My Boys

I love having boys! They are so fun.  I used to dream of dressing a little girl up in tutus and headbands, but now I know boys can be just as fun to dress up.  Today was one of those days so I snapped a few quick pictures of my handsome boys.  

  I sure do love them and nothing makes me smile they way they do.  

Being able to be their mommy is at the top of the list of things I'm thankful for!  

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! I know I will :)

Rainbow Party

My Aunt Laurie and Laurie got married about a month ago in San Diego.  Since we weren't able to go I wanted to throw a party to celebrate.  L&L aren't big into being the center of attention so I decided a surprise party would be the best way.  Amy and I hopped on Pinterest and started party planning.

We found this cute party decoration with the words from "Over the Rainbow" on it.  I recreated it in Photoshop (I'm pretty proud of myself).  We carried the rainbow/dream theme throughout the party

First a look at the fun party stuff and then we'll get to the actual party -

 PSsttt is the fun way they combined their names (don't worry they didn't actually changes their names to that :)

Leslie made the cake and the best part was that the inside was rainbow too!

 I put my student council balloon skills to good use :) 

 Here we all are waiting for the guests of honor to arrive. 

 The plan was for them to come see our house and then we were going to go out to dinner together.  

 We completely surprised them!!!

 I was just happy to have them there! I kept having nightmares they were going to cancel or reschedule.  Come to find out about 1/2 hour before they were supposed to come over someone offered them Tim and Faith concert tickets.  They turned them down because we had plans.  I probably wouldn't have but I'm sure glad they did :)

 After the initial surprise everybody (40+ people) had dinner and visited. 

I said a quick toast and then L&L got up and said a little something too.  

 Then it was picture time.  These two are always hilarious!  They didn't disappoint with their matching rainbow bouquets :)

 Everyone wanted to snap a picture with the newlyweds.  

 The Suttons -

 The Priests -

 They opened a few gifts too.  Amy and I made them a custom doormat with their combined last name. It wasn't perfect but close enough :)

It was hilarious to watch them try and read the cards.  Let's just say they looked a little old...

 I had to add this one of Keller with Laurie P's sister-in-law because he is just so dang cute.  That boy loves to "cheese" these days!

 I'm so excited for Laurie and Laurie.  They've been together for over 35 years!!! This day where they could be together with both of their families celebrating their marriage was long overdue, but I'm glad it finally came.  I can't think of two people who deserve to be married more than them.  On a side note - I'm also happy for the opportunity it gives me to teach my kids about love and acceptance.   

Congrats Laurie & Laurie! Enjoy the newlywed bliss ;)

Top Shot 2013

We had our annual Top Shot last weekend.  Chad plans this event every year for our family and it is so fun.  This year there were 6 events and you got to pick the 4 you wanted to complete as part of our score.  There is a prize for the top scorer in each division (Quick Draw (men), Annie Oakley (women), Young Gun (kids)).  The top three overall scores complete in the top shot and the winner is the Top Shot for the year. It's pretty official.  It goes on a plaque and everything ;)

Here's the scoreboard -

 The men went out a little early to set up and get some shooting in without the kids and women bugging them :)

 Chad had his worst performance at a top shot event but he still had fun anyway.

 My mom always makes snacks that look like targets.  She's adorable!

 Here's all of the Annie Oakley contenders.  Read on to see who the winner was :)

 Vance was excited that archery was included this year.  I think that's where he got his top marks!  All of the practice in the backyard is paying off.

Keller was perfectly content to cuddle of with B and smile for pictures.

 Uncle Joe helping Vance shoot the balloons -

 Keller cheesing again.  I love this phase where they know what to do when the camera comes out but they make the least attractive faces ever. It always makes me laugh.

 Daddy helping one of his favorite little buddies -

 Keller "helping" Grandma make her sniper shots.

 Leslie and I tied so we had a shoot out with the shotguns.  Things were getting serious!

 The rules were the first one to make the shot and the other person didn't is the winner.  We tried...

 and tried...

 and tried...(this is me in disbelief that I still hadn't made the shot)

 got some advice from the hubbies...

 but what finally did it was my lucky kiss from Chad!

 I made the shot and Leslie didn't so I was the winner!  You can call me Annie Oakley for the next year if you want...just sayin'

 The three competitors for top shot were Camden (I think), David, and Joseph.  The twin (really not sure which one) did so good. I thought he was going to win it all but Joe ended up winning in the end.  Way to Joe!

 The girls may have lost interest for a little bit and started taking selfies :)

 All of the Young Guns-

 Vance was excited to take third in that division!

 Briton and Aspen who decided not to finish the competition.  I guess it's okay :)

 Me (Annie) and the runner up -

 Of course I needed one picture with just me and the hubs.  I do owe all my shooting success to his lucky kiss afterall.

Hopefully the Waldrons will take the title of Top Shot back next year.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Until then I'll enjoy being Annie Oakley :)