35 Years and Counting...

Yesterday my parents celebrated their 35th Anniversary!!
Looking back, I can tell you that I remember times growing up thinking, "Are my parents going to stay married"? It's a good reminder to me to know that even my parents marriage has not always been perfect, but they seem to be happier now than they have ever been and are such a wonderful example of patience and faithfulness to me. Congratulations Mom and Dad and may God bless you with many, many more years of happiness together!! I love you both!!

We're heading to the beach today, so hopefully we'll have some good beach pictures to share soon!

Fathers...

This song has always reminded me of my dad and I wanted to share the lyrics-

I remember Daddy's hands, Folded silently in prayer

And reaching out to hold me When I had a nightmare

You could read quite a story In the callouses and lines

Years of work and worry Had left their mark behind
I remember Daddy's hands, How they held my Mama tight

And patted my back For something done right

There are things I've forgotten That I loved about the man

But I'll always remember The love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands Were soft and kind when I was cryin'

Daddy's hands Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong

Daddy's hands Were always gentle and I've come to understand

There was always love in Daddy's hands
I remember Daddy's hands Working til they bled

Sacrificed unselfishly Just to keep us all fed

If I could do things over I'd live my life again

And never take for granted The love in Daddy's hands

We love Dad!
And so do the grandkids!
Dad and all of his "kiddos"-
Dad with baby Emery
Such a great grandad!!
I have the best dad in the world and our children are so blessed to have him as their Grandad! My dad is the most gentle, humble and selfless man that I know and I am so proud and blessed to have him as my earthly father.

We had a wonderful day on Sunday! After church we met my family for lunch then the four of us went to the pool to relax a little bit. Jay is such a wonderful dad. His biological father passed away several years ago and I believe that has really played a huge role in the relationship that he has our children. He loves Elan & Emery with all of his heart and it is so precious to see how much they love him too. There is nothing more special than seeing our childing loving on their daddy!! I am so grateful to God that our children have daddy that is so passionate about life, funloving, generous, humble, compassionate and loves Jesus!

We love daddy!

Elan loves to have a toothpick in his mouth just like Jay...

Fun at the pool...

Daddy's baby girl- She loves her daddy!!!

After a "rough" day at the pool... like father, like son...

Fun Times at the Stephens!

Saturday night our church class had a cookout at Jeremy & Emily's house and we all had such a great time!! They had a really cool water slide for the kids- I'm sure the adults would have enjoyed it too if any of us were brave enough to wear our suits!! :) They also enjoyed playing on their play set and jumping on their trampoline. We asked them if we could rent out their backyard for Elan's birthday party! Their backyard is so perfect for entertaining a group of kids!

Emery loved playing!!

And so did Elan!!

Taking a small break to eat...

Elan & Aden posing for the camera-

All the mammas!

Elan & Brooke (cute couple if you ask me!) :)

Elan & Robert resting at the bottom of the slide-

Brothers & sisters enjoying the swing set!!

Avery & Elan waiting their turn to jump...

After too much jumping...

Thanks Jeremy & Emily for a super fun time!!

So long to Springtime, School & Soccer!

Well, it's been a fun and busy spring! The kiddos have really enjoyed spending time outside- they would both stay outside all day if we would let them! Elan & Jay planted another garden with corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc... hopefully see will see some fruits of their labor! He is trying so hard to be just like is daddy- in every way...

Elan was given a little four-wheeler and Emery LOVES for him to take her on rides.


Emery enjoyed her first pretend teaparty with her sweet friend Anna Kate.



One of our favorite things to do this spring was go bowling. Emery just really enjoyed hanging out with the girls while Elan and his buds bowled.








I just have to add this picture too... Emery LOVES brushing her teeth...and running around with no clothes on- we're going to have to put a stop to that!!





Emery also enjoyed her first trip to a Predators game...she's destined to be a fan...






Elan always has fun being silly with his buddies...







Elan enjoyed a fun field trip to the zoo this Spring! The kids really enjoyed it and could have stayed all day!








A couple of weeks ago he graduated from pre-school. He will "graduate" again next Spring since he won't be starting kindergarten this fall, but it was still a bitter-sweet day realizing how quickly time is going by and what a big boy he is. Elan and his friend Mackenzie have had the same teacher, Mrs. Sandra, for the past two years at school (and they're also in the same Bible class at church) so we're wondering how they will do with a new teacher in the fall- at least they will be together! Mrs Sandra is so wonderful and we all love her so much!









Elan has been playing soccer and really enjoying it this year and did much better than last Spring!

Faithful fans...



So proud of his trophy!

We have had such a fun springtime but we're already enjoying going to the pool and ready (or not) for summer! We hope you all have a super summertime!!