Shower the people we love!!!

A little over a year ago I hosted a bridal shower for my dear friend Bethany. When she found out she was pregnant, I instantly jumped at the chance to host a baby shower. Her mother-in-law was gracious enough to let me help her plan a BEAUTIFUL shower (if I do say so myself) for the mommy-to-be. Bethany and Brian found out they will be blessed with a baby girl, so of course---we went for it with Pink, Pink, and more...you guessed it...Pink!

The weather couldn't have been more perfect if we tried, the food was absolutely incredible, and Bethany had a radiant glow and permanent smile plastered all over her face! We are so excited for you and Brian...and can't wait to meet "baby B"!!!


Since Mrs. Minich had the hard stuff covered, I lucked out and got to take care of the fun stuff...like invitations, party supplies, decorations and THE CAKE...not too bad--only my second attempt at a baby shower cake, but this one turned out pretty good!



Decorations....check! Diaper cake!


Centerpieces for the tables...mini diaper cakes
Balloooooons....
What a great looking bunch--some of Bethany's family catching up on the couch

My fabulous co-host who graciously prepared all the food and invited us all into her lovely home!
Holding up the clothes line filled with baby gear
Bethany was so nervous...she really didn't want to cut the cake!

End of Summer Reunion

So far, the girls and I are two for two! We made it again to another McGinnis family reunion! It was a looooong drive, but well worth it! We got to see some familiar faces, though we missed a few this year too! We had a great time and want to say "thanks" to Ann for putting this together again! Hope to see you all next year!

Grandpa flew up from Kentucky...so we picked him and Granny up at the airport
Getting ready for some good food!

Lexie loving the play park!


Grandpa won a great door prize!
Last year I tried to get individual family pictures from the "original" McGinnis' (my grandfather had a whole lot of sisters!)





Posing for another family picture...Aunt Allie and Uncle Marcus finally made it!

HOUSTON...we have a problem???

The only problem we EVER have when we go to Houston is that the time goes by so quickly...and this visit was no exception! We definitely filled our fun card during our trip down south...even though Grandpa was no where to be seen! Russ and Michael golfed a few times, Debbie and I indulged at the spa, we cheered on Marissa at a few volleyball games, saw Spencer's martial arts class, went to the beach, the pool, the park, and just enjoyed some good old family time! Thanks for the hospitality--can't wait to do it again---and SOON--say New Years?!


Spencer and Olivia playing with cups...kept the little ones entertained for days!
Aunt Debbie and Olivia in the pool--took her a few minutes, but she ended up liking it!
Lexie waiting patiently to get into the pool...she was having a blast just watching the puppies run around!

Marissa, during her volleyball tournament!
Stuff--in your face--NICE BLOCK!
Serve em up sticks!


Looks like Uncle Michael is showing Lexie how to read the waves...or something more prophetic
Marissa's with her friends
Russ and Olivia deep in conversation...


...and looking for 'stuff' on the beach
Marissa goofing off with some of her friends--ahhh to be a teenager again!
Spencer, showing Lexie how to 'surf'


Nothing better than a little sand through your toes and the water under your feet!
Rockin' some pig tails, hanging on the beach with daddy!
Lexie was catching some waves with Uncle Michael
She was L O V I N G it!!!!
HANG ON Lexie!
Olivia wasn't too happy when we had to pack up the next day to head home! Just look at that grump-o-potomus face!

Weekend at the Lake

When my dad called and said he rented a house for the week up at the lake and invited us to come...I couldn't wait to pack up and go. Yes, I was a bit bummed that Russ wasn't going to be able to join us, but was thrilled that the girls and I were going to be able to go! Growing up, we spent just about every weekend up at the lake/on the lake, and I couldn't wait for the girls to get to experience it too! So much has changed since the last time I was there...but it still felt like the 'good ole days'! Here's hoping grandpa finds a place up there for next summer and the summers to follow! (hint hint)

Lexie was so excited once we finally got to the "yake"
Posing on her prized 'pony prop'...Aunt Allie is a hit!
Granny cleaning up in the kitchen
The view from the lake house
Grandpa and Lexie building an airplane
Olivia gets in on the action
She can't wait for the rain to stop so she can go for a boat ride
First stop...the play park! Look at that face!
Lexie having fun on the train
Just love her to pieces!
Grandpa pushes Lexie higher and higher!
Catching a lift on Grandpa's shoulders
Such a cheese ball for the camera...and that pretzel stick is good too!
Such a big girl!
At the marina getting ready for our boat ride
What chu talkin about????
Relaxing with Aunt Allie as we pass under the draw bridge
She's so hollywood!
Enjoying the ride on Granny's lap

Helping Grandpa drive the boat...she was having a blast!

Just after she lost her hat to the lake. "The windy wind took my hat momma!"