First Tennessee Football Game!

Barnes and Anna Kate attended their first UT football game this past weekend. We went with our friends Gavin, Jennifer and Robert. Barnes was so happy to get to share all this with his best little bud! We got to see poppy and yaya while we were there so that was an extra treat.
While it did rain for part of the time we tailgated, the weather for the game was great. No rain and there was blue sky by the time the game ended. The best part of the game?! Seeing our precious children's faces as the took in the enormity of the stadium and field, as they celebrated each touch down, and the sheer joy in their eyes. Saturday is a day Barnes will remember for the rest of his life! His first trip of many to Neyland stadium! Anna Kate's favorite part was the PUPPY!!!! (smokey). Barnes said he loved it all! He got to see the players walk down the road and into the stadium, he got to high five the cheerleaders and had a front row spot for the band marching into the stadium. It was an amazing day that I'm so lucky to have been a part of.

Beach Bums!

The Perry family vacation was so much fun. Other than the long car ride down and back and the teething baby girl that was unhappy 90% of the time! In all honesty, the kids were awesome the whole trip down and back. They didn't even watch a movie until we got halfway home. We played in the sand, celebrated mommy's birthday, enjoyed the sound of the waves, had fun meals where we got to feed alligators, and so many more fun memories that will last a lifetime. 10 days at the beach was just what we needed. I can't wait to do it again soon.

Birthday Boy!!

Daddy had a great birthday last month. His babies think he hung all the moon and stars too. Daddy, YOU are our greatest gift.

They helped me make him a cake and we took him to our favorite place to celebrate, The Spaghetti Store. Yummy! Daddy also got some exciting job news on his birthday, he is taking over all responsibility for quality worldwide within the position he does now. So he will have over 20 addition facilities worldwide that will report into him. We are so proud of your continued success honey! We love you more than you will ever know. The kids ask me 100 times a day if it's getting close to daddy coming home. Barnes counts the days until its the weekend and you will be home with us.

Someone died today...

Someone died today that I didnt even know... I never met her, dont know anyone that even knows her personally.  But it has affected me in ways I cannot describle. She has been in my thoughts constantly since hearing of her story.

Her name is Sara Walker and she was born the same year I was born.  1978.  She has two children, little boys and is married and lives in Nashville.  I only came to know her story in recent weeks, but it has taught me and IS teaching me so much.  About God, whats really important, reminding me daily to be thankful for all that I have.  Even in the hard moments of the day.  I want to thank Sara for sharing her story so honestly.  Her sickness, struggle and death has affected hundreds of thousands of people who follow her blog online.  Her writing has brought people to the Lord, reconnected others with whats imminently important in our lives, helped others deal with cancer diagnosis, enjoy small moments with their children, and so many other things I cannot even comprehend.  Rest in peace, Sara. You are in pain no more. 

Please watch her story, its almost 15 minutes long but so worth it.  I promise it will give you new perspective on what is most important in our fleeting days.  It will refresh your spirit and renew your outlook.

  

Her blog is here: http://www.savoringtheday.com/

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo!

We had such a fun day. One of those days where you don't really have a plan and just let the day take you where it will. We started out at the dermatologist but from there we just had fun and took it easy. We went to the Jackson Train Depot downtown and drank out of the artesian well. I remember mom stopping at the well many times when I was a child. It was always so fun to taste the different water than what we had at home. I vividly remember the taste of that water and today when I drank it, I felt 6 years old again.

Barnes got to operate the toy trains. These aren't just any toy trains... They are an elaborate enclosed glass case that you can get in the middle of the case and operate the different trains. They've built it to look like a replica of Jackson. There's a Colonial Bread factory (where Barnes and Anna Kate's great grandpa worked) and the bemis mill where the other half of the family worked. It was fun to see and for him to feel special and get to go in the middle with the guy that is in charge of the little museum.

Afterwards we went outside and walked through the train cars and they got to blow the whistle. We ate at Picasso Pizza for lunch and then came home for a late nap.

It was such a fun, low key day. The children were little angels today. I'm so blessed to be their mommy. ;)

I also feel so lucky to be sharing my childhood experiences with them. We love Jackson so much. It's a great town to raise a family in.

Dress up

Anna Kate has gotten into dressing up! She likes to put on different clothes and prances around when she knows she looks cute! She INSISTED on putting on her pink tutu that YaYa made her and I couldn't get her to take it off. ;) thanks YaYa for making her something so cute.

Soccer Camp!

Barnes got the chance to go to soccer camp a couple weeks ago. He had lots of fun and learned some soccer skills. He's said he wants to play soccer this year so we will give it a try. Each day at soccer camp was themed and they had a contest as camp began. Wednesday was crazy hair day: notice the pic... BBP won! He wore daddy's mullet wig. So funny!!!

That afternoon we saw a huge monster truck as we were driving thru town. So OF COURSE we had to stop! He loved it.