Our family tree will continue to grow and change as our families join. Amanda's sweet grandmother quilted their tree thus far and gave it to them as a wedding gift along with a beautiful, hand-stitched, white wedding quilt. She is so talented. It was a tear jerking treasure for the bride to be. Their shower was filled with love and shared memories from friends and family. We know their life together will be also.

22!...
Uncle Scott is 22! We celebrated his big day in Bryan with a hibachi style lunch. It was delicious to say the least and I was loving the entertainment. I was wide eyed, laughing and half drooling through the entire food presentation. I sampled a bit of everything offered to me, but decided that sushi was not my kind of food. Uncle Scott on the other hand really enjoyed it. Tops on my list had to be the bubblegum flavored soda. You open the drink by pushing a marble into the glass bottle. It was FANTASTIC! Fizzing sweet syrup in a bottle and mom allowed me to drink every sweet drop. After eating, I spent the next 20 minutes reenacting every move and joke the chef made. Utensil flips, laughing, chopping, fire and more continued to keep my family smiling. I will not soon forget this restaurant.
Next up for the birthday bash was bowling. This day could not have been better designed for me (even though it was Uncle Scott's big day.) I LOVE BOWLING! Even with a ball that is 1/6 my weight, I rear back and chunk the ball down the lane. I do a little tap dance in my bowling shoes as I wait for my score and my ball to make its way up the return. I could bowl for hours and be completely content and I have decided I don't need help anymore. Dad showed me the proper form and how to hold the ball using just 3 fingers. I gave it a try more than a few times, but soon realized that my fingers were having a difficult time stretching between the holes. Mom could use a few form lessons herself. It was a great day with the family and a happy day for me. My bowling score (bumpers included) beat a few of the big kids...I won't say who, but Mawmaws was the high score of the day. Even with 2 hands in braces she managed to nearly double some of our scores.
Happy Birthday Uncle Scott we all love you very much! We really enjoyed spending the day with you and all the new experiences along the way.

THE DINOSAURS ARE HERE!...
The zoo recently opened a dinosaur exhibit. It was a must see for me. I enjoy all things science and discovery and therefore dinosaurs are on my favorites list. We had already left the house when we discovered our camera had been left behind. The moments we were able to capture were on our iphone cameras and therefore are not as clear as we would like (mom will try to post those soon.) Our memories on the other hand will not soon be forgotten. The dinosaurs were HUGE! I understood they were made of plastic. I know that dinosaurs are extinct, but they looked so real. Mom read me facts about each one as I guessed if they were carnivorous or herbivorous. I know lots about teeth; some are for grinding, some tearing and some biting. My favorite dinosaur had a head that looked like an alligators head. It made seeing the relation between the animals easy. Did you know that the Tyrannosaurus was about 17 feet tall and 40 feet long? He was all tail and no arms. Or that the Brontosaurus was about 40 feet tall and all neck? Or how about that most dinosaurs were the size of chickens? I loved this exhibit! We walked it twice. It made the EXTREME heat of the day exciting rather than exhausting. We are sure to travel back to these times again soon.

GOT A DUSTER?...
It might be time for another haircut. Or, I could just use this ponytail as a duster. Yep, it was that funny. I have the softest hair. I had to try to tickle mom before ripping the rubber band out of my hair and giving it a shake.

WRECKED ADRENALINE...
We are a Monster Jam family. We are always on the look out for new trucks. There are lots of different series of trucks and even more body styles. We have enjoyed the hunt for about a year now. Look what dad found! The flag in the box does not match the truck. It was a factory error. The trucks name is Wrecking Crew and the flag is from Pure Adrenaline. Dad was so excited to make this discovery.

UNCLE DUSTY...
Congratulations on graduation! You must be proud of all your accomplishments!
Outside your academics, mom and dad are so impressed with your caring heart, your patience and your ability to interact with adults and children and put both groups at ease. You are a perfect fit in our house.
I am too. I love playing with you! We play all day as we create new toys and scenarios for the play. I am sure I exhaust you, but you never show it. You are always willing to throw on a silly hat, do a little jig or play a ditty right along side me.
Your new friends and experiences at UT will be AMAZING, but I hope you always find time to hang out with your #1 fan. I think you are the coolest!

A Note From Reagan...
I am writing books these days and reading them too. I can spell three letter words correctly and spell lots of other words phonetically. I can sound out words as I read and recognize many, many words by sight. Mom and dad are so proud of me and I am thrilled to enjoy this new freedom. Reading and writing is exciting! There is always something new to read or write or think about. I can sit for 30 or more minutes just selecting books to read and share.

I love to type. Probably because I see mom and dad do it so often, but on this day I wasn't sharing the hidden message.

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FIRST AND LAST...
We conquered another year! We are looking forward to having more time to enjoy all the things Taylor's love this summer.