Summer Plans

Wow! Did we have big plans for this summer or what!? Catherine is finally old enough to go and do like we've been dying to since we first had kids. Silver Dollar City. White Water. Cardinals Game. American Doll Store. It was all coming together.

Well, it didn't work out that way this summer. Plans are made to be broken and boy did we! I can only think that God's trying to tell me to SLOW DOWN. (If you know me, you know how hard that is...I am 90 mph at all times!) And, wowza....we have really slowed down this summer.

This year, all of NWA was under a burn ban for fireworks the 4th of July. But, luckily, some of the larger planned shows were allowed. So, we carried on our tradition of Mexican Food and Fireworks at the Crosses. What a fun night to spend with our friends!

On the 4th of July, we did our "boy event" with Travis. Despite the raging heat, we headed to the Rodeo of the Ozarks. The girls had a great time and so did we! I love watching them have fun. This year instead of monkeys riding dogs, we watched a one-armed cowboy wrangle two buffalo. (I cannot make this stuff up people).

We also spent some time in Hot Springs playing in the pool and on the boat. I was so glad to see GrandDa and Daddy Ben. I am pretty sure they were glad to see me...but as usual the girls stole my spotlight. :)

We also broke out the slip 'n slide for some good old fashioned fun!

So, despite busted plans, we have had a great summer so far enjoying our time together more than ever. Now...it's off to the beach!

Friends

I have some of the most caring, wonderful, beautiful friends in the world. They have stuck by me thru this whole ordeal. Not only have they worried and cried with me, they have laughed and joked with me.

I had a few days where I was down about things after I got home (not being able to take care of the girls myself or do anything for that matter) and my friends took me out to a yummy dinner and desert to cheer me up. I just love these girls!

I am blessed with great friends and I can only hope my girls find a good group of friends as they grow up.

While You Were Sleeping

I wasn't quite sleeping the whole time, but I was out of it. :) While I was in the hospital, I missed a BUNCH of things that the girls participated in. While I was SO disappointed to miss these things, I am so very grateful to have the wonderful family and friends that so willing to support the girls. I am also SO proud to have a husband that continues to manage all of this with a charisma that is unmatched. (Be jealous girls...he's a hottie AND a phenomenal husband and father!)

Anyway...enough about that. I have TONS of pictures to share with you from the girls stuff.

Emma played softball. I am sad to say that I never made it to a game. Travis helped coach and she did great.

Hannah graduated from Pre-K. When she had her turn to tell everyone what she was going to be, she said a singer. Look out world...here comes Hannah!

Both girls had their dance recitals. I heard they both did amazing and we are looking forward to adding Catherine to the dance schedule next year.

The most important thing I missed was Emma's birthday. Every time I think about how I missed it, I cringe. But, there will be many more birthday celebrations and luckily I'll be here for them! Despite me missing her big 8th birthday, I cannot believe what great friends we have. On her actual birthday she was dying to go to Olive Garden. So, Travis, the other girls and the Browns went there and celebrated with her. She had a great time.

The day after her birthday, Tara came to my house with dresses, jewels and purses for both girls and Claire. Then, she took them to eat and party at Noodles. From what I hear they had a blast laughing and flirting with the waiter.

I am so grateful to have such an amazing family and wonderful friends. My girls never missed a beat and have come thru this ordeal with smiles on their faces thanks to all of them. Happy Monday!