He DID IT!!! 26.2 MILES!!!

On Oct. 25th, 2009 Dallas accomplished something many people only dream about! He finished his first marathon! That's right-he RAN 26.2 miles!

About 6 months prior Dallas and the 3 guys who will go through dive school with him all signed up for the Marine Corp Marathon. Dallas, not being a runner, was nervous from the beginning but knew with the help of the other guys that this may be his chance of fulfilling the dream of finishing a marathon.

The day of the marathon I was so nervous for him. I just couldn't imagine running for that long. His original goal was to finish in under 5 hrs. That changed about 2 months before the race to under 4hrs 30 min. Then, when we arrived at registration he decided he would sign up for the 4:15 pace group and see how it would go.

That morning mom, dad, Presley and I were running late. I just knew we would miss the beginning of the race. There were soooo many people there watching at the start line. Some how we just made it in time. However, being 5 ft nothing I couldn't see anything for the crowd. Some how my mom found a hole in the crowd and was able to get up on a hill with a perfectly clean shot of the start line. I knew we probably wouldn't see Dallas but at least we would get footage of the beginning of the race.

The announcer began his 2 minute speech before the race. He mentioned many places around the United States where people had come from. He reminded all the racers of how hard they had worked to get to this place. He reminded them of what a special race the Marine Corp was. He reminded them that the day would forever be special and that they were there to stay healthy and complete the race-Start to Finish! The canons fired and I couldn't stop screaming...and crying. I realized at that moment even if he didn't get the time he wanted that Dallas would forever be able to share this experience with his children and their children. I was beyond proud. Then, I looked down....and there was DALLAS!! I couldn't believe it! Out of 20,000+ people we were on the right side where he running. We caught him right as he was setting his watch and before he began running. He gave us one of his "Dallas slanted smiles" that said so much! It said, 'Man, I am so glad I saw you guys!', 'Well, here goes nothing', 'What was I thinking?', 'Isn't this cool?', 'Wow, I can't believe I am here!', 'See ya'll at the finish line!" He was ready to go.

We decided to try and see him at mile 10, 16,20 and the finish. We had thought about only doing 3 stops but I realized that I wanted to see him as much as possible. So, with my Dad's knowledge of DC we were able to pretty easily follow Dallas. On our way to see him at mile 10 we passed the Seabee Memorial. All these times I had been to DC and didn't even know there was one. It made me smile and helped me to see that the Marine Corp Marathon really is in a different league than other races. Its not just about the running. It is about people remembering those fallen, missing and still fighting for our freedom.

We got to mile 10 and there were tons of people. We had not told Dallas that we would try and see him there so we were sure he wouldn't see us. We weren't even sure we would see him. We did get to see 2 of the other guys there. It was really cool to get to see them and they both looked like they were just going for a stroll. So funny! Right after seeing them there was a big running pace group that came around the corner. I didn't think Dallas would be with them because it seemed to be the 4hr 10min pace group. All of a sudden my dad said, "there he is!" So we all started yelling like our lives depended on us. But, he didn't hear us. We were too far away! I did, however, get teary eyed because I realized he was beating the time he set for himself.

After mile 1o we walked across to mile 16. Wow, this area was hard to get a spot to see him at. It seemed like that was where everyone wanted to meet for food and energy gels. I almost didn't get to see him because I was trying to get my mom's attention and then all of a sudden I got grabbed by the arm. I turned and it was him! He stopped just long enough to say hi and kiss Presley. He looked so good. NOT like he had run 16 miles! Dad looked down at his watch and said, "Cindy-do you realize he is running a 4hr 8 min pace?" I couldn't believe it and I could. Wow!

So, we thought we would hustle to mile 20. This is where it gets interesting for us. We were suppose to go straight on a path to mile 20-instead we turned left. Once we realized we had made a wrong turn we were halfway to our destination and with Dallas running and us walking, pushing a stroller we were not sure we would catch him. So, we started running. We looked soooo funny! We got to mile 20 just a minute before Dallas came running by. I was standing up on a side rail so that he would be able to spot the WOOOO PIG SOOOIE sign I was carrying. We hollered for him and he ran over to us smiling and waving. Mom had Presley down on the street level and ran her next to her daddy for a few feet. I wish I had video of that because it was so precious.

We realized then that he was still running a 4hr 9min pace and that if we didn't book it he would be a the finish line before we could get there. So, we started running again. It was really tough to get the stroller up and over a lot of the areas we needed to go through to get to the finish line fast. So, dad told me to run ahead. I ran as fast as I could. By the time I got to the finish line I was barely breathing. It was like straight up a hill. Needless to say, I felt for poor Dallas! My mom and dad made it in time and we stood at the finish waiting for Dallas to cross. The 4hr 10 min mark came and went. We knew that Dallas had slowed down. All of a sudden we saw him! Here he came around the corner for the last stretch of his run. We looked at the clock and he was getting ready to beat his 4hr 30 min goal! He crossed the finish line at 4:17:29 with a 9:49 pace. He said that at mile 24 he hit a wall and it was everything he had to finish!

But, HE DID IT! He finished and in a very respectable time for a first marathoner. I don't think he can say he isn't a runner now! I guess that is relative when one of the guys that went is a running junkie! He runs a marathon a month. His time was like 2hrs 52 mins. He finished like 88 out of 20,000! Yah, I know-super crazy. One of the other guys, Mark, finished in like 3hrs 8mins(I think) and was running a 103 fever that day and had been sick with the flu the week before! Really? These guys are like robots! Ben, the other guy I saw at the 10 mile marker finished somewhere around the 3hr 45min mark. So, needless to say-they all smoked it.

I was so proud on that day! I was proud of our friends and I was beyond proud of Dallas! I was also inspired. There were so many people running for family/friends who were in Iraq or Afghanistan fighting the war and many who were running in memory of someone they lost. Dallas ran behind a lady who had a t-shirt with a Sgt's name on it, his birthday and day that he passed. The shirt said "Sgt XXX. KIA. Today I run for my son!" What an inspiration. Then you had the guys who were amputees that did the whole race on the bikes that you peddle with you arms. Dallas said that they got a 10 min start and he only passed like 2 of them. Simply remarkable.

It was, in conclusion, one of the coolest things to witness and be a part of. It is so hard to have a dream and to commit to that dream and make it happen. So many people leave their dreams in the dream phase. On that day over 20, 000 people made their dream a reality. And, let me tell you. The energy that you feel in an environment with that many people fulfilling a hard earned dream is something everyone should experience. It is electrifying!

I uploaded all the pictures from the expo on Saturday night and all the pictures from the race. Click here to see them. But, you know that I HAD to do a slide show. I finally sat down last night a decided it was time to make it since we are coming up on 2 months since the race.

Dallas-I love you....and I am proud of you! You did it babe!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mumsie and Grandad Visit

Mumsie and Grandad came to town!!!!

We were so super blessed to get to have a wonderful visit with Dallas' mom and dad. We met them Friday, the 9th of November, in Panama City. They were already driving down and we needed to look at some houses for our stay there during Dallas' dive training. So, they were very helpful as far as Presley was concerned as we looked at a few places. We ended up finding a great place right on the water-the lagoon, not the beach. Hopefully I can get some pictures to upload to the blog.

Mumsie and Grandad always come bearing gifts. So the first day we were back in Gainesville we got to see all the goodies they had for Presley. Mary is the champion shopper. God bless her because I don't know how she does it. Anyways, after going through 7 bags of clothes, one bag of shoes and a bag of books and toys she brought in a little bike for Presley. It is a little tricycle. Presley fell in love with it immediately. After driving it all over our house we decided we needed to take her to the park and let her ride around there. The only problem was her feet were a bit too short. Not a problem now. A month ago she couldn't really steer the bike with her feet now she can with no problems!! Anyways, so we took her to the park and let her ride her bike. It was such a beautiful day we decided to stay and play on the playground equipment. They got to see first hand the monkey that is Presley!

We did our usual walk around Lake Alice that we do with all of our friends and family who visit. It is such a signature of this town that I try not to pass it up. It was such a pretty day the day we went. Yes, it was hot,but it is always hot here. It was October and look at what my daughter is in. Heck, we went swimming while they were here. Anyways, we had a such a great time looking at all the plants, birds and squirrels. I told them it was possible to see gators in the lake but that we don't always see them. WEll, it was their lucky day. We had one swim right up to us. Presley is big time into kissing everything and went running toward the water going "MMMMMMWAH!" It was hard to explain to a little girl who sees no evil in this world that the alligator could hurt her. She didn't understand. She just wanted to kiss him!! Heehee!! I guess that is the brainwashing she is getting living in a town that adores and worships Gators!!! Hahaa!

After our walk around Lake Alice, I decided to take them to the butterfly museum. I had been wanting to take my mom, since she obsessed with butterflies, but never had the chance while she was here. So, I thought I would take Mary and Gary instead. It was something I wanted to do anyways and thought they would enjoy watching Presley chase butterflies. It was such a beautiful place. It is a little rainforest right here in Gainesville. I didn't expect as many butterflies as there were. The rainforest itself is not very big at all, but all I kept thinking was what a magical world it must have felt like to Presley. I know when I was little I sure thought places were bigger than they ended up being as an adult! Anyways, all the butterflies were beautiful and it was something I will always remember about Gainesville.

On Friday we took Mumsie and Grandad to our usual Friday play place. It is a gym that allows little ones to age 4 or 5 to come and play on the gym equipment, trampolines and foam pits for a few hours in the morning. Presley really enjoys herself at this place. I think it is a wonderful place for gross motor development. I think Gary and Mary really enjoyed watching her run around, jump around, dance around and swing around!

That weekend was the Akansas vs Florida game. We were so greatful that they stayed to Sunday so that we could go to game without Presley. We have wonderful friends here in town who would keep her, but I felt bad about leaving her for 5 hours with someone. Plus they knew her routine for bedtime which is a big deal for me to keep. Dusty, my baby brother, came down to go with Dallas and I to the game. We could only get tickets in the student section (long story). So, we sat the whole game...which until the last 9 minutes of we were WINNING!! Let's just say the Gators fans around us were not happy we were there! We ended up loosing by only 3! It was such a great game to be at and I was so excited to get to see the Razorbacks in person! I haven't seen an Arkansas football game in 4 years. So, thank you Mary and Gary for allowing us to go and not have to worry about Presley!

It was a wonderful week and made us wish we could be closer. However, I do think that the times we do spend together,although few, are very special. Presley loves her Mumsie and Grandad so much. She asked about them for days after they left. I know she is going to have so much fun when we are there at Christmas. God has definitly blessed me with wonderful in-laws and blessed Presley with incredible grandparents....they are a blessing to Dallas as well!! heehee Mary and Gary-I hope you enjoyed your trip and will remember your time with Presley fondly!

18 months old

Presley turned 18 months old on the 23rd of October. We were in DC at the time, then Presley and I left to go to California and Washington. To say the least I haven't really had the time to blog. I did, however want to go ahead and do this blog before I got to the others.

We had Presley's 18 month check up earlier in October.
She is 20lbs 12 oz
and 31in long

She is already half my height AND only gained 12oz in 6 months. So, I have determined that all the food she stuffs in her mouth is helping her grow vertically ONLY! If this continues it would be beneficial to her as an adult woman!! =) Right, ladies?

Presley is an absolute joy at this age. She is talking, talking, talking. She is now talking in sentences. Her favorite is "I want my milk!" With all the demand of a general! She runs everywhere. Climbs on everything. Hides under and behind most things. Screams "PARK!" anytime she sees one. Likes to yell "MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY!" at the top of her lungs (even if she is standing right next to me) until I look down and say "Yes, Presley!" To which, she grins ear to ear, shakes her head "YES" and then runs off as if all is right in her world. She has an undeniable passion for life and her people in it.

Presley is also very much into toddlerhood. She knows how to kick and whine when she doesn't want to be moved or when we don't understand what she wants or exactly how she wants it. This is something we cringe at and love. Most of these tend to be from her inability to communicate verbally. So once she is done with her meltdown-which she "must" do-we give her the words for the situation to which she repeats them with glee. Then, she almost always replays the last scene except this time she uses her new words. She is such a big girl!

Her hair is getting so long and curly. Her eyes still glow an icey blue. She has all but 4 of her baby teeth and is growing some longer legs. She loves to read, color, ride bikes, play outside, JUMP, swing, cook, blow bubbles, sing(she does Ee, Ei, Ee,Ei,OO over and over) and she loves watching Baby RAzorbacks!!

Presley is so far from the little baby I held in my arms April 23, 2008 and yet when I look at her I go right back to that first day. In the words of my best friend Missy, "What did we ever do before we had children?" They really are a joy!

10yr High School Reunion

The first weekend of October was my 10 yr high school reunion for the class of 1999! Dallas,Presley and I traveled to Sumter Friday night and stayed with my best friend, Sarah and her family. I do have to say it was a little surreal. I felt like it was old times again. Except this time I was accompanied by my husband and daughter...not a boyfriend and a cheer practice bag. Man, how 10 years have flown by!

Friday night I went to the game and visited with a lot of my old classmates. I couldn't believe how many of them were there! It was so wonderful to be in that stadium and hearing the familiar sounds of the SHS marching band. However, I do have to say the view from the stands is a whole lot different than the sidelines!! After the game we met up with some more people at a bar called Legacies there in town. It was so wonderful to have that extra time to catch up but it was so difficult to hear over the loud live band!

Saturday was a wildly busy day. Sarah and I got up Saturday morning and headed to the country club to set up the tables and such for the "Gala" that evening. Then we headed back to the house to collect babies and husbands and headed to Swan Lake for the family picnic. I was most glad to do the picnic. We were able to meet all the babies and children and were able to visit without much noise and interruption. Plus, we did it where people could pick up lunch and bring it with them so if people couldn't afford the "Gala" they could STILL come and visit and catch up with old classmates.

We were at the park until 2pm that day. Presley and Banks were well past their nap times! We layed the kids down and were able to visit with just the 4 of us. That evening the grandparents-Mae and Popa and YaYa and Papa-took Banks and Presley to the fair! It was so wonderful that they did that so we could get ready without little ones trying to crawl up our legs!!

We headed to the country club where we visited and danced the night away. I think I talked a lot more than I danced, but I felt like I had a lot to catch up on seeing as it had been 10 years. I can't tell you how proud I am of all of my classmates. We had stay-at-home moms, managers, military, doctors, lawyers, zoologists and even a coutry music artist in our class. We all turned out so well. Well, I guess of the ones who showed. Seeing as we graduated over 600 in our class-I am sure making a general comment like that about 100 of us is maybe not fair! Anyways, it was an incredible visit and I am super glad I was able to be so involved.

Sunday we met up with Dusty and his buddy, Tripper. We have known Tripper 10 years. He is pretty much family. Actually, he calls my mom and dad...umm...mom and dad!! We had brunch with him and his new wife, Lauren. She was so precious! I was so happy to meet her. Presley loved them both! After that we headed back home to get ready for our visit with Mumsie and Grandad. It was such a wonderful weekend!

Playing with Presley

This summer Presley has really grown up! Just 9 months ago she went from crawling and babbling to running, jumping, climbing, talking, singing, dressing up, eating on her own, swimming...you name she is doing it or trying it! It is so incredible. I can't believe what a big girl she is becoming. Here are some fun pictures of us playing over the last few months.

We made homemade playdo one day! Good thing Dad came home to show her all the cool things she could make with it! They are such engineers...both of them!! Didn't get pictures of all their creations. =(


I have taken a lot of video over the last few months, but this one captures most of our evenings. Once Daddy comes home for the evening we spend most of it running and playing. This one is Dallas and Presley's favorite thing to do...besides pull-ups!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This is a video of Presley playing with Ben and Abby. I am soooo glad we have dogs. Yes, they are hard. Yes, they make it difficult when we travel or go out of town. Yes, they are extra money. Yes, it is not always fun letting them outside or walking them at night. BUT, MAN, it is so much fun to watch Presley with them. If nothing else I am sooo glad we got them so that she could have them to play with!! She is hillarious with them and they are so good with her!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Summer Review

We had a wonderful summer! It was such a blessing to have our community pool next door. Presley became such a water baby! She was jumping into the pool before she was a year old and going under and holding her breath for a significant amount of time. She can "swim" under water to someone (not very far-maybe an arms distance away) but we still have a hard time getting her to kick above the water! Anyways, she had a wonderful time! Here are some fun pics of her in the water!

Silver Springs

We went to an amusement park here called Silver Springs this summer and I have neglected to blog about it. This was a trip with just the 3 of us. We are starting to realize that we do far too little immediate family trips and doing this one made us realize how important that is!

Silver Springs is a mini-zoo...well that is what I like to call it. Its main attraction, however, is the spring. While we were there we were able to see all kinds of animals and even ride in a glass bottom boat! Presley really liked the boat and all the birds!!
While we were there it down poured! Dallas and I have a knack for planning big things when it rains. Right, Lisa and Brandi? When both of them came to visit this summer we picked the nastiest days to do our big fun activity! You would think we would learn to check the weather channel!! OH NO! NOt us! Planning is for the birds! Anyways, enjoy the pics! We sure had a great time

Go Hogs Go....

Last Saturday we were very excited to finally get to the Arkansas Razorbacks play ball on ESPN! I was even more excited because Presley has been taking to Calling The Hogs ALLLLL the time! So, I was excited to get to actually show her what that is all about.

I was so excited to finally get her to do this on camera in a cheerleading uniform. I totally thought I wasn't going to be that parent that pushed things on her children but from the looks of it we are really pushing this cheerleading thing! Anyways, I followed that poor child around alllll day trying to get her calling the hogs on video. She was not happy with that camera in her face

Poor thing! Would you be happy if someone followed you around like this.....

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So I had to take a break and let her play. I finally got some of her atleast smiling but WHY when she is playing with the Gators?!! Mommy is doing EVERYTHING to make sure her precious little razorback is not brainwashed by this silly town!

BUT....WAIT....we FINALLY got something. The Hog Call normally is said: Woooo Pig Sooie, Woooo Pig Sooie, Wooooo Pig Sooie, Razorbacks!! She normally will atleast to all 3 times without the Sooie, but this is the best we could do after chasing her around all day with a camera!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

updates and 5k

I just wanted to prepare you all for my blogathon! We have had soooo much fun this summer that by the time Presley is asleep, and I have time to blog, I just sit on the couch like a vegetable. Yes, I admit it! I am not the mom that goes from 7-10:30pm. I sometimes do, but also allow myself veg time! Don't be disappointed. If you were wanting super mom I can point you in the direction of my mom, my mom-in-law, my grandma, aunts, sister, sister-in-law, cousins, friends...these women do still exist. I digress. So, that said, tonight is the night that I have planned to catch you up on all things summer. Well, at least the last month or so. So, you may want to stretch, warm up, eat the right foods, and make sure you are hydrated for the next time you check out the blog!

Until then I wanted to tell you all about our fun Sat we had this weekend. Background: on Monday of last week I was doing a little 1 1/2 run and was feeling phenomenal. I had a thought of, "Ya know, if I feel this good on a 1 1/2 I should just run a 5k" I haven't run a 5k since Presley was born. I honestly didn't think these trunks of mine would hold up to running, but I wanted to do this. I just wanted to do it. Getting out there is the first hurdle, right? Anyways, I went online and found a charity run supporting Lou Gehrig's Disease that was donation based and it was 5 days away. I thought, "Perfect!" Usually it costs at least $25 to run most events, so finding one that I could donate what I wanted was great! We started the race and I felt great! For about a mile I was running an 8:15 pace. Dallas looked at me at one point and said, "Can you keep this pace?" I didn't think we were going that fast until we got to the halfway point and realized I had half the race to go...and my pace slowed significantly...like to a 10:15 or even slower...hahahaha!!! Anyways, we finished the race in 35 min. Not too bad for not training at all!! 3 miles for some people is no big deal...it is for me! Plus, we did it as a family! I have to tell you that Presley looked so comfortable in her stroller. It seemed like that 5k didn't phase her a bit!! Heehee. It was fun and we got to support a great cause! There is absolutely NO WAY, and I am sure of it, that I could have done that had I not been doing my Beachbody programs. Right now we are doing ChaLEAN Extreme again and the conditioning of that program is incredible. I was also able to borrow her positive comments like, "This ain't no big thing!" and "I can do this! I am strong" instead of letting my mind tell me I couldn't! It was fun and I can't wait for our next one.

Yard work

Today I decided I would take Presley out and do some yard work. It was a crazy afternoon. Before we started on the yard I wanted to sweep out the garage. I needed to move my car out of the garage before I could do that. I got in the driver seat and proceeded to try and turn on the car and realized I didn't have the key(our car can start with just the key present. It doesn't have to be in the ignition) and needed to get it out of Presley's diaper bag. So, I got out of the car(leaving the door open) and see my neighbor walking her dog so we stopped to talk to her. While I was visiting with her I realized I didn't know where Presley was. I asked my neighbor if she had seen where Presley went and she said, "Yes, she is in your car." WHAT? We have an SUV. I couldn't believe she had crawled in the car....wait....yes I can. Anyways, by the time I had realized she was in there she had found an ink pin and had written all over my leather seats! AUGHHHHHHHH! I just knew Dallas was going to kill me! I couldn't think what would get that out of the seats. Finally I thought of it....no that won't work...it is going to leave residue...well it is better than not trying at all. That was my thought process. So, I go inside and get the Magic Eraser and think "Surely this will work-It's magic for goodness sakes!" IT DID!! IT WORKED! JUST LIKE MAGIC!! And,No RESIDUE! Just took it right off!!! Then I treated the seat with leather treatment! I couldn't believe it! So cool!

Anyways, so now back to our yard work. By this time, with the Florida humidity, Presley and I were already sweating to death but I was determined to get those silly weeds pulled. I gave Presley a shovel and a small bag and we went to work. The one thing I wanted to do was replant our "Christmas tree" weed in the brush out back. Let me explain. Near our sidewalk into the house was growing what looked like a tiny table size Christmas tree. I was just going to pull it out and throw it away but when my mom was here visiting she convinced me that I needed to replant it in case some family in the future wanted to use it as their Christmas tree. I thought that was so funny, so that is exactly what we did. I tried to get Presley to carry the tree around back but she was having major issues with the roots coming out the bottom!! She cracks me up! So, I had to get pictures!

she kept putting the roots down and shaking it! She wanted them off!

Look at that face!

She did love that glove! See the "tree"!

Tah Dah!!! Some fortunate family's future christmas tree. Mae, you happy?

By this point we were miserably hot. So, we pulled just the weeds in the front of the house promising that tomorrow we would get the rest. Who wants to bet we actually do that...oh man...I am going to have to. Now I have a child who has to learn when you make a promise you keep it....especially the ones you make to yourself. Sooooo hard teaching your own children lessons you have yet to learn!

Carlee Nicole and Olivia Kate...

This was one heck of a week for our family! Between mine and Dallas' families we have welcomed 3 new babies into the world!

Chelsea and Carless Osbourn welcomed Carlee Nicole last night at 10:20pm. She is so beautiful! Carlee weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 20in long. I got a text from Chelsea and she is doing wonderful. I can't wait to see more of her pictures and hear more from the family. Congratulations you two! You are an example of never giving up hope on your dreams. Carlee will always be that reminder that GOD can do ANYTHING!

I am super embarassed that I didn't blog earlier about little Olivia Kate. Crystal and James Welborn welcomed Olivia into the world Aug. 31st and she weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 19in long. I have been so bad about blogging that I haven't had the chance to congratulate them on the blog! According to Dallas' Mom all are well and Olivia is beautiful! We can't wait to see them in December! Congrats Crystal and James!
We love you! Give Ella Claire and Olivia a kiss for us!

What a week....God is showing off and I LOVE IT!

Jonathan Brent Cook

Welcome to the world Jonathan Brent Cook!
The newest Cook family member was born this morning at 12:30am PST. After much concern about his well being he was born with no complications and is doing just fine! He is 5lbs 13oz and 18in long. He has a beautiful round head and is said to be "perfect" (proud dad quote)! Crystal is doing wonderful and I am sure will update with more details once she is home and rested. I will put up pictures as soon as I have them.
Congrats Brent, Crystal and Dylan!

In other news I have been totally slacking on this blog. I promise I have lots to blog about so stay tuned............

Old Friends Visit...

I lived in the Azores, 9 little islands off the coast of Portugal, for 4 years of my childhood. During that time I had a best friend named, Brandi. We met at 9years old in Mr. Isham's 3/4th grade split class. She asked me if I wanted to play at recess and the rest is history. We have kept up over the years and she has become one of the few people I call/text/email when I am needing advice, a shoulder to lean on, someone to lift my spirits, someone to tell my silly stories to, and most importantly someone to share my spiritual journeys with. She is more than a best friend..she is family.

She and her family came to Gainesville last week to spend a few days in the heat of Florida before they all go back to school. We had such a wonderful time. Presley was instantly in love with little Riley(6), Ryann(5) and Trevor(4). If we would have done nothing but play in our house all day it would have suited Presley just fine. She was just glad to have big kids to play with her and her toys!

I didn't think just hanging out at the house would be 'cool' with the older kids. So we went to the Florida Natural History Museum, to the Swamp-Florida's Football stadium (Presley 'Called the Hogs' while there!!), and to the Ichetucknee Springs. The Ichetucknee was so fun. When we got up that morning it was a nice Florida day. Which, in the summer usually turns in to a nice, rainy Florida afternoon! so, I was hoping we would make it down the river in time before the rain came. NOPE. As soon as the boys dropped Brandi and I with the kids at the head of the river it down poored. We were freezing! I still can't believe we went ahead and put the kids in the water, but we did. Presley wasn't sure about it at first but as soon as I started showing her all the birds and the wildlife she was happy. I just wish I would have had my camera because Shep ended up with 4 tubes tied to him and Dallas pulled Brandi, Presley, Ryann and I in one big tube while Riley and Trevor hung on to our tube while staying in their small tubes! Gosh, I wish I had a picture. Oh well!! What else did we do? Oh, we also spent a lot of time at home and just hanging out at the pool.

It was such a comfortable weekend. We didn't even go out to eat once. We just spent the whole time talking and watching the kids play. Once my friend Missy asked me, "What did we do for entertainment before we had kids?" I honestly don't know! It was so wonderful to just hang out and listen to their laughter and even their bickering. I loved it!!

We want them to come back!
here are some pictures of their trip. I am still upset that I forgot our camera at the ichetucknee. I have some after the tubing trip. heehee.

hanging out with the Shepherds at the house

Florida Natural History museum

florida swamp with shepherds

after ichetucknee with shepherds

15 months old...

I am so slow to posting. Sorry. We have had lots of visitors and so happy for it! I just am not good about blogging when we have company. Anyways, so I am now blogging about Presley turning 15 months old.

A few days ago we ran into the nurse that took care of me and Presley the night and day after she was born. When she saw me I asked if she remembered us and she said, "Ya know, I remembered your eyes but you look a lot different!!" I guess that is how crazy I was looking! Anyways, I told her how old Presley was and she said, "Has it really been that long?" I looked over at Presley with her long golden locks and bright blue eyes as she is waving a very enthusiastic "HI" to this lady she has no memory of meeting and thought sadly to myself....yes, it has been that long.

My little girl is growing so fast. Sometimes I want it to speed up, but most of the time I just want time to stand still.

Here is what Presley is doing now:
Talking, talking, talking, talking
words she says:
Hi Hello
Bye Bye Mommy
Dada Mama
Ben Abby
Stop Sit(which sometimes sounds like a 4 letter word)
eat drink
up more(which she says 10Xs in a row like a seagull)
cheese go
uh-oh NO
All Done here
Papa Mae
eye nose(just sounds like a long drawn out,naisly, NO)
baby uh huh(if anything sounds like a question this is her answer)
dog moo
woof shoes
Some days our words are clearer than others and she says them more often, but there is NO doubt our little lady is babbling something important ALL day

Follows direction fairly well
climbing on EVERYTHING
reading books(ok babbling at pictures...endulge me)
learning to jump
squeals with excitment
dances and worksout with mommy
goes on runs with daddy(in stroller) and pitches a fit if he forgets her
tries to put on her own clothes
loves to ride her jumpy zebra (thanks Missy)
swims everyday and LOVES it-especially when daddy throws her and does tricks with her
helps feed the dogs
uses her utensils when she eats
runs everywhere!!

One thing is for sure she is all play all the time. Our little lady has two gears-asleep or full speed ahead! The other day I picked her up and she laid her head on my shoulder and you would have thought we needed to call an ambulance. We had no clue if she was ok or not! She was just lovin on me! Wow!

Presley-
You are 15mo old now and I am already seeing that my greatest joy in life is going to be watching you live yours. You bring so much happiness to the world around you. You are funny, compassionate and bright. You don't mind getting dirty and love a little mystery. A challenge to you is no more than that. You are a dare devil and love trying new things. I love that you are crazy independent, but still depend on us in a pinch. You always know where base is and check in when needed. My days are full of your extatic squeals, loveable laughs, fake cries, babbles and yells for Ben and Abby and I can't close my eyes at night without one last visit to your bedside. I never knew what I was missing before you came into my life. Now I don't know how I will ever let you grow up. Your Mae told me a quote today and I get teary eyed just thinking of you when I hear it, "when they are little they dance on your toes, when they are older they dance on your heart!"
I promise you will dance on my heart often!
I love you my sweet baby girl!
-Mama

Our week with the Westbrooks

Last week we had some wonderful visitors come stay with us for about 10 days. Lisa and Keith brought Layla to hang out with us here in Florida. I have to say it was a wonderful treat. Sometimes the kids just need time to hang out! We did so many wonderful things. I think, however, my favorite thing of the week was how we would do dinner, put the girls to sleep then either play games or watch a movie. We laughed and laughed and laughed. It was a great time!

Layla is such a doll. I am so blessed to have gotten to share such quality time with her. It is not something we get to do often. For those of you out there who get to see your extended family often count it as a blessing. I know that when extended family is around it isn't always pleasant....but it is family. We are blessed with wonderful and loving extended families, so we often feel sad when they leave. Anyways, we couldn't get over how beautiful little Layla is. She reminds me of Snow White-Dark hair, BIG Beautiful Dark Eyes and ruby red lips! Just gourgeous. I think I said that at least a hundred times a day!

We hung around the house a lot and swam at the pool next to our house most days. However, we did visit the Jacksonville Zoo, went on two trail walks and hit the beach-literally we were only there long enough to hit it with our things! heehee

Presley so enjoyed showing Layla all of her toys and I think was trying to show her how to run, climb and YES jump. She is trying to jump and it is FUNNY!!! Presley also tried to show Layla that she has eyes by poking them and saying "Eyzz, Eyzz!" Presley is learning how to say her face parts. She can say nose, eyes and mouth, but particularly likes to SHOW eyes. Just watching the two of them interact was priceless. Presley just adored Layla. I think she said Layla's name "YeahYah" a couple of times but mainly referred to her as "baby"! The morning after they left Presley walked around the house saying "Baby! Baby!" She missed her Layla!
Here are some pics of us hanging out around the house. AGAIN-there are LOTS and LOTS of pictures. I put them all on here because Mary/Mumsie and Gary/Grandad couldn't be here and I want them to see all the pics!

hanging at the house K&Ls

Most days we spent time in the pool next to our house. Layla and Presley loved spending time in the water. We got a little video of Layla going under the water. That face is super cute! Presley shared some of her tricks with Layla and Layla picked them up with ease...well some of them. She isn't quite flipping yet?! *Quick note: watch in the video of Presley flipping how she holds her hands up over her head when we says, "READY?" so cute!

at the pool with K&Ls

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As we do with everyone who comes to visit we took them to Lake Alice on the UF campus. It is a cute little trail and a good way to show people the campus. We took lots of pictures of Keith, Lisa and Layla and some of Dallas, Presley and I along the trail! We also walked the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail. This has become one of mine and Dallas' favorite trails!! We were all pretty much trying to keep up with Presley!! She ran most of the time we were there! We stopped at one of the crossings to watch a Florida Storm roll in! Sometimes they are really pretty!

walking the trails with K&Ls

One day we went to the Jacksonville Zoo. It was VERY, VERY HOT! We had a great time despite the heat. I was actually really surprised at how many unique animals there were at this zoo. It wasn't a very big zoo, but had lots to offer. Presley LOVED the big fish and the birds.
PaPa- we took lots of pictures with her and the fish just for you!!!
Presley and Layla rode the big carousel they had at the Zoo. Layla really enjoyed it. You should have seen how cute she was going up and down so tiny on her little animal!! Presley, however, was a different story. She was sooooo hot and tired from running around the zoo for 4+ hrs that she couldn't even enjoy it. She kept clutching to Dallas and I. This video shows how tired she was. Notice how, in and effort to get her to enjoy her self, her daddy moved her all around the carousel until they finally ended up in the seat!!!

at the zoo

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The only thing Lisa and Keith wanted to do while they were in Florida was go to the beach. There really aren't any close beaches to us in Gainesville. Most of the good ones are atleast 2 hrs away. So, we packed up all our beach gear, food and drinks for the day, all the stuff for the girls, the girls and headed to Crescent Beach near St. Augustine. We were all excited about the day in the sun. We got there and set up our gear. As soon as we did Keith, Lisa and Layla headed to the water to dip little Layla in the ocean for the very first time!! I followed to get pictures and video. As soon as I did I turned around to tell Dallas and Pres to come on and when I turned I saw that the skies were black. Literally BLACK!! We had only been there 10 mins. Dallas let Presley run to the ocean but she didn't even reach it before the lifeguards started blowing their wistles for us to leave the beach. We just barely got all our stuff packed up before the heavens opened up! We decided to head to St. Augustine for the rest of the day. Atleast this gave them something new to experience since they didn't get the chance to do the beach!
*Keith and Lisa-I am still so sorry!!

at the beach with K&Ls

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Over all it was a visit I will remember forever. It was so nice to have quality time with them. Usually when we see them it is for such a short period of time and crammed with lots to do and lots of people to see. Not to mention that they have their lives-work, church, friends, etc. that still goes on when we come to town. So, this was nice. I really did hate to see them go. Until next time Keith, Lisa and Layla.....LOVE YOU!