The weekend before our fabulous cooking class, Clif and I were able to spend a weekend alone in Natchez during the Balloon Races. I woke up Saturday morning to the sound of the balloons flying overhead. It was pretty neat to go outside and see them flying overhead. It had been awhile since I'd seen hot air balloons and I forgot how cool they are!

While we were taking a walk on Saturday morning we saw some people ride by on scooters and we thought that looked like fun so we rented them too and had a great time!We spent all day Saturday enjoying the beautiful weather and all the balloons!
I thought this was a pretty picture and I took it with my phone. Apparently the lights on the bridge from Natchez to Vidalia are a new thing.

Thanks Coco and Poppa Jack for watching the little ones for us while we had a little R & R.

This was my dinner on Friday - Decadent Date Night @ the Viking Cooking School (send me an email if you want the recipes). Clif and I have been very busy since August and didn't have time to celebrate our birthdays or anniversary properly so we went to Natchez for the Balloon Races (pictures to follow in another post) and then followed that trip up with a cooking class with our friends. Mouthwatering, right?? You should all come visit us and we can sign up for a class.

These pictures aren't in any particular order. These are Jonathan and my blue chees souffles. Ours were the only ones that turned out this good and they were also delicious. I will definitely attempt these again. The happy couple celebrating 9 years! My friend Katie Mills -- she just happens to be the mother of Bennett's best buddy William aka Willie (that is how Bennett says his name) Jonathan and Katie. This was his first cooking class and her second. She was hoping that this might inspire him to eat a larger variety of foods. We will see...They were also celebrating their anniversary. Below is a sweet picture of Bennett and his best friend William at William's 3rd birthday. They were in the same class last year but since Bennett's birthday is in August and William's is in September they have been separated this year and haven't gotten to play as much as they did last year. It's been sad but they will be in the same class or at least the same playground in the future.

Wow! It has been too long since I've posted! Where has the time gone??

Below are some pictures from our family kite flying activity. It really consisted of Clif trying to get the kite in the are and the kids running around following it. Lulu and I had a nice shaded seat on the golf cart. It was pretty windy that day and he was able to get it high in the air. Parker and Bennett enjoyed it!

The first two pictures are of Bennett running around under the kite.

You can see how high Clif was able to get the kite.
Parker, Bennett and Penny helping out.

Parker's Tea Party

Today we had Parker's birthday party. I know...a little late but it worked for the best. We just had a few of her friends over for Tea a.k.a pink lemonade and to decorate cookies. I think everyone enjoyed themselves especially Parker.

Parker getting ready for her guests
Parker and her guests

Decorating cookies

We all had a wonderful time!

Look at me! I can walk! This was taken last weekend and then over the week she reverted back to crawling but has decided to start walking again this weekend. Our world is going to change!

I finished my second 10K today in Hernando. It was beautiful weather and I had a friend by my side! Thank goodness because Hernando is FULL of hills! I finished the race with about the same time as 300 Oaks so I think that is pretty good considering the terrain.

I know I know I haven't posted in a while. I'm waiting to receive some pictures I can post from our Family Labor Day trip to Centralia. Also, Lulu is toddling....I won't say she is walking yet because she won't do it all the time but each day she is doing more so I will get the video up soon! We've just been busy with our new Weds night Faith nights at church, soccer, work, etc. I'm also running another 10K this weekend and Sarah is running with me. I'll keep everyone updated!

Does this look like a sick baby?

My little pumpkin is home sick today.

Extra fun on "The Help" production

Well, I finished my first 10 K under an hour so I'm proud. I'm already thinking about the next race!

We went to La Pinata for a birthday dinner. Parker was excited about wearing the sombrero and getting whip cream on her nose until it happen bit she got over it quickly when we told her she could eat it.

Happy 5th Birthday Parker!
I can't believe you are already 5 and growing up way to fast. I remember taking you for walks around the block over on Parsons and you picking up anything and everything! I remember the week that you first walked and then ran every week after that! You are such a sweet, imaginative and energetic big "little" girl and I can't imagine our life without you front and center. I hope you are ejoying getting a year older and all your new activities that come along with it!

Lulu had a great time at her birthday party. She loves being "1" and decided she was such a big girl that she was ready to color at the big kid table. Also, see the bruise on her head, she has also been playing more with Parker and Bennett and has had a few tumbles.

My big girl enjoying her breakfast pancake and playing with her new toy.
Lulu and her Godmother Beth.

Ann Gerard and Parker helping Lulu eating her cake.

Having a bite to eat on my birthday!

It's my birthday and I'm ready to party!

Thanks for another delicious cake YaYa!

She seemed to like being sang to and she kept looking around at everyone.

It took her awhile to start digging in but then she got the hang of it but it never really got out of control. Parker's hat is blocking the bottom right of the picture. That was one of her many costume changes.

Parker and Langley just being silly. Parker was trying to watch a movie and Lulu kept crawling up in her lap. They had fun goofing around as you will see.

I wish they always had these big smiles on their face!

Random pictures of Langley. Below I'm trying to take a self pic of Lulu and I. She was a little confused because I wasn't behind the camera. I just love those big brown eyes!

Happy after bathtime!

Enjoying having a playmate in the tub. Yes, I know he shouldn't have the washcloth in his mouth.
What are you doing big brother?

Mama help me!

Happy 1st Birthday

Can you believe that a year has already past since you reluctantly entered this world? You were a precious cherub baby that we all wanted to hold. It feels like just yesterday that your dad and I wept tears of joy when we learned of you :) and of course now we can't imagine it without you. Your sister and brother love watching you grow and learn new tricks like saying "mama" and play peek-a-boo. You are a sweet baby girl! Happy 1st Birthday Langley!

Someone found saw this photo on nFacebook and thought that I should post it to the blog. Back in June Clif had a golf tournament in Cleveland, MS and I went up to join him the for dinner. We had a good time and I meet some of the guys that he has been playing with in this tournament for the past couple of years.

We had a fantastic and memorable time in Centralia with all the family. Pictures will come soon as I have to collect them from everyone else because I forgot my camera!!! Also, I just wanted to let Crissie know how proud we are of her and that we are praying for her continued success!

Over 10 years ago Clif and Jessica began. Some of you remember us back then and some of y'all only know us now. I found a few of my favorite pics and uploaded them for you. Most of them are old but that is what I see when I think of us and of course y'all are always looking at pictures of our beautiful children.

Monday night bingo

Puppy love

Honeymoon bliss

First New Year's as a married couple

Happy Anniversary sweetie! Here is to another wonderful 9 years!
Some of my very favorite things ---

1. His ability to make me and our children laugh when nothing is really funny

2. He is passionate about the things that he loves -- including his family, golf, college football (SEC)

3. He loves my family

4. The fact that I don't have to prepare dinner ever night because he LOVES to cook

5. He mops and sweeps the floors!!!