Rest in Peace, Papa.

My Papa passed away the day before we left for Florida.  Fortunately, they waited to have his memorial until I got back into town.  So as soon as we got back this past Saturday from Florida, I had to turn around the next morning and head to Rockwall for the memorial service.  It was a sad way to start the week, but at least we had many happy memories with our beloved Papa.  Now he's looking down on us with no pain or suffering anymore.

"Rest in peace, Papa.  I’m comforted by the many great memories I had with you walking from Dobbs Elementary everyday to a fresh sliced watermelon, riding home with you from school after your crossing guard duties, playing in the garden, looking at your catch of the day in the live tanks.  You’re the reason I have the love for raw onions, home grown pickles, tomatoes, and fried catfish.  I will always remember riding in the golf cart around the marina with you, your stories about us as babies, and every time I watch Wheel of Fortune, I’ll smile and think of you.  I’ll remember drift fishing on Saturdays and crappie fishing on Sunday mornings.  I’ll always hear you say “I gotcha a watermelon” and “I love you, too, baby.”

I’m so thankful and blessed to have had a man like you in my life and for all the many happy moments we’ve shared.  We will always love you greatly and miss you dearly.  Hope you are right next door to Tiny."  (Speech we read at the memorial written by Blake, Bonnie, & I)

My cousin, Joey, and I after the memorial.

My Dad with his brother, Glen

Some more random photos I forgot to post...

My sister, Bonnie, and I at the painting class.  It was a lot of fun.  I already want to go again.

The next four pics are Braylon in the truck headed to Rockwall for my sister's wedding shower and bachelorette party.  He had fun playing with Aunt Bonnie's hair, throwing the ball to her, and reading books.


Somebody's getting sleepy...



Ouch!  Bonnie's face says it all.

This is what happens when you wake up at 5am after wetting the crib.  You get to come to Mommy's room and go back to sleep....3 hours later!  At least he went back to sleep, so we could both wake up in better moods!  So precious when he sleeps...

Hogging my pillow... I'll let it slide this time, Braylon ;>



On the way home from the Sonic playground



Walking around the pond with Daddy

Such a Big Boy!

I got Braylon a potty yesterday, not expecting him to really tee-tee in it, but just to get him used to sitting on it and learn what it is for.  Well, we tried it out yesterday, and he actually went on the potty!  This picture isn't when he actually went.  This is just him testing it out:

Braylon also loves to climb on everything.  He will climb up on our coffee table, his train table, the couch, and has even pulled himself up onto the chair at the dinner table and sat himself down. 

First Official Playdate

Braylon crawled all over that playground making new friends and climbing up all the stairs.  It made me nervous when he went up to the tallest slide by himself, but he did good!  I was impressed.  That may change once he realizes how high up he is, and is aware of cause & effect.  We shall see!

He loved playing in the sand!  He will have plenty of that when we leave for Florida next weekend and stay for a week.  Woohoo!

Such a flirt!

Bonnie's Wedding Shower & Bachelorette Party

Last weekend was my sister's wedding shower in Rockwall.  We also all went out for her Bachelorette party.  We had fun going out to eat, doing an art class with music and wine, and then going to a piano bar at the Harbor.

Krista, Bonnie, & me

Me, Bonnie, & Granny holding Kylee (my cousin, J.D. & Heather's new baby) and Mabry (my cousin, Andy & Mandi's little girl).  Gotta love them hair bows!

At the art class- I look like I'm a gang member in the bottom one. HA

Update on Duke

Duke is back home from the vet.  He's doing good, just limping around a little.  We keep him separate from the other two dogs, since they can be rough with him(especially Gus).  He's on some pain meds and a couple antibiotics, but I'm sure he'll be back to his normal self by the end of the week.

On a Happier Note..

I think this is just the cutest thing.  Braylon loooooves his Daddy :)  Brad will say to Braylon "who's Daddy's best buddy?" and then Braylon will point at himself.