Ashley Finally Gets Hitched!

My best friend from high school, Ashley Harrison, was married at the Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica on March 22 to Josh Koster (Astoria, IL area). Unfortunately, Clint and I were not able to attend the destination wedding. Ashley was then married again on March 29 at the Summum Christian Church in Summum, IL, with a reception following at the Macomb Country Club. Both ceremonies were beautiful and I was honored to stand by her side as her matron of honor for the church ceremony. Ashley has moved back from the lake and the two will reside in Pleasant Plains, IL. I look forward to our families spending more time together!

The hair (after the reception)! Very intricate work, Susan!

My little man all dressed up for the special occasion! Easter outfits got double duty this year!

The stunning bride!

Our reception entrance attire!

BFF!

The Toast:

If you had asked me prior to Memorial Day Weekend of this past year if I believed in love at first sight, my answer would have been "no". After all, my husband and I knew each other for quite some time before we fell in love. But, a couple of days after that weekend, I got a call from Ashley telling me she had falled in love and found the man she was going to marry...pretty close to love at first sight! When I hung up the phone after that conversation, I didn't know how Josh and Ashley's story would end, but at that time, I wasn't convinced it would end at the alter. But, with each conversation that Ashley and I had in the months that followed, she seemed to be falling more and more in love with Josh, and quite honestly, from her descriptions the more and more in love I was falling with Josh. I finally got to meet "McDreamy" here when they came to visit in August, and I was able to witness for myself just how wonderful of a man Josh was and how happy they were as a couple. The love and friendship that these two share is very hard to find, and they have most certainly made me a true believer in love at first sight. Josh, you definitley have your hands full with Ashley but you are an extremely lucky man! I just ask that you take the very best care of my best friend!

Happy Easter!

The Hairy Elephant!

Gavin was in dire need of a haircut as mommy and daddy were planning to grow it out. We just didn't quite know what to do with the bangs that were hanging in his eyes and undoubtedly blurring his vision. Mommy and Mimi made an appointment for Gavin at a children's salon called The Hairy Elephant. The kids get to choose a vehicle to sit in and get to watch DVD's while getting their haircut. I first asked the stylist to trim his bangs but keep the rest of his hair long. I specificall said, "no bowl cut!" Gavin was the perfect little guy and played with his car and watched tv. When the stylist was done, she asked how I liked it and I said there was something about it that just wasn't doing it for me. I guess it was b/c I'm used to layers and he looked rediculous without them. I asked her to basically give him another cut and it turned out great! Gavin is such a handsome little man! His little brother was an angel waiting on his brother, too!

Pre-cut...a little shaggy! But still cute!

"Look, mom, I can see!"

Gavin was in heaven with all the shoes!

Gunner wanted in on a little train action, too!

Happy Birthday Mimi and Gabe!

We love you bunches and bunches!

Good-bye Winter Blues

We FINALLY had some spring-like weather here in MO. We spent as much time outside as possible. We took several stroller rides, Gunner played in his exersaucer, and Gavin played with three golf balls. Yes, he had to have all three all the time or he was upset. He enjoyed throwing them all at mommy and watching me run after them as they bounced down the driveway. This is a game that he and daddy play, but daddy is a little quicker at getting to them! One of the most exciting things was Gavin's first trip to the park! He really enjoyed going down the little slide by himself and playing with the rocks.

The Boys

Gavin has been very intrigued by the Figi water bottle. He thinks it is very cool that it is square shaped. I didn't think he would really notice the different shape, but I was wrong! He took the bottle over to his shape sorter and tried to put it in the square slot. It was very cute and made me very proud!

Our Sweet Baby "Nunner"

Good Morning! Or Not-So-Good Morning!

Gavin enjoys Monday mornings and Daylight Savings Time about as much as his mommy and daddy do!

Happy Birthday, Grampy!

We love you, Gavin and Gunner